West Aussies can now try before they fly

Wednesday, 10 August 2016
 
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• ​New app to allow holidaymakers to preview their WA adventure
• Travellers encouraged to share their holiday experiences online
• Made possible through Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions

West Australians can now enjoy diving, camping, bushwalking, mountain bike riding and relaxing on a stunning coastal beach - all from the comfort of their own home.

The Liberal National Government this week launched two new digital media initiatives - DISCOVR WA and Park Explorers - aimed at encouraging people to explore the many activities and experiences on offer in WA's 100 national parks and other reserves.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the rapid growth of digital and social media had enabled people to preview potential holiday destinations and activities before they visited.

"Through DISCOVR WA and Park Explorers, we are now providing people with glimpses into real holiday experiences that are occurring throughout WA, showing them what they can do and see before visiting a national park," he said.

"The DISCOVR WA app lets people immerse themselves in 3D imagery of national parks, providing virtual reality tours of a range of natural areas in the State.

"The app focuses on new outstanding attractions including The Gap in Torndirrup National Park, the awe-inspiring Granite Skywalk in the Porongurup Range and the historical lighthouse and Lake Cave in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.

"It enables users to navigate the State using a map and choose parks and sites where they will then be taken 'inside' stereoscopic 360 degree photos."

Mr Jacob said Park Explorers was a new project which encouraged people to share their experiences in natural areas by recording them and posting them on social media channels. 

"The State Government is currently seeking interested social media users to become Park Explorers, with selected travellers being loaned video and photographic equipment to capture their moments on holidays, as well as itineraries, park passes and free access to campgrounds," he said.

"It is an excellent way to encourage people to become advocates for parks, while spreading vision and images of all the amazing activities on offer in WA's natural areas."

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said he was pleased to see Royalties for Regions investment enabling innovative approaches to help people engage with the State's natural areas.

"This is a fantastic way to show off our amazing regions and encourage people to visit WA's natural areas," Mr Redman said.

"Developing regional tourism and growing strong awareness and commitment to visit will contribute to building vibrant regions with strong economies.

"I look forward to experiencing our natural assets through the 'lens' of Park Explorers."   

Fact File

• DISCOVR WA is available for download on Apple and Android smartphones
• DISCOVR WA and Park Explorers are part of the State Government's Parks for People initiative, funded by the Royalties for Regions program
• To register your interest to become a Park Explorer, visit http://www.parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/parkexplorers