Project Description
Wunambal Gaambera Country is the determined native title lands, islands and waters of the Wunambal Gaambera people. The Country covers 2.5 million hectares and is rich in rugged and beautiful Savannah landscapes, pristine coastal seascapes, World War II sites and relics and ancient stories painted on the rocks by the Wanjina Wunggurr Ancestors. Within Wunambal Gaambera Country is the Uunguu Visitor Area which incorporates two visitor zones – the remote Uunguu Coast Zone and the 4WD accessed Ngauwudu Zone which includes the Mitchell Plateau and Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls) and the Mitchell River National Park.
Prior to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the Ngauwudu Visitor Zone attracted approximately 7,000 visitors per annum. Visitors are required to purchase an entry pass, with revenue from the sale of the pass invested into training, employment, conservation and maintenance programs delivered by Wunambal Gaambera Rangers.
Tourism, land management and maintaining culture provide critical opportunities for Wunambal Gaambera people to live, work and care for their country. TRC was engaged to undertake a study to assess the visitor demand for Wunambal Gaambera experiences in 2021. Data was analysed across WA and nationally, consultation was undertaken with tour operators, local businesses and regional tourism organisations and a public survey was undertaken to assess demand and visitor expectations for a Wunambal Gaambera experience.
The report justified Wunambal Gaambera opening access to visitors to their country for 2021 and enabled them to put appropriate strategies, management, employment and new guided experiences in place based on consultation and survey results.
