The new artwork at the Werribee Open Range Zoo (WORZ) Hippo Beach Cafe was completed last weekend, promising to steal the attention of visitors as they explore the Zoo.

The Hippo Beach Café, located en route to the Hippo Beach enclosure towards the rear of WORZ, was previously hidden behind trees and difficult for visitors to find.

Red Design Group (RED) Graphic Designer Sarah Hotchin said the new graphic concept was designed to capture the eyes of visitors through clear signage and colourful, hand-painted artwork.

“The creative direction was influenced by African tribal illustration and hand-painted artwork, creating a vibrant space that is easy to identify as a café,” she said.

Street art studio Daisylegs specialise in murals, custom wall graphics, illustration, and graphic design.

RED teamed up with Melbourne-based street artists Jamie Edward and Maddison Kitching of Daisylegs to create the new design, which largely transforms recycled materials into pieces of art.

Tin lids, metal drums, corrugated iron fencing, and a shipping container were all transformed into bright features while keeping to the current look and feel of WORZ.

“Some areas were painted in block colour with reclaimed timber menus to elevate areas and promote food and beverages offers.

“Hand-painted directional signage and artworks were applied to existing raw materials and objects,” Sarah said.

The bold, colourful signage draws attention to the tucked-away Hippo Beach Cafe.

The Hippo Beach Cafe, open weekends and school/public holidays 11am-2pm, provides refreshments, sandwiches, pastry goods, coffee, and snacks as well as a sandy playground for the kids to enjoy.