Lamington National Park: Its Appeal to Visitors and Their Concerns

Abstract

This article draws on a sample of 622 day and overnight visitors to the O'Reilly's/Green Mountains site of Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia, to identify the socio-economic and other pertinent characteristics of visitors and the main reasons and attributes that attract them to the site. Particular attention is given to birds and their attributes as attractions. The primary economic injection accruing locally as a result of visits is considered and the difference that the presence of birds makes to local expenditure by visitors is explored. The extent of support for and objection to the introduction of a fee for entering Lamington National Park is estimated. The many suggestions received from visitors for environmental improvements at this site are discussed. It is suggested that unless a way can be found to regulate the number of visitors to this site and obtain extra funds to finance improvements there or find other alternatives, the magnitude of many of these problems will grow. This will necessitate a fresh look at the desirability or otherwise for charging entry fees to Lamington National Park.