Past Project: The Yellow Submarine

Overview

The Holbrook Yellow Submarine was a massive community yarn‑bombing project led by Murray Arts, transforming the HMAS Otway in Holbrook, NSW, into a 90‑metre‑long yellow “Beatles submarine” to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ 1964 Australian tour

What it was
In 2014, Murray Arts launched the project after calling for contributions of yellow knitted and crocheted squares from across Australia and overseas. The aim was to cover the decommissioned Royal Australian Navy submarine HMAS Otway — the final town bypassed by the Hume Highway — in yellow wool, creating what was believed to be Australia’s largest yarn‑bombing.

The initiative was part of a tourism and community spirit campaign, encouraging visitors to Holbrook and celebrating the Beatles’ cultural impact

How it was done
Contributors: Hundreds of people from around the world sent yellow wool creations — from expert knitters to beginners.

Assembly: It took a week to sew the pieces together, using a cherry picker to wrap the submarine.

Scale: Murray Arts’ general manager, Karen Gardner, said “millions and millions of stitches” were involved, with countless hours of volunteer work.

Launch: The unveiling featured children from Holbrook Primary singing Yellow Submarine aboard the submarine
Aftercare: The wool was later cut into blankets for animal shelters

Cultural and community impact
The project drew media from around the world, showcased local creativity, and became a symbol of community collaboration
It also aimed to attract visitors to a town that had been bypassed by the Hume Highway, highlighting that Holbrook still offers attractions, accommodation, and services.

The Yellow Submarine