Muscle Creek Augmented Reality Tour

Introduction

The Muscle Creek Augmented Reality (AR) Tour is an immersive experience offered by Muswellbrook Shire Council. The tour combines technology with environmental and cultural storytelling. Visitors can engage with the land and its history.

The tour is along Muscle Creek in Muswellbrook. Visitors are guided as they explore the natural surroundings and learn about the cultural significance. Smartphones and tablets allow access to AR content throughout the tour. While walking along the creek, visitors can point their devices at specific markers or locations. Scanning AR codes along the tour reveal digital overlays, animations, and audio stories.

Challenge

Muscle Creek is a meandering waterway flowing through Muswellbrook. Over time, urbanisation, weeds, and litter have had an impact on the creek’s appeal to visitors. A solution was needed to entice people back to the creeks banks and activate this important public space. There was also an opportunity to connect visitors and locals to the cultural history of the creek.

Solution

Muswellbrook Shire Council embarked on an ambitious project to transform the visitor experience along Muscle Creek. They built a new walking trail along the creek. New plants, seating, an outdoor gym, signs, and lights were added to make the area more inviting and vibrant.

To maximise the impact of the public improvements Council recognised an opportunity to use digital tools to create an interactive visitor experience.

Council developed an AR tour of the creek line, including educational and cultural information. To share the traditional owners' stories Council worked with Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Council. Uncle Glen Morris features on the platform sharing local knowledge of the area.

The AR tour helps visitors and the local community have a deeper and more immersive experience, beyond the natural physical environment.

AR experiences can be accessed through an App or in a web-based interface on visitors’ mobile devices.

The AR content is easily updated through a cloud-based website platform and has resulted in a user-friendly experience.

Council worked with local schools, involving students in user testing. The feedback ensured all age groups could navigate the AR experience.

Expected outcomes

Smart Places outcome areas:

Collaboration and connection

Equity, accessibility, and inclusion
Health and well-being

Visitors can now explore Muscle Creek and gain a deeper appreciation of the local environment and First Nations stories through the AR experience. The tour serves both educational and recreational purposes. Visitors are encouraged to explore the natural environment, learn about the creek’s cultural importance, and connect with the local community. Technology is enabling active engagement with the landscape in new and exciting ways.