Currently under construction and expected to be complete by April 2017, the new Ningaloo Centre will provide an immersive experience inspired by the rugged landscape of the Cape Range National Park.

Designed by Perth-based Site Architecture Studio, Director Paul Edwards explains how people who are physically unable to experience the reef up close will have the opportunity to enjoy it through exhibition spaces.

“We have created a journey from Reef to Range where visitors descend into a cool dark space full of marine sounds and flashes of colour and movement as fish and sea creatures appear and disappear,” Paul said. “A Whale Shark hovers overhead as you begin to ascend out of the watery marine environment towards the sounds of subterranean animals hidden deep within the landscape of the Cape Range. The ground inclines further as you circle the four metre high aquarium and stop to peer through gaps in walls at the marine exhibits below.”

Visitors will also be able to experience the life of early Exmouth locals and the US Military settlement.

Taking over 5,062sqm of land, the multi-purpose building will incorporate a library, museum, visitor and community centre, as well as a wet and dry laboratory, preparation area and aquaculture workshop so that universities and government organisations have a base for Ningaloo Reef research.

There are also plans for a community conference and performing arts centre, and a large gallery designed for travelling exhibitions, events and cultural programs.

“A facility of this calibre will be a real drawcard for visitors and give them a memorable connection with the striking landscape of the region,” says Shire of Exmouth President, Turk Shales.

Site Architecture Studio
sitearchitecture.com.au