Case Study: Minnamurra Rainforest Visitor Centre
Client: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
Clear Vision Consulting was engaged by NPWS to assist in redeveloping the visitor flow and experiences at the newly designed Minnamurra Rainforest Visitor Centre. The objective was to attract more visitors from southwestern Sydney to the Illawarra region and improve cost recovery.
Our approach involved:
- Consulting with regional tourism stakeholders to understand market needs, including those of business events, families, and day travelers.
- Recommending infrastructure enhancements to encourage longer stays, such as re-opening tracks along waterways, adding group seating areas, and creating secluded spots with hammocks for nature observation.
We also collaborated with associate consultant Phil Hudson to assess potential accommodation developments on a greenfield site adjacent to the Visitor Centre. Although our research indicated limited demand for event-linked accommodations, we identified greater potential in year-round, family-style lodging. This approach would enhance the feasibility of tourism capital projects alongside the Visitor Centre upgrade.
Our recommendations emphasized the importance of further community consultation, partnerships with Indigenous tourism operators to highlight cultural connections, and ongoing social media promotion in collaboration with Kiama Council.
Contact us to work with your Council or with the Department of Environment in your state or Territory to discuss a similar project in your region.
