- An additional $10.7 million will go towards enhancing safe and ongoing access to Rottnest Island
- Rottnest Island saw 730,000 visitors head to the island by ferry in 2022-23.
- Other popular attractions including Karijini National Park, and Wellington National Park will see funding go towards delivering improved infrastructure to the area.
The WA State Government has announced nearly $26 million to be invested into upgrading and improving some of the states key tourist attractions.
“Attractions and infrastructure are a critical part of tourism, and ensuring these facilities and sites remain world-class is so important,” said Tourism Minister, Rita Saffioti.
“Places like Rottnest Island and regions like the South West, North West and Coral Coast are already tourism hotspots attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, so we need to make sure they remain fit for purpose.
“Importantly, these improvements will also support our local operators, who rely on good infrastructure to keep attracting visitors.”
From Rottnest Island to Karijini National Park, the State’s tourism sector is set to see:
- An additional $10.7 million to go towards enhancing safe and ongoing access to Rottnest Island, under the Rottnest Island Main Jetty refurbishment and upgrade project,
- An additional $5.2 million to go towrads sealed roads and car park access to some of Karijini National Park’s most popular gorge and visitor sites,
- $4.6 million in funding for the replacement of the Hamelin Pool boardwalk in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area,
- $2.7 million for repairs and upgrades to the Cape to Cape track in the South West region, including updates to signage, and
- $2.7 million to improve access to the Wellington National Park and and pedestrian access to the Wellington Dam Mural.
The funding comes as part of the recent 2023-24 Mid-Year Review.
“Western Australia’s natural environment is the most diverse of any state or territory in Australia,” said Environment Minister, Reece Whitby.
“Through our ongoing support for WA’s iconic tourism landmarks, the Cook Government is ensuring we look after our State while making it an accessible and appealing destination for local, interstate, and overseas visitors.”
The announcement also comes a day after the State Government announced other tourism funding and grants will be opening up early this year.
The first round of the Community Small Grants Fund (CSGF) went to 26 businesses.
One of the recipients included Aerial Adventure Pemberton, which officially opened on Boxing Day. The aerial ropes course offers a multi-level treetop experience, including a 100m flying fox, while the Cook Government’s investment is enabling the construction of a welcoming area and café, set to open later this year.
“The CSGF is also supporting other local projects including a new glamping experience in Nannup and an upgrade at the Manjimup Speedway,” said Forestry Minister Jackie Jarvis.
The second round of the CSGF will open early this year.
