Released 05/08/2016
The Australian and ACT Governments officially celebrated the opening of the co-located Canberra and Region Visitors Centre and National Capital Exhibition (the Exhibition) at a ribbon cutting ceremony today.
Acting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government and Territories, Fiona Nash, said the co-location of the two facilities will encourage more visitors to start their Canberra journey at Regatta Point.
“As someone who travels into different locations often, I know how important a well-located visitor centre is to a town or city,” Minister Nash said.
“The Canberra and Region Visitors Centre is now located next to the National Capital Exhibition, and will offer tourists a great view of the Central National Area and Lake Burley Griffin – the centrepiece of Canberra’s landscape.
“Putting these two facilities together just makes sense. Visitors can explore the Exhibition and learn about the history of Canberra and the Griffins’ vision for this city, then with the help of the Visitor Centre, plan a truly remarkable trip,” said Minister Nash.
ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, said the opening of the new facility was timely. “Just 47 days out from the arrival of the first direct international flights from Singapore and New Zealand, it’s great that our city has an impressive and welcoming new visitor centre.”
“Canberra has a lot to offer our international and national visitors, and this new centre will help support our booming tourism industry.”
The new and transformed centre features state-of-the-art digital solutions in addition to continuing to offer friendly face-to-face advice to visitors including accommodation and tour booking services. Large LED screens will showcase Canberra attractions, and those managed by the National Capital Authority will display the evolution of Canberra over a century. The centre incorporates a dedicated area showing #VisitCanberra Instagram images, video content and touch screen technology that will showcase to visitors the diversity of experiences on offer in the Canberra region.
Importantly for visitors driving to Canberra, the Regatta Point site offers ample off-street parking for cars, caravans and tour buses and access via all main arterial roads into Canberra. Extensive directional signage has been installed to guide visitors to the new central location.
Whilst the project was managed in partnership by the National Capital Authority and ACT Government, more than 30 local businesses were involved in the creation of the new centre including AMC Architecture, responsible for producing the design, and FM Projects Australia for delivering construction works.
“This project demonstrates the collaborative working partnership between the Australian and ACT Governments and showcases the delivery of government services in the National Capital. Both governments’ shared vision of creating a meaningful experience to both interstate and international visitors has come to fruition,” said Minister Nash.
The centre is open daily from 9 am – 5pm weekdays and 9 am – 4 pm weekends and public holidays except Christmas Day. The Exhibition is open daily from 9 am – 5 pm weekdays and 10 am – 4 pm weekends, Australia Day and Canberra Day but closed other public holidays.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases