The beauty of Western Australia's tourist towns is under threat as locals grapple with the potential consequences of overtourism. With summer visitors flocking in, concerns are rising about the impact on local attractions and beaches.
One of the most popular destinations in the South West, the Busselton Jetty, has seen a staggering 60% increase in visitors over the past decade. During the peak Christmas and New Year period, the jetty welcomed a whopping 10,000 people.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Busselton Jetty CEO Lisa Shreeve understands the need to maintain the jetty's unique appeal. She worries that overcrowding, like at iconic spots like the Trevi Fountain, could diminish the experience for visitors.
"The Busselton Jetty is special, and we want to keep it that way," she says.
To tackle overtourism, the team is considering limiting tour group sizes and spreading out visitation. While walk tickets may not need capping just yet, tickets for the underwater observatory and train rides will likely be restricted.
In the neighboring town of Dunsborough, local reference group chair Jeff Forrest has lived for almost 40 years and witnessed the increasing busyness of local beaches. He believes capping visitor numbers by limiting accommodation spots is essential to preserving the town's character and natural environment.
"Every year, it gets crazier," he says. "We can't even find parking on the coast sometimes."
Forrest worries that overtourism could destroy the very things that make the area so appealing to visitors.
"It's like putting too many sheep in a paddock. We need to determine the area's carrying capacity and manage visitor numbers accordingly."
However, not everyone agrees with capping tourists. At Meelup Beach, visitors like Kalia and Matt Alessi, who have lived in Sydney, argue that eastern state beaches are far busier.
"For a busy time of year, this beach has been quite enjoyable," says Ms. Alessi. "Tourism is a huge economic boost, but we must respect locals. Capping visitors could hinder other organizations."
The Alessis are happy to share the beach. "It's for everyone, regardless of how busy it is. Capping visitors seems selfish and greedy," says Mr. Alessi.
The City of Busselton has already taken action by cracking down on short-stay accommodations like Airbnb. Mayor Phil Cronin believes further intervention is unlikely, stating that the issue will resolve itself before reaching the extreme levels seen in some parts of Europe and the eastern states.
"If we reach saturation, this place won't be as attractive," he says. "Tourism brings in $1 billion annually to this area. We must embrace it."
Further south, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions warns holidaymakers on social media about overcrowded car parks at places like William Bay National Park near Denmark. Regional Leader for Parks and Visitor Services Peter Masters encourages visitors to explore other areas if their favorite spots are full.
"Many national parks get overloved," he says. "We want to avoid vegetation damage and fire risks from vehicles. There are plenty of inland activities to enjoy."
As Western Australia's tourist towns navigate the delicate balance between welcoming visitors and preserving their unique charm, the debate over overtourism continues. What do you think? Should visitor numbers be capped to protect these special places, or is there a better way to manage the influx of tourists?
