All projects

Paradise Falls graffiti removal

Overview

In May 2025, graffiti was discovered on a prominent cliff face at Paradise Falls

The graffiti was discovered on 14.4²metres of a prominent cliff face at Paradise Falls in Alpine National Park. Located in the King Valley on Taungurung Country, Paradise Falls is a seasonal waterfall and a place of profound cultural significance, particularly as a site central to Taungurung Women’s Business.

ICS was engaged by Parks Victoria to remove the graffiti. Unlike graffiti removal in an urban setting, the project presented significant environmental, cultural and logistical challenges. The treatment methodology needed to protect the fragile natural environment while achieving effective graffiti removal. Access to th esite was only possible on foot via a remote hiking track, with no available power or water supply. The works also needed to be carefully planned around elevated bushfire risk during the summer period when treatment was scheduled to occur.

All conservation decisions were undertaken in close consultation with Taungurung Elders and Parks Victoria, ensuring the treatment approach respected and protected the cultural, environmental and spiritual significance of this important place.

‍

Year

Client

Services

Graffiti removal

Awards

Condition

Treatment

To undertake the project, ICS conservators travelled from Melbourne and established a temporary base near the site, approximately four hours from the city. Every day, for 9 days over 3 weeks, team members hiked more than 30 minutes up a steep incline to the waterfall, carrying all treatment equipment, chemicals, water and safety gear by hand. With no access to power, water or waste disposal on site, all materials, equipment and treatment waste also needed to be carried out at the end of each day.

Graffiti removal commenced with extensive testing to determine the most effective treatment methodology. The graffiti comprised multiple paint types and colours, each responding differently to cleaning agents and techniques. The underlying sedimentary rock face also varied considerably in composition, porosity and friability, requiring conservators to continually assess and refine the treatment approach to achieve effective paint removal while minimising impact on the substrate.

Protecting the surrounding environment was a critical project objective. To prevent contaminated runoff from entering nearby waterways and sensitive ecosystems, ICS designed and implemented a specialised waste containment and capture system incorporating waterproof barriers, absorbent matting, sediment-control socks and controlled waste management procedures.

Solvent-based poultice gels were carefully applied to soften and extract deeply embedded paint from the rock surface. Following dwell periods, the gels were removed carefully with water, and gentle mechanical cleaning was applied on resistant areas.

Once graffiti removal was complete, conservators undertook visual reintegration of the treated areas using a custom mineral patina formulated from locally sourced stone dust and natural earth pigments. This approach helped blend treated sections with the surrounding rock face, reducing the visual impact of the intervention while respecting the site's natural character and cultural significance.

‍

Treatment

The project achieved an exceptional conservation outcome, with the vast majority of graffiti successfully removed while preserving the integrity of the fragile sedimentary rock surface. Importantly, all works were completed without environmental contamination, demonstrating a careful balance between effective treatment, cultural sensitivity and ecological responsibility.

The success of the project was reflected in the positive feedback received from Parks Victoria:

“We are very happy with the completed works at Paradise Falls. Parks Victoria has already received positive feedback, so thank you to you and your team.”

The Paradise Falls project exemplifies conservation at its best: technically challenging, culturally informed, environmentally responsible and highly collaborative. Through close consultation with Taungurung Elders and Parks Victoria, ICS successfully restored a valued cultural landscape while protecting its natural and cultural values for future generations.

In the news

Krieg, Aldridge and Moon, 12 May 2025 - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-12/victoria-police-investigates-after-vandals-target-waterfalls/105281616
Skipper, 12 May 2025 - https://www.nine.com.au/australia-news/paradise-falls-victoria-graffiti-sacred-site-vandalised-20250512-p5zdkc.html
Kirk, 13 May 2025 - https://nit.com.au/13-05-2025/17898/grubs-sacred-rocks-graffitied-by-vandals
Darling, 16 June 2025 - https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/two-men-arrested-one-charged-over-graffiti-at-sacred-indigenous-site-20250716-p5mfh9.html
Perez, 17 July 2025 - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-17/men-arrested-after-graffiti-found-at-paradise-falls/105540864>
Rowe, 11 May 2026 - https://firstnationsnews.com.au/victorian-offender-avoids-jail-for-paradise-falls-desecration/
Perez, 11 May 2026 - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-11/david-allen-paradise-falls-graffiti-aboriginal-heritage-act/106247768