The WORLD in Your Hands
Travel in Your Time
Outback Queensland – a road trip by design
The Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton.
S
triking contemporary architecture is not the first thing that springs to mind when planning a trip to the Queensland Outback, yet a series of tourist attractions has become an unlikely architectural trail that’s making a difference to the economic prosperity of Barcaldine, Longreach and Winton. From a tiny museum that seems to rise from the earth to a whimsical, pink interior that nods to the Sydney Opera House, each project is worth a visit for the architecture alone. Beyond aesthetics, however, good design is making a significant contribution to the region’s future. Architect Michael Lavery is a director of m3architecture, a Brisbane-based practice that has built a strong relationship with Barcaldine, 12 hours north-west of Brisbane. “‘The Barcaldine Regional Council has demonstrated courage and leadership by investing in design,” he says. Working in collaboration with Brian Hooper Architect, m3architecture was first commissioned to work on Barcaldine’s Tree of Knowledge, the
birthplace of the Australian Labor Party. At the same time, the council had purchased the Globe Hotel, a decrepit pub that was slated for demolition. ‘’While working on the Tree of Knowledge, we saw the potential to encourage passing tourists to spend more time in town,” Michael says. “The architects convinced the council to invest in a master plan and retain the Globe.” The Council’s leap of faith was rewarded. Seven years later, the reimagined Globe Hotel represented Australia at the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale. After being saved from the wrecker’s ball it was reinterpreted as a contemporary visitor centre. Barcaldine Council estimates there has been at least a 300 per cent increase in visitors stopping in the town since the Tree of Knowledge and The Globe were completed – a welcome boost for the drought-ravaged community. The projects have received a string of local and national awards for urban design, architecture and heritage. A lookout designed by m3architecture
IMAGE: CHRISTOPHER FREDERICK JONES
and Brian Hooper Architect is currently under construction alongside the Globe, offering a connection to surrounding landscape and birdlife, and the master plan includes a future performing arts centre and gallery. The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre in Longreach was affectionately dubbed the Opera House of the Outback when it opened in 1988, a reference to its distinctive curved form by Feiko Bouman Architect. The museum, which pays homage to Australia’s bush pioneers, had been in slow decline. Exhibits and amenity no longer met contemporary standards, and with no master plan, 30-plus years of disjointed works had gradually made the entire operation dysfunctional. The transformative redesign has reinstated the museum as a top-ranking tourist destination. Respecting its original architecture, the design team rethought the museum from the inside out. Information, ticketing, retail, food and entry to the attractions were united in a light-filled entry hub and connected to new external landscaping. The architectural team’s contribution went well beyond built form. “We oversaw funding applications,
Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum commissioned and managed curatorial and exhibition services and filmmakers, and worked with the client and the team to diversify the European, maledominated, narrative of ‘The Stockman’,” Michael says. Cheeky references to the Opera House and new, technology-rich exhibits have captivated audiences and the museum can now look to a self-funded future. Another Longreach design drawcard is the Qantas Founders Museum Airpark Roof. Adjacent to the existing Qantas Museum and 1922 heritage hangar, Airpark Roof by Noel Robinson Architects is a dramatic, 8000 sq m floating structure that houses several historic aircraft, including a Boeing 747. Visitors can explore the aircraft up close from viewing platforms.
IMAGE: CHRISTOPHER FREDERICK JONES
IMAGE: CHRISTOPHER FREDERICK JONES
A series of award-winning architectural projects has turned outback Queensland into an unlikely design destination. PIPPA HURST explores the cultural and heritage trail from Barcaldine through Longreach to Winton.
The Globe Hotel in Barcaldine was saved from the wrecker’s ball and became a showpiece.
HERMAN’S TOURS & TRAVEL DAY TRIPS FROM $36
ADVANCED BOOKINGS NOW OPEN – 2022 FESTIVALS
Saturday 28 August 2021: No Prob Llama Farm ........................................................ $98* Saturday 4 September 2021: Brisbane River Cruise & Breakfast Creek Hotel .......... $104* Saturday 13 November 2021: Eumundi Markets ....................................................... $36 Saturday 20 November 2021: Sirromet Wines ........................................................... $137* Tuesday 14 December 2021: The Australian Army Band Christmas Show Redcliffe Entertainment Centre .................................. $65 Sunday 23 January 2022: Brisbane to Gold Coast Cruise ‘Cruise & Coach’ ............ $165*
Sunday 15 May 2022: Hampton Festival ..................................................................... $80 Saturday 11 June 2022: Clydesdale Spectacular - Scenic Rim ................................. $76 Saturday 23 June 2022: Jumpers & Jazz – Warwick .................................................. $84
Some very good reasons to leave home!
Day tours marked with * includes lunch. Itineraries and prices quoted are subject to change.
RING NOW FOR BROCHURES 32 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / August 2021
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28/07/2021 3:51:03 PM
