A new app developed by the Pilbara Tourism Association with support from the McGowan Government is helping self-drive tourists to explore Western Australia’s vast and beautiful Pilbara region.
The Warlu Way, named after a spirit snake featured in Pilbara creation stories, provides four routes between Exmouth and Broome, taking in the Pilbara’s major tourism attractions on sealed and unsealed roads.
The coastal route explores the Pilbara’s stunning coastline, showcasing the Mackerel Islands, Dampier Archipelago, the world heritage-nominated rock art of Murujuga National Park and local industry.
The inland route explores red rock gorges, pastoral station stays and the rugged and beautiful Karijini National Park.
The Manuwarra ‘Red Dog’ Highway route links Murujuga to the national parks of Millstream Chichester and Karijini.
The East Pilbara Geoheritage Trail links Karijini to Port Hedland and takes in ancient geology dating from the ‘dawn of life’ alongside other remarkable geographical features of the Pilbara.
The project to develop the app received $90,182 from the McGowan Government via a Regional Economic Development (RED) Grant, with additional support provided by Rio Tinto, the Shires of East Pilbara and Ashburton and the Town of Port Hedland.
The app can be accessed through the www.destinationpilbara.com.au website and downloaded from Apple App store for iPhone or Google store for Android phones.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Congratulations to the Pilbara Tourism Association for bringing together the Warlu Way App, with a RED Grant and regional partners’ support.
“Travellers now have more help planning and navigating their journey safely, locating services, tours and attractions and deepening their understanding of the region.
“Supporting tourism in the Pilbara helps to diversify the region’s economy, and with more and more visitors spending time in the Pilbara on self-drive journeys through Western Australia, the development of the app comes at the perfect time for the region.”
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
“Estimated to contribute 1,796 jobs and $447 million to the Pilbara economy in 2019, tourism is a key opportunity to diversify our region’s industries.
“Studies show more than 80 per cent of travellers wish to engage with Aboriginal people through cultural and tourism opportunities.
“The Warlu Way app will assist them in locating those and other local businesses.”
