One of Western Australia's Premier Tourist Attractions.

Details

The Dolphin Discovery Centre (DDC) in Bunbury's Koombana Bay is one of Western Australia's premier tourist attractions with aims to protect local dolphins and the surrounding marine environment. Following the acquisition of a significant State Government grant, the DDC contracted Perkins Builders to complete a multimillion dollar renovation and expansion of the centre, complete with a cafe, restaurant, function space and a multi-media Interpretive Centre. OKMG were asked to design and create audio and visual elements for the Interpretive Centre, which includes interactive exhibits, 15 marine aquariums, a touch pool and theatrette.

Strategy | Creative | Digital

Our goal was to create a state-of-the-art interactive and educational experience for local and international visitors.

Purpose & Objective

The operations, activities and programs run by the DDC are guided by the four main pillars of Conservation, Research, Education and Tourism. The recent addition to the Interpretive Centre of the DDC upholds all of these pillars. Using state-of-the-art audio and visual material, the centre promotes DDC's convervation efforts and displays their fascinating research. The interactive and entertaining exhibits educate locals residents and visitors from all over the world about our extraordinary marine environment and inhabiting species of Western Australia.

$13m expansion project

Breathing new life into a historic marine conservation and tourist centre with immersive audio and visual experiences.

Research & Discovery

Our team was required to interpret, elaborate and expand on basic initial briefs to create a holistic experience for all visitors. The initial research and discovery phase explored the diversity of DDC audiences, extensive marine research, the technological capabilities of the centre and the history of the Bunbury region.

marine - history - technology - audience
13 AV exhibits
40 minutes Immersive audio
58 Animated displays
  • perkins
  • the factory
  • mhw integration

Stakeholder Relationships

OKMG collaborated with multiple stakeholders to create, interpret, develop and execute briefs for the various exhibits throughout the centre. Under the guidance of the client, the Dolphin Discovery Centre, and the head contractor Perkins Builders, we worked closely throughout the project with The Factory and MHW to concept, create and deliver the centre's exhibits. Throughout the project, we facilitated workshops and consultations with all stakeholders to elaborate and expand on initial concepts to ensure all audiences and parties were thoroughly considered. Specific exhibits required in depth consultation and development with local aboriginal organisations and Noongar Elders while other exhibits had an international focus.

AV Production

OKMG produced and recorded a variety of content from the Bunbury region to create a uniquely local experience for the AV exhibits. Audio recordings from around the region were used to create an immersive atmospheric sound that is distinctively Bunbury. Existing resources were also incorporated from the DDC and Murdoch University's Cetacean Research Unit. After successful QA testing period, this project was delivered for practical completion in December 2018.