DBCA supports and promotes sustainable, nature and culture-based tourism in national, marine and conservation parks and reserves managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service. We know that when people have positive experiences of nature, they value it and become advocates for parks and for conservation.  Visitation to parks also provides many benefits, at both the personal and community levels, including improved mental and physical health from spending time in nature, economic outcomes from vibrant recreation and tourism industries and greater social cohesion. Access to public lands is also important for other compatible land uses, such as beekeeping, telecommunications and community uses.

DBCA seeks to partner with the recreation and tourism industries to create ways for visitors to have outstanding, enjoyable and safe experiences of WA’s nature, wildlife and the network of parks and reserves.  Please read below for information on recreation and tourism activities and opportunities in WA’s parks, provided by DBCA’s Nature-based Tourism Division.

All proposals for new land uses or activities in parks are given careful consideration to make sure the proposal meets the requirements of legislation, is compatible with other park uses and meets expectations regarding nature conservation and the promotion and appreciation of Aboriginal cultural heritage values and the natural environment.  

For more information on specific areas of business, please see related pages below.

For new (tourism) businesses, a process map has been prepared to outline the  considerations and approvals that may apply.  You can download a copy of this process map at the bottom of this page.

A directory of useful contacts for businesses is available on our Doing business with DBCA page.

Eco and nature-based tourism regulatory process map