Delivering on its election commitment the Malinauskas government under the South Australian Tourism Commission’s $2 million Experience Nature Tourism Fund, has just announced the recipients of the first round of grants with 18 products and experiences supported across South Australia.
Sailing journeys of marine parks from the far west coast to Kangaroo Island, a cultural immersion experience at Deep Creek, a luxury camping experience on the Murray River, upgraded cottage accommodation with solar power in the Riverland, and e-bike tours at Cleland – are just some of the new tourism experiences getting a financial boost.
A total of nearly $486,000 in grants will unlock more than $824,000 in combined project value, supporting operators to attract more domestic and international visitors, while showcasing the state’s natural landscapes.
One of the grant recipients, Brindabella Sailing, operates sailing charters along the South Australian coastline. The tour operator will receive a $18,424 grant to enable it to operate new day and overnight sailing journeys from Outer Harbor and Port Lincoln to marine parks across the state, such as the Lower Yorke Peninsula Marine Park, Eastern Kangaroo Island and Port Noarlunga in the Encounter Marine Park, and Kangaroo Island’s north coast in the Southern Spencer Gulf Marine Park.
Operators receiving grants are spread across the regions, from the Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas to the Flinders Ranges & Outback, Riverland, and the Limestone Coast. Funded projects will showcase a diverse range of South Australia’s national parks and reserves, wilderness sanctuaries and marine parks, and create a range of new tourism product such as new and refurbished accommodation, Aboriginal cultural tours, wellness and immersive experiences, and water-based activities.
The funding program runs over four financial years, with up to $500,000 available in each year.
This grant gives us the exciting opportunity to broaden our sailing adventures to include overnight and day destination expedition experiences within SA’s marine and coastal parks.
We can now offer passengers the unique opportunity of accessing and exploring these magnificent parks from the water via the iconic maxi yacht, Brindabella.
Visitors can enjoy a true blue water sail across St Vincent gulf to the likes of Lower Yorke Peninsula’s Point Davenport or Kangaroo Island, jump in for a swim or kayak through the estuaries, learn about the parks’ biodiversity and First Nations’ significance, all whilst enjoying the creature comforts of a hot shower, fine SA food and wine, and a stunning sunset and sunrise on Brindabella’s deck.
This grant will also see the addition of a much-needed tender vessel and an electronic shark shield increase the safety of our operation and everyone on board.
Brigid Dighton, owner/operator Brindabella SailingApplications for 2023 funding will open early in the new financial year.
