Harbour City Ferries ‘Ancestral Spirit’ Identity & Website Design

CLIENT

Harbour City Ferries

AGENCY

Balarinji

DESIGN BRIEF

As the Lead Designer at Balarinji studio, I was responsible for the creative strategy and design of a digital space within Harbour City Ferries’ Beyond the Wharf website. This project aimed to inspire locals and visitors to venture beyond Circular Quay and immerse themselves in Indigenous Sydney Harbour as it existed before European settlement.

Sydney Harbour holds a deep cultural and historical significance for the Indigenous community. Many sacred and historical sites remain scattered across the area, telling stories of the land’s original custodians. The website design encouraged users to explore these locations, fostering awareness and appreciation of Sydney’s rich Indigenous heritage.

To create an engaging and authentic experience, the digital space featured a welcome message in the local Indigenous language, allowing visitors to connect with the area’s history from the start. Sound effects enhanced the immersive experience, bringing to life the natural environment and cultural essence of Indigenous Sydney.

A key feature of the website design was an interactive map showcasing significant Indigenous sites around the harbour. Users could click on locations to access detailed historical information, providing deeper insight into the land’s cultural heritage. The inclusion of a seasonal art competition further strengthened community engagement, encouraging artists to contribute creative interpretations of Sydney Harbour’s Indigenous identity.

This project blended digital storytelling, interactive design, and cultural heritage to create a meaningful online experience. It served not only as an educational tool but also as an invitation for people to step outside their usual city experience and connect with the harbour’s Indigenous past.

Through thoughtful website design, I helped shape an experience that was both visually compelling and deeply respectful of the land’s traditional owners, demonstrating how digital spaces can be used to preserve and celebrate Indigenous culture.

PROCESS & DELIVERABLES

Creative & Content Strategy
Concept Design
Brand Identity Design
Web Design