At just 15km this WA outback highway is probably one of the shortest there is, but the colour, interest and creativity lining both sides of the road more than make up for it.
Out in Western Australia's Wheatbelt area at the town of Kulin, just under 300km southeast of Perth, the town’s popular bush race meeting held at the beginning of October each year brings out an unexpected creative talent among the locals living along the main road leading to the racecourse, and it's a unique road trip you don't want to miss.
The racetrack is located 15km east of town in a picturesque setting near Jilakin Rock (a huge granite outcrop overlooking the track) and alongside Lake Jilakin, a natural salt lake that is especially appealing when full of water — usually around race time after normal winter rains. It is a splendid setting for the annual action-packed bush event that usually attracts around 4000 visitors.
The Tin Horse Highway story
A number of years ago, Kulin resident Mary Lucchesi started to enthusiastically encourage local farmers to build imaginative tin horses in their paddocks en route to the track. Mary had seen the interest that scarecrows had brought to the southwest town of Balingup and thought the concept was worth a go in Kulin. Records show that Anne-Marie Carmody and Serge Lucchesi built the first couple of ‘horses’ and from there, it seems everyone suddenly had a tin horse idea and got to work in friendly rivalry to try to outdo their neighbours.
Serving up baked goods on the Tin Horse Highway
A game of hockey
Like farmers everywhere, the property owners around Kulin can always put their hands on farm junk — odd pieces of scrap metal, pipes, tin cans, drums, kerosene tins, star pickets, push bikes, car bonnets, doors, mufflers, old plough discs and the like. With creative flare and talent previously untapped (and using their bush welding and painting skills), they set their minds on creating a unique, unexpected and entertaining array of outback ‘horse’ sculptures in all manner of shapes, sizes and poses in different locations along the road.
Some are standing alone, some are pulling ploughs and others are in groups. There’s a family riding a Harley, some are drinking at a bar and others dancing, playing golf, hockey, darts and tennis. One is sitting on a loo reading a ‘Playhorse’ magazine. There’s one up a tree, one in an aeroplane, one on a rocket, a couple playing backyard cricket and even a team of horses playing football — truly ingenious!
Caught on the loo reading a ‘Playhorse’ magazine
At last count, there were around 100 humorous horsie creations now in place in paddocks and on the verge along the highway and the number continues to grow each year. In fact, the 15km-long Tin Horse Highway has become a popular WA icon in its own right regardless of the bush races it set out to promote.
When next in WA Wheatbelt country, regardless of whether it coincides with the colourful Kulin Bush Races, travel along the Tin Horse Highway and enjoy the artworks that the folk around Kulin have created. It is also a popular alternate route for travellers on their way to or from WA’s iconic Wave Rock at nearby Hyden.
Travel planner
Kulin Bush Races (3–5 October 2025)
The annual Kulin Bush Races are held in October. The weekend activities included an art and craft exhibition, horse races, gymkhana, track-side Calcutta, trick riding, licensed bar, children’s entertainment, games and play area, a grand parade, novelty events, two-up, fireworks, live bands/supervised disco and genuine country-style food and hospitality.
The first Kulin Bush Races at Jilakin Rock took place in 1995.
There is a Tin Horse Competition for new tin horses to keep the highway growing is conducted each year in conjunction with the Bush Race weekend. It's a friendly competition and keeps this unique destination in the Western Australian landscape thriving.
Head to the Kulin Bush Races website here for more information on what's on offer this year, camping opportunities and tickets.
A camping area with hot showers and toilets (including disabled facilities) is available at the racecourse during the Bush Race weekend.
Other accommodation includes:
-
Kulin Caravan Park
P: 0439 469 850
E: admin@kulin.wa.gov.au
-
Kulin Community Hub
P: 08 9880 1201
- Free overnight camping (72 hours maximum) for fully self-contained RVs near the Kulin Visitor Centre with a new (free) shower and toilet block.
Road conditions along the Tin Horse Highway
The Tin Horse Highway (Kulin-Holt Rock Road) is fully sealed from Kulin except for the last few kilometres (good gravel) into the Jilakin Race Track, 15km east of Kulin. It is open all year and is free.
Starting the Tin Horse Highway
Another must-visit landmark in the area
Also out at Jilakin Rock is the most isolated known stand of Jarrah trees, some 150km from the nearest Jarrah growing region. There is a picnic area and a climb to the top of the rock is rewarded with a spectacular views over the lake and racecourse.
Adjacent to Kulin’s Visitor Centre there is a splendid Tin Horse Highway interpretation display (a walk through the history of the highway). There are several other tin horse creations in Kulin and along other roads heading into town.
For more information about the Tin Horse Highway and the Kulin region:
Kulin Visitor Information Centre
P: 08 9880 1204
Interpretive display at the Kulin Visitor Centre
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