Press Release

Thursday 29 November 2007

TASMANIA'S FIRST MULTIMEDIA WALKING TRAIL LAUNCHED
The north-west coast has a new visitor drawcard with the launch today of a multimedia walking trail that celebrates Burnie’s architectural heritage.

The Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Paula Wriedt, unveiled the Burnie Art Deco Trail at a 1930s-themed event in St George’s Church Hall, Burnie.

“The trail is a new attraction for visitors to the north west and an interactive experience that taps into the burgeoning international interest in art deco architecture,” Ms Wriedt said.

“The trail is a self-guided tour of Burnie that highlights the city’s wonderful art deco architecture and the fascinating cultural stories behind them.

It has been assisted by the State Government, with $75,000 being provided through the Tourism Promotion Plan’s Regional Product and Experience Development Program.

“Burnie has never shied away from its industrial past, and the Art Deco Trail is a celebration of the city’s architectural and cultural heritage from the 1920s, 30s and 40s – an era of industrial optimism.”

The multimedia tour package incorporates a self-guided tour booklet, an 18-minute video and the interactive Burnie Art Deco Trail website featuring a downloadable podcast to play while exploring the trail.

“The trail is an innovative and creative approach to story-telling and gives visitors a reason to stay longer and spend more,” Ms Wriedt said.

“And the trail is not just designed for visitors, I’m sure many locals would be delighted to learn about the heritage of their city and discover the stories behind some of their buildings.”

Ms Wriedt paid tribute to the people of Burnie who have dedicated their time to researching, donated photographs, provided oral histories, and allowed their private homes and buildings to be included on Tasmania’s first Art Deco Trail.

“Without your tireless efforts and dedication, the Art Deco Trail project would not have been possible,” Ms Wriedt said.

“I congratulate you all on bringing this fabulous new tourism experience to the people of the North-West.”
The Burnie Art Deco Trail is a result of a collaborative project involving the Art Deco Society of Australia, Burnie City Council, Cradle Coast Authority, Burnie Tourism Association and Apartments Downtown.

The Government’s $16 million Tourism Promotion Plan was established in June 2006 following the withdrawal of Spirit of Tasmania III.

The Plan’s Product and Experience Development Fund delivers funding to assist in the development of market-ready product in Tasmania’s regions.

Information on the Burnie Art Deco Trail can be found at www.artdecotasmania.com.au.

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

(03) 6230 8244
email mediainfo@tourism.tas.gov.au