Growing local tourism in the Wheatbelt has seen annual visitors surpassing 1 million per year, with a tourism spend exceeding $354 million. The Wheatbelt Development Commission is working collaboratively with JTSI and Tourism WA to assist destination management planning for Australia’s Golden Outback, Australia’s Coral Coast, and Destination Perth tourism regions, all of which intersect the diverse Wheatbelt region.
The Commission is also proud of its Noongar history and seeks to collaborate with and support Aboriginal people and businesses in the development of cultural tourism. The Wheatbelt receives approximately 1,088,000 tourists annually and is set to receive more as local and state governments have been increasingly focusing on this industry in recent years. A rising trend is the demand for nature and wellness experiences. The Wheatbelt, with its natural attractions and farm stay retreats, is well situated to capitalize on this emerging trend. A national agritourism strategy is driving a further focus on farm stays and back-to-nature experiences, encouraging product development in the areas of trails, rural stays, wellness retreats, food and wine events, and paddock-to-plate experiences. This is encouraging investment in value-added products in the agribusiness sector.
The region is seeing an increase in tourism-related activities and infrastructure development. Western Australia, particularly the Wheatbelt, is benefiting from this trend as it becomes a key destination for both domestic and international tourists seeking authentic rural and nature-based experiences. The Wheatbelt’s diverse landscapes, from pristine beaches to rugged granite rock outcrops, its unique wildlife, and the iconic wildflower season attract thousands of visitors each year. The government and tourism operators are working together to promote sustainable tourism, ensuring that the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region are preserved for future generations.