By Elaenor Nield

ABC Great Southern

Topic: Travel and Tourism

Wednesday, 22 July 2026, at 9:25 am

Wednesday, 22 July 2026, at 10:19 am

Aaron Franaigh runs a tourism business in Western Australia's Great Southern.

In short:

Businesses in Western Australia's Great Southern are worried about fewer tourists this winter.

This region is usually popular for whale watching, hiking, and camping during winter.

What's next?

The South West National Tourism Organisation says it is working to encourage tourists to visit all year round.

The winter tourism industry in Western Australia's south is struggling, with fewer tourists.

In Denmark, 420 kilometers south of Perth, business owner Christine Weston says visitor numbers have dropped significantly.

Christine Weston confirms that visitor numbers are down.

Christine Weston's business, Southern Coast Escapes, is one of several affected by the quieter season.

Christine Weston says there have been a few last-minute bookings, but the decline in tourists is affecting revenue.

If there are many available rooms, prices go down.

Christine Weston believes people are not booking holidays in advance due to economic uncertainty.

Christine Weston thinks people are uncertain about the future and do not want to commit to travel plans.

Drop in visitors

Winter is the best time to see whales migrate off the coast of Albany, 400 kilometers south of Perth.

Fewer people are coming to see the whales this year.

Tourists usually visit the Great Southern region in winter to see migrating whales.

Everyone is saving money and not looking to the future.

The big drop in tourists is a worry for Aaron Franaigh's business.

Normally, the tour boat is full during school holidays, but now it is only half full.

The drop in tourists is a worry because it is the main source of income for the boat.

Albany is usually popular with tourists in winter.

In Bremer Bay, Community Resource and Visitor Centre manager Fiona Murray is also worried about the impact on local businesses.

This year is similar to years when there was COVID.

Fuel prices are a big issue.

Bremer Bay is a popular holiday spot on Western Australia's coast.

Paul Zip, who runs a whale-watching charter in Augusta, has noticed fewer tourists.

Paul Zip has been running his business for 18 years and has seen a big change this year.

Cost of living pressures

Sophie Zalokar from the South West National Tourism Organisation says it is a challenging time for the region.

Visitor numbers have dropped due to cost-of-living pressures and economic uncertainty.

The organization is working to encourage year-round visits and is confident in the region's long-term appeal.

Whale watching is a popular activity in Albany during winter.

Tour boat operator Aaron Franaigh hopes the downturn will be short-lived.

All Aaron Franaigh can do is offer the best tour and hope for word of mouth.

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