You can tell a lot about a place, and the souls who call it home, by its letterboxes. Some stand tall and proud, others lean like they’ve survived one too many summer storms - but here on the Bay Islands, they’re in a class of their own.
Forget boring brick and off the shelf letterboxes, our mail is delivered to surfboards, flying cows, sharks, mural covered masterpieces, microwaves and more. Because on the islands, creativity isn’t just encouraged, it’s welded, painted, glued, and occasionally nailed to a palm tree.
Take Russell Island, for example. Cruise down Wahine Drive, and you’ll likely be eyeballed by the island’s most famous fish - a giant fibreglass letterbox with more personality than a pelican at happy hour.
Back in 2008, its creator, Urs Hurlimann, moved to Russell Island with his wife, Theresa, and a creative mind that refuses to rest.
“I was bored, so I decided to build a fish,” Urs explained, and just like that, an island icon was born.
The sculpture is a conversation starter, a photo op, and a splash of joy in everyday life. Cars slow down, kids stick their hands and heads into its mouth for photos and laughter spills onto the street.
But just when the fish thought it had the spotlight, along came The Beast, a ten metre fibreglass lizard stationed up on their rooftop, keeping a watchful eye over their property. It’s weathered cyclones, storms and the passage of time, turning Urs and Theresa’s property into an island landmark.
“Art’s personal, and seeing smiles on faces of all ages as they stop by is what makes it all worthwhile,” said Urs.
Creativity doesn’t stop there. Jennifer Ng, a Macleay Island resident, was so charmed by the islands’ imaginative letterboxes that she grabbed her camera and documented over 40 of them, producing a coffee table book available to read at the Macleay Island Library.
“They bring the streets alive,” Jessica said.
“Each letterbox has its own story - they give the island its character and make every walk a little adventure.”
The Bay Islands’ letterboxes aren’t just for mail, they’re mini works of art, showing pride, creativity, and a sense of fun. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more of these eye catching creations. Next edition, meet the Hilton family from Macleay Island and discover their unique birthday present surprise. Plus, we’ll be launching a competition to celebrate the weird, wild, and wonderful designs that make our streets unforgettable.
If your mailbox makes people stop, smile, or scratch their heads, snap a photo and send your story to editor@friendlybayislander.com.au From pirate ships to driftwood dolphins, we want to see the mailbox magic hiding at the end of your driveway!
