Goolidja Goorda Penguin Island Interpretation

Creative Spaces worked closely with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, scientists and Noongar Traditional Owners to deliver a new interpretive experience on Penguin Island, also known as Goolidja Goorda. A key challenge was ensuring that all design and installation decisions respected the island’s sensitive environment, particularly the nesting and movement patterns of the resident little penguins.

The brief called for interpretation that could educate and engage visitors of all ages while having minimal impact on the island itself. Creative Spaces designed the fit-out of a new shelter featuring narrative-led interpretive panels, a tactile map and a digital kiosk introducing visitors to the wider Shoalwater Islands Marine Park.

Additional layers of storytelling were introduced through collaboration with specialist contributors. An augmented reality experience developed by Studio Orange reveals the hidden life of nesting penguins, while artist Si Hummerston created detailed dioramas and a custom brass King Skink sculpture embedded within the displays. Two Nature Play Trails invite younger visitors to explore the island through interactive, scavenger hunt-style activities.

Ongoing consultation with Noongar Traditional Owners ensured cultural knowledge was meaningfully embedded throughout both content and design. The completed interpretation provides an engaging, respectful and low-impact visitor experience that strengthens understanding of place while protecting the island’s unique ecology.

Photography by Aaron Brown