The Albanese and Cook Labor governments are investing $6 million to expand First Nations tourism across Western Australia.
The Strategic Indigenous Tourism Projects will ensure more visitors to Western Australia can connect with the rich culture and stories of Aboriginal communities.
This includes supporting WA's popular Camping with Custodians (CwC) program, part of the State's Jina: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan.
Through the CwC program, visitors have more opportunities to join local Aboriginal custodians on Indigenous owned and operated campgrounds and tours, experiencing the land and culture firsthand.
The Strategic Indigenous Tourism Projects (SITP) include:
- a new camp site at Yallalie Downs in WA's Wheatbelt region with the Beemurra Aboriginal Corporation, where visitors can learn about culture and Country directly from local custodians;
- upgrades at the Wuggubun campground in the East Kimberley region, improving the visitor experience for those who stay and connect; and
- new facilities at Ngula Jar Island off the north coast of the Kimberley, in partnership with the Wunambal Gaambera people, to establish a unique cultural experience for expedition cruise passengers travelling the remote Kimberley coast, creating more jobs and opportunities for locals.
The Albanese and Cook governments are also supporting local Aboriginal businesses through grants to help with essential service infrastructure like water storage, wastewater systems and solar power upgrades.
This partnership is about more than tourism - it is about building stronger, more connected communities.
Supporting First Nations tourism creates jobs and strengthens local communities and economies.
The SITP is part of the Albanese Government's $17 million Indigenous Tourism Fund and aligns with priority reform areas set out in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
As stated by Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
"Australia is home to the world's oldest continuous living culture and the Albanese Labor Government is committed to promoting a deeper understanding of this culture for visitors from across the country and overseas.
"I welcome the opportunity to partner with the Cook Government in what is an exciting program of initiatives to support First Nations tourism through the State's highly successful Camping with Custodians program.
"First Nations tourism helps support self-determination and economic empowerment for Aboriginal communities by creating jobs, often on Country."
As stated by WA Minister for Tourism Rita Saffioti:
"We are proud to work with the Australian Government to strengthen Western Australia's Aboriginal tourism industry and to offer even more opportunities for visitors to participate in an authentic, one-of-a-kind cultural experience.
"Our State's Camping with Custodians program was an Australian-first and has proven incredibly popular for out-of-state visitors, who we know are eager to experience and deepen their knowledge of Aboriginal culture and traditions on Country and from Traditional Owners directly.
"I look forward to seeing this initiative continue to grow through the WA Government's $6 million partnership with the Australian Government, backed by our Jina WA Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan."
