WORDS & IMAGES | Shire of Boddington and Visit Mandurah and Russell Ord Photography
In the first of several major Hotham Williams Economic Development Alliance initiatives (HWEDA) to drive economic stimulus to the tri-town area of Williams, Wandering and Boddington, Marradong Country has launched its tourism campaign to showcase ‘one of WA’s best kept secrets’.
With an online portal highlighting regional events, attractions, accommodation and five distinct self-drive trails, Marradong Country invites an audience looking to explore more of their own backyard. As the self-professed ‘road trip state,’ West Aussies and visitors alike are encouraged to take a detour from the well-worn tourist tracks and discover an authentic hidden gem like Marradong Country.
The campaign is currently running across several major targeted publications and platforms to drive awareness and put Marradong on the tourism radar.
As one article cited, “a quick click around the website showcasing what’s on offer… including local events, seasonal highlights, must-do activities and five unique self-drive trails, you begin to get a sense of what you never knew you were missing driving along Albany Highway”.
Dryandra Village, Springhill’s Farmstay and the recently renovated Old Boddington Police Station have all generously contributed to the effort providing accommodation for a promotional weekend giveaway. “The challenge was really about awareness,” says HWEDA Executive Officer, Philippa Gooding. “Enveloping both sides of Albany Highway, the region has always had a lot of arterial traffic heading north and south, but we needed to demonstrate that, more than just a pit stop, Marradong Country is a destination in its own right.
With its innate natural beauty, proximity to Perth and vibrant events and arts scene, we knew the region already had all the hallmarks of a great tourism destination but suffered from a lack of awareness amongst the wider public. Majority of people just aren’t aware of what’s really here.
Working with the community and having the support of major corporate and government bodies including both the Wheatbelt and Peel Development Commissions, South 32, countless local businesses and the three local shires has really galvanised the community in working towards a mutual objective.
We are certainly confident in the region’s ability to deliver a fantastic tourism experience for people and we look forward to sharing our beautiful part of the world with more of the state’s visitors.”
Marradong Country is the first output in a series of initiatives from HWEDA to be rolled out in the future.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information on Marradong Country, the website can be found at www.marradongtrails.com.
This article was first published in the Peel Magazine, Spring/Summer – vol 5.2 – to read and download the full magazine, click here.