Four adventurous women
One van
An epic, 12-day road trip along The South West Edge in WA.
This is Queens on the Edge.
This is a tourism campaign to remember.
Not only does it break the mould of tourism advertising in the most appealing way possible, it shatters age stereotypes. A campaign that talks to older people without turning them off? That really is “ground-breaking”. And important. And, hopefully, the first of more work that recognises older people are just people who’ve lived longer.
The new content-led campaign, developed by 303 MullenLowe Perth and Mediahub, aims to attract east coast holiday seekers. It follows four fun-loving women as they travel from Perth to Esperance, show off the characters they meet en route against a backdrop of stunning landscapes.
View the trailer:
303 MullenLowe planning director, Smiljka Dimitrijevic ,explained, “On paper, The South West Edge may not seem dissimilar to other road trips in Australia, with an abundance of ocean, nature, wineries and attractions along the way. However, on our own reconnaissance trip along The Edge we saw exactly why this slice of Australia is unlike anywhere else in the world; the region is filled with amazingly quirky characters creating off-the-wall experiences for those who cross their paths.”
303 MullenLowe executive creative director, Richard Berney, added, “Everyone knows about the intoxicating landscapes of WA’s South West – but it’s the locals, and in particular the wild and wonderful matriarchs that are truly world class. So we tagged along with four fabulous friends on an epic South West road trip.”
The 12-day targeted social campaign follows the Queens on their 12-day road trip. The Queens’ adventures are also being tracked through a partnership with Melbourne’s Nova 100 and SmoothFM, with WA’s own Joel Creasey regularly checking in throughout their trip, and then offering Victorians the chance to travel the Edge themselves via a Never Have I Ever competition, which includes social and digital integration and amplification.
The women involved in Queens On The Edge, Bernie, Roz, Sandy, and Lisa, were cast to be part of the campaign after chance meetings while the 303 MullenLowe’s creative team was experiencing the road trip for themselves.
“Our creative was inspired by research, which showed that an increasing number of women in their 60s and 70s are setting off in their Winnebagos – no kids nor husbands in tow. Life has become too short for that. They want freedom on their terms. And The South West Edge has bucketloads on offer, making it the perfect freedom destination,” added Dimitrijevic.
This project received funding through the Australian Government’s Recovery for Regional Tourism Program administered by Austrade.
A dedicated website has also been launched to showcase the trip and adventures undertaken by the Queens along the way.
Watch the first three episodes:
It is the first campaign 303 MullenLowe and Mediahub have undertaken for The South West Edge since winning the account in a pitch process last year. The client is a new committee comprising Destination Perth (including Rottnest Island), Australia’s South West, and The Golden Outback, formed to promote extended stays across The South West Edge to interstate travellers.
Clients:
Australia’s South West – Catrin Allsop, Malcolm Farrell-Mitchell, Annabel Owen and Janice Platt
Destination Perth – Jade Brown, Tracey Cinavas-Prosser
Australia’s Golden Outback- Marcus Falconer, Kelly Leonard
Agencies: 303 Mullenlowe and Mediahub
Joint Managing Director: René Migliore
Executive Creative Director: Richard Berney
Planning Director: Smiljka Dimitrijevic
Art Director: Stephen Hansen
Copywriters: Zosia Kilpatrick, Maya Halilovic & Chris Swift
Designers: Andrew Allingham & Madeleine De Pierres
Producer: Jonathan Julius
Business Director: Imogen Prevost
Media Director: Kylie Macey
Media Account Manager: Meg Handley
Media Coordinator: Ben Miller
Director & Editor: Dominic Pearce
Co-Director & Stills Photographer: Sam Harris
Executive Producer: Grady Habib
Producer: Emilia Jolakoska
DOP – Dave Le May
1st AC: Ben Berkhout
Sound Recordist: Ben O’Hayon
Stylist: Sandy Mitchell
Production Coordinator: Priscilla Anne Jacob
Vehicle & Driver: Mark Niutta of Kool Kombis
Colourist: Jaemie Manners
Sound Producer: Holly Miller
Sound Design: Lachlan Cooper & Brad Habib
Music Composition: Panda Candy
Music Company: Panda Candy
Composers: Sarangapany & Berney
Lead Cast
Bernardine Aslett
Roz Benson
Sandy Mitchell
Lisa White
With thanks:
Margaret River Tourism Association – Amanda Peterkin
Wadandi Custodians – The Webb Family (Isaac Webb for the Welcome to Country)
Swings & Roundabouts, Yallingup
Smiths Beach Resort, Yallingup
Margaret River Discovery – Sean Blocksidge
Margaret River Bakery – David Astbury
The Department of Parks and Wildlife
RAC Karri Valley Resort
Liberté, Albany – Hester van der Straaten
Australian Truffle Traders – Melinda and Gavin Booth
Limeburners – Lauren Hercus (talent)
The Museum of the Great Southern – The Brig Amity Ship
The National Hotel in Fremantle
Madeline Mitchell
The City of Albany
The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River
The City of Busselton
