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Fremantle Trails a finalist in WA Tourism Awards

FREMANTLE Trails, a series of walks and trails around Fremantle's CBD, has been nominated for a WA Tourism Award in the visitor information and services category.

Launched last year, the $150,000 project was devised to improve the physical link between Fishing Boat Harbour and WA Maritime Museum and develop a coordinated marketing approach to all trails in Fremantle.

A number of trails were produced – using the themes of convicts, hotels and breweries, discovery, Manjaree heritage, the waterfront, maritime heritage, art and culture, retail/fashion, writers and C.Y. O’Connor – all detailed on the website www.fremantletrails.com.au.

The project was developed as a joint initiative from the City of Fremantle, Department of Transport & Regional Services, Fishing Boat Harbour Traders’ Association, Fremantle First, Fremantle Ports, Department for Planning & Infrastructure, WA Maritime Museum and Tourism WA.

City of Fremantle Economic Development & Marketing Coordinator David Duncanson said the trails, about two to four hours each, were designed to guide people on a personalised tour of Fremantle, using a downloadable map, signs, street art and landscaping.

“Fremantle Trails are a chance to discover the many cultural and historical facets of the port city, taking in icons such as The Round House, cappuccino strip, Bathers Beach and Whalers Tunnel and cliffs, to name just a few,” he said.

“By bringing these trails together into a tangible network, it helped to create a marketable brand that attracts even more tourists into the area.

“Fremantle Trails has capitalised on the growing trend for walking and cycling tourism and added a new dimension to the historic and commercial appeal of Fremantle by providing linked, safe and accessible paths for visitors.”

Mr Duncanson said a key component of Fremantle Trails’ success was marketing the different walks and trails through a devoted website that featured innovative, interactive maps that could easily be downloaded.

“Our initial success with Fremantle Trails has seen the project expand this year with the development of a special Fishing Boat Harbour trail now in the pipeline,” he said.

“It will form part of the existing trails network, extending the Waterfront Trail through to the Fremantle Sailing Club.”

Fremantle Mayor Peter Tagliaferri said the WA Tourism Award nomination was a good example of key Fremantle organisations and local, state and federal governments working together effectively to deliver a project like Fremantle Trails.

“It’s another feather in the cap for Fremantle tourism, following on from our recent introduction of Friday night shopping and also expanding the Fremantle Village Art Market in Kings Square to operate on Thursdays and Fridays,” he said.

“Yet again, it simply proves that here in Fremantle we have something to offer for everyone, no matter what their interest – there’s always a lot to enjoy.”

Other nominees in the visitor information and services category include Augusta-Margaret River Tourism, The Kodja Place Visitors Centre, Broome Visitor Centre, Mandurah Visitor Centre, Bunbury Visitor Centre, Kununurra Visitor Centre, City of Perth Visitor Services i-City Program, Kalgoorlie Goldfields Visitor Centre and the Kalbarri Visitor Centre.

Winners of the 2007 WA Tourism Awards, presented by Tourism Council WA, will be announced at Burswood Grand Ballroom on November 3.

“These awards have a rich history dating back to 1972 and have played a major role in assisting the industry to strive for excellence over the years,” Tourism Council WA CEO Ron Buckey said.

“Tourism Council WA plays a major role in working with the industry to improve standards and ensure superior delivery of product so visitors have a positive experience, thus encouraging repeat visits.”

• For more information on Fremantle Trails, contact Economic Development & Marketing Coordinator David Duncanson on (08) 9432 9770 or e-mail davidd@fremantle.wa.gov.au