Carrs Bush, on the traditional lands of the Darug peoples, in Galston on the outskirts of northwestern Sydney, is an extremely rare and critically endangered stand of Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest.

Interpreting this unique, Hornsby Shire Council-managed site, was regarded as an opportunity to build the relationship between residents living in areas of similar bushland ecology, through awareness of the significance of local natural heritage, and to enhance the economic and social benefits of visitation to the region and the facilities of Fagan Park.

Our approach to interpretation was guided by Council’s knowledge of the target audience, compiled from years of events held at the Park and Council engagement with local residents park users. A need was identified for a track that would make the site accessible to prams and visitors of varying mobility and cognitive ability. A sensory experience was determined most effective.

Our project responsibilities included: return brief; site survey; concept; research; design; editorial of supplied written content; bespoke sculpture; illustration; fabrication and installation management.

Central to design planning was to attribute an identity to the track, to leverage future educational initiatives and incursions. To build anticipation and to appeal to families, children, educational institutions, and community groups, themes around ‘Discovery’ were explored.

Given the large numbers of families with children and physically impaired visitors to the site, themes around sensory ‘exploration’ and ‘discovery’ were regarded as most appropriate for their ability to actively engage with diverse levels of ability, cognitive thinking, comprehension, retention and recall.

Jenssen Design Associates’ interpretive design solution is simple, engaging, sensory, and inviting of self education and discovery. Like the site – it’s also unique, individual, aesthetically beautiful, and memorable.

Eucalypt bows, retrieved during storm recovery operations in Sydney, were used to mount sculptures and signage in ways that would compliment the character of the forest.

Graphics plates were traced to the profile of cut timbers, with each post angled to maximise runoff. The colour palette was selected to compliment the bushland setting, with printed text, graphics and illustrations in black and white. The durable nature of all materials and methods, ensures a presentation that will be long-lasting.

The high quality and realism in artistic execution of JDA director, designer, illustrator and sculptor, Paul Littrich, compels visitors to interact with the installations, extending dwell time and opportunitities for interaction between visitors and family groups. As a result, succinct written messaging is conveyed more comprehensively.

Hornsby Shire Council are delighted with the solution, and public response has been overwhelmingly positive. Visitation numbers dating back to 2004 indicate a significant increase since installation of the interpretation in December 2021.

Carrs Bush Discovery Track has been the first significant public-facing interpretive project implemented since the inception of Council’s revised brand identity guidelines in 2020.

The success, positive community feedback, and client satisfaction in the quality of interpretative design and wayfinding solutions delivered by JDA, has seen Council integrate many of the project’s design principles into their brand guidelines, and earmark future projects for interpretation using similar methodologies and media.

Carrs Bush Discovery Track was recognised in the Interpretation Australia National Awards for Excellence 2022, as Highly Commended, within the category of Outdoor Interpretative Projects.