Western Australian tourist towns are experiencing an increase in summer visitors, leading some residents to express concerns about overcrowding at attractions and beaches unless visitor numbers are managed. Some locals are concerned that visitor numbers could become too high.
Busselton Jetty Visitation
The Busselton Jetty, a major South West attraction, has seen visitor numbers grow by over 60 percent in the last decade. Approximately 10,000 people visited the jetty between Christmas and New Year's Day.
Busselton Jetty CEO Lisa Shreeve stated that the organization is exploring strategies to prevent overtourism and maintain the attraction's appeal. Shreeve indicated that while walk tickets may not require capping currently, limiting tickets for underwater observatory tours and train rides is being considered.
Dunsborough Crowding Concerns
In Dunsborough, Jeff Forrest, chair of the local reference group and a long-term resident, advocated for capping visitor numbers by restricting accommodation availability. Forrest reported increasing congestion on local beaches, citing difficulties in finding car parks during peak times. He expressed concern that uncontrolled tourism could degrade the area's character, amenities, and natural environment.
Visitor Perspectives
Visitors at Meelup Beach offered varied opinions on capping tourist numbers. Kalia and Matt Alessi, who previously lived in Sydney, noted that Western Australian beaches were less crowded compared to eastern states. They acknowledged tourism's economic benefits but expressed a view that beaches should be accessible to everyone and that caps might negatively affect organizations.
Council and Department Responses
The City of Busselton has implemented measures regarding short-stay accommodation. Mayor Phil Cronin stated that further council intervention is unlikely, suggesting that visitor numbers would self-regulate if the area became too saturated. Cronin highlighted that tourism contributes $1 billion annually to the region.
Separately, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions advised holidaymakers to consider alternative locations if popular spots, such as car parks at William Bay National Park near Denmark, were full. Peter Masters, Regional Leader for Parks and Visitor Services, emphasized the importance of parking in designated areas to protect vegetation and mitigate fire risks, also encouraging exploration of inland activities.