Western Australia stands out as a premier destination for experiential tourism, thanks to its rich biodiversity and wildlife. Key locations such as Ningaloo Reef, Perth, and Rottnest Island offer rare, professionally immersive opportunities for travellers to engage with wildlife in their natural habitats.
As global travellers increasingly seek authentic and sustainable adventures, Western Australia presents a strategic opportunity for the travel and tourism industry to diversify its offerings and tap into a growing market that values nature-based experiences. For one, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is globally recognised as one of the best places to swim alongside whale sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays. During certain seasons, lucky divers may even hear the songs of migrating humpback whales.
Just an hour from the Perth city centre, Rockingham invites visitors to swim with wild dolphins through Perth Wildlife Encounters, offering a chance to interact with marine life so close to an urban centre. Alternatively, travellers can enjoy Dolphin Eco Cruises operated by the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury, or visit the Monkey Mia conservation area on the Coral Coast, renowned for its daily wild dolphin visits facilitated by Australia’s Coral Coast.
Meanwhile, a 90-minute ferry ride from Perth brings visitors to Rottnest Island, the idyllic home of the iconic quokka, often called the world’s friendliest animal. The Adventure Rottnest tour by Rottnest Express offers guided exploration of the island and the opportunity to interact with quokkas in their natural environment, complete with responsible selfie moments that delight tourists worldwide.
The growing global demand for authentic, experience-driven travel, particularly among premium travelers, families, and younger generations, has placed wildlife encounters in natural habitats at the forefront of tourism trends. Western Australia, with its vast natural landscapes, well-established tourism infrastructure, and strong commitment to sustainability, stands out as a prime destination for developing high-value nature tourism.
For tourism industry stakeholders, diverse opportunities to create thematic travel products could include curated marine and terrestrial wildlife adventure packages, such as diving at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef paired with a quokka encounter at Rottnest Island. Additionally, educational and conservation-focused tourism programs can be designed for schools, families, or Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, offering both recreational and meaningful engagement with nature.
High-net-worth travelers seeking exclusivity, comfort, and privacy can be offered luxury wildlife experiences that cater to their expectations. Meanwhile, solo adventurers and independent travelers who value flexibility and discovery can opt for “solo escape” trails, designed for personalised exploration.
With the tourism industry shifting toward personalisation and immersive storytelling, Western Australia offers a compelling value proposition for international travelers, including those from Indonesia. Tourism Western Australia welcomes collaboration with travel agents, tour operators, and industry partners to develop innovative and strategic long-term offerings.
For more information, visit tourism.wa.gov.au.
