Avenue lights up region

The Field of Light: Avenue of Honour attracted almost 30,000 visitors to the South West and brought millions of dollars to the region, the State Government has revealed.

Research by Metrix Consulting commissioned by Tourism WA revealed 29,453 people visited the region specifically to see the illuminated glass art installation created by artist Bruce Munro.

The figures showed that visitors spent more than $17 million locally during the six-month event.

Visitors also spent more than 82,000 nights in the region.

The total attendance at the Field of Light smashed expectations, finishing at more than 186,000 people.

Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said the emotional pull of Munro’s artwork benefited not only Albany, but the entire South West.

“It was a stunning attraction in its own right and also complemented the National Anzac Centre in cementing Albany’s reputation as Australia’s point of pilgrimage for people wanting to experience the Anzac legend,” he said. “Its popularity has been phenomenal, bringing significant tourism dollars to the South West economy and drawing visitors to the area’s many attractions such as the breathtaking Stirling Range National Park, the natural beauty of the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk and the region’s premium wines.”

The installation commemorated the centenary of World War I’s end and honoured the Anzac legend.