Characteristics and Perceptions of Coastal and Wildflower Nature-based Tourists in the Central Coast Region of Western Australia

Abstract

Profiles of independent nature-based tourists were assessed in the Central Coast Region of Western Australia. The research was required to determine seasonal resource use as well as to identify any potential groupings within a population of nature-based tourists. The research was based on information collected from 702 self-administered visitor surveys. Data were statistically analysed using non-parametric tests. Results confirm that nature-based tourists are not a homogeneous group and that group characteristics vary seasonally. Visitors in the summer were casual coastal nature tourists. Their activities were spatially concentrated along the coast and included various forms of recreation. Visitors in the spring were wildflower tourists who travelled predominantly in hinterland areas and their activities focused more on nature appreciation. Coastal tourists were younger, travelled in larger groups and stayed longer at the destination. Coastal tourists are likely to require more facilities than wildflower tourists. Assessment of attitudes towards value statements regarding tourism and the environment highlighted the diversity of opinions among visitor groups. Visitors also demonstrated variable understanding of tourism types and ecotourism was the least understood type. The research highlights difficulties in separating visitors into general nature-based tourists and ecotourists.