A new visitor hub at Western Australia’s oldest farm is set to drive a new heritage tourism experience in Albany.
Upgrades to Albany’s Strawberry Hill are now complete, with the new visitor hub and guided tours set to open to the public from this weekend.
The National Trust of Western Australia-led project has delivered an accessible visitor hub at the site, new interpretation via a guided tour of the Main House and exhibition displays about the historic location.
The project was supported by a $191,000 McGowan Government Regional Economic Development (RED) Grant.
The upgrades have also added new exhibitions on the Menang history of the site – known as Barmup, a traditional meeting place for the Menang people.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Strawberry Hill is one of WA’s most important historical sites – significant both as a traditional meeting place for the Menang Aboriginal people, and as the site of WA’s oldest farm, being established in 1827.
“These upgrades, and the new visitor hub, will help to properly celebrate this historic site and create a more meaningful visitor experience – and build tourism numbers.
“Our Regional Economic Development Grants are supporting locally driven projects right across the regions, creating new jobs and driving economic diversification.”
As stated by Heritage Minister David Templeman:
“This project has done a fantastic job of reinterpreting the heritage of this place while also making it accessible for the modern era.
“It demonstrates that when heritage is embraced and valued, it can become a valuable asset for the community and a tourism drawcard.”
