The incredible 38-stop Aussie Hay Bale Trail boasts fun and colourful creations by Corangamite Shire residents, including an amazing 18-sculpture effort by the Skipton community.

Mayor Ruth Gstrein said the trail was a fun way to celebrate everything Australian and kick off 2021 with a welcome dose of hay bale art fun and colour.

"We're inviting everyone to take a road trip and check out the artworks," Cr Gstrein said

"This is a fun way to get out and about and rediscover some of the great places to visit in our own backyard. The kids - big and small - will love it.

"Why not make a day of it and have lunch, or coffee and cake, and check out the shops in a town you haven't visited for a while.

"This is a great excuse to reclaim our freedom after months of staying close to home."

Janine Davis from the Derrinallum Progress Association said it was a good way to get visitors back to the shire after COVID-19 lockdowns.

"It's a bit of something to enlighten the residents of the shire and get things moving after the COVID lockdowns to get community interest back into the town," she said.

"We're hoping they will draw people to the area."

Derrinallum locals created a 'VB stubby can' and 'Aussie Dunny' in the main street.

"The hay was locally donated and we had them decorated in about a day," Ms Davis said.

"It's a way of saying we're all still here and we're trying to put a bit of a smile on everyone's faces.

"We hope to get visitors back and spending locally."

The best exhibit will be announced at the Corangamite Shire Australia Day event at Port Campbell and streamed live on council's Facebook page. The creator/s will receive a $500 shopping voucher.

The map can be found at facebook.com/CorangamiteShire or corangamite.vic.gov.au/Aussie-Hay-Bale-Trail

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