Nature tourism sets sail as first grants boost offerings across SA

Sailing journeys of marine parks from the far west coast to Kangaroo Island, a cultural immersion experience at Deep Creek, a luxury camping experience on the Murray River, upgraded cottage accommodation with solar power in the Riverland, and e-bike tours at Cleland – just some of the new tourism experiences getting a financial boost. 

The first round of grants under the South Australian Tourism Commission’s $2 million Experience Nature Tourism Fund have today been announced, with 18 products and experiences supported across South Australia.

A total of nearly $486,000 in grants will unlock more than $824,000 in combined project value, supporting operators to attract more domestic and international visitors, while showcasing the state’s natural landscapes.

One of the grant recipients, Brindabella Sailing, operates sailing charters along the South Australian coastline. The tour operator will receive a $18,424 grant to enable it to operate new day and overnight sailing journeys from Outer Harbor and Port Lincoln to marine parks across the state, such as the Lower Yorke Peninsula Marine Park, Eastern Kangaroo Island and Port Noarlunga in the Encounter Marine Park, and Kangaroo Island’s north coast in the Southern Spencer Gulf Marine Park.

Operators receiving grants are spread across the regions, from the Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas to the Flinders Ranges & Outback, Riverland, and the Limestone Coast. Funded projects will showcase a diverse range of South Australia’s national parks and reserves, wilderness sanctuaries and marine parks, and create a range of new tourism product such as new and refurbished accommodation, Aboriginal cultural tours, wellness and immersive experiences, and water-based activities.

The funding program runs over four financial years, with up to $500,000 available in each year.

Applications for 2023 funding will open early in the new financial year.

The first round of successful projects include: 

Minister for Toursim, Zoe Bettison said it was fantastic to be starting the New Year with a key boost for tourism, delivering nearly $486,000 in grants to create new visitor experiences almost double that in value.

"These new tourism experiences will highlight the important natural and cultural assets that are our state’s national parks and will enable operators to attract visitors from interstate and overseas, as we support the industry to recover from the impacts of the pandemic," Minister Bettison said.

"Importantly, the Fund is also supporting operators along the Murray River, who will benefit greatly when their new and improved tourism products are complete. With more reasons for tourists to visit the river, to stay longer and spend more, it will boost businesses across the region and help drive recovery."

Owner/operator of Brindabella Sailing, Brigid Dighton said the grant gives them the exciting opportunity to broaden sailing adventures offerings to include overnight and day destination expedition experiences within SA’s marine and coastal parks.

"We can now offer passengers the unique opportunity of accessing and exploring these magnificent parks from the water via the iconic maxi yacht, Brindabella," Ms Dighton said.

"Visitors can enjoy a true blue water sail across St Vincent gulf to the likes of Lower Yorke Peninsula’s Point Davenport or Kangaroo Island, jump in for a swim or kayak through the estuaries, learn about the parks’ biodiversity and First Nations’ significance, all whilst enjoying the creature comforts of a hot shower, fine SA food and wine, and a stunning sunset and sunrise on Brindabella’s deck.

"This grant will also see the addition of a much-needed tender vessel and an electronic shark shield increase the safety of our operation and everyone on board."

Owner/operator of Kool Tours, Mark Koolmatrie said their new overnight experience in Deep Creek National Park is something that hass not been done before. 

"The grant means we’ve been able to bring forward our plans to launch this tour much sooner than we could have otherwise done," Mr Koolmatrie said.

"Known as Miwi Kungalun or “listening to self”, it is a Ngarrindjeri cultural experience where visitors will take a deep dive into self, embrace nature, and leave with the tools to move forward. They will learn the old age stories of the Ngarrindjeri people and have a chance to disconnect from their busy lives, phones off, and connect with nature, environment and self.

"It’s exactly what people are looking for coming out of the pandemic and we’re really excited."

Owner/operator of Canoe the Riverland, Ruth Roberts said as a kayak tourism business, three years were spent restoring their lovely Captains Cottage into quality accommodation to share the Murray River’s beauty with guests who love nature.

"We are delighted to receive this timely grant which allows us to restore the cottage’s amenities to the same standard, in time to help us recover from the effects of the recent flood," Ms Roberts said.