Yacaaba art walk

Yacaaba Walk of Art is an ongoing place activation initiative that supports artists to display artwork in an outdoor environment for the whole community to enjoy and experience in Nelson Bay. The program aims to:

  • inspire the community’s imagination, allowing them to engage with arts and culture beyond the confines of a museum or gallery
  • enhance Nelson Bay’s beautiful environment and create a vibrant, eye catching display as part of the waterfront of Nelson Bay.
  • reinforce the unique identity and picturesque environment of Nelson Bay
  • provide a highly visible platform for creative expression and development.

If you would like to learn more about Yacaaba Walk of Art or to discuss your ideas and questions, Please contact us on 4988 0255 or email us at publicart@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

To locate these pieces of art head to the corner of Yacaaba and Magnus Street, Nelson Bay.

Artist: Hayley Smith

The Hayley Co

The Hayley Co (Hayley Smith) is passionate about collaborating with local businesses and communities to create large-scale public artworks that inspire imagination and connection.

Specialising in ocean themes and native flora and fauna, Hayley’s work is distinguished by its vibrant colour palettes and bold linework that celebrate the natural environment.

Hayley’s deep appreciation for nature and art was shaped by the region’s stunning coastal scenery and diverse ecosystems. Growing up surrounded by the area’s beaches, bushland, and creative community fostered her enduring love for painting and her commitment to capturing the beauty of the natural world.

Since mid-2020, Hayley has partnered with a wide range of clients and familiar brands, including ALH Group, Starbucks Australia, and Oakberry Açai, to produce dozens of striking murals across Western Australia. Each project reflects her dedication to creating visually captivating pieces that communities can take pride in.

Returning to Port Stephens to showcase her work is both a professional milestone and a personal privilege. Hayley approaches every artwork as a partnership, working closely with clients to develop designs, stories, and spaces that bring each creative vision to life, making this project a meaningful opportunity to give back to the place that first inspired her artistic journey.

This series of four digital artworks was created for the Yacaaba Walk of Art to celebrate the unique natural beauty, wildlife, and spirit of Nelson Bay, the place that first inspired my love of art and nature. As someone who grew up in Port Stephens, it is a privilege to create work that honours the landscapes, flora, and fauna that shaped my early memories and creative journey.

Artwork Titles:

  • Kangaroo with Wattle and Eucalyptus – “Kangaroo and Wattle”
  • Gould’s Petrel with Flannel Flowers and Gymea Lily – “Gould’s Petrel”
  • Koalas with Frangipani and Eucalyptus Flowers – “Koalas in Bloom”
  • Dolphins and Coral – “Dolphins at Nelson Bay”

Website URL: https://thehayley.co