Minister recognises Pinnacles Desert Discovery on national design award

Tourists have yet another reason to visit the Pinnacles, one of Western Australia's top natural attractions, with its new visitor centre being recognised for interior design excellence.

The Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre at Nambung National Park was recently awarded the Best of State (WA) for Commercial Interior Design in the Design Institute of Australia 2009 Interior Design Awards in Melbourne.

The visitor centre was opened in November last year by Environment Minister Donna Faragher, who acknowledged Freeman Ryan Design for developing the Centre's displays in consultation with the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).

"A huge amount of thought and effort went into the design of the interior of the centre to invite visitors to engage with displays and the environment," Mrs Faragher said.

"The interpretive displays within the exhibition space were designed to reinforce the abstract qualities of the Pinnacles and to encourage visitors to personalise their Pinnacles experience through exploring their relationship with the landscape.

"I congratulate everyone who was involved in this project. This award is recognition that the Desert Discovery Centre is something out of the ordinary."

The Pinnacles attracts on average 250,000 visitors each year and this is expected to increase to 310,000 once the Indian Ocean Drive is completed. The drive will pass within five kilometres of the Pinnacles.

The Interior Design Awards is an annual program developed by the Australian design industry to celebrate and promote outstanding commercial and residential interior design.