Hinkler Hall and Fairymead visitor numbers soar

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visitor numbers hinkler fairymead
More than 7200 people enjoyed the Hinkler Hall of Aviation and Fairymead House between July and Septemebr 2019.

Visitor numbers were up at the Hinkler Hall of Aviation and Fairymead House between July and September with the Veteran Vehicle Rally driving traffic through the facilities.

More than 7200 people were wowed by the Bundaberg Region’s history at the tourism facilities during the quarter.

Council's tourism portfolio spokesman Cr Greg Barnes said the visitor numbers were a terrific result for both the Hinkler Hall of Aviation and Fairymead House.

“These are tourism facilities that really put the pioneering history of the Bundaberg Region on the map,” Cr Barnes said.

“It’s fantastic to see visitor numbers continuing to increase, allowing residents and visitors an opportunity to experience this valuable insight in to our history.”

Key events throughout the year were attributed to the higher than normal visitation, with more than 1000 additional people viewing the exhibits compared to the same period last year.

“There is no doubt that the Veteran Vehicle Rally really ignited interest in the Hinkler Hall of Aviation in particular,” Cr Barnes said.

“Locals involved in the restoration of Bert Hinkler’s Armstrong Siddeley held presentations on the rebuild process which drew visiting car enthusiasts in to the facility.

“Our highly popular school holiday activities also saw families flocking to the facilities to enjoy some free craft fun.

“Over the two days we had more than 500 children participate, many of whom took advantage of the local discounted entry rate to tour the facility.

“This also led to an additional 55 children signing up for our Junior Aviators Club.”

The Lex Rowland Gallery within the Hinkler Hall of Aviation is currently being renovated to install a glass display window to connect the room with the exhibit area.

“This gives fantastic views from the foyer of the Avro Baby,” Cr Barnes said.

“We will soon have a diorama wall with an enlarged image of the Burnett Traffic Bridge on it in reference to when Bert Hinkler flew the Avro Baby under this bridge on a visit to Bundaberg in 1921.”

Cr Barnes said he had no doubt that word would be spreading about the attractions on offer in the Bundaberg Region after discussions he had with Veteran Vehicle Rally visitors.

“Vehicle rally participants commented on the friendliness of residents in every location they visited throughout the region,” he said.

“Nearly everyone I spoke to commented on just how friendly and welcoming the region was which in itself is a drawcard for tourism.”