$165 million Outdoor Adventure Tourism package delivered for Western Australia

April 30, 2024

Attractions / Environment / Parks / Recreation / Tourism /

The Western Australian Government will deliver more than $165 million for new and upgraded trails, natural tourist attractions, boating facilities and campgrounds to make it easier for more Western Australians to enjoy the State's great outdoors.

Funded through the 2024/25 State Budget, the Outdoor Adventure Tourism package will encourage more local visitation to regional tourism destinations, supporting local businesses and helping to diversify regional economies.

The package includes an $82.4 million investment into boating and maritime facilities across the State, to help Western Australians enjoy the state's stunning oceans and rivers. Projects include:

$17.5 million to extend northern breakwater at Jurien Bay Boat Harbour, improving water quality at the marina and opening up opportunities for private investment at the harbour;
An additional $9.1 million towards the Woodman Point Ammo Jetty replacement;
$6.5 million towards stage two of the Onslow Marina Community Boating Precinct, delivering new pens for recreational and charter vessels;
$4.25 million to deliver a new jetty for charter vessels at Albany Waterfront Marina and a new finger jetty at the Little Grove Boat Ramp in Albany; and
$4 million for a new fishing platform in Bunbury, as part of the Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront project.

A further $45.8 million will be invested into trails and other recreational facilities, including a significant $17.5 million injection to complete the Wadandi Track in the South West, extending the multipurpose walking and bike riding trail to nearly 110 kilometres, making it one of the longest trails in Australia. Other projects include:

$8 million for the Pemberton trail masterplan;
$8 million for the Peel regional trails;
$3.5 million for the Kwinana loop trail;
$3 million for Stages 1 to 3 of the Kalamunda Circuit Trail; and
$2.5 million towards the Red Gorge hike and cycle trail at Karijini.

Campgrounds across the State will receive a significant funding boost, with $17.1 million to deliver a range of upgrades and new camp sites in regional WA and in Perth. Significant projects include:

$2.25 million for a new 45-site campground at Yanchep National Park;
$1.5 million for four coastal campsites at D'Entrecasteaux National Park;
$1.5 million for a new 25-site campground at Kangaroo Point near Cervantes;
$1 million to upgrade the Kurrajong and Walardi campgrounds at Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles); and
$1 million to upgrade the Saint Mary's Inlet campground in the Fitzgerald River National Park.

The Western Australian Government will inject new funding into tourism attractions in regional WA, including:

$8.1 million towards priority initiatives to support sustainable tourism at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands;
$8.1 million will fund phase one of the Kalbarri foreshore and beaches revitalisitation initiative; and
$3 million for upgrades at the Gloucester and Bicentennial Trees in the Pemberton area, to allow climbing to reopen on the iconic trees.

Western Australian Tourism Minister, Rita Saffioti noted "Western Australia is famous for its stunning beaches and natural landscapes like our national parks and hiking trails - these are some of the key drawcards in bringing tourists to our beautiful State.

"By improving and investing in these facilities and sites, we're ensuring Western Australia remains a world-class tourism destination of choice for travellers, particularly in our regions.

"Of course, this investment will also help support our local tourism operators and workforce, who rely on these experiences and sites to keep attracting visitors."

Western Australians Environment Minister, Reece Whitby added "Western Australia's unique environment is a point of difference for our State, and the Cook Government is committed to ensuring it's accessible to as many tourists and visitors as possible.

"This investment will bolster our Government's long-standing commitment to supporting quality tourism experiences throughout WA's national and marine parks."

Image. Karijini National Park Red Gorge hike and cycle trail secures $2.5 million. Credit: Explore Parks WA - Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

28th April 2024 - Harness-free tree climbing attraction in Western Australia secures funding

26th April 2024 - $8 million secured for Abrolhos Islands sustainable tourism development

22nd April 2024 - Trails WA awards Collie and Dwellingup with Trail Town accreditation

20th April 2024 - Trails Forum sets future direction for sustainable active outdoor recreation in Western Australia

18th March 2024 - New trails and amenities open at Perth Hill’s John Forrest National Park

13th February 2024 - Up to $50,000 available for new community-led trail projects in Western Australia.

16th November 2023 - Western Australian Government backs urban forest initiative in the Swan Canning Riverpark

21st August 2023 - Flood and cyclone damaged Kimberley Parks to receive funding for reopening

14th August 2023 - Latest funding round opens for Western Australian Aboriginal Ranger Program

22nd July 2023 - Rare marsupial released onto Western Australia’s Dirk Hartog Island

18th June 2023 - Western Australia’s Bibbulmun Track Foundation invites walkers to embark on immersive journey

19th May 2023 - Western Australia’s most popular national park will undergo a $2.7 million transformation

14th May 2023 - New fee system introduced in Western Australia to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage

8th May 2023 - Western Australia’s new national park and nature reserve covers an area bigger than Bali

28th April 2023 - New walking trail officially opens in Western Australia’s Mirima National Park

10th October 2017 - Great Southern Centre for Outdoor Recreation Excellence launched in Albany

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.