In recent years there has been a growing realisation that economic development in outback regional Australia needs to be built on the three sustainable core pillars of mining, agriculture and tourism. Geotourism, an emerging global phenomenon, is holistic and is an experiential form of nature (and culture – both indigenous and post European settlement based) tourism. Unlike ecotourism which focuses mainly on flora and fauna in essentially protected areas, geotourism can extend across both designated protected and unprotected areas, including those areas subject of existing agricultural and mining development. By raising awareness of the importance of the area’s geological heritage in history and society today, geotourism provides local communities with a sense of pride in their region and strengthens their identification with the region. Geotourism can be the generator of new jobs and innovative local enterprises as new sources of revenue, as well as the opportunity for existing remote area businesses to diversify into provision of visitor services, while the geological heritage of the region can be better managed and protected. Embracing through geotourism the Pilbara Georegion’s world-famous North Pole stromatolites, given this geosite’s world class profile as the oldest living community fossils on the planet, has considerable potential in establishing Australia as a ‘must see’ destination for fossil-rich geoheritage visitation. Realisation of this potential, when combined with the parallel development of the truly unique Nilpena Ediacaran fossil assemblage site in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, as well as the established Age of Dinosaurs museum in Winton in Western Queensland, will deliver for Australia an unparalleled tourism destination. For the emerging, high value, free and independent market in China, the availability of high profile ‘scenic areas’ such as the Pilbara Georegion, with its outstanding natural heritage and cultural values, offers outstanding ‘bucket list’ appeal.

1. 'Enhancing the Pilbara Georegion Through Geotourism’
Karratha Workshop , 26th August 2019
Angus M Robinson FAusIMM (CP), Coordinator
National Geotourism Strategy, Australian Geoscience Council

2. Australian Geoscience Council
 The Australian Geoscience Council (AGC) is the
peak Council of geoscientists in Australia
representing eight major Australian
geoscientific societies with a total membership
of over 8,000 individuals.
 Under the current 2015-2020 Strategic Plan of
the AGC, and as a Geoscience advocacy
opportunity, the AGC has decided to formulate
a draft National Geotourism Strategy to
accommodate the orderly development of
major geotourism projects and activities in line
with overseas trends and domestic regional
development imperatives.

3. Today’s Agenda
 Ecotourism and Geotourism
 Socio-Economic Benefits of Geotourism
 Discussion topics of the National Geotourism
Strategy
 Geoheritage
 Government approval pathway
 Geotrails
 Collaboration with Mining Heritage
 Geotourism for Geologists and Resource
Companies
 Geotourism Vision for the Pilbara Georegion
 Geotourism Destination Management Plan

4. Understanding
Natural
Heritage
Natural heritage is the
legacy of natural objects
and intangible attributes
encompassing the
countryside and natural
environment, including flora
and fauna, scientifically
known as BIODIVERSITY, and
geology, landforms and soil
landscapes, i.e.
GEODIVERSITY (Geoheritage)

5. Ecotourism
&
Geotourism
Concepts
 Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable
tourism with a primary focus on
experiencing protected natural areas
that fosters environmental and
cultural understanding, appreciation
and conservation.
 But ecotourism per se is too narrowly
defined and is increasingly seen as a
niche market.
 However 'geotourism is holistic,
nature-based and cultural tourism
that focuses on an area's geology &
landscape as the platform for
providing visitor engagement,
learning and enjoyment'.

6. Ecotourism
&
Geotourism
Concepts
 Ecotourism is practised
predominantly in protected
areas such as national parks
whereas geotourism is
undertaken also in all areas
where primary industry
activities are being carried out.
 Unlike ecotourism, geotourism is
increasingly seen globally as an
instrument of regional economic
development.

7. Geotourism
comprises the following features of both
natural and cultural heritage:
 Abiotic – non-living aspects such as the sky,
climate & geology e.g. landscape and
landforms: GEODIVERSITY.
 Biotic – the living parts eg. fauna (animals)
and flora (plants): BIODIVERSITY.
 Cultural – past & present, indigenous and
post European settlement, non-living and
built.
Holistic in scope, geotourism is booming
globally and a key driver for tourism,
particularly in Europe and Asia.
Source: Professor Ross Dowling

8. ‘Place Based’ Geotourism incorporating
all types of ‘nature-based’ tourism
Astrotourism
Cuisine
Agritourism
Indigenous
Tourism
Heritage
Tourism
Cultural
Tourism
ECOTOURISM
Geotourism
i.e. ‘experiential
tourism’

9. Geotourism
is not
'geological tourism’'

10. 10

11. Geotourism Delivery Mechanisms
1. Geosites & Mining Heritage Sites.
2. Geological Time Walks.
3. Geotrails.
4. Geoparks - both national and UNESCO global.
5. Mining Parks e.g. as in China

12. Geotourism
and
Regional
Development
 Regional development imperatives
(growth and jobs) are now driving
geotourism initiatives in Australia.
 Creating geotrails is arguably the
easiest way of providing early
pathways and support from
governments for geotourism
activities in Australia.
 Successful roll-out of geotrails will
instill confidence in geotourism,
providing a future pathway to
geopark establishment and
development in Australia.

13. Socio-Economic Benefits of Geotourism
1. Measurable economic benefits - additional visitors, direct &
regional economic output, household income & wages, and
local employment.
2. Through establishment of a management entity, higher level
of centralised coordination in areas of product development,
travel and hospitality services, tourism promotion/branding.
3. Maximisation of sustainable development and management of
'over tourism'/e.g. emerging issue in Tasmania.
4. Provides a framework for focus on the 10 UNESCO Topics e.g.
culture, education, climate change, geoconservation,
sustainable development etc.
5. Community engagement is maximised and measured.

14. The Geotourism and Geopark Relationship
Geoparks are both a
development concept
as well as a branding
tool. They achieve
these goals through:
1.Geoconservation
2.Education
3.Geotourism

15. UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKS
Economic Impact Study 1: United KingdomUNESCO
Svjetski
Geoparkovi
Organizacija
Ujedinjenih Naroda
za Obrazovanje,
Znanost i Kulturu
UNESCO
Activity
Estimated
financial benefit
per year
Number of Sites
if appropriate
Estimated
financial benefit
per designation
World Heritage
Sites
61.1 M GBP 28 2.2 M GBP
Global Geoparks 18.8 M GBP 6.5 2.9 M GBP
UNITWIN/UNESC
O Chairs
2.9 M GBP 16 0.18 M GBP
Biosphere
Reserves
2.3 M GBP 6 0.38 M GBP
Everything Else 4.3 M GBP n/a
TOTAL 89.4 M GBP
Wider Value of UNESCO to the UK (2012-2013): www.unesco.org.uk

16. National
Geotourism
Strategy –
Discussion
Topics
1. Geotourism as a means of celebrating
geoheritage.
2. Enhanced coordination nationally of
geoheritage listings.
3. Establishment of a national set of
administrative procedures for
‘georegional’ assessment.
4. New geotrail development.
5. Geotourism to strengthen Australia’s
international geoscience standing.
6. Training of geologists to improve
communication skills for geosite interpretation.
7. Collaboration with providers of other
areas of natural (bioregion) and cultural
(particularly MINING) heritage content.

17. National
Geotourism
Strategy –
Topic #1
Geotourism celebrating Geoheritage:
 By expansion of the Geotourism
map concept (as developed in
NSW) progressively across Australia
on a ‘state by state’ basis (both
hard copy and online)
supplemented by publications.
 By consideration of new ICTs (e.g.
smartphones, 3D visualisation, AR
& VR), GIS technologies as a cost-
effective means of accessing and
better communicating geological
content for travellers and residents
in regional Australia.

18. National
Geotourism
Strategy –
Topic #2
Enhanced coordination nationally of
geoheritage listings with the objective
of highlighting areas of both geotourism
value and geosites that need to be
protected, given that
 the right balance needs to be
determined between the needs of
exposing geosites for public
visitation and geoconservation
needs, and
 there are no national standards or
guidelines with each state/territory
having different strategies and
systems for recording geoheritage.
•

19. Geological
Heritage,
Geoconservation
and
Geotourism
 Geological heritage sites, the scale of
which will vary greatly e.g. a fossil
locality or road cutting, others may entail
a segment of coastline or a large
topographical feature. Some sites may
need to be surrounded by a buffer zone
of sufficient size to protect its integrity.
 Therefore Geoconservation must be a key
consideration when sites are considered
for visitation.
 Geotourism must determine what
measures are put in place or techniques
used to respect geoconservation
considerations.

21. Technology
Solutions for
Geoheritage
Protection
 Virtual Tours e.g. GSWA Virtual Tour of the
East Pilbara
http://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/GSWA-virtual-
tours-22666.aspx
 Visitor Interpretation Centre supported
Augmented Reality and 3D Visualisation
 Smartphone Supported Tour Guide
Applications and Acoustiguide services.
and not forgetting the power of controlled
onsite tours with tour guides (similar to Cave
tours) and/or the construction of
interpretation centres built over the exposed
outcrops.
•

24. New National Park
at Nilpena
Flinders Ranges
South Australia
Iconic Ediacaran Fossil Site

27. Iconic Fossil Geosites – Ediacaran & Keichousaurus
Nilpena, South Australia Zingyi, Guizhou Province, China

28. Flinders Ranges National Landscape
Keichousaurus Conservation Museum, Xingyi National Geopark

32. Gossan of the Broken Hill Orebody

33. National
Geotourism
Strategy –
Topic #3
Establishment of a national set
of administrative procedures for
‘georegional’ assessment to
provide for potential geopark
nominations at state and
national levels and, as approved
by governments, at a UNESCO
Global Geopark level.

34. Major
Geotourism
Development
in Australia
 More focus needs to be applied to
communicating the ‘georegional’
nature of geotourism.
 Preferred focus first on geotrail
development.
 Any emerging geopark proposals
must be supported by Geological
Surveys.
 More time must be allowed to gain
community engagement/support to
ensure geopark sustainability.
 Need to compile and promote
quantifiable data and analysis to
establish socio-economic benefit.

35. Georegions,
Geotrails
and
Geoparks
 In large regional areas such as the
Murchison in Western Australia, the
Mid West Development Commission
and local councils are undertaking a
‘georegional’ assessment.
 Including the determination of the
most viable geotourism delivery
mechanism available.
 In the first instance this is focused
on geotrail development.
 This may lead to the identification
of an area suitable for geopark
development, subject to State
Government approval.

36. National
Geotourism
Strategy –
Topic #4
New Geotrail Development:
Individual geological surveys from
the States and Territories be invited
to engage, on an ‘as needs’ basis,
and in collaboration with
university/museum interest groups
as well as with state/territory
divisions and branches of the
interested professional societies,
to review the suitability of existing
roads, bushwalks, biking and rail
trails as potential geotrails.

37. Why
Geotrails?
 Relates directly to the tourism
experience of a journey
linking destinations.
 In Australia, unlike geoparks,
geotrails have widespread
appeal, and do not compete
with or impact on land
management/access issues.
 Geotrails are relatively easy
to establish and represent a
very cost- effective means of
enhancing regional
development.
 Can form the basis of a
'defacto geopark'.

38. Best
Practice
Geotrails
 Should be constructed around
routes currently used by
tourists; geotrails should form
logical journeys linking
accommodation destinations.
 Should meld the geological
heritage features of a region
with a cohesive STORY.
 Should incorporate and
package in the biodiversity
and cultural components
(including mining heritage) of
the region through which the
geotrail traverses.

39. 26
• Identify a geoscience theme
• Tell a simple story incorporating 'A' + 'B' +'C'
elements
• Use engaging stories, descriptions and graphics
• Deliver supporting information in a range of ways
• Collaborate
• Link to related features based on science and
culture
Desired outcomes
• increased visitor numbers and regional economic
growth
• a broader community understanding of science,
and in particular, geoscience.
Keys to success - Warrumbungles Geotrail

40. Marketing – West Coast Geotrail, Tasmania
The following markets & strategies will give the GeoTrail the best chance of
achieving an increase in visitor stops & stays as well as associated revenue.
 engage the local communities of the Trail to build pride and referrals to
family, friends and visitors through involvement in content development,
familiarisations, progress reporting and ongoing promotion.
 engage the existing visitor market to increase the number of stops and
stays through the development and promotion of online communications
and a downloadable free mobile app.
 engage relevant specialist groups in the Trail experience through use of
specific publications and newsletters.
 engage the potential education market through the development and
promotion of a regional education package involving the Trail and other
relevant experiences.

41. Exemplar: Port Macquarie Coastal Geotrail, NSW
"The collaborative geotrail project has been led by the University of
Newcastle (A) & supported by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, the
Geological Survey of NSW (A), NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
(B) & Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council (C). Supported by a
brochure, website & smartphone app, the Port Macquarie Coastal
Geotrail is a four kilometre walk from Shelly Beach to Rocky Beach
that tells the story of plate tectonics & how the Earth’s crust was
formed along the stretch of coastline over the past 460 million years".

42. 21
Port Macquarie
Coastal Geotrail
•Opened 2 May 2018.
•Collaborative project with Uni of
Newcastle, Port Macquarie-
Hastings Council, OEH (Sea
Acres Rainforest Centre), Birpai
LALC.
•Geotrail with signs, brochure,
web content and app.
•Helped to train volunteers.

44. Granite & Woodlands Self-Drive Discovery Trail, WA
"Take in the expansive views of sandy heathland & spring wildflowers
(B) as you pass along the Holland Track, which gives way to nickel &
gold mining land (C) around Forrestania Plots. Keep a look out for bush
turkeys, dingos or more elusive native animals such as honey and
pigmy possums (B),which are sometimes seen around Grevillea Hill.
From here the landscape changes (A) to mallee woodland & eucalypts.
Explore the rocky outcrops & cliffs of The Breakaways(A) before rolling
out your swag at for a night under an amazing star-filled sky (A)."

51. Island of Tasmania
Australia’s Red Centre National Landscape

53. Iconic Geotourism Themes of
Australia’s Red Centre National Landscape
 A: Landforms and common geological heritage
 B: Red Kangaroo species, and other type
flora/fauna
 C: Indigenous (and European) culture

54. Iconic Geotourism Themes of
the Pilbara Georegion
 A: Landforms and geological heritage
 B: Endemic Flora and Fauna Highlights
 C: Indigenous (and European) culture, particularly
agriculture, mining and resource processing

56. Ulladulla Geological Time
Walk -
Conceived and Created by
Phil Smart

57. Etheridge ‘Scenic Georegion’, Queensland
Comprising the entire Shire of
Etheridge, and including areas
of outstanding volcanic and
mining heritage - some 40,000
sq km in area.
Embracing 1.7 billion years of
geological history.
Only 950 people, mainly cattle
farmers.

58. TerrEstrial Centre, Georgetown, FarNQ

59. National
Geotourism
Strategy –
Topic #7
Mechanisms for collaboration
with providers of other areas of
natural (bioregion) and cultural
heritage content,
 inclusive of mining and
resource industry heritage
(e.g. mining companies,
geological and mining
museums, historical societies
e.g.the AMHA,
 as well as specialist groups
with interests in flora and
fauna etc.)

60. Collaboration with Providers of Mining Heritage
 Work with museums, Geological Surveys and community
groups to identify, link and promote ‘mining’ museums
and heritage centres both nationally and state wide.
 Work with state tourism agencies to promote geotourism
and new product development that can include museums
and mining heritage sites linked through geotrails.
 Encourage the mining industry to sponsor mining heritage
projects as an opportunity to enhance ‘social licence’
and Community Social Responsibility commitments.
 AGC will be conferring with its constituent professional
societies (e.g. The AusIMM, AIG, PESA etc) to determine
whether this can be a leadership role for mining
professionals.

61. Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park, Taiwan
Herberton Mining Centre and Walking Trails

62. Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park, Taiwan
Chillagoe Smelters Heritage Site, Far NQ

63. Chillagoe Smelters Heritage Trail

64. Lithgow State Mine and Heritage Park

65. Lithgow State Mine and Heritage Park

66. Photo by Henry Gold

67. Take-Aways:
Major
Geotourism
Development
in Australia
 The State and Territory Chief
Government Geologists are
meeting this week to consider a
‘way forward’ based on these
discussion topics as identified by
the Australian Geoscience
Council (AGC).
 It is hoped that priority may be
able to be given to making a
start on implementing these
recommended measures in
collaboration with the
constituent member societies of
the AGC.
 The AGC remains hopeful that a
national geotourism strategy can
start to emerge during this
process.

68. Why Geotourism for Members of AGC Societies ?
 New domestic employment and consulting opportunities for
geoscientists - interpretation signage/boards, design of geotrails
etc; particularly important during mining exploration
downturns.
 Consulting opportunities in developing countries where geoparks
are now being nominated and developed.
 Management roles in geoparks and mining parks, regional
development and local government agencies.
 Opportunity for geology related interests during early
retirement and/or supporting community groups for employer
supported geotourism projects.

69. Why Geotourism for Resource Companies
and Mining Communities?
 A mechanism for celebrating and raising awareness of mining
heritage, past and present.
 An opportunity to enhance community engagement and build
value into ‘Social Licence’ considerations.
 By celebrating geological heritage, and in connection with all
other aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage,
geotourism enhances awareness and understanding of key
issues facing society, such as using our earth’s resources
sustainably.
 By raising awareness of the importance of the area’s geological
heritage in society today, geotourism gives local people a sense
of pride in their region and strengthens their identification
with the area.

70. “A Vision Beyond Mine Site Rehabilitation -
the largest national mining park in the world to
be established to celebrate the significant role
that mining has played for Australia’s
development.”
http://www.leisuresolutions.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/abstract_robinson-et-al_rev.docx
• Native flora and fauna habitat conservation – all connected through corridors;
• ‘Soft adventure’ recreation.
• Coal mining heritage sites, geosites and geotrails.
• Areas set aside for renewable energy generation (solar arrays, wind farms,
biomass production) embracing light industrial sites and ‘value adding’
manufacturing.
• Engagement with the six strategic hubs of the Strategic Aboriginal Culture and
Enterprise Scheme of the Wonnarua Nation Aboriginal Corporation.

71. GEOTOURISM
VISION FOR
THE PILBARA
GEOREGION
* The opportunity to embrace through
geotourism the Pilbara’s world-famous North
Pole stromatolites, given the geosite’s world
class profile as the oldest living community
fossils on the planet, has considerable
potential in establishing Australia as a ‘must
see’ destination for fossil-rich geoheritage
visitation.
* This potential, when combined with the
parallel development of the Nilpena Ediacaran
fossil assemblage site in SA’s Flinders Ranges
as well as the established Age of Dinosaurs
museum in Winton, in Western Qld, will
deliver for Australia an unparalleled tourism
destination for domestic tourists – both ‘grey
nomads’ and tour groups.
* For the emerging, high value, FIT
market particularly in China, high profile
‘scenic areas’ with outstanding natural
heritage & cultural values, with
outstanding ‘bucket list’ appeal.

72. STRATEGIC
THEMES OF A
GEOTOURISM
DESTINATION
MANAGEMENT
PLAN (GDMP)
FOR THE
PILBARA
GEOREGION
* A key element of the GDMP of
the Pilbara Georegion is its
strategic themes, which highlight
the points of difference of the
Georegion compared with other
destinations and provide a high-
level experience.
* It is based on a visitor-centric
approach to destination planning
and management. The strategic
themes have been identified
through a review of three core
considerations.

73. STRATEGIC THEMES OF A GEOTOURISM DESTINATION
MANAGEMENT PLAN (GDMP) FOR THE PILBARA GEOREGION
* Strengths of the Georegion including existing signature
experience STORIES as well as its outstanding natural, cultural
and built assets, much of which has served the development of
the Region’s resource development heritage.
* Visitor research and data, including an understanding of the
destination’s perception, awareness levels and demand for the
existing offering from target market segments.
* Analysis of the global domestic travel trends and an
understanding of target markets that provide insights into the
appeal of the destination and the motivations for and barriers
to travel of target market segments.

74. Contact Details
angus@leisuresolutions.com.au
Tel: 0418 488 340
https://www.slideshare.net/leisuresolutions
http://www.leisuresolutions.com.au/index.php/geotourism-industry-groups/
Information about Australian Geotourism and Geopark Development Activities
http://www.agc.org.au/geoscience-in-australia/geotourism/
Australian Geoscience Council