The Capes Foundation is proud to share that the Ngilgi Ancient Lands Experience has won the Best Outdoor Interpretation Project award at the Interpretation Australia National Awards for Excellence this month. This recognition celebrates its success in bringing to life the history, culture, and environment of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
The Ancient Lands Experience, set above the historic Ngilgi Cave, guides visitors along a pathway through native bushland. The project’s standout features include five interpretive nodes that enable visitors to the site to enhance their understanding of the formation of the landscape and limestone caves, the local fauna and flora, and the deep connection of Wadandi people to the environment through the changing seasons. The pathway is designed to be fully accessible, allowing people of all abilities to take part in the experience.
Steve Harrison, Director of the Capes Foundation, expressed his appreciation for this recognition: “We are delighted that Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands received this prestigious award. We know that today’s visitors are looking for authentic connection to the destinations they visit, and interpretive storytelling offers a powerful way to achieve this.”
“MRBTA’s Capes Foundation is proud to be able to continually reinvest in and refresh the visitor experiences on offer at the sites entrusted to our care. This helps us to continue to meet visitor expectations, and ensures that visitors come away with a deep and lasting impression of what makes this region special.”
The project was a team effort, involving local artists, contractors, storytellers, and Wadandi traditional custodian Josh Whiteland of Koomal Dreaming. The project was managed in-house by Capes Foundation Assets and Environment Manager, Mark Delane and interpretive elements were created by Gibson International, who brought the vision to life.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with visitors and school groups sharing great feedback. Tod Kearns, Site Manager at Ngilgi Cave, shared: “The feedback from visitors has been wonderful. People love walking through the bushland and learning about the region’s heritage. The Ancient Lands Experience adds a new layer to the Ngilgi cave visit.”
MRBTA’s Capes Foundation, has been caring for Ngilgi Cave for over 70 years, with the site being one of four caves in the region under its long-term management. Through experiences like this, Capes Foundation aims to encourage appreciation and protection of the Margaret River Region’s natural and cultural heritage.
For more details on the Ngilgi Ancient Lands Experience, visit www.capesfoundation.org.au.