Visitor Information Centre

East Gippsland Shire Council engaged Arcturus Architecture to design a new Visitor Information Centre within the Shire offices and main street service Centre.

The Centre is a welcoming place for visitors and locals alike. As well as helping people connect with local services and attractions, it also showcases locally sourced products and offers custom hampers for sale.

Because the space is compact, the design makes the most of every wall, creating generous display areas for brochures, locally made products and artwork.

At the front, a display window and feature timber ceiling extend into the main foyer, creating a clear point of interest that draws people towards the entry. The palette of natural materials and colours reflects the landscapes East Gippsland is known for.

The material choices bring to mind the feeling of a forest, with carpet tones inspired by stone and moss, and a central cantilevered timber bench supported by large timber posts. The bench forms the heart of the space, giving visitors and staff an easy place to meet, pause and talk. The recycled timber used for the bench and ceiling slats was sourced from Montana Timber, an East Gippsland timber mill in Nowa Nowa.

So, whether you are visiting Bairnsdale or live locally, drop in and say hello to the wonderful staff at the new Centre on Main Street.