The Narrogin Tourism Strategy was commissioned by the Shire of Narrogin to map out a pathway to sustainable tourism experiences that provide a compelling reason for people to visit and stay (longer) in Narrogin.
Narrogin’s key advantages relate to people, nature and heritage. It is also only a short, easily accessible drive from Perth and the Shire can capitalise on the fact there is currently a renaissance towards regional, short breaks from city life where people can re-engage with nature. With COVID-19, the Shire has an additional incentive to promote it's tourism attractions.
The current majority of visitors to Narrogin are young males travelling alone for business purposes. They are unlikely to seek out tourism related activities whilst here. Instead the tourism strategy recommends targeting the self-drive touring market. This includes those travelling with caravans/campers and covers a wide demographic including families, grey nomads and backpackers. This means the caravan park and farm stay accommodations are the most popular.
It is recommended all strategies used to increase tourism flow from one big idea or Narrogin brand promise. The following strategies are recommended in the report from easiest/most likely to implement to most challenging.
- Conduct a Visitor Information Services Review
Transition towards to predominately online delivery of tourist information, though an online, tourism destination promotional strategy, which incorporates an outstanding, all-things encompassing tourism website, providing digitally based visitor information
- Enhance Narrogin’s Natural Experiences
Ie. Dryandra Woodland, Foxes Lair, Yilliminning Rock etc. Enhance with quality interpretive signage and wayfinding.
- Farmer for a Day
Provide opportunities for visitor to immerse themselves in country life including a Farmers Market
- Identify and cater for Niche Visitor Interests
These could include wildflowers, bird spotting, walk and mountain bike trails
- Connect Visitors with Narrogin’s Heritage and Aboriginal Culture
Interpretive Tours and cultural activities at appropriate locations
- Encourage the Development of Experiential Accommodation Options
Farm-stay, caravanning, camping (possibly glamping)
- Develop and promote escorted and self-guided tours
This could include art, photography, astronomy and gliding
- Strengthen linkages with Industry Networks and Complimentary Destinations
Improve tourism network linkages with Tourism WA, Australia’s Golden Outback and the towns and tourism attractions in the Southern Wheatbelt
- Leverage Events to Attract New Visitors
Following a community public comment period, the Tourism Strategy was adopted by the Shire on 26 May 2020.
You can read the entire Tourism Strategy here.
