Musical stock grid in Mitchell, outback Australia

Work continues on Mitchell's musical stock grid, located on the banks of the Maranoa River. This past week has seen the addition of steel posts arranged in circles to create a maze-like arrangement around the drum and musical grid.

Last month, cattle stations in the semi-arid country surrounding Mitchell were invited to contribute their own entrance gates, which will form part of the maze. Bonus Downs and Hillyview gates are already in place and look great, with historic touches such as a cow bell, horse shoes, hand shears and an axe head.

Late this afternoon, as Major and I walked along the river, a young boy was playing the grid, creating pleasing music that drifted down into the riverbed. He finished off with a haunting drumbeat.

Musical stock grid in Mitchell, outback Queensland

Last year, a musical stock grid and booming drum were built on the banks of the Maranoa River, below the swimming pool. This is a fun instrument designed for use by both adults and children.

When newly installed, the range of notes and variety of tunes able to be played, using two mallets, was considerable, and the tone was pleasing.

Unfortunately, the notes and tone have recently been spoiled by sand within the metal tubing, therefore, the instrument badly needs an overhaul.

It is, however, a lovely idea to have a musical instrument out of doors and available for everyone to play.