Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Wayfinding and Tourism Signage Strategy

Urban Initiatives and Arterial Design were engaged to undertake and design a comprehensive wayfinding strategy for the Port Macquarie town centre, the coastal walk and townships of Laurieton and Wauchope, on the Mid North Coast of NSW.

Keen as always to view wayfinding as an opportunity to deliver something beyond merely signage, the process began with developing an understanding about how people experience the study area environment and how they navigated the site.

Desktop and field site analysis was undertaken, as well as stakeholder consultation and mapping. The project involved detailed analysis of visitor destinations, tourist facilities, walking routes and decision points, prior to the development of designs for a signage and wayfinding suite.

The design process for the signage investigated how to deliver information and best create opportunities for users. A comprehensive style guide was developed to ensure the maps, colour selection and materials reflected the local character and coastal environment.

The project successfully received state government funding and has been implemented. The Stage 1 implementation budget is in the order of $220,000.