As the weather warms and most grey nomads plot their southern itinerary, a host of towns and cities are seeking to put their best foot forward in an effort to lure more visitors.
Beyond the dump points, cut-price campsites, and silo art examples, a number of communities are also reaping the rewards of previous investment in tourist infrastructure. In some cases, these improvements can give cities a new lease on life.
Albany in Western Australia is a prime example.
Since opening in 2014, the city’s National Anzac Centre has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors. Similarly, since last year’s $6.1 million upgrade of the nearby Gap and Natural Bridge, more than 300,000 visitors have been to the lookout to watch waves slam against granite cliffs and feel the salty spray.
“The National Anzac Centre and the Gap and Natural Bridge visitor experience are world-class tourist attractions that are really bringing the amazing south coast to the fore,” Tourism Council boss Evan Hall told the West Australian newspaper. “That’s the key point of an attraction — it makes the coast accessible, it makes the history accessible and the amazing south coast is doing a great job of pulling those attractions together and presenting themselves as a great place to visit.”
He said successful tourist regions built attractions around the natural environment or an area’s history or culture.
Mr Hall said other projects around WA, including the Kalbarri Skywalk, due to open next year, and the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre, were other examples of regional attractions.
Albany mayor Dennis Wellington agreed that the city had benefited greatly from the extra tourists that the improved attractions had brought, and the idea now was to entice them to stay in the region longer.
Albany might have made improvements for a lot of their attractions but they have totally forgotten people with disabilities who can’t walk very far. They have moved car parks way back from the views. Believe me I am speaking from experience.
During our travels we have found many “upgrades and improvements” only to find that they are not easily accessible for somebody with walking distances or uneven ground, or the cost is “over the top”
It seems to be thought that travelers have an endless supply of funds. Sorry NO.
We have had to make many decisions to what we can and cannot do, visit or see based on costs.
I have found smaller towns are a lot more appealing with free or low cost camps spots, and in return I top up my pantry and fridge.
I am a believer of supporting those that support us.
Clearly neither of you have been to the Gap and Natural Bridge since the improvements. Full wheelchair accessibility to both view points a short distance from the parking area.