Margaret River region ecotourism site released, Grylls
Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 08-February-2012
Expressions of interest are being sought from private investors and tourism operators interested in a unique ecotourism opportunity in the Margaret River region.
Tourism Minister Kim Hames said Wharncliffe Mill, in Bramley National Park, would be released as part of the State Government’s Naturebank program, which aimed to position Western Australia as a premier ecotourism destination.
“Previous Naturebank sites have included a new safari camp in the foothills of the Bungle Bungles in the Kimberley’s World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park and the Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge in the King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park. Both sites will be ready for operation in the 2012 tourism season,” Dr Hames said.
“Wharncliffe Mill will provide a niche tourism product in Margaret River and enable visitors to explore some of the region’s extraordinary attractions.”
Naturebank is jointly managed by Tourism Western Australia and the Department of Environment and Conservation, with funding from Royalties for Regions.
Environment Minister Bill Marmion said the site was selected because it had existing budget style facilities with potential for a quality ecotourism operation offering unique environmental experiences.
“The mill was operational until 1987 and in 2004 was upgraded as an eco-discovery centre with a bunkhouse that sleeps up to 42 guests,” Mr Marmion said.
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the Royalties for Regions funding for Naturebank aimed to encourage tourism operators to grow regional businesses by investing in ecotourism developments within the State’s national parks.
Naturebank has a number of other sites currently being assessed, including one due to be released in mid-2012 at Francois Peron National Park in World Heritage-listed Shark Bay.
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