Experience Development

The Challenge: The Hike Collective, an award-winning Perth-based hiking adventure tour company, sought to expand beyond their successful day-trip offerings. Founder and Managing Director Kate Gibson had a vision for a premium multi-day wellness hiking experience in Karijini National Park but needed support to develop the concept. No other operator was offering a similar experience in Karijini National Park, making it a unique but complex opportunity to develop.

The Opportunity: With support from Tourism WA’s NPTED funding, The Hike Collective worked with an expert industry consultant to refine their concept and bring the Premium Nature experience to life. This process included business planning, risk analysis, itinerary development, competitor research, developing commissionable rates, budgeting and forecasting. Leveraging local knowledge and industry expertise, the company introduced a multi-day hiking experience.

The Result: The Hike Collective launched Karijini Journey— a five-day and four-night guided adventure through Karijini National Park. This all-inclusive experience features guided hikes, gorge tours, accommodation, meals, daily journalling and mindfulness opportunities. The expansion not only diversified their offerings but also strengthened their presence in the region, enabling them to develop a range of additional day tours in Karijini National Park.

The Hike Collective Founder and Managing Director Kate Gibson said: "Expanding from day tours into multi-day adventures were a huge leap for The Hike Collective, and the support from Tourism WA’s NPTED program made it possible. 

"Their industry guidance and mentoring fast-tracked our knowledge, helping us shape Karijini Journey into a seamless, commissionable, and high-impact experience. 

"This program didn’t just help us create a new product—it opened doors to a whole new market, allowing us to offer deeper, more immersive ways for guests to connect with WA’s incredible landscapes. 

"Without their expertise, stepping into multi-day touring at this level would have been a far greater challenge."

Learn more at The Hike Collective.

The challenge: An experienced nature-based adventure tourism operator new to WA requested assistance launching their new zip line attraction, while they were navigating approvals and implementation, so they would be ready to have an immediate presence when opening during peak season.

The opportunity: Support was provided creating a website that would digitally amplify the new attraction with contemporary branding and real time booking functionality. In addition, compelling content creation provided digital assets to showcase the dynamic attraction as a destination driver at a time that Pemberton’s iconic climbing trees were having maintenance done. This attraction was positioned as a unique and new way to have an immersive Karri Forest experience in Gloucester National Park. Trade readiness mentoring was also provided, allowing route to market traction and partnering and bundling packages to build future business.  

The result: Aerial Adventure in Pemberton is off to a flying start, quickly becoming a must do attraction in Southern Forests and Valleys region. Their online presence, strong brand positioning and regional collaboration has seen them soar. Their attraction is popular, and they have expanded opening a café amongst the majestic Karri trees for those that would rather view them from below, with other exciting future tourism developments being planned.    

Aerial Adventure Pemberton Assistant Manager Cecile Leclere said: “In short, The TEDM and NPTED program put us years ahead of where we would have been if we had done it all ourselves. The program helped us navigate setbacks, unforeseen circumstances and yet, still meet marketing deadlines, and create an online presence - including becoming a bookable product - with strong professional branding. It also alleviated financial pressure and offset knowledge limitations by connecting us with experts in various fields. 

"A year after opening our figures indicate between 15 per cent to 20 per cent growth from our projected visitation numbers. We have connected to trade operators. Thanks to the digital assets we are in a strong marketing position with professional, high-quality visuals to share, use and remix across various platforms. The website will only need updating from time to time, it has strong ‘bones’ and been designed to switch new modalities on when we are ready. 

"Thanks to mentoring sessions we understand commission, distribution, trades, the connections between it all, and how our business can fit in — when, what and how — to negotiate to retain a margin and sustain our activities. 

"Last but not least, we have made many meaningful connections through the program aligned with our values of contribution, sustainability and authenticity. We are grateful to have been able to participate and have not finished using the tools acquired, thanks to these opportunities.” 

Learn more about Aerial Adventure.

The Challenge: To create an adventure tour and hire hub within Wellington National Park that would cater to visitors exploring the newly completed Wambenger Trails, by providing guided tours and equipment hire for hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. 

The Opportunity: To support the experienced adventure tourism operator in navigating the approval process with different government departments and building requirements — including engineering designs — plus transition from a tour-only business to a diverse tour and hire adventure hub with a physical presence in Wellington National Park in Collie. As part of the transition, support was provided through the delivery of an easy to navigate, online bookable website and content creation. The operator also participated in an industry famil to Derby Tasmania, experiencing best practice in trail town tourism, to be able to bring ideas back and share with Collie, a newly accredited Trail Town. 

The Result: The tours and hire adventure hub are now operational and supports regional events in the precinct. This project has significantly enhanced visitor servicing and the diversity of activities and experiences within Wellington National Park, offering both guided and self-guided exploration of the trails with a strong emphasis on wellness and eco-sustainability. As a result, there is a positive flow-on effect for the local economy, as Collie diversifies into a vibrant tourism destination. 

Adventure Connections Owner Kym Gibson said: "The support from Tourism WA's NPTED program has been invaluable to us and has helped overcome hurdles that were difficult to manage. 

"Collie has tremendous potential and is now home to WA's largest trail network, providing the perfect environment for nature-based adventures. 

"I would like to particularly acknowledge the invaluable assistance provided by the TEDM, through the NPTED program, helping me navigate the challenges associated with developing a project in the National Park, offering guidance and support precisely when I needed it. Their involvement throughout the project development was both crucial and reassuring. 

"Additionally, the program enabled Adventure Connections to secure support for the engineering designs and website development, which are essential elements for the success of this new initiative."

Discover more at Adventure Connections.

The Challenge: Under new ownership, Chimes Spa Retreat in Denmark underwent an extensive refurbishment program adding an increased level of subtle luxury to the accommodation offering in the region.  

The Opportunity: With the new owner having never worked in tourism previously, Tourism WA’s NPTED program provided support through mentoring to enable access to tourism trade, distribution and packaging.  

The Result: Chimes Spa Retreat is now distribution ready and contracted to tourism trade.  The property was successful in joining Tourism WA’s Trade Ready Introduction Program and is the first Denmark accommodation provider to attend Australian Tourism Exchange and the UK and Europe Agent Show Case in 2024.  

Chimes Spa Retreat Business Owner Jeanne Herholdt said: “As a newcomer to the tourism industry, the guidance and support from Tourism WA’s NPTED program have been invaluable. 

"Through expert mentoring, I gained the knowledge and connections needed to position and price my product correctly as well as navigate tourism trade and distribution successfully. 

"This program has been instrumental in positioning Chimes Spa Retreat as a premium accommodation provider, ready to engage with global markets. 

"The opportunity to participate in Tourism WA’s Trade Ready Incentive Program and international trade events has elevated the brand and opened doors I never imagined possible.”  

Learn more at Chimes Spa Retreat.

The Challenge: To unlock a picturesque rural landscape within a stone throw from national parks, tourist attractions and stunning beaches, with the ability to accommodate a number of cabins, while still retaining privacy and tranquillity. 

The Opportunity: Support the enablement of a relationship with Heyscape and landowner Raintree Farm, and assist with market awareness, stakeholder engagement and planning approvals and processes. 

The Result: Heyscape, in collaboration with Raintree Farm, opened their first accommodation in the Great Southern region of Western Australia in the seaside town of Denmark in February 2025. Heyscape’s nourishing connection to nature and the rural landscape is highlighted through exclusive experience offerings including a Marron Catch and Cook in collaboration with Raintree Farm. 

Heyscape Head Tim Brady said: “Over the last 12 months as Heyscape transitioned its business model, Tourism WA's NPTED program has provided significant support across multiple regional and metropolitan projects. 

"The NPTED team made time to understand our strategy and once armed with this information were able to facilitate introductions with key stakeholders within multiple government agencies, and private landowners to fast track the assessment of our proposed strategy. 

"They have been an invaluable resource to myself and my team.”

Explore more at Heyscapes.

The Challenge: Albany, a historic port town located a five hour drive from Perth, is part of the vast Great Southern region and known for its charming coastal towns, agriculture and production of premium food and beverage. Tourism WA’s TEDM identified a gap in the connectivity of the region’s tourism offerings and put out a call to attract a helicopter operator that had the capacity to reach the most isolated corners of the region. 

Albany had not had a tourism helicopter service since 2012, until Jackson from Scenic Helicopters expressed his interest. Tourism WA worked with Jackson to identify and enable operating locations, including a safe facility to house the helicopter when not in use, enabling local policy and planning approvals, National Park Commercial Licence applications, stakeholder engagement, tour development and content production.    

The Opportunity: As a result of Scenic Helicopters’ successful launch of their Albany operation, departing from the Town Jetty, opposite the Hilton Garden Inn, a list of new premium experiences has been launched. This includes the intimate Frankland River Wine Connoisseur, which takes guests into the beating heart of the most isolated wine region in the world, with behind-the-scenes vineyard tours, tastings and dining experiences with generational growers and producers. 

Another launch is Picnic on Breaksea Island — the only way to access the historic 'A Class' reserve is by helicopter. Guests of Scenic Helicopters on this tour will discover the story of Faye Howe, the lighthouse keeper’s daughter, and learn what life might have been like on the island during that pioneering period.

The Result: Scenic Helicopters is now operational in the Great Southern region, having successfully launched in Albany in December 2023.  Scenic Helicopters is connecting guests with tourism operators across the region through the creation of exciting and unique packaged experiences, including winery tours, day spa treatments, tailored scenic flights, secluded beach picnics and even remote island lighthouse tours.

The Albany port cruise ship destination also includes this operator as part of their shore excursion program, enabling connectivity to tourism operators located further away, who may not have been previously able to tap into this lucrative market.  

Scenic Helicopters Manager and Chief Pilot Jackson McLeod said: “Tourism WA through the TEDM the NPTED program has been instrumental in facilitating the growth of our business with expansion into Albany and the Great Southern and region. 

"Without Tourism WA’s proactive drive and dynamic support, and similar integrated support from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, the City of Albany and the Department of Transport, this project would simply not have been possible. 

"It’s been fantastic to develop a new range of products and bring these experiences to both excited locals and visitors in this spectacular region alike. Being lucky enough to have flown all around Western Australia, I can confidently say there is no place more beautiful to see from above! 

"We’re looking forward to continuing product development across the Great Southern and bringing elements of the region ‘closer together’ for all to experience, in our special Scenic way of course!"

Explore more at Scenic Helicopters.

The Challenge: Trek Ningaloo was a new, small group guided walking tour operator in the Cape Range National Park. Owner and Operator Ian Vickers, an experienced trekker with a well-travelled, adventurous life and career, needed assistance to navigate industry requirements. This included licensing, permits, marketing strategies and getting their product into domestic and international distribution channels. 

The Opportunity: The NPTED program supported Ian in a variety of ways, including attending training on star gazing, cruise ready workshops and the Cruise Exchange. It also supported the development of a marketing and business plan while helping to build a relationship with the Regional Tourism Organisation. This connection enabled him to receive mentoring and support to showcase his product at the Australian Tourism Exchange and with trade partners, along with a variety of advocacy support. Additionally, support was provided to work with Exmouth Adventure Co to develop a new tour and provided expert advice for national park licensing requirements and considerations to expand options in the future. 

The Result: A new four-day land and sea tour was developed, with ‘Ningaloo Odyssey’ trekking in the National Park and kayaking in the Marine Park. Trek Ningaloo are now members of Tourism Council WA, completed the Boost program, upgraded his membership with Australia’s Coral Coast, has cruise tours on offer, is trade ready and was accepted into Tourism WA’s Trade Ready Introduction Program to assist expanding the business into the interstate and international markets.

Trek Ningaloo Founder and Head Guide Ian Vickers said: “I cannot speak highly enough of the invaluable support I’ve received through Tourism WA’s NPTED program over the past couple of years. 

"As a sole trader based in a remote part of Western Australia, the guidance and dedication the entire NPTED team has truly been a beacon of light in navigating the many challenges of developing a new tourism business. 

"This program has provided essential tools and resources that have been pivotal in establishing and enhancing Trek Ningaloo’s offerings. 

"NPTED plays a crucial role in advancing tourism development and showcasing the unique experiences Western Australia has to offer”. 

Learn more at Trek Ningaloo.

The Challenge: To create an experience to activate the Walpole-Nornalup National Park, and drive nature-based tourism visitors to the region. The TEDM met with existing operators stretching from the Upper to Lower Frankland River to understand what tourism experience opportunities might be available. 

Learning that the Frankland River was home to both white water rapids and calm waters, the TEDM undertook a feasibility study of the Frankland River to assess and grade the river for tourism opportunities and to then attract a tourism operator to undertake the identified experiences.  

The Opportunity: Following the completion of the Frankland River Feasibility Study, which involved the length of the Frankland River being paddled and assessed from the upper section to the lower, it was identified that a number of opportunities to develop new experiences existed and could be adapted to suit a variety of skill levels. 

Following connecting the feasibility study with stakeholders, the TEDM was excited to be approached by Emma Bennett, the niece of WOW Wilderness Eco-Cruises, who was equally enthusiastic. Emma advised that she was a passionate hiker, rafter and mountain biker and following reading the study, advised that she wanted to start a business operating in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park.  

The Result: The launch of WOW Wilderness Eco Adventures, operating Western Australia’s first Pack Rafting and Bike Rafting experiences, combined with hiking.  

WOW Wilderness EcoAdventures Owner and Operator Emma Bennett said: “If I had to choose one word to describe the support we’ve received from Tourism WA’s NPTED program - and especially our TEDM - it would be WOW! 

"Tourism WA’s guidance has been invaluable in shaping WOW Wilderness EcoAdventures. From arranging filming opportunities to mentoring and everything in between, their support has been nothing short of phenomenal. 

"They have gone above and beyond to help bring our vision to life and set us up for a successful launch. 

"Their support has given us the confidence to grow our business while ensuring we deliver immersive, sustainable nature-based experiences that align with our mission and to connect people with the unique region of the Walpole Wilderness”. 

Find out more at WOW Wilderness.

The Challenge: To enable a tourism experience on a technically challenging unmarked trail, that would be supported by DBCA and Traditional Custodians of the land.  

The Opportunity: The Owner of South Peak had not previously operated a tourism business but had a thriving passion for adventure. By accessing the NPTED program, they were able to access mentorship, stakeholder engagement and business support to enable the creation and launch of the new tourism business. 

Being an unmarked trail, which included camping on the ridge, close consultation with DBCA was required, and a detailed risk and environmental assessment was undertaken.  

The Result: South Peak is the first and only licenced commercial operator to undertake the Ridge Walk as a guided experience.  

South Peak Founder and Lead Operator Tom Smitheringale said: “As a startup operator in the outdoor tourism industry I'm extremely grateful for the support I've received from Tourism WA and the NPTED program. 

"The TEDM and consultant’s commercial expertise and advice have been crucial in navigating the various stages of the DBCA application process and have helped to develop and elevate my product offering. 

"Having someone with their experience invest so much time and energy into my business has been invaluable and a unique opportunity that has significantly helped me overcome many of the barriers to entry when starting a new business.”

 Learn more at South Peak.

The Challenge: To develop an interactive wildlife experience in metropolitan Beeliar Regional Park, where visitors can learn about Australia’s native wildlife and have a unique wildlife experience.

The Opportunity: WA Wildlife is Western Australia’s busiest wildlife rescue, treatment and rehabilitation facility, dedicated to the care and conservation of native animals since 1998. As a not-for-profit organisation, WA Wildlife is committed to wildlife rescue, treatment and rehabilitation, alongside environmental conservation, research and education.

In addition to operating a licensed veterinary hospital and rehabilitation facility, WA Wildlife provides education initiatives that aim to inspire and inform the community about wildlife conservation. These programs cater to schools, community groups and the public, fostering a deeper understanding of native species and their habitats. By engaging with the community, WA Wildlife encourages advocacy for the protection of Western Australia’s unique biodiversity.

With the support of donors and sponsors, WA Wildlife has developed a purpose-built facility within the Beeliar Regional Park. The facility includes viewing rooms and interactive wildlife enclosures, allowing visitors to experience wildlife up close while gaining insight into the treatment and rehabilitation process. These experiences not only educate but also generate support for the organisation’s vital conservation efforts.

To further expand its impact, WA Wildlife collaborated with Tourism WA’s TEDM to create engaging, conservation-driven tourism experiences. Through this partnership, the organisation developed new bookable wildlife experiences, including behind-the-scenes tours and nocturnal wildlife encounters. The collaboration also provided expert guidance in tourism development and visitor engagement, integrated WA Wildlife into cruise shore excursion programs, and enhanced its digital presence to improve online accessibility and bookings.

The Result: The introduction of tourism-based experiences has strengthened WA Wildlife’s connection with the community, creating new opportunities for education and advocacy. Visitors not only gain a deeper appreciation for native wildlife but also contribute to conservation efforts through their participation. This initiative has also provided a sustainable revenue stream, reinvested directly into wildlife rescue, treatment, rehabilitation and research programs.

As WA Wildlife continues to grow, it remains dedicated to expanding its conservation efforts, advancing research and increasing public awareness through education, advocacy and tourism. By combining wildlife care with community engagement, the organisation ensures that future generations can experience and protect Western Australia’s unique biodiversity.

WA Wildlife CEO Dean Huxley said: “Through conservation tourism, we’re able to bring people closer to nature while raising awareness about the urgent issues impacting our environment—including biodiversity loss and climate change. It’s not just an educational opportunity—it’s a lifeline. 

"The funds generated are helping us rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife, support critical conservation initiatives and contribute to research that addresses the broader environmental challenges facing Western Australia.” 

Discover more at WA Wildlife.

The Challenge: Karratha local Leith Rowe sought a career change, driven by his passion for the Dampier Archipelago and jet skiing. With a vision to share this unique coastal environment with visitors, Leith set out to establish a guided jet ski tour business. 

However, with limited experience in the tourism sector, the operator needed support in understanding industry requirements, obtaining necessary licences, approvals and accreditations, and developing a market-ready tourism product.

The Opportunity: Through NPTED funding, Tourism WA provided mentoring, industry insights, and practical business development support. This included assisting with licensing and approvals, creating an Australian Tourism Data Warehouse listing, developing a Rezdy-enabled website, and fostering industry connections to enhance the operator’s market presence.

Lethal Adventures’ guided jet ski tours are the first of their kind in the Pilbara, offering a unique opportunity for tourists to explore the islands of the Dampier Archipelago in a way that had not previously been available in the region.

The Result: Lethal Adventures successfully launched as a fully accredited and trade-ready jet ski tour operator, offering guided experiences in the Dampier Archipelago. Since then, the business has expanded its operations to include guided kayaking experiences to the iconic Sam’s Island, further diversifying tourism offerings in the region.

Lethal Adventures is now a member of Tourism Council WA and Australia’s North West, and is participating in Tourism WA’s TRIP, providing an opportunity to attend Australian Tourism Exchange in 2025.

Lethal Adventures Owner Leith Rowe said: “The support from Tourism WA and the NPTED program has been a real game-changer for Lethal Adventures.

"As someone coming into the tourism industry from a completely different background, the mentoring, guidance, and hands-on help I received were invaluable. 

"From navigating complex approvals to building a trade-ready business platform, I felt supported every step of the way. Being part of this program gave me the confidence and tools to turn a passion project into a professional operation. 

"I’m incredibly grateful for the belief they had in my vision and for helping bring it to life.” 

Explore more: https://lethaladventures.au/

The Challenge: Owner operator Darren Capewell, an experienced Aboriginal tourism operator, was keen to develop a new multi-day walking tour across two national parks in the UNESCO World Heritage area of Francois Peron and Dirk Hartog National Parks. Unsure how to effectively establish a partnership and requiring terms and conditions for collaborating with his friend and fellow operator of the Dirk Hartog Island Lodge, assistance was required.  

The Opportunity: To develop sustainable culturally led sunset walking tour through the spectacular landscapes of two world class national parks. Across three days guests would see red sand dunes, white sandy beaches, rugged coastal limestone cliffs, whales breaching the water off the coast, and watch Australia’s last sunset. 

The Result: The NPTED program provided a legally binding service agreement between both operators and assisted in negotiating the outcomes. The program also provided in-person support to highlight risks, time the tour, assist in developing the costings and finalise the itinerary. 

Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures Owner and Operator Darren Capewell said: "We are extremely grateful for the support of the TEDM and NPTED program to establish our 3 Day Walking Experience. 

"The experience includes cultural immersions in both Wulyibidi (Francois Peron NP) and Wirruwana (Dirk Hartog Island National Park). 

"The professionalism and guidance provided was extremely helpful for us to navigate our way through all the different stages, including getting all necessary licenses and permits and also with legal contracts was immeasurable. 

"Our TEDM was extremely patient with us, and her knowledge was extremely helpful. 

"Without assistance, it would have been very difficult to create this wonderful new experience for our business."

Learn more at Wula Gura.