- Mega exhibition delivered more than $64 million in visitor spend for Peel region
- More than 86,000 visitors from outside the Peel region have spent nearly 350,000 nights in local accommodation to explore Australian-exclusive installation in its first year
- Supported by the Western Australian Government through the Regional Events Program
From towering artworks to a tourism uplift, Thomas Dambo’s Giants of Mandurah has injected a whopping $64 million in visitor spend into the Peel region in its first year.
The free Australian-exclusive installation has been live for 18 months and has delighted visitors of all ages, with more than 86,000 visitors from outside the Peel region spending nearly 350,000 nights in local accommodation in its first 12 months and delivering massive economic benefits for local tourism and hospitality businesses.
With the sculpture trail typically taking more than a day to discover, visitors have opted to stay longer to enjoy the highlights of the Peel region alongside the exhibition, staying an average of four nights.
Designed by world-renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo, the five whimsical and expressive creatures sprung up in secret locations across Mandurah and the greater Peel region in November 2022, along with a sixth Giant located in Subiaco.
Visitors have been invited to discover them via an interactive trail and appreciate the wonder of the intricate sculptures, crafted entirely from recycled wooden materials.
Signage at each location and an accompanying Travellers’ Companion shares stories from the Traditional Custodians of Peel, the Bindjareb People of the Noongar Nation, allowing visitors to discover more about the cultural significance of the region.
Giants of Mandurah has been supported by the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, and Lotterywest, as well as the City of Subiaco and the Alcoa Foundation.
The project was produced and managed by Western Australian arts and culture organisation FORM – Building a State of Creativity and delivered in collaboration with the City of Mandurah.
As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
“This $64 million in visitor spend is a fantastic result for our Peel region. Securing Australian-exclusive content is a key pillar of the WA Government’s events strategy and is a proven way to attract out-of-state visitors.
“Giants of Mandurah has delivered a valuable boost to local accommodation, hospitality and tourism industries and will continue to delight visitors as the installation continues for the foreseeable future.
“The exhibition encourages visitors to explore the sculpture trail over more than one day at their leisure, and figures show visitors opted to stay in the Peel region for four nights on average – a massive win for the local tourism industry.”
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“Giants of Mandurah has shone a spotlight on the whole Peel region and has been a valuable opportunity to showcase the area’s thriving hospitality and arts and culture scene, via a free, family-focused event that appeals to all ages.
“There is still time to visit this wonderful exhibition by world-renowned artist Thomas Dambo, so if you are yet to see the Giants of Mandurah, I encourage you to go out and experience its magic.”
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
“Holding events in our regions is vital to inspiring visitors from near and far to discover more of our beautiful State.
“Funded through the Regional Events Program, the Giants of Mandurah invites visitors to explore the wonders of the Peel region alongside a world-class exhibition and enjoy all the region has to offer – including a lively foreshore precinct, an environmentally significant estuary and wetlands, spectacular beaches, and fantastic dining.”
