Discounts for Tourists in Western Australia's North

By Giulia Bertoglio

ABC Kimberley

Topic: Travel and Tourism

Tuesday, 7 July 2026, at 9:21 am

The government of Western Australia has started a program to give discounts to tourists. This is to help the tourism industry in the north after a slow start to the season.

In short:

Tourism operators in Western Australia's north say there are fewer visitors this year.

The government has introduced a voucher program to help attract tourists to the Kimberley region.

What's next?

Tourism operators hope the discounts will help, but they say more support is needed for the sector.

Tourism operators in Western Australia's far north are not sure if the government's program will help. The program gives vouchers and discounts to tourists.

The Kimberley region usually has many tourists during autumn and winter. People go there to escape the cold weather.

But this year, there are fewer tourists because of high fuel prices.

Purnululu National Park is a famous place to visit in the Kimberley.

The government has started a $600,000 voucher program. It gives 50% off some tourist activities.

Some tour operators in the Kimberley are happy about the vouchers, but they are not sure if it will make a big difference.

'Too little, too late'

Ben Smith and Sally Martin run a tourism business in Wyndham. They say the government's help is not enough.

Ben Smith runs tours with his wife Sally Martin.

He says that people are scared to travel because of high fuel prices.

'We have definitely noticed a downturn in visitation,' Mr Smith said.

He is thankful for the government's support, but he says it is too late.

He says that people will wait until next year to travel.

Bruce Hartley runs a tourism business called Unreel Adventures. He says there are fewer tourists this year.

Bruce Hartley's business is in Derby. He offers fishing charters and other tours.

He says there are 70% fewer tourists this year.

Fewer families and young people are visiting the Kimberley.

Mr Hartley says that big luxury boats are still booked, but fewer families and young people are visiting.

He says that people are spending less money.

He has to use smaller boats and offer cheaper tours.

This is not good for his business.

Bruce Hartley says visitors are hesitant to spend money.

Mr Hartley says the voucher program is a good idea, but it might not help his business.

He says the vouchers only help with cheaper tours.

His longer tours are too expensive for the vouchers to make a big difference.

Mr Hartley says the government should help with the cost of living.

The cost of remoteness

Ronnie Morgan runs a tourism business in the far north Kimberley. He has been affected by the fuel crisis and bad weather.

Ronnie Morgan's business has had some cancellations.

He says the start of the season was rough.

Ronnie Morgan takes tourists on 4WD tours.

He hopes the voucher program will help his business.

He wants the government to support tourism in remote areas.

He says it is expensive to travel to remote areas.

Ronnie Morgan says tourism in remote areas can help local communities.

He says the whole region is remote and expensive to visit.

Flights to the Kimberley are very expensive.

ABC Kimberley has local news.

Tuesday, 7 July 2026, at 9:21 am

Tuesday, 7 July 2026, at 9:59 am

See more ABC news.

Promotion

Pagsasanay sa pakikinig