Winner
Southern Forests & Valleys Heritage Festival 2025
The inaugural Southern Forests & Valleys Heritage Festival set a new benchmark for regional heritage tourism in Western Australia. Spanning 10 towns across five local governments, the two-week celebration brought communities together to showcase the region’s rich cultural, natural and built heritage.
Coordinated by the Warren Blackwood Alliance of Councils, the festival featured heritage walks, storytelling events, artisan workshops, exhibitions and live demonstrations. From ghost tours and textile art to classic car parades and Aboriginal storytelling, the program offered immersive, multi-generational experiences connecting visitors to the region’s diverse history.
The festival’s innovative model encouraged exploration across multiple towns, dispersing tourism benefits and highlighting lesser-known heritage sites. Digital resources, interpretive signage and the Perth Trails App supported self-guided discovery, while local volunteers and community groups delivered engaging, authentic experiences.
By blending creative interpretation with regional promotion, the festival strengthened community pride, supported local businesses and positioned the Southern Forests & Valleys as a vibrant cultural destination. Its success demonstrates the power of collaboration and storytelling in bringing heritage to life and establishes an enduring annual celebration of Western Australia’s regional identity.
Print this page
