The show will be unveiled on Friday when Flagstaff Hill reopens after a seven-week closure after a $2.95 million redevelopment.

Warrnambool City Council’s visitor economy manager David McMahon said upgrades included a new facade at the village’s entrance, six new interactive installations at displays throughout the attraction, a new projection screen in the wharf theatre and a “more activated village with costumed characters bringing to life a coastal village of the 1870s”.

“Flagstaff Hill’s recent upgrades are one of the many ways Warrnambool City Council aims to entice visitors to stay longer in the region, stay a night in the city, and capture more of the lucrative Great Ocean Road tourism demand,” he said.

“We are expecting a 30-per cent increase in visitation for the new year.” 

Mr McMahon said Harpooned, the new sound and light show, told the tale of a group of men, who were recruited from the village’s hotel, the Steampacket Inn, to go on a whaling mission.

Shipwrecked, the original sound and light show which tells the story of the Loch Ard shipwreck, has received a makeover that takes advantage of improved technology.

The tourist information centre has also been incorporated into the museum facility.

There will be a visitor lounge where people can relax and charge their phones while getting information about the region. A play centre will also be incorporated. 

“There is a more welcoming arrival with the consolidation of the Flagstaff Hill reception, gift shop and the Warrnambool Visitor information Centre,” Mr McMahon said.

“Our new tagline is ‘don’t just learn about history, experience it’. It’s all about celebrating Warrnambool’s history.” The entrance ramp into the building has been upgraded for better access for elderly and disabled visitors.

Entry prices have risen by $2. When customers buy night show tickets they receive 30 per cent off day entry prices, and customers attending one of the night shows then receive 50 per cent off the second show. 

Funding for the revamp came from the state government and the council.