Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

TWO YEAR ACTION PLAN for Nature Based Tourism in Western 2019 and 2020 EXTRAORDINARY landscapes, ISLANDS, WILDLIFE and NATIONAL PARKS

Cover photo: Peter Nicholas; Above: Jane Hilton. 2 Foreword from the MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT

Nature-based tourism is one the fastest growing sectors in the global tourism industry. Blessed with incredible natural assets, is an outdoor tourism mecca with huge potential to attract new international and domestic visitors.

Snorkelling with humpback whales Progress has been made towards the priority The Action Plan provides for increased off Exmouth, mountain biking in WA’s commitments of the State Government, cooperation between the four DBCA southern forests or “eco glamping” including the creation of national parks entities and identifies common objectives on – the possibilities at the Houtman-Abrolhos Islands, along for Parks and Wildlife Service, Rottnest are endless. the Fitzroy River and the waters of the Island Authority, Botanic Gardens and Buccaneer Archipelago. The process Parks Authority and the Zoological Parks The State Government has responded to nominate the Burrup Peninsula and Authority as well as partnerships with to this opportunity by creating the surrounds for World Heritage listing has other government agencies including the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation also commenced and could introduce Department of Jobs, Toursim, Science and Attractions (DBCA) that manages a visitors to some incredible Aboriginal and Innovation, and private sector suite of key tourism attractions. cultural experiences. tourism operators. The McGowan Government’s Plan for Our DBCA is improving access and sustainable The new Action Plan has been developed Parks initiative will secure a further five infrastructure in many of WA’s most iconic to help guide the activities of DBCA and million hectares of new national parks, national parks. its partners who help manage WA’s most marine parks and other conservation significant natural areas. reserves over the next five years. New opportunities for dynamic tour activities have been created and the DBCA has developed the Action Plan with The expansion will see the State’s department is exploring innovative input from 12 government agencies and has conservation estate increased by over accommodation options that will enable consulted with over 80 tourism stakeholders 20 per cent and will create new jobs, visitors to experience the State’s most and organisations to refine the document. tourism and recreational opportunities. unique and special landscapes. I look forward to seeing these exciting The plan also identifies visionary approaches The Two Year Action Plan for Nature-Based new nature-based tourism and Aboriginal to work with traditional owners to create, Tourism in Western Australia 2019 and cultural experiences evolve. jointly manage and expand our parks. 2020 is designed to leverage DBCA’s brands Hon Stephen Dawson MLC and attractions as high value tourism Minister for Environment assets while preserving key conservation obligations and principles.

3 WESTERN AUSTRALIA offers STUNNING LANDSCAPES, countless natural EXPERIENCES AND ANCIENT Aboriginal CULTURE Foreword from the MINISTER FOR TOURISM

Tourism is a major focus of the Western Australian State Government. It forms a vital part of our plan to provide jobs and small business opportunities for Western Australians while improving our economy, now and into the future.

Government, industry and private enterprise Western Australia offers breathtaking are working collegiately on new tourism landscapes, pristine offshore islands and products such as creating new cruise ancient Aboriginal culture. The State’s iconic ship and national park destinations and national parks are extraordinary unspoilt transitioning snorkelling with humpback wonders and three have been recognised whales into a licensed industry to help on the World Heritage List. attract international and domestic visitors. has always had world class beaches This outcome-driven Action Plan will and wineries and has recently undergone help guide government investment and a vibrant transformation giving rise to collaboration across the State’s priority outstanding new hotels, restaurants and nature-based tourism projects. sporting/entertainment venues in the city’s thriving central business district. The publication complements the Two Year Action Plan for Tourism Western Australia We are sitting at the doorstep of Asia 2018 and 2019 and will help create – pristine, extraordinary and vibrant. opportunities for private sector investments There has never been a better time to and partnerships on lands managed develop and promote our State’s natural by DBCA. attractions as key tourism assets. The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA Science and Innovation (JTSI) is the State’s Minister for Tourism lead agency for tourism and economic development. JTSI will play a key role in working with government agencies and private enterprise proponents to facilitate new tourism products.

5 TWO YEAR ACTION PLAN FOR NATURE-BASED TOURISM IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2019 AND 2020 VISION OBJECTIVE PARTNERS

Photo: Ronel Shephard Develop and promote our This Action Plan has been developed to State’s natural attractions as key guide the activities of the Department tourism assets. of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and its partners. To make This will be achieved by focusing on six key areas: The Action Plan complements the Two WESTERN Year Action Plan for Tourism Western • Enhancing the State’s natural attractions Australia 2018 and 2019 and will help for visitors AUSTRALIA create opportunities for private sector • Improving access to the State’s investments and partnerships on lands nature-based tourism destinations and waters managed by DBCA. the MUST-VISIT • Aligning key attractions to target The Action Plan aligns with the State tourism audiences Government’s Plan for Our Parks NATURE-BASED • Developing nature-based initiative. accommodation and events DBCA is comprised of the Parks and Wildlife • Promoting Aboriginal culture and TOURISM Service, Biodiversity and Conservation heritage Science, Rottnest Island Authority, Zoological DESTINATION • Embracing digital technologies to Parks Authority and the Botanic Gardens innovate in visitor communications, and Parks Authority. DBCA will work in marketing, sales and education. collaboration with partners to implement in Australia. this plan, including Aboriginal traditional owners, local, State and Commonwealth government agencies, tourism businesses, regional tourism organisations, not-for-profit tourism organisations, Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council, Tourism Council of Western Australia, National Trust and the WA Parks Foundation. 6 ACTION PLAN

This Action Plan will be monitored to ensure the relevant State Government priorities and commitments in nature-based tourism are delivered. All projects will advance in accordance with relevant legislation and State Government agency management plans. DBCA recognises in developing nature-based tourism and recreation, it is important to consider potential environmental, social and economic impacts to ensure that the unique values of an area are conserved. Further feasibility assessments and detailed planning will be undertaken as required to progress the proposals in this plan.

Photo: Kelly Waples 7 We will work with the TOURISM INDUSTRY AND OTHER PARTNERS to improve VISITOR EXPERIENCES in Western Australia

Photo: Tourism Western Australia 8 We will assist with the We will continue to planning of new tourism work with partners for experiences in our parks the benefit of parks and and protected areas the community a. The Department of Jobs, Tourism, a. Work with leading tourism bodies to Science and Innovation will work with ensure high quality and sustainable government agencies and private tourism standards across our parks and enterprise proponents to facilitate new protected areas. tourism products. b. Engage with partners to build b. Ensure planning for parks enables appreciation for parks, support innovative new tourism experiences Aboriginal tourism, facilitate and accommodation proposals to be investments and deliver new considered. tourism experiences. c. Help attract government, private c. Reduce red tape and regulatory costs enterprise and industry investment to for accredited tourism businesses that nature-based tourism projects. meet these standards. d. Progress the recommendations of the We will help make nature- Eco and Nature Based Tourism 90 Day based tourism experiences Regulatory Mapping and Reform Project more accessible and to reduce red tape. affordable a. Continue to work with the tourism industry to develop bookable tourism experiences. b. Work towards making park passes and experiences suitable for travel trade distribution.

9 We will IMPROVE access to WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S natural ATTRACTIONS

10 We will make Western We will improve aviation Australia a premier trails access to key nature-based destination tourism destinations a. Establish Collie as the State’s premier a. Facilitate air access to key destinations trail town offering world-class trails in including the Houtman-Abrolhos Islands and near Collie. and parks in the Kimberley Region. b. Establish Dwellingup as a world-class trails b. Work with private enterprise and local destination by upgrading trails in Lane government agencies to trial seaplane Poole Reserve. and helicopter charter operations c. Develop and promote walk, cycle, canoe according to visitor demand. and horseriding trails in priority locations consistent with the WA Strategic Trails We will improve tourist Blueprint 2017 to 2021 and the South road linkages and park West and Perth and Peel Mountain Bike visitor access Master Plans. Make provisions for universal access on trails where appropriate. a. Upgrade roads in high profile parks to improve the visitor experience d. Develop and promote mountain bike and provide safe access. Priorities trails in Wooditjup National Park in include John Forrest National Park, Margaret River, parks of the , Dampier Peninsula, Lane Poole Nannup and Pemberton and the Great Reserve and Wellington, William Bay, Southern region. Karijini, Fitzgerald River and Purnululu e. Expand the Marli Riverpark Trail national parks. interpretation nodes at iconic locations b. Identify opportunities to upgrade throughout the Swan Canning Riverpark. infrastructure in high profile national f. Support the National Trust to improve and parks to enhance visitor experience and promote the Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail access including lookouts and bridges. through online cross‑promotion. c. Upgrade jetties on Rottnest Island to g. Department of Local Government, Sport improve visitor access and safety. and Cultural Industries will help develop the Goldfields-Esperance Arts and Culture We will improve water Trail to showcase sites of international and based access to Western national significance. Australia’s national parks h. Work with local governments and and offshore islands regional development commissions to investigate the feasibility of a Kalbarri to a. Facilitate access to Rottnest Island, Swan 4WD trek as a new off-road Canning Riverpark, Houtman-Abrolhos tourism experience. Islands and Lake Kepwari by providing jetties, boat ramps and/or moorings. i. Assist in the refresh of the Gascoyne Murchison Outback Pathways self b. Work with Department of Primary drive experience. Industries and Regional Development, Department of Transport, private j. Continue to promote, maintain and enterprise and local governments to improve the Bibbulmun, Cape to Cape, trial fast ferry services at and Munda Biddi and Wadjemup Biddi trails Perth’s Swan Canning Riverpark. and encourage new industry investment in accommodation and visitation products. 11 We will EXPLORE NEW WAYS for visitors to ENJOY WA’S natural ATTRACTIONS

12 We will introduce a new We will support sustainable range of nature-based nature-based and wildlife tourist attraction passes interaction tourism experiences a. Develop a Perth Attractions Pass which may include Rottnest Island, Nearer a. Build a Wadjemup Conservation and to Nature activities, Scitech, Penguin Research centre on Rottnest Island. Island, National Park tours and b. Continue to support the development activities, Western Australian Maritime of Ningaloo Marine Park as a Museum, , world-class destination for sustainable Western Australian Museum and entry in-water interactions with marine to near-Perth national parks. wildlife, including whale sharks, manta b. Investigate the introduction of a rays and humpback whales. Southern Attractions Pass based on c. Support Department of Jobs, Tourism, partnerships with the Valley of the Science and Innovation in working Giants Tree Top Walk, Albany Whaling with industry to showcase places Station, The Gap and Natural Bridge and experiences along the WA coast in , Granite for cruise tourism including Albany, Skywalk in Busselton, the Houtman-Abrolhos and the National Anzac Centre. Islands, Kimberley coast and WA’s c. Partner with the private sector to coastal World Heritage areas. retail and promote attractions and d. Develop new animal close-encounters parks passes. and behind the scenes experiences with d. Review visitors fees at key destinations exotic and Australian native animal to make it more convenient for visitors species at the Perth Zoo. to pay for entry. e. Support unique experiences at Rottnest Island such as glass bottom sea kayaking, underwater helmet walks and catamaran tours. f. Develop and complete the Perth Water Precinct Plan for the Swan Canning Riverpark. g. Support new tourism initiatives at Perth’s Matagarup Bridge.

13 We will work with We will explore government, industry, opportunities to host community and private high quality nature-based enterprise to improve tourism events nature-based tourism a. The Department of Local Government, accommodation options Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSCI) a. The National Trust will investigate will deliver the new WA Museum. opportunities to utilise State owned b. Work with DLGSCI to implement the heritage buildings in Greenough, WA Cultural Infrastructure Strategy Beverley and Jarrahdale as new tourism to create site specific nature-based accommodation. tourism installations and Aboriginal b. Support partnerships to deliver new cultural experiences at the new WA and improved eco-accommodation Museum, Swan Canning Riverpark and experiences in WA’s national parks. Rottnest Island. c. Plan for new and upgraded c. Support the Perth Observatory to create campgrounds with a focus on an innovative astronomy, science and Rottnest Island, Karijini, , technology tourism product. Cape Arid and Wellington national d. Host a series of high profile music parks, Lane Poole Reserve and along events at Kings Park throughout the Turquoise Coast. 2019/20. e. Investigate extending the Kings Park Wildflower Festival concept to incorporate multiple sites and venues throughout Western Australia during September and October. Create linkages with existing regional wildflower festivals. f. Facilitate events set amongst Western Australia’s leading national parks. g. Build new café and function centre facilities at Perth Zoo to host larger events, expos and conferences.

14 We will FACILITATE more NATURE-BASED accommodation & events

15 We will GROW NATURE-BASED tourism opportunities in REGIONAL & REMOTE Western Australia

16 We will implement the Shark Bay World Heritage Area Dampier Peninsula Plan for Our Parks initiative d. Upgrade visitor experiences under m. Work with State Government agencies, in consultation with the Destination Shark Bay plan and, traditional owners and tourism Aboriginal traditional in partnership with tourism operators, operators regarding the sealing of the owners, to conserve redevelop Monkey Mia. and to inform the Western Australia’s unique e. Negotiate new ecotourism planning of the Buccaneer Archipelago places and provide new accommodation at Francois Peron marine park. and enhanced tourism National Park. John Forrest National Park destinations f. Consult with Aboriginal traditional n. Upgrade visitor facilities in John Forrest owners about the opportunity to create National Park to accommodate the high a. Boost nature-based and cultural tourism the Kalbarri to Shark Bay 4WD track as a visitor demand and promote the park as opportunities by delivering new and new off-road experience. a window to WA’s national parks. expanded parks across Western Australia including Fitzroy River National Park, Ningaloo Coast Shoalwater Islands Marine Park and Houtman-Abrolhos Islands, Ningaloo g. Maintain low-key style camping along Rockingham Lakes Regional Park Coast, Wellington National Park, Helena the Ningaloo Coast whilst improving o. Investigate opportunities to improve and Aurora Range National Park and access and visitor facilities including visitor facilities at Cape Peron and parks around the Buccaneer Archipelago. roads, shade structures and interpretive to upgrade the Penguin Island information, and undertake coastal Discovery Centre. Continue to develop parks rehabilitation in key areas. Preston River to Ocean and Leschenault as tourism destinations by Regional Parks improving visitor facilities h. Continue to improve visitor facilities p. Prepare management plans and consult and increasing visitation to in Karijini National Park, including with the community to guide the regional Western Australia campgrounds, interpretive information development of walk trails, cycle paths, and lookouts. lookouts, interpretive shelters and Murujuga National Park picnic shelters. Houtman-Abrolhos Islands a. Nominate the Burrup Peninsula and Southern Forests surrounds (traditionally referred to as i. Plan and progress visitor facilities in the q. Upgrade roads and facilities in William Murujuga) for World Heritage status Houtman-Abrolhos Islands. Bay National Park near Denmark. and support the development of the j. Work with Department of Primary Murujuga Living Knowledge Centre. Industries and Regional Development, r. Work with private enterprise to City of Greater Geraldton and local investigate ecotourism opportunities regional tourism organisations to at the Gloucester Tree and Pemberton b. Build the Kalbarri Skywalk and develop Geraldton as the gateway to Arboretum near Pemberton. associated visitor facilities and work the Houtman-Abrolhos Islands. Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve with the tourism industry and Aboriginal k. Partner with the WA Museum to create traditional owners to develop guided s. Consider construction of a Middle interpretation and 3D/augmented reality activities and interpretation. Island-Lake Hillier viewing platform around the 400 year celebration of the and staircase. Millstream Chichester National Park shipwreck on Beacon Island in Perth Hills c. Facilitate an ecotourism development the Houtman-Abrolhos Islands. t. Seek opportunities for adventure opportunity at Palm Pool. Buccaneer Archipelago tourism in the Perth Hills. l. Undertake planning and consultation to guide increased access to the Buccaneer Archipelago and facilitate opportunities for Aboriginal cultural experiences linked to the proposed parks as appropriate. 17 We will provide We will increase awareness opportunities for Aboriginal of Aboriginal culture people to help manage and Aboriginal cultural parks through formal joint experiences management arrangements a. Work with government agencies, and other partnerships Aboriginal traditional owners and a. Partner with Aboriginal traditional private enterprise to develop and owners to manage country and to promote the Murujuga Living provide tourism opportunities through Knowledge Centre on the Burrup the Aboriginal Ranger Program. Peninsula. b. Continue to implement the Culture We will increase Aboriginal in the Parks program to promote cultural tours and Aboriginal cultural experiences and experiences events in Western Australia’s national parks and other conservation reserves. a. Partner with Aboriginal traditional c. Partner with Aboriginal organisations owners and Western Australian and artists to ensure Aboriginal culture Indigenous Tourism Operators Council and heritage is reflected in parks’ to improve access to parks for interpretation materials. Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences. b. Provide opportunities through the Aboriginal Ranger Program for rangers to obtain training and practice in providing guided experiences. c. Provide opportunities for more Aboriginal cultural experiences, tours and events within Kings Park, Rottnest Island, Perth Zoo, Swan Canning Riverpark and Western Australia’s national parks.

18 We will PROMOTE ancient, contemporary and living ABORIGINAL CULTURE and heritage

19 20 We will use new technologies to help connect with our visitors, making it easier We will to access, experience CONNECT and appreciate parks and attractions

a. Modernise systems and develop digital with our products to improve point of sale experiences and market research through the tourism industry’s Global Distribution System. AUDIENCES b. Continue to increase the number of popular campsites available for online bookings via ParkStay WA in popular parks. through c. Continue to partner with Trails WA to promote and market trails, develop standards for trail towns and trail friendly businesses. DIGITAL MEDIA d. Complete capturing imagery of WA’s key trails for Google Street View to offer a virtual experience of those landscapes and promote visitation. e. Establish an interagency database to share video, photographs, drone footage and written content for co-operative marketing of nature-based tourism attractions and Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences. f. Upgrade visitor websites and create a new nature-based tourism and visitor guide phone app that improves visitor experiences throughout Western Australia. g. Develop digital media content to support Aboriginal cultural heritage interpretation. h. The WA Parks Foundation will develop a series of free downloadable and interactive national park maps for mobile devices that can operate in Western Australia’s remote areas. i. Link with established regional tourism websites to promote iconic trails and parks destinations.

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