Six projects secure government funds

NATURE-BASED tourism in the Limestone Coast has been boosted with six projects receiving funding from the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Experience Nature Tourism Fund. The $2 million program has supported nature-based visitor experiences across South Australia over four rounds helping strengthen nature-based tourism offerings statewide.

The fourth and final round of the fund has recently been announced with Tracx Robe Adventure Tours securing $35,000 to invest in e-bikes and enhance its existing mountain bike tours through Little Dip Conservation Park.

Across the four funding rounds, six projects in the Limestone Coast have been successful, attracting more than $148,000 in funding for nature-based tourism development in the region.

Limestone Coast Local Government Association supported many local applicants through the application process. Executive Officer Charlotte Edmunds said nature-based experiences were a significant attraction of the Limestone Coast as a destination.

“The Limestone Coast’s iconic and globally significant natural assets are unlike anywhere else in Australia,” Ms Edmunds said.

“From the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Naracoorte Caves, the region’s network of dormant volcanos and volcanic craters, the rugged cliffs and sweeping sandy beaches of the Coast and internationally recognised Ramsar-listed wetlands such as Bool and Hacks Lagoons and Piccaninnie Ponds our natural assets are supported by a regional community who value clean, green, sustainably managed landscapes.”

“Responsible and sustainable nature-based tourism is central to what we have to offer as a visitor destination, with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors year-round—whether in the bustling summer coastal towns or exploring tranquil inland trails in cooler months.”

“The funding received from the State Government via the South Australia Tourism Commission is a fantastic investment in our region’s growing nature-based and adventure experience offering,” said Ms Edmunds.

In the 12 months to 31 December 2024, visitors to the Limestone Coast contributed $662 million in expenditure surging past the 2025 target of $479 million, and the long-term 2030 target of $609 million.

LIMESTONE COAST EXPERIENCE NATURE TOURISM FUND RECIPIENTS

Round 1

Bush Adventures – $15,539 – Purchase of a trailer and equipment to operate an immersive eco-tourism experience through various national parks throughout the Limestone Coast

Statewide – $11,577 – Purchase of cameras and equipment to provide to guests who do not own their own equipment when partaking in various photographic safaris into national parks across South Australia

Round 2

Walk the Limestone Coast – $20,000 – Purchase of a vehicle to transport walkers to daily walk points on two multi-day walking tours visiting Limestone Coast national parks

Round 3

Penola Coonawarra Caravan Park – $15,854 – Purchase of e-bikes to run new half day and full day e-bike, walking and bird watching tours to the Penola Conservation Park including visits to other local businesses and wine tasting

Coonawarra Experiences – $50,000 – Purchase of a vehicle, equipment and marketing activities to launch two new tours – Caves and Coast and Culture and Caves, visiting multiple national parks in the Limestone Coast

Walk the Limestone Coast – $11,640 – The creation of videography and photography assets to promote Limestone Coast Escape tour which enters multiple national parks in the region

Round 4

Tracx – $$35,300 – The purchase of e-bikes to attract new visitors on an existing mountain bike tour itinerary through Little Dip Conservation Park.