Published on Thursday, 29 October 2026 at 4:00:54 PM
More Than a Mountain Bike Park: Discover the Art and Stories of Pine Ridge
With the official opening of the Pine Ridge Mountain Bike Park on 23 September 2026, visitors have already been travelling to Nannup to experience this exciting new facility. While the trails and riding opportunities are attracting plenty of attention, there is another side to Pine Ridge that locals and visitors alike should take the time to explore.
Pine Ridge is more than a mountain bike park. It is a place where Nannup's stories, history and creativity have been thoughtfully woven into the landscape through a collection of locally developed public artworks and installations.
The name "Pine Ridge" itself acknowledges the site's history as the former Pineridge Golf Club, ensuring an important chapter of the area's past continues to be recognised as the site enters its next phase of community life.
The Return of an Icon
One of the most recognisable pieces is Nannup's much-loved
Redback Spider. Following extensive refurbishment by Kale in the Shire workshop, the giant spider has found a new home near the Pine Ridge car park.
The move gives the sculpture a fresh purpose while preserving its place in the community's collective memory. Positioned where visitors first arrive, the Redback now serves the role it was originally designed for, as a unique and functional bike rack. Its relocation continues the next chapter in the story of one of Nannup's most treasured public artworks.
Familiar Faces in a New Home
Visitors may also notice that several of Nannup's popular emu sculptures have migrated from town to Pine Ridge. Given a new lease on life, these familiar characters now call the park home, providing moments of surprise and delight throughout the site while connecting the park with artwork many residents already know and love.
Celebrating Local Wildlife
A striking addition to Pine Ridge is the series of Black Cockatoo feather sculptures, designed and handcrafted by local artists Heath and Christine. Located at the entry to one of the park’s trails, two large-scale feather sculptures represent both a male and a female Black Cockatoo, creating an engaging landmark while highlighting one of the South West’s most iconic bird species.
As visitors explore the trail network, they can also discover nine smaller feather installations thoughtfully positioned throughout the park, particularly around water areas and key trail locations. These hidden artworks encourage riders and walkers to slow down, look around, and connect with the natural environment.
Together, the eleven feather sculptures celebrate local wildlife and provide an opportunity to spark conversations about the important bird species that call the South West home, adding an extra layer of discovery and storytelling to the Pine Ridge experience.
A Touch of Humour from the Golfing Days
One of the most unexpected and entertaining features at Pine Ridge is the alligator sculpture tucked alongside the Gator Trail.
Created by local artist Ryan, the artwork is a playful nod to the site's golfing history and the cult-classic golf comedy Happy Gilmore. While alligators certainly aren't native to Nannup, the sculpture adds a touch of humour and personality to the trail network, celebrating the area's unique past in an unexpected way.
Visitors with a keen eye may notice another amusing detail hidden within the artwork. Fans of Happy Gilmore will recognise the reference to the movie's famous alligator scene, with a hidden hand concealed inside the alligator's mouth. The feature invites visitors to stop, take a closer look, and enjoy a memorable photo opportunity.
Blending local creativity with a light-hearted tribute to golf culture, the alligator has quickly become one of Pine Ridge's most talked-about trail features, adding an extra element of discovery and fun for visitors of all ages.
Built by the Community, for the Community
What makes these installations particularly special is that they have been created, restored and installed by local people, drawing on local skills, creativity and community pride.
Together, the artworks at Pine Ridge help tell the story of Nannup's past, celebrate its natural environment and create memorable experiences for visitors, whether they are riding the trails, enjoying a walk, having a picnic or simply stopping by to explore.
So next time you visit Pine Ridge, take a moment to look beyond the bike trails. You may discover a giant spider, encounter a family of emus, learn something about Black Cockatoos or even find an alligator with a secret hidden inside.
After all, Pine Ridge is not just a destination for riders. It is a place filled with stories waiting to be discovered.
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