Goonoo Goonoo Station Village

Goonoo Goonoo Station was settled in 1841 as the headquarters for AACO (Australian Agricultural Company). The iconic settlement today offers accommodation, lavish dining and reception spaces, enjoyed amongst the various restored buildings, all linked within this 19th Century village.

Encompassing the various outbuildings, gardens and existing trees, nature’s vision landscapes were tasked over a three-year period to develop and restore the entire site. The village including buildings and grounds were in a decommissioned state and the client’s vision to make a new tourism destination in the Northwest were a long way from realisation. The development of an overall landscape masterplan was key to linking the entire village for exploration. The varying repurposed outbuildings were linked to interact with each other and the numerous available external landscape spaces. The landscaped spaces incorporated open parkland for functions and wedding ceremonies, while communal outdoor firepit area encouraged interaction. Roads and pathways allowed flow through the entire village for both pedestrian and vehicular. A new pool area was designed along with further tree planting and rejuvenation of existing shade trees to assist cooling in the summer’s heat.

The material design palate encompassed mostly locally sourced materials. Some field stones and colonial bricks uncovered onsite during construction were repurposed for walls and paving while any materials sourced further afield were selected on their ability to relate to colour tones and practicality on site. Corten steel used in some garden edges replicated the tones and material in the old sheep yards. The planting design themes were to compliment an existing large assortment of deciduous trees and existing rose collection which included the affectionately known Goonoo Goonoo Rose.