The yowie invasion was part of a novel fund-raiser for the Yambuk Hall, with residents invited to make a yowie and display it as part of a 20-kilometre yowie trail around the Yambuk and St Helens districts.

Dozens of yowies were on display at various locations along for the trail that has some similarities to the hay bale art created by residents at Tarrington, near Hamilton, for its annual Laternen festival. 

The Hocking family, of St Helens, was among the enthusiastic entrants, putting five yowies and a yowie dog on display outside their home, representing all family members.

Jemma Hocking said dozens of people drove past their house during the day to have a laugh and answer questions on the trail questionnaire.

Mrs Hocking said her family took part in the trail and her children “had a ball”.

Yambuk Community Inc president Anthony Leddin said the idea for the Yambuk Yowie Day sprang from a tall tale that local Michael Ryan told an Irish backpacker a few years ago.

In response to a question about what he did for a living, Mr Ryan told the visitor he was a yowie hunter and the idea to continue the fun with a yowie day spread from there. 

The day was topped off with a community dinner and performance from The Kirky Crew.at the Yambuk Hall on Saturday night that was attended by about 70 people.

Prizes were awarded for the best dressed yowie as well as for answers to the questionnaire. Money raised from the event will go towards the development of a civic green area at the hall.

Mr Leddin said the night was a great opportunity for Yambuk community members to socialise with those from surrounding districts including Kirkstall and Macarthur.

He said the success of Saturday’s fun event had led the group to investigate making it an annual event.