Australia’s Coral Coast TDMP
Australia’s Coral Coast stretches north from Perth along Western Australia’s coast. It takes in the Pinnacles at Nambung National Park, wildflower country, Geraldton, the Abrolhos Islands, Kalbarri, Shark Bay and Ningaloo.
episteme was contracted by TRC Tourism to lead and deliver the region’s 10-year Tourism Destination Management Plan, part of a statewide program supported by Tourism WA, along with Regional Tourism Development Strategies for the Gascoyne, Mid West and Wheatbelt. Engagement reached 655 stakeholders, including state and local government agencies, tourism organisations, tourism and hospitality businesses, and 16 Aboriginal corporations.
The plan’s vision is for the region to be “a world-class destination that captivates visitors with its unique coast, outback beauty, magnificent natural landscapes and cultural richness”. It is guided by four principles: sustainable, connected, diverse and collaborative.
Seven 10-year goals set the direction:
grow and diversify accommodation, including station stays
build aviation, self-drive and cruise capacity, including a signature Coral Coast fly-drive experience
develop Aboriginal tourism with Traditional Owners, including experiences at Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake)
create new hero attractions, such as new experiences on the Abrolhos Islands and an anchor dark sky experience
strengthen the regional brand
use events to spread visitors across seasons
build industry capability and sustainability
Product development focuses on adventure, agritourism, arts and heritage, dark sky tourism, nature and wildflowers, and Aboriginal tourism.
episteme led this project on behalf of TRC Tourism as part of a broader suite of plans across Western Australia: The Destination Perth destination management plan and Australia’s Golden Outback suite of plans.