Explore showcases NPWS’s sustainable tourism activities, profiles successful tourism products and partnerships, communicates happenings and events, tourism and visitor trends and general visitor news.

As a recipient of Explore, you join stakeholders in the NSW tourism, conservation, hospitality, property, transport, visitation and recreation industries, the NSW Government as well as staff of the Department of Environment and Climate Change – as NPWS is part of the larger Department.

NSW scoops conservation tourism pool

NSW icons such as the Blue Mountains are going global in a new national tourism campaign promoting quintessential Australian landscapes.

NSW Minister for Climate Change and the Environment the Hon Ms Verity Firth said four NSW landscapes were among eight areas featured in a new, “National Landscapes” tourism campaign launched in Perth this month.

“Despite being the state with the biggest urban centres, NSW also has some of the most iconic tourism spots,” Ms Firth said.

“The National Landscapes campaign will make them the centre of a new approach to help visitors enjoy the best Australia has to offer. It will brand them as some of the country’s most inspirational destinations and the essence of Australia.

“The new campaign will promote these areas according to the unique experience each has to offer the global audience – focussing on ‘Experience Seekers’ – the market segment most interested in visiting Australia.

“It will build on the value of tourism and national parks to the regional economies of these areas.

“It’s a fantastic partnership between tourism and conservation”.

Ms Firth said NSW landscapes featuring in the new campaign were:

1. The Australian Alps, including Kosciuszko National Park
2. The South East coastal wilderness, including Green Cape lighthouse near Eden
3. The Caldera rainforests of north eastern NSW, including Mount Warning; and
4. The Greater Blue Mountains.

“These are landscapes for Experience Seekers wanting to get off the beaten track and immerse themselves in local environments and culture,” Ms Firth said.

“The Caldera rainforests stretch from Byron Bay to the Gold Coast and west to the Great Dividing Range, will be marketed as Australia’s Green Cauldron and include the world’s second largest shield volcano erosion crater.

"fantastic partnership between tourism & conservation"

“Our wild far south coast is the centre of Australia’s Coastal Wilderness, a region of rare and unspoilt wilderness coastline.

“The Blue Mountains have amazed visitors since world-famous scientist Charles Darwin first visited the area in the 1830s, describing Wentworth Falls as ‘a view exceedingly well worth visiting’ and Govett’s Leap as ‘even more stupendous’.

“The Australian Alps are clearly one of our most iconic areas – protecting a range of landscapes from the high alpine areas where plants are lucky to grow a centimetre in a year; to some of our most magnificent eucalypt forests.”

The Minister said this new program was the perfect complement to the state’s new approach of tourism and conservation going forward hand in hand.

“We have already established a NSW Tourism and National Parks Taskforce which has met twice and will consult widely.

“We are getting advice from world experts such as Parks Canada Director Carol Sheedy who has just revolutionised their approach to tourism and conservation.

“We are reviewing our park plans of management to consider how best to cater for visitation.

"how to best cater for visitation"

“We want to offer better recreational and visitor experiences so they are relevant to a changing world.

“We want to help all visitors connect with the bush - their natural and cultural heritage.

“We want people to see our parks as symbols of Australia and places where culture and nature are protected for future generations' benefit,” Ms Firth said.

National Landscapes is an initiative of Tourism Australia and Parks Australia.

For more info, go to http://www.tourism.australia.com/content/aussie_experiences/2008/
National_Landscapes_Brochure_0608.pdf or www.tourism.australia.com

New NPWS licensing system = smooth operators

Holidaymakers, tourists and tour operators who use NSW’s enviable national parks and reserves are set to benefit from improvements to the commercial tour operator (CTO) licensing system that are set to be finalised in the next few months.

The aim of the new licensing system is to support a viable nature-based tourism industry, improve its operation and establish higher operating standards in NSW.

Tour operators and activity providers do a great job in helping people access, enjoy and learn about public land. Their services make a strong impression on visitors to our state.

The new system will better explain who requires a licence to operate a business on parks and reserves, and provides a firm basis for improving compliance efforts and ensuring a fair industry.

“a fair industry”

These proposed improvements will ensure that we are fostering tourism and conservation partnerships while maintaining access for all to our parks and reserves.

Tour operators have been involved in the consultation process for the new system and, at their request, the new system will be implemented 12 months after it’s finalised (which is expected to be soon). This will allow operators time to adapt to the new way of doing things and start planning for the change.

For more info, contact penny.spoelder@environment.nsw.gov.au

New NSW Tourism + National Parks Taskforce

A Taskforce to examine and report on opportunities for an enhanced level of sustainable tourism in NSW parks and reserves has been established this month by the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, the Hon Verity Firth MP and the Minister for Tourism, the Hon Matt Brown MP.

“The best way to ensure support for our National Parks is to help the community see first-hand the value of the land that’s already been protected”, Ms Firth said.

“Measures to encourage community enjoyment and appreciation of our national parks must be devised very carefully.

“The Government has therefore decided to appoint a Tourism and National Parks Taskforce.”

Headed by Mr Brian Gilligan, former head of NPWS, the Taskforce has begun consulting with conservation and tourism groups and the broader community. The Taskforce will build on the work already underway within the Department of Environment and Climate Change to assist the Government meet its State Plan visitor and tourism targets.

Ms Firth said, “The eight-member Taskforce comprises key players from business, government and conservation in NSW. Sitting on the Taskforce are Evan Hall from the Tourism & Transport Forum, Penny Figgis, Rob Pallin, and senior representatives from DECC NSW, and Tourism and the Department of Lands.

“The Taskforce will report back to Government by November 2008 with practical recommendations as to how we can increase visitation to national parks, while not impinging on the conservation of protected areas.”

To find out more or make a submission to the Taskforce visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au or www.tourism.nsw.gov.au and follow the Taskforce links.

The Taskforce is seeking written submissions from interested individuals and organisations on the above. Written submissions are invited, and should be lodged by close of business on Monday 21 July 2008.

Terms of Reference can be viewed at www.environment.nsw.gov.au or at www.tourism.nsw.gov.au.

Submissions should be sent to:

The Secretary
Taskforce on Tourism and National Parks
GPO Box 7050
SYDNEY NSW 2001

The Taskforce encourages the lodgement of submissions in electronic form to parksandtourism@tourism.nsw.gov.au

Inside scoop from the DG – "my fav park"

As DG of the Department of Environment and Climate Change, which of course, includes National Parks and is responsible for managing more than 780 of the state’s magnificent parks and reserves, it would be folly for me to try and name a favourite park.

What I can say however is that through the conservation and tourism efforts of the NPWS, I have maintained my longstanding fascination with lighthouses - one that comes from my early days spending summers in Maine in the USA.

About 10 years ago I started spending the week around my birthday at these special places along the NSW coast.

My first of many stays at Smoky Cape Lighthouse was while the assistant lighthouse keepers cottages had just been conserved and renovated and before the bed and breakfast accommodation was fixed up. And the lighthouse on Montague Island, where I had a great briefing on the importance of Marine Parks and saw my first flying fish on the way back to shore, is such a magnificent structure. I am inspired by the amazing work of James Barnet, the architect of both of these lighthouses.

Smoky Cape and the other lighthouses have come a long way since they were transferred to the NPWS 11 years ago.

While no doubt I am biased, I can truly say I have not seen any better than our lighthouses.

Lisa Corbyn
Director General
Department of Environment & Climate Change

The word from Parks Canada

DECC recently hosted a breakfast talk at the Museum of Contemporary Art with visiting conservation and tourism executive from Parks Canada, Carol Sheedy.

As Director General, External Relations and Visitor Experiences Directorate, Ms Sheedy spoke about how the agency helped visitors to connect with the essence of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, and turn many one-time visitors into lifelong stewards and ambassadors of Parks Canada’s natural and historic sites.

She also spoke of the Parks Canada focus on the entwined and equally-important themes of conservation, education and visitor experiences. Ms Sheedy spoke about the value in making national parks relevant to both existing and emerging visitors.

“visitors into lifelong stewards”

It was a timely message for the 120-person strong audience, comprising DECC staff from across the state, stakeholders from the Premier’s Office and Treasury, plus representatives from the conservation, tourism, property, transport, recreation and hospitality sectors.

Head of National Parks & Wildlife Service, Ms Sally Barnes, said, “NSW parks are some of the most beautiful in the world, and NPWS wants more people to enjoy what we have to offer. With careful planning and management, we believe conservation, tourism and recreation can effectively co-exist in all our parks”.

Ms Sheedy has 25 years’ experience in national institutions in the areas of public education, marketing, interpretation, tourism and product development.

To hear Ms Sheedy’s speech and/or to obtain copies of her various powerpoint presentations, go to www.environment.nsw.gov.au/lookingafterparks/parkscanada.htm

Makeover magic at Warrumbungles

When you next visit newly Heritage-Listed Warrumbungle National Park, keep your eye out for the new look Visitor Centre.

NPWS Coonabarabran Area Manager Mr Mark Fosdick, said, "The displays in the centre are organised around five broad themes - the spectacular geological features of the park, its biodiversity, Aboriginal and European history and recreation opportunities".

The information has been put together using a huge local knowledge brains trust. With 40,000 people visiting the Warrumbungles each year, Mr Fosdick acknowledged the vital role many played in the refurbishment.

“Neighbours, Aboriginal people, long-term residents, bushwalkers, bird and animal lovers with connections to the Warrumbungles, and past and present staff have all provided input.

“We now have great displays and artefacts, and even a soundscape of local children singing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” in Gamilaraay – one of the traditional Aboriginal languages of the area.

“The result is a much more hands-on and interesting introduction to this very special part of the world.

“There are models of geological processes, timelines and prehistoric animals as well as displays of present day plants and animals.

“The park celebrated its 50th birthday a few years ago, and while the visitors’ centre is not quite that old, having been built in the 1980’s, some of the displays were certainly looking dated.”

Where possible, local contractors were used on the $200,000 makeover project, which was timed as a celebration of the park’s National Heritage listing.

For more info, go to www.environment.nsw.gov.au or tel: 68 25 43 64

Wilderness experiences in the eye of the beholder

Visitors to Kosciuszko National Park may experience the park differently to NPWS staff.

That was one of the key messages at a recent Australian Alps Visitor Workshop held in the mountains.

Speakers included Ms Tracey Dickson from the University of Canberra, who talked about the findings of her Mt Kosciuszko summit walk visitor surveys, and Ms Frances Gertsch from Parks Canada, who gave the low-down on differing types of parks visitors in Canada.

Ms Gertsch said park staff often fell into just one of the visitor categories, which meant they may not have a comprehensive understanding of what a cross-section of visitors were hoping to get from their visits to the parks.

This complemented Tracey Dickson’s findings, namely that where NPWS staff would consider the summit walk to be a great experience, other visitors perceived the walk to be a great wilderness experience.

NPWS Snowy Mountains Regional Manager Mr Dave Darlington said, ”This information will now be used by our park managers in their planning for new trails and then ongoing management of existing visitor facilities. It is always great to hear other perspectives to challenge our thinking.

“It was terrific to have such a diverse group of parks staff from across the Alps as well as scientists, tourism operators and park supporters spend a few days in a true all-year round resort, Thredbo. Many visitors come to Thredbo and it is invaluable to remind ourselves why people regard it as a fantastic destination.

“We were blessed with cool clear days which reinforced that this is a great location anytime of the year”.

To plan your visit to the NSW Alps, a recent inclusion in the prestigious National Landscapes international inbound tourism campaign, go to www.environment.nsw.gov.au or www.tourism.australia.com

Hot deal for lovers of Sydney!

NPWS is participating in a partnership between Tourism NSW and Myer to promote one of Sydney's most-loved visitor destinations.

Tourism NSW is working with Myer to provide exclusive offers for Sydney attractions, restaurants, hotels and events to its MYER One Members.

At the centre of Sydney Harbour - surrounded by the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the Botanic Gardens - sits Fort Denison, a truly unique attraction, visited by thousands of tourists and Sydneysiders.

Fort Denison has a fascinating history which visitors discover when they join a Fort Denison Heritage Tour.

The Heritage Tour includes return ferry from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour, entry and guided tour of the Martello Tower, a visit to the museum and historic tide gauge room. Many visitors extend their stay to soak up the stunning harbour views and enjoy a coffee or lunch at the café.

This iconic Sydney Harbour experience is being packaged in a special offer to 2.3 million MYER One Members, until August 2008.

NPWS and Matilda have packaged the ferry trip and Heritage Tour into ‘one complimentary adult ticket’ offer for MYER One cardholders.

The Tourism NSW/MYER One promotion includes e-blasts to the MYER one email database of 950,000 members, direct mail, advertorial in Myer’s Emporium magazine, promotion on myerone.com.au and sydney.com, articles in Escapes e-newsletter (Tourism NSW consumer e-newsletter) and public relations activity.

To view the Tourism NSW/MYER one promotion site go to www.sydney.com/myerone.

Fort Denison is testimony to a successful three-way partnership between NPWS, who manage the island and run the tours, Tailored Events, who operate the café and Matilda Cruises, who operate the Ferry to the Fort as part of a tourist route.

For more info, go to
www.matilda.com.au
www2.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/parks.nsf/ParkDiscovery?OpenAgent&ParkKey=N0039

Marketing + conservation team up for 'green tourists'

A nature-based tourism campaign is set for the Mid North Coast, thanks to the partnership between NPWS and the Mid North Coast Regional Tourism Organisation (MNCRTO).

“This is a great example of the two key organisations working in partnership to promote the region”, said NPWS North Coast Region Manager Mr Alan Jeffery.

“National Parks are an integral part of the tourism infrastructure of New South Wales, attracting more than 22 million visits each year, and contributing significantly to regional economies.

“This partnership will promote National Park experiences that can foster an appreciation and understanding of the natural values and historic heritage they contain, as well as providing a link to the living Aboriginal culture of our region.”

“it makes perfect sense”

MNCRTO’s Ms Belinda Novicky further highlighted the compatibility of the two organisations.

“The RTO promotes our region’s fantastic variety of natural attractions and activities, which is underpinned by a strong conservation message that appeals to an increasing number of ‘green’ tourists.

“At the same time, NPWS manages many of the Mid North Coast’s iconic natural destinations and has carefully developed visitor experiences that reflect key conservation themes.

“So it makes perfect sense for us to work cooperatively.”

Immediate plans include spreading the word further a field about Discovery for Schools, the NPWS hands-on learning experiences program.

And for the future? “We will target families, touring couples and those seeking a spirit of adventure through an extensive print, on-line and outdoor advertising campaign,” Ms Novicky said.

For more info, go to www.midnorthcoastnsw.com.au

Sydney is top of the pops for visitors

That’s right, according to the latest triennial Sydney Parks Use Survey, Sydney’s National Parks are as popular as ever.

Conducted by the Sydney Parks Group*- comprising NPWS and a host of other state departments and organisations - the survey polled 556 people last year, a representative sample of Sydney’s population.

The results showed a positive trend for national park use across the broader Sydney area.

The results indicate that since 2004, people are enjoying their visit more and spending more time there.

In 2004, 20 per cent stayed more than four hours on their visit; in 2007, 25 per cent stayed more than four hours on their visit.

Sunday continues to be the most popular day, especially for those heading to Royal, Ku-ring-gai Chase and the Blue Mountains.

“sunday is number one day”

People are enjoying walking as their number one activity, followed by a picnic or barbecue with family and friends.

The survey also shows that the facility upgrades under the NPWS Revitalising Sydney’s National Park Program have been immensely popular, with visitors reporting a significant increase in their enjoyment of these revamped areas.

The survey shows that park visitation in the 16-24 age group is the lowest of all (adult) age brackets and has declined since 2001. This supports social research that also shows a decline in nature-based recreation and national parks visitation in the USA and Japan since 1987.

NPWS, through its new Tourism & Partnerships Branch and with the work of the new Tourism & National Parks Taskforce, is working toward reversing the trend.

Having this sort of invaluable understanding of visitors allows NPWS to continue to achieve excellent standards in park policy and management.

*The Sydney Parks Group includes NPWS, Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust, Parramatta Park Trust, Sydney Olympic Park Authority, Botanic Gardens Trust, Department of Planning and the University of Technology Sydney.

Looking for a special getaway?

Perched on the edge of a sandstone cliff in Nielsen Park on Sydney Harbour, historic Steele Point Cottage was built in 1880 as a Gunners' Barracks - part of the elaborate system of harbour defences.

The cottage has been beautifully restored and is available for romantic escapes. Steele Point Cottage is fully self-contained and all linen and towels are provided. With just one bedroom, it is the ideal couple’s hideaway.

The cottage has featured in The Sydney Morning Herald, The Daily Telegraph and The Australian as well as the Channel Nine program Getaway, and has proved popular with the couples market.

For more info, go to www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/sydneyharbourcottages

Bookings are essential Ph: 02 9337 2333 E: Gap.Bluff@npws.nsw.gov.au

Did you know?

Mount Kosciuszko was named by Polish explorer Sir Paul Strzelecki for General Thaddeus Kosciuszko, who is regarded as a hero by the Polish people for his work fighting for democracy in Poland and for his contributions to the emancipation of slaves in the US after he fought as a General in the American Civil War.

In celebration of Mount Kosciuszko’s roots, the second annual “Mound and Mount” Kosciuszko Festival was held in Kosciuszko National Park and the nearby towns of Jindabyne and Cooma from 18 – 20 May. This festival, supported by NPWS, celebrates the connections between Polish people and Kosciuszko National Park.

Many events were held, including a walk to the top of Mount Kosciuszko, film screenings, folk dancing, a piano recital by concert pianist Krzysztof Malek, and a photographic competition of images connecting youth with heritage and culture.

Snowy Mountains Region Tourism & Business Manager, Mr Steve Redden said, “NPWS was proud to be able to support this event”.

Next year promises to be just as diverse, so stay tuned!

Need to get out of town?

Enjoy the spectacular sandstone reserves surrounding Sydney by following the Greater Blue Mountains Drive. The drive, which takes in this breathtaking World Heritage Area, covers the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Upper Hunter, and Sydney South Regions.

For more info, go to www.greaterbluemountainsdrive.com.au or www.environment.nsw.gov.au

Alternatively, if going south is more your “thing”, take the Grand Pacific Drive from Sydney to Wollongong and beyond, which encompasses some of the most spectacular coastline in NSW.

The drive from the Royal National Park (Australia’s oldest and the world’s second oldest National Park) to Wollongong and through to Shellharbour, Kiama and the Shoalhaven, takes you through coastal rainforests, quaint seaside villages, past rolling hills, wineries and dairy farms.

“coastal rainforests & quaint seaside villages”

The 140 km drive starts just 45 minutes south of Sydney’s CBD at the entry into the Royal National Park. Drop into the visitor centre at Audley for helpful information and annual pass tickets.

And there’s loads of things to do while you’re in Royal – from surfing at Garie beach, to hiring a boat from the 1893 Historic Boatshed or riding your bicycle through the rainforest on Lady Carrington Drive.

For more info, go to www.grandpacificdrive.com.au or www.environment.nsw.gov.au

More facelift news from across the state

The popular destination Trial Bay Gaol at South West Rocks in northern NSW has undergone a few cosmetic touches, and will soon be the focus of a local history project about German internment at the gaol.

NPWS has upgraded facilities at the Federal Falls camping area in Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area - including a new picnic shelter with gas BBQs and picnic tables.

For more info, go to www.environment.nsw.gov.au

the last word

Pssst! Want to know where to spot whales this season? If you’re in Sydney, head to Cape Solander near Botany Bay; if you’re further north or south along the NSW coastline, there are countless spots to catch a sighting of these stunning creatures. To find somewhere near you, visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/plantsanimals/Whales.htm for more information.