Tucked away in the heart of Minnamurra is a creative walk that invites visitors to switch off and discover hidden treasures. 

The ‘discovery trail’ as it has been coined, is a labour of love created by local resident Bob Sinclair, and offers a fresh perspective on a familiar Minnamurra street through Bob’s exceptional creativity and ambition. 

Frank the Emu

The short walk can be found on the northern end of Railway Avenue, where a stretch of land has been transformed into the lively garden trail, full of charm, humour, and native greenery. 

“It’s not like it’s a long walk, but there’s a lot of enjoyment that you can get out of there when you look into the garden,” says Bob. 

The discovery trail has not been an overnight creation, Bob originally started it about 40 years ago when the trees were cleared and the land became scrappy with vegetation.

The Council cleared the land and from then on Bob has “slowly been building gardens”, with neighbours joining in over time, creating a community driven display. 

Rust in piece

“With time, I've just developed the garden, and the beauty of it is that the neighbours around me have decided to do up their little area as well,” says Bob.

Bob’s section of the trail is anything but ordinary, it’s full of quirks, like Frank, the emu sculpture made from trampoline legs, a baby bath, and palm tree leaves. Or the section with several old surfboards which Bob cheekily calls “the board room”. 

“I enjoy doing it but it gives a lot of enjoyment to other people as well, that’s the best part,” Bob says.

“It’s got to the stage now that people actually drive here, walk through the gardens and they get in their car and drive away.” 

Thong tree

Even fallen trees get a second life here, Bob mentions his ‘one shoe tree’ adorned with a single horse shoe, which fell over and now lies as if it was perfectly placed.

“If you tried to cut it down or push it down, you could not land it as well as it did,” says Bob. 

The trail's charm isn’t just in the gardens but in Bob who created it, the people who have contributed, the community surrounding it, and the visitors who keep the joy alive. 

Bob credits his neighbours and Kiama Council for their support in keeping the gardens going. The council supplies mulch, which Bob uses to keep the garden tidy, he explains it’s a 'two-way street.'”

Thanks to Bob’s dedication, the trail has become a vibrant outdoor walk, with thriving plants like fragrant rock orchids and hidden avocado and mulberry trees. 

The Minnamurra discovery trail is more than just a garden walk, it’s an invitation to reconnect with community and nature. Bob’s playful take on life shines through with every quirky detail, making the trail an explorative experience for all who wander through it.

Next time you’re in Minnamurra, take a detour down Railway Avenue, and enjoy the beauty, heart, and humour of Bob Sinclair’s backyard masterpiece.