The Silo Art Trail town of Beulah will sparkle a little brighter following the 2020 release of the The Dry, starring Genevieve O’Reilly and Eric Bana.
The fine layer of star dust extends 100km, with footage filmed at three townships within the Wimmera-Mallee Region.
The Dry is a crime-thriller based on Jane Harper’s first and best-selling novel of the same name. Eric Bana stars as Aaron Falk who on returning home, delves into long-forgotten events seemingly linked to his friend’s death.
Savvy Silo Art Trail patrons will recognise the main street of Beulah as well as sites in Hopetoun and Milpa in the film. Signage erected for the film waits for potential deployment after the film’s release.
“The town [Beulah] will have a movie night once The Dry is released as a celebration,” explains Lauren, spokesperson for the Wimmera-Mallee Region.
Rosebery Silos are 15 minutes from the Beulah Creekview Caravan Park.
LOCALS LENDING A HAND
Locals helped production teams locate film sites says Michele from the Beulah Creekview Business Centre and post office. The production company also had help sourcing private accommodation with every motel, cabin booked out by crew within a 75km radius.
Including, says Michele, the two new waterfront cabins at the community-run Beulah Creekview Caravan Park whom she handles the bookings as a volunteer.
BEULAH, SILO ART TRAIL CENTRAL
Beulah, where significant scenes were filmed, is home to 300 or so residents and located in the heart of the Silo Art Trail.
“Daily, we see travellers stopping in on the trail,” Michele explains.
Michele says the community works hard to lay out the welcome mat, which was an eye-opener for the former city slicker.
“You don’t realise how it works out here. Everything is committee-run and everyone volunteers,” says Michele.
“It’s hard work, living in a small community but we all work well together,” Michele explains.
Indeed, for its population, Beulah is well-serviced. You’ll find a doctor, pharmacy, hardware store, two fuel stations (one 24-hour), engineer, shopping centre, pool and a part-time salon.
“The pub (Victoria Pub) serves lunch and super weekly and dinner Saturday nights,” says Michele. Plus, there’s a cafe also opens up Wednesdays and sells pizza Friday evenings.
Victoria Pub, Beulah. [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons.
THE BEULAH CREEKVIEW CARAVAN PARK
What anchors many at Beulah, however, is Yarriambiack Creek. Here, travellers admiring art on a grand scale can take their time amid tranquil settings.
The park itself is truly not-for-profit. All funds directed pay for the utilities and maintaining the lush grounds, annexed by the local community six or so years ago.
A grassy campground awaits the fully self-sufficient. But there’s a handful of powered, drive-through sites seeking comforts or topping up the batteries.
Two new waterside cabins offer two bedroom comfort travelling without an RV.
Although small, the caravan park accommodates convoys on request and in the past has organised barbecues hosted by the local CFA.
- Find caravan parks in the Grampians Touring Region, encompassing the Wimmera-Mallee
- More about Beulah and the Wimmera-Mallee
- Visit the Beulah Creekview Caravan Park Facebook page