TDP Experience Perth - Tourism Western Australia

Accommodation
While mainly a daytrip destination, the Avon Valley does provide accommodation
options in the main townships and boutique accommodation such as bed and
breakfasts throughout the region. During weekends and event periods, much of
this accommodation is at capacity. However during weekdays there is very little
demand from holiday and leisure visitors. There are also seasonality impacts on
tourism businesses, with the hot summer months reducing visitation to the region.
While the accommodation stock in the area is generally seen to cater for the
current market, there is considered to be a lack of short stay accommodation
in the township of Northam to cater for the increasing business market to the
town.
“Northam needs more accommodation. They lost out on a
big conference last year due to lack of accommodation.”
(Destination stakeholder)
There is also considered to be the opportunity to expand accommodation,
particularly caravan-camping options at or in close proximity to New Norcia to
cater for visitors traveling up and down the Great Northern Highway. While the
Benedictine Community at New Norcia has looked into increasing accommodation
capacity, there are concerns that additional short stay accommodation may conflict
with the daily activities of the monastic community. That said, there is still seen to
be the need to continue to enhance the product offering and facilities at the New
Norcia precinct.
Attractions and activities
As mentioned previously, the Avon Valley is most well known for its heritage
tourism offering including its buildings, cottages, homesteads museums and
pubs. The need to preserve and restore these historical assets and to make
experiences come alive for visitors through innovative interpretation is seen as a
priority for the region.
“There is ongoing work with the restoration of buildings and
the need for an interpretation centre. The heritage trail needs
maintenance and upgrading, and most of the old buildings
are in need of restoration.” (Destination stakeholder)
The Avon Valley is well known for its wide range of aviation related experiences
including ballooning, skydiving and gliding. Events such as jazz festivals, antique fairs
and historic racing also play a big role in animating the small towns of the Avon Valley
and providing a catalyst for visitation to the region, as does the other adventure related
activities in the region, such as paintballing, archery and horse riding.
Perhaps the biggest opportunity for new development of attractions and activities
in the Avon Valley region is in the agri-tourism area. While there are numerous
smaller operators in the region who offer fresh produce for visitors, there is seen
to be an opportunity to further expand upon farm-based experiences similar to
that on offer at places such as the Avondale Discovery Farm in Beverley and
Boshack Adventures in Toodyay. The expansion of farm-stay style experiences,
farm-gate produce and the introduction of a weekend farmers produce market are
also seen to provide opportunities for the region.
Experience Perth
Tourism Western Australia | Tourism Development Priorities
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