Western Queensland Road Trip #17 St George
At first glance, the Balonne Sports Store on Victoria Street in St George seems like an ordinary shop. But an intriguing sign and emu footprints leading to the door encourage further investigation. Once inside, the feeling that there’s something special here is confirmed.
The store houses a collection of hand carved emu eggs, created by St George local Stavros “Steve” Margaritis over more than 60 years. Steve, a Greek immigrant who arrived in Australia in 1954, greets visitors with a cheeky smile as he says: “Entry is $5, $10 if you don’t like what you see!”
There’s no chance of anyone taking up Steve’s challenge once they’ve seen his display. A soft glow from more than 150 eggs, carved with intricate designs and illuminated from inside, fills the room at the back of the store. Artfully displayed in front of mirrors, the collection seems to multiply as the eggs are seen from all angles.
Many of the eggs commemorate special events, including World Expo 88 and the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Some represent well-known people while others are carved with beautiful geometric patterns. Over the years, Steve has gifted his carved eggs to dignitaries including Australian Governor General Quentin Bryce. One of his eggs even held pride of place at the White House during Barack Obama’s Presidency.
No two eggs in the collection are the same – be prepared to spend some time absorbing the intricacies of Steve’s beautiful work. It truly is unique.
Oh my word aren’t they stunning! Here is the perfect union of new Australian with an old Australian icon. ❤
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Yes, you’re right – new and old coming together perfectly.
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What beautiful work, it must take him so long to create them.
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I never thought to ask but I would imagine it would be time consuming. The designs were very detailed.
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They are fabulous, Carol, but I kept puzzling over how he does it? Painting I could understand but carved? They must have thick shells! 🙂 🙂
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The shells are much stronger than a regular hen’s egg, Jo. Still I think it would be delicate work.
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Like the Ostrich eggs you find in South Africa, but these are very intricately decorated.
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I wondered how long it would take Steve to complete an egg.
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Wow some of those eggs are really beautiful!
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They were all stunning!
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Stunningly beautiful eggs, there’s no way I could choose a favourite as they are all so gorgeous. The guy certainly has some great artistic talent 🙂
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He’s very clever. I couldn’t choose one favourite either.
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Those are wonderful!
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There were so many I had to make sure I was giving each one enough attention.
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Wow. So many and so beautiful. 5 years saw a couple in a store in Sydney but so many is so much more impressive. I am enjoying your trip though Queensland.
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They were beautiful, and with all the mirrors reflecting them the display was amazing.
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What a strange and unique collection. They look really good, never heard of anything like it before. What a great place to visit.
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The eggs are St George’s number one attraction so we couldn’t miss seeing them. Steve is certainly very talented.
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Wow! Just fantastic!
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Aren’t they! We spent quite a long time admiring all the craftsmanship.
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I’ve looked through this twice trying to come up with the right adjectives because these are beyond beautiful. I applaud Mr. Margaritis skills. I have a small one at home that was a gift, and it has been treasured for many years and handled with care each time we moved. What a treasure he is.
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He is much loved in St George.
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Extraordinary
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It’s incredible work, and so detailed.
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Oh-la-laa! Incredible! Gorgeous! Stunning! Amazing! Thank you showing them. My wife also loved them.
Happy weekend!
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I’m glad you and your wife enjoyed seeing the eggs Matti! Thank you.
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Those are extraordinary! Does Steve show visitors how the eggs are created? Are any of them for sale?
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There was some information about how Steve carves the eggs. It’s a delicate operation. None of the eggs were for sale but he has gifted some to well-known visitors.
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Wow, the eggs are beautiful. He’s a very skilled craftsman.
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He is certainly very talented.
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Wow, the eggs are gorgeous!
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They are quite amazing, especially all grouped together in this display.
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A very talented artist and a great post highlight those talents. Love the blue.
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The lighting from inside the eggs really showcased each design.
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An eggsalent post, 😂 sorry, couldn’t resist. But seriously, this looks like a fun and fascinating place to spend some time. So intricate.
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Ha! You’re the first one to crack a joke! Or should I say “crack a yolk!”
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Wonderful skill on display here. The eggs are gorgeous.
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And there were so many, it was hard to take it all in.
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A wonderful craft that he has made into a business. Well done! And a place to visit in Chinchilla.
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This is in St George. If you’re ever there I highly recommend a visit. 🙂
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It is unlikely I’ll be there soon but I will remember out for the future.
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These are amazing, Carol! I thought I’d seen eggs in all their forms, but these are new to me. What an art. Did Steve say what type of tool he uses to create these intricate designs? All the best, Terri
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I believe he uses small carving tools but I couldn’t be specific. He must have a very steady hand.
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Wow, these are really amazing! He’s so talented. Did you buy one? 🙂
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No, they weren’t for sale. I think they’d be very valuable.
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