Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre Karumba

An interpretive story of the Barramundi industry.

Client: Carpentaria Shire Council
Category: Visitor Information Centre
Date: September 2017

The barramundi is entwined in the history of Karumba and the day to day lives of the region’s inhabitants. Our team has utilised many interpretive methods to tell their stories, immerse the visitors, and have them spread the word about this must-see destination. An interpretive centre educates visitors and promotes tourism to Karumba, a well-known barramundi hotspot and location of the only barramundi hatchery. The Carpentaria Shire Council have built an iconic Discovery Centre complete with Community Hub facilities, extensive landscaping with large viewing pond where people can learn about this iconic fish.

With Brandi Projects as lead consultant, Econnect Communication spearheaded the research of the interpretive content, and worked closely with our onsite film crew to capture the magic of this remote location, its endemic wildlife and human inhabitants.

More details about the Barramuni Discovery Centre

Project purpose

The Barramundi Discovery Centre build was designed to draw tourists and students to the area. To educate visitors on the important work being undertaken to ensure the sustainability of the barramundi. This begins with the building itself, which is a striking a 130 metre-long arc, suspended a metre from the ground. It wraps itself around a pond housing several thousand young barramundi.

The interpretation encompasses aspects such as the barramundi breeding program, science, local and social history and eating and fishing in the area. The Centre is a key environmental resource for the region promoting the unique Gulf environment and local cultural heritage.

Project details

The interpretive centre is designed for experiential education. There are a series of interpretive panels which explain concepts to visitors. As well, a theatrette to learn about the fish and the fishermen, the history and wider community. There are many other interactive features to encourage engagement. This includes photo opportunities, touchscreens, and unforgettable live barramundi displayed in custom fish tanks. See more about the features below.

This project is unique in that its location is very remote. This required methodical project management over time and distance to ensure a successful construction on time and budget.

Features at a glance

• Video wall with barramundi lifecycle animation
• Bird hide with endemic and migratory bird projection
• ‘Mudskippers’ interactive area for kids with rock seat
• 40 seat theatrette with purpose produced film
• Custom fish tank displays for live barramundi
• ‘Our Karumba, Your Karumba’ touchscreen with ability for visitors to record and tell their stories
• Recreational and commercial fishing area with touchscreen applications
• Dock area with touchscreen interactives
• ‘Catch a Barra’ photo opportunity
• Large barramundi sculpture produced from ghost net
• Rotational display area for community

Collaborations

Building Design Bud Brannigan Architects, EConnect

Comments about this Project

The Carpentaria Shire council estimates the centre currently generates around $2.6 million in gross regional product each year and expects this to increase with the expansion of the Barramundi Discovery Centre. The project is also expected to generate new opportunities for council to partner with the tourism, retail, fishing and education sectors, including James Cook University. – Architecture AU