One of Warrnambool’s many great attractions has just completed a major redevelopment. Launched on 31 December 2002, it aims to encourage visitors to look beyond day trips, enticing them with an overnight stay. Located in the heart of the Shipwreck Coast region and some 260 kilometres south west of Melbourne, Warrnambool is rich in maritime history.
The redevelopment of Flagstaff Hill, a life sized recreated village that reflects the atmosphere of a nineteenth century coastal port, includes a new night time feature in the Sound and Laser Lightshow. Visitors are seated in the wharf theatre, where the front walls then slide open to reveal Flagstaff Hill village. There, they are treated to a sensational multisensory experience, surrounded by sound and visual effects.
The show is so detailed that even the paint has been replicated to provide the smells of the shipwreck era.
This night time attraction, aims to entice visitors into staying overnight or longer in the area. Flagstaff Hill Manager, Howard Nichol, said 75 percent of visitor expenditure is spent in the dark.
“The real money is spent on accommodation, food, beverages and entertainment when visitors choose to stay overnight,” he said. “As a general rule, visitors spend loose change during the day.”
The redevelopment of Flagstaff Hill was largely funded by the Federal and State Governments. Council credits its outgoing Economic Development Director, David Keenan, for acquiring much of the funding and driving the project from beginning to end. The redevelopment of Flagstaff Hill is an innovative strategy to expand Warrnambool’s economic development. It will benefit residents and visitors into the future.
