Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail upgrade planned

KANGAROO Island Wilderness Trail will take on famous bushwalks such as New Zealand’s renowned Milford Track as a world class trekking route under plans to leverage SA’s natural appeal for tourists.

KANGAROO Island Wilderness Trail will take on famous bushwalks such as New Zealand’s renowned Milford Track as a world class trekking route under plans to leverage South Australia’s natural appeal for active tourists.

From today businesses are being invited to offer ideas for eco-lodge resort developments along the trail to cater for visitors expected from a $5 million State Government investment in the project.

Any developments would be expected to be environmentally sensitive and blend into the surroundings, in keeping with the aim of making the trail a coveted destination for trekkers who love nature.

The plan is for a 66km, five-day walk through Flinders Chase National Park, traversing Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area and Kelly Hill Conservation Park, which would come to be seen as a “hero” experience for bushwalkers. The trail plan is part of the State Government’s draft State-wide Nature-based Tourism Action Plan, which is open for public consultation from today.

It hopes to create more than 1000 jobs and boost regional tourism.

Sustainability, Environment and Conservation Minister Ian Hunter said trips that include a nature-based activity already account for $1.1 billion in expenditure in SA each year.

“We believe we can increase this spend while still protecting and conserving our wonderful natural environment,” he said.

Tourism Minister Leon Bignell said the action plan was just the start of a major drive to build the nature-based tourism industry and create jobs across the State.

For information on the draft plan and to comment until October 26 see http://yoursay.sa.gov.au/nature-based-tourism