Natural wonders in the palm of your hand

Western Australia’s natural wonders are now in the palm of your hand. The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has launched a series of electronic park guides, available on EveryTrail , an interactive site containing travel information from more than 80 countries around the world.

• Francois Peron National Park – Shark Bay World Heritage Area
• Kalbarri National Park
• Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park – Augusta and Boranup
• Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park – Yallingup surrounds
• Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles
• Purnululu National Park – World Heritage Area

The site includes self-guided road trips, sightseeing tours, hiking, cycling and, now, adventures in DEC-managed lands and waters.

Visitors can plan their next adventure, share travel experiences, view detailed maps, photos, descriptions and points of interest.

EveryTrail’s web2.0 media-rich, interactive and location-aware guides can be viewed free online and downloaded to mobile phones, including iPhones, for a small fee or free. Downloading before visitors embark on their journey means that the guides can be used in the most remote areas of the state even where phone reception isn’t available. All fees collected by DEC will assist in conservation and park management, including the improvement of visitor services and facilities. DEC’s first six guides are free to download.

DEC Deputy Director General Parks and Conservation Jim Sharp said that utilising smartphone technology is an important way to make visitor information easily accessible.

“DEC-managed lands and waters include 98 national parks, 10 marine parks and 11 regional parks—a total area greater than the size of Victoria. The department is committed to encouraging responsible recreation and tourism to these natural wonders,” Mr Sharp said.
 
The state government’s Royalties for Regions and capital works program has invested almost $25million this financial year in park improvements. This will see the construction of roads, camp sites and eco-friendly accommodation.
 
DEC’s partnership with EveryTrail is an important first step in a wider promotional plan to provide more information to the community to help them explore, play, learn and rediscover Western Australia’s natural attractions.”
 
More DEC EveryTrail Guides are currently being developed, the new DEC Campgrounds website will be launched soon featuring more than 110 camp sites, photos, GPS locations and maps, and a series of free entry days at selected national parks are happening during the summer period.

Find out more information about the electronic guides or view a video demonstration of EveryTrail