1
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area
Interpretation Plan
2006
Prepared by Rory Chapple and Helen Moses. Funding provided by the
Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage
Photo credits: Rod Hartvigsen (Murranji Photography)
Copyright Department of Environment and Conservation 2006
i
PREFACE
The Department of Environment and Conservation, as the responsible agency for the
management of the Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area, is responsible for planning
and implementing the park’s interpretation program. The term interpretation as used in this
document refers to the conveying of messages to visitors to the World Heritage Area.
Interpretation projects can therefore be loosely defined as communication projects and
include signage, written publications, displays, websites, guided activities and any other
communication projects.
This document is the principal guiding document for the World Heritage Area’s
interpretation program. It outlines the park’s interpretation objectives, key messages and a
detailed plan for implementing the priority projects. I urge all stakeholders to comment on
the plan as it will be the primary document for driving the World Heritage Area’s
interpretation program.
The term of this plan will be five years (review due Nov 2011) however a review may take
place before this time.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank my assistant in this project, Helen Moses for her valuable work in
completing the visitor and tour operator surveys, reviewing the existing program, consulting
with key Aboriginal groups and editing and commenting on the plan. Her work was
invaluable to the project.
Many other DEC staff provided valuable input including: Lindsay Brown (Senior Park
Ranger), Steve Vigilante (Landscape Architect), Gil Field (Interpretation & Visitor
Information Coordinator), Gae Mackay (Regional Manager) and Luisa Liddicoat (Research
Scientist). Thank you also to the interpretation team in Kensington lead by Gil Field who
provided guidance on writing the plan and developed the existing park interpretation
program, which has proved to be very successful.
I thank you all for your valuable assistance.
Rory Chapple
Interpretation Planner
November 2006
ii
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area
Interpretation Plan
1 Introduction ..............................................................................................4
1.1 Background ...........................................................................................................4
1.2 An Interpretive Planning Model ...........................................................................4
1.3 Definition of Interpretation ...................................................................................5
2 Why? … Our interpretive aims and objectives .....................................6
2.1 Introduction...........................................................................................................6
2.2 Aim of the Plan .....................................................................................................6
2.3 Scope of the Plan ..................................................................................................6
2.4 General Objectives................................................................................................6
2.5 Specific Objectives ...............................................................................................6
2.6 Other Planning Documents and Processes............................................................7
World Heritage Obligations................................................................7
DEC Vision & Objectives...................................................................7
Purnululu National Park Management Plan........................................8
Steps to Sustainable Tourism..............................................................8
3 Who?… a profile of visitors to the World Heritage Area ....................9
3.1 Survey Methods ....................................................................................................9
3.2 Survey Results ....................................................................................................10
How many people visit each year? ...................................................10
How do they get to the park? ............................................................11
When do the visitors arrive? .............................................................11
What age are the park’s visitors? ......................................................12
Where are the park’s visitors from?..................................................12
What park sites are visited the most?................................................13
Did visitors stop at the park entry station?........................................14
How long do visitors spend in the park?...........................................14
How long do tour guides allocate for each of the walks? .................14
Did visitors stop at any of the nearby visitor centres? ......................14
3.3 Evaluation of Current Interpretation Facilities ...................................................15
How did visitors rate the park interpretation facilities?....................15
Do visitors spend much time reading the current signs? ..................15
4 What?... What are the park’s interpretive resources? .......................16
4.1 Site description....................................................................................................16
4.2 Visitor Facilities..................................................................................................16
4.3 Natural Environment...........................................................................................18
Geological Features ..........................................................................18
Flora ...............................................................................................18
Fauna ...............................................................................................19
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
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4.4
4.5
Cultural Heritage.................................................................................................19
Aboriginal Heritage ..........................................................................19
Non-indigenous Heritage ..................................................................19
Park Themes........................................................................................................20
The Thematic Approach to Interpretation.........................................20
Principal Interpretive Theme for the World Heritage Area ..............20
Supporting Themes and their use......................................................21
5 How, When & Where? … An Action Plan for implementation ........31
5.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................31
5.2 A review of the park’s current interpretation program .......................................31
Positives of the existing program......................................................31
Shortfalls of the existing interpretation program ..............................32
5.3 Project Prescriptions ...........................................................................................34
1. Park logo and style guide....................................................................37
2. Purnululu NP World Heritage Area brochure ....................................37
3. Image library ......................................................................................38
4. Purnululu NP World Heritage Area Magpaper...................................39
5. Kimberley region brochure .................................................................39
6. DEC website upgrade .........................................................................40
7. Aboriginal language reference project................................................41
8. ‘Welcome to Country’ project ............................................................42
9. Park entry station upgrade ..................................................................42
10. Park visitor centre display upgrade ..................................................43
11. Airstrip interpretation display upgrade .............................................44
12. Tour operator training package.........................................................45
12a. Scenic flight operator info sheet / package .....................................46
13. Guided activities ...............................................................................46
14. Piccaninny Creek carpark display & trailhead..................................47
15. Echidna Chasm carpark display & trailhead.....................................48
16. Mini Palms carpark display & trailhead ...........................................49
17. Platform walk interpretation .............................................................49
18. Osmand Lookout walk interpretation ...............................................50
19. Domes walk interpretation................................................................51
20. Cathedral Gorge walk interpretation upgrade...................................51
21. Echidna Chasm walk interpretation upgrade ....................................52
22. Mini Palms walk interpretation upgrade...........................................53
23. Walanginjdji Lookout interpretation display ....................................53
24. Piccaninny Gorge walk brochure / publication.................................54
25. Off-site visitor centre displays ..........................................................54
26. Revamp of park notes (fauna lists - birds etc) ..................................55
27. Audio interpretation of drive into park .............................................56
28. Campground walks interpretation.....................................................56
29. Elephant Rock interpretation – trailhead and signage ......................57
6 Evaluation ...............................................................................................58
6.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................58
6.2 Why evaluate?.....................................................................................................58
6.3 Methods .........................................................................................................58
6.4 Guidelines on sample size...................................................................................59
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
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7 References ...............................................................................................60
8 Appendices ..............................................................................................60
8.1 Appendix A - Tour Operator and Park Visitor Interviews .................................60
8.2 Appendix B – Inventory of Interpretive Material ...............................................68
8.3 Appendix C - Evaluation of Interpretive Signage...............................................72
8.4 Appendix D – Action plans developed during the STEPS to Sustainable Tourism
process.
.........................................................................................................74
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
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1
Introduction
1.1
Background
Purnululu National Park, World Heritage listed in 2003 for its universally significant natural
values, is one of Australia’s most spectacular and significant national parks. Its outstanding
geological features and in particular the ‘beehive domes’ of the Bungle Bungle range are the
primary reason for World Heritage listing and the primary tourist attraction in the park.
Whilst the park’s current interpretation program is sufficient and meets the visitor’s basic
needs there are significant issues that need addressing. The park’s interpretation program
lacks vital information on key themes such as World Heritage listing and Aboriginal culture
and some interpretive facilities do not reach the standards set by the Department of
Environment and Conservation (DEC) or some of Australia’s other World Heritage areas.
This plan aims to address the above issues through the provision of a practical, project based
interpretation strategy which will raise the profile of the park’s interpretation program to
something that is commensurate to World Heritage status. This document includes an Action
Plan section that addresses shortfalls in the current program by detailing specific, prioritised
interpretation projects that will be implemented in a 5 year time frame.
1.2
An Interpretive Planning Model
This Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area Interpretation Plan follows a tried and
true interpretive model developed and redeveloped in the U.S over the last 20 years
(Veverka, 1994; Peart/Woods, 1976). It is simple to use and is proven to work in the field.
This plan follows a simple process that answers the following questions:
Why are we doing this? (our aims and objectives)
What are our interpretive resources? (what is there to talk about in the park and
what messages do we want to get across to our clients)
Who are our clients? (developing a visitor profile) and
How, when and where? (an implementation plan for the park’s interpretation
program).
A diagrammatic outline of this process is provided in figure 1.
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
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Fig 1: The Interpretive Planning Model
Adapted from Veverka, 1994
Why?
The objectives that the
plan aims to accomplish
How, when
& where?
What?
What we have to talk
about. The interpretive
resources of the area
Who?
An Action Plan that pulls the
Why, What and Who sections
together. Includes specific projects
that are prioritised and assigned
with appropriate messages
Review &
Evaluation
How we will evaluate
the plan to see if the
objectives are being
achieved
Our visitors – who they are
and what needs do they have
1.3
Definition of Interpretation
“Interpretation is a means of communicating ideas and feelings which enrich people’s
understanding and appreciation of their world and their role within it” (Interpretation
Australia Association).
“Interpretation is the craft of enriching visitor experience. It is an interactive process
involving the visitor, the medium and resource, which creates memorable and personal
experiences which motivate people to greater understanding and care of the environment
being interpreted, as well as an appreciation of the effort required to protect and sustain the
environment.”
Interpretation helps visitors to develop knowledge, skills, attitudes/values and appropriate
actions” (DEC Visitor Interpretation Manual).
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
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2
Why?
Our interpretive aims and objectives
2.1
Introduction
The key to a successful interpretation plan is the development of goals and objectives which
drive the interpretation works program. We need to ask ourselves: Where are we going with
our park interpretation program?
This section lists our interpretive goals, aims and objectives and lays the foundation for the
specific project objectives outlined later in section 5.
2.2
Aim of the Plan
The aim of this plan is to provide a working interpretation strategy that promotes the
conservation and enjoyment of the Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area through
achieving the objectives below and giving strong direction to future interpretation works.
2.3
Scope of the Plan
This plan gives strategic direction to future interpretation works within and pertaining to the
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area.
Interpretive works covered include all communicative media pertaining to the World
Heritage Area with which the DEC has some control. Such media include publications,
interpretive signage, websites, guided activities and displays.
This plan has an intended lifespan of 5 years and projects listed in the Action Plan (How,
when and where? - section 5) are deemed to be achievable in this time frame. Other longer
term projects which require significant capital investment such as a large visitor or cultural
centre may be referred to in this document but are not envisaged as achievable in this time
frame.
2.4
General Objectives
This plan has the following objectives:
To encourage best practice and low environmental impact behaviours both within the
World Heritage Area and in other natural environments.
To encourage public compliance and active support for conservation of flora and
fauna and management of the park ecosystems.
To promote and encourage safe enjoyment of the World Heritage Area.
2.5
Specific Objectives
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
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Visitors will be able to easily locate recreation nodes and facilities.
Visitors will be encouraged to discover a wide range of natural and cultural values
within the World Heritage Area.
After reading interpretive displays or participating in interpretive activities, the
majority of visitors will be able to understand and state the main themes of the sites
visited.
Visitors will have increased awareness and appreciation of their role as ‘custodians’
of the World Heritage Area.
Visitors will have increased awareness of recreational and educational opportunities
at sites across the World Heritage Area.
2.6
Other Planning Documents and Processes
The DEC – formally known as the Department of Conservation and Land Management
(CALM) - is responsible for the day to day management of the Purnululu National Park
World Heritage Area. Decisions pertaining to park management are made through a joint
management process which involves the DEC and representatives of local Aboriginal groups.
Other primary guiding documents and processes include the obligations of World Heritage
status and the park management plan (1995-2005).
World Heritage Obligations
Purnululu National Park was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 2003 and the DEC as
manager is obliged to ensure certain aspects of management of these sites are undertaken.
This includes the identification, protection, conservation, presentation and transmission to
future generations of Australia’s heritage of outstanding universal value, particularly that
which has been included on the World Heritage List (in accordance with Article 11 of the
World Heritage Convention - Environment Australia 1999).
DEC Vision & Objectives
The DEC is the state government’s primary agency for conservation and land
management in Western Australia. As the provider of on-ground management of
Purnululu National Park, the DEC plays the primary role in interpreting the values of the
World Heritage Area to the public.
The Department’s vision is: “a natural environment in Western Australia that retains its
biodiversity and enriches people's lives”.
The Department’s major objectives are:
o To protect, conserve and, where necessary and possible, restore Western Australia's
natural biodiversity.
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
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o To generate social, cultural and economic benefits through the provision of a range of
services that are valued by the community and are consistent with the principles of
ecological sustainability.
o To develop community awareness and appreciation of the state's rich diversity of
native plants, animals and natural ecosystems, and its unique landscapes, and promote
community involvement in and support for their protection, conservation and
restoration.
o To foster a positive work culture of trust, continuous improvement and anticipation of
biodiversity conservation issues and customer needs, and deliver core business
activities in the most effective and efficient manner (Corporate Plan 2002-2005,
CALM).
Purnululu National Park Management Plan
National parks and other lands reserved under the Land Act are vested in the National
Parks and Nature Conservation Authority (NPNCA) and are managed by the DEC. The
Purnululu National Park Management Plan (1995-2005) prepared by the DEC is the
guiding document for the management of the park. This plan is due for review and will
be updated to include reference to the park’s recent World Heritage listing and changes to
Aboriginal involvement in the park’s management.
Section 6.5 of the management plan titled – Information, education and interpretation
states the objective as “.. to provide visitors with information which will enhance their
safety, knowledge, appreciation and enjoyment of the natural and cultural resources of
the park and the region..”.
The park management plan also states that guidelines will be developed for the provision
of interpretive material across the park and should include amongst other things
interpretive programs, visitor facilities and information on Aboriginal cultural history.
Steps to Sustainable Tourism
Purnululu National Park was selected as a pilot location for the Steps to Sustainable
Tourism Program, a participatory planning program that assists Aboriginal communities
and individuals explore ideas for tourism involvement and introduce steps for sound
tourism development planning.
Workshops were held in the park during 2004 and 2005 to develop tourism initiatives that
engaged the local Aboriginal community. This interpretation plan was one of the 18
designated actions that came out of the Steps planning process and it is seen as a key tool
in helping the Aboriginal community engage with tourism issues. Some of the actions
involving the Aboriginal community that are further developed as part of this plan
include guided activities, the welcome to country project, the park magpaper and tour
operator training. These and other projects have been further developed in section 5 of
this plan and each relevant project prescription includes reference to the Steps process.
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
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3
Who?
a profile of visitors to the World Heritage Area
“The more you learn about who your visitors are, where they are
coming from, and the motives and expectations for their visit,
the better you can design your interpretive program”
J A Veverka – Interpretive Master planning
To produce an effective interpretation program you need to have a good understanding of
your major stakeholders – the visitors to your park. These visitors include local, interstate
and international tourists and other community and special interest groups or individuals.
They are the ultimate beneficiaries of the plan and they are also your most important critics.
We had many things that we needed to find out about our visitors. Some of the key questions
targeted for this plan were:
How many people visit the park?
Where do they come from?
What age groups are they in?
What mode of transportation do they use to get to the park?
What sites do they visit within the park?
Are their needs for information being met?
What do they think of the current park interpretation facilities and services and
how can we improve them?
Are the visitors taking on the messages in our current interpretation program?
Are the needs of tour operators and their clients being met?
3.1
Survey Methods
Using surveys and interviews conducted prior to or during this plan we gathered as much
information as possible about our visitors to create an accurate visitor profile. Data was
collected from several sources including:
Standard DEC visitor (VISTAT) surveys conducted in the park between 2000
and 2005.
One-on-one interviews with park visitors during 2005. Interviews were 15 – 30
min face-to-face interviews with groups of independent travellers conducted at
Cathedral Gorge. The questions and selected responses are included in appendix
A.
Interviews with tour operators. The roughly 30 min interviews were conducted
with a cross section of tour operators who regularly visit the park. A copy of the
interview questions and tour operator responses are provided at appendix A.
Tracking and timing of visitors. This included timing visitors and recording
behaviour around signs to determine the signs “holding power”.
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
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Tour operator statistics. Appropriate statistics were supplied by flight tour
operators to give us a more complete picture of park visitation.
3.2
Survey Results
Who is an “average” visitor to Purnululu?
“An average visitor to Purnululu is a 40 to 60 year old Australian,
travelling with their partner. They almost certainly will have
travelled a considerable distance to get to the park and will be
driving a 4WD. They will arrive between June and August and
stay in the park for approximately 24 hours, camping overnight.
They will probably undertake a flight whilst in the park and will
walk in to Cathedral Gorge and possibly Echidna Chasm.”
How many people visit each year?
The number of people who “visited” the park in 2004 was 44708 (table 1). This figure is
considerably higher than other estimates because it includes ‘fly-over’ visitors as well as
those who drive in to the park. Even though ‘fly-over’ visitors do not set foot in the park
they have been included because they are important when considering visitor information
and interpretation.
Table 1 – Park visitation summary by transport method
(from DEC and private tour operator statistics, 2004)
Drive in - independently
11916
Drive in - on tour
6779
Fly in + ground tour
4920
Fly over only
(plane + helicopter)
21093
Total
44708
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
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How do they get to the park?
Visitors who fly over the park on a scenic flight comprise the largest visitor group (47%)
followed by those who drive in independently (27%) and then those that arrive via a
4WD tour (15%) (figure 2).
Fig. 2 - Total Visitation by Category - 2004
Drive in
27% (11916)
Fly over only
47% (21093)
Arrive on tour
15% (6779)
Fly in and do tour
11% (4920)
Total visitors = 44708
When do the visitors arrive?
Figure 3 shows that July is the most popular month, averaging over 5000 visitors. The
park is closed in January, February and March each year.
Fig 3 -Visitation By Month
All visitors averaged over 5 year period
6000
Visitor Numbers
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
Au
gu
st
Se
pt
em
be
r
O
ct
ob
er
N
ov
em
be
r
D
ec
em
be
r
Ju
ly
Ju
ne
ay
M
Ap
ril
0
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Only includes visitors who
set foot in park. No fly overs
11
What age are the park’s visitors?
Our surveys of independent travellers showed that more than 70% are over 40 and only
10% are under 25 (figure 4). More than half are between 40 and 60 years of age.
Fig. 4 -Visitors by Age Group
(Independent travellers 2000 - 2005 sample)
>60 yrs
18%
< 15 yrs
6%
15 - 24 yrs
4%
25 - 39 yrs
18%
40 - 59 yrs
54%
n = 231
Data sample from 2000, 2002, 2004 & 200
Where are the park’s visitors from?
The majority of visitors are Australian (85%) and live in the eastern states. Over half of
visitors come from either NSW or Victoria (figure 5). International visitors account for
15% of all independent travellers and are generally from Western Europe (figures, 6a &
6b). Note that this does not include visitors on tours or scenic flights.
Fig. 5 - Australian Visitors by State
(Independent travellers 2000 - 2005 sample)
Tas 0%
Vic 23%
ACT 2%
WA 16%
NT 5%
NSW 31%
SA 14%
Qld 9%
n = 192
Data sample from 2000, 2002, 2004 & 2005
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
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Fig. 6a - Visitors by Origin
Fig. 6b - Overseas Visitors by Region
(Independent travellers 2000 - 2005 sample)
Overseas 15%
New Zealand
6%
Nth America
Asia 6%
3%
Australian 85%
n = 230
Dat a sample f rom 2000, 2002, 2004 & 2005
n =35
Data sample from 2000, 2002, 2004 & 2005
Europe 85%
What park sites are visited the most?
Cathedral Gorge is the most popular site with 95% of groups undertaking the walk into
the gorge (figure 7). The Domes is the next most popular (70%) followed by Echidna
Chasm (60%). The 50% figure for the visitor centre only included people who actually
entered the centre and would have been higher if it included people who used the outside
self-registration area or visited after hours.
Fig. 7 - Sites Visited by Independent Travellers
% of visitors who visited each site
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
C
at
he
dr
al
G
or
ge
D
om
es
W
Ec
al
hi
k
dn
a
C
ha
Vi
sm
si
to
rC
en
tre
M
in
iP
Fr
al
og
m
ho
s
le
W
al
(s
an
ho
gi
rt)
Pi
nj
cc
dj
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an
oo
in
ny
ko
ut
C
Pi
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e
cc
ek
an
-P
in
ny
ar
t
C
re
ek
-A
ll
0%
n =51 (20 groups)
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
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Did visitors stop at the park entry station?
In order to determine if the information shelter (at the beginning of the Spring Creek road
near the highway) was being utilised by visitors we asked people if they stopped at the
shelter and what they thought about the information. Forty-five percent of groups
surveyed stopped at the information shelter. Comments relating to this question are
included in appendix B.
How long do visitors spend in the park?
The average length of stay for independent travellers in the October survey was 1.1
nights and marginally under 24 hours in the park.
Note that the interviews were conducted in October when temperatures were very high
and this would have affected the length of stay. You can safely assume that the average
length of stay in the cooler months would be longer when comfort levels were higher.
Interviews with tour operators revealed that they tended to offer tours of less than 2
nights stay (average one to two nights). Due to the large number of tours offered and
limited statistics for separate tours, we were unable to calculate exact lengths of stay for
tour groups.
Fly in and fly out day tours with no overnight stays are becoming increasingly popular.
How long do tour guides allocate for each of the walks?
Interviews with tour operators provided the amount of time each operator allocated for
each walk. These figures give us a rough guide of usage patterns in the park. No data was
recorded for independent travellers.
The pattern of use of the Cathedral Gorge area is highly variable with operators visiting
some or all of the sites. Several operators use sites not open to the public including the
“Platform Walk”, “Bat Cave” and “Nature’s Window”. The length of stay here varied
between 1.5 and 4 hours with an average of 2 hours. Many combined the different walks
and others had lunch or morning / afternoon tea at the site which extended the length of
stay.
Visits to Echidna Chasm varied between 1 and 2 hours in length and averaged 1.5 hours.
Visits to Mini Palms varied between 1.5 and 3 hours and averaged 2.25 hours.
Did visitors stop at any of the nearby visitor centres?
To determine where people were getting their previsit information from we asked if they
visited any of the nearby tourist visitor centres. The most popular visitor centre was
Kununurra (50%) followed by Halls Creek (20%). This could be attributed to the fact that
most groups interviewed were travelling in an east to west direction (65%) and the
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
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Kununurra Visitor Centre was the last major place for information before the park. Only
35% of groups surveyed were travelling from west to east.
The percentage of groups that stopped at various visitor centres were:
Kununurra Visitor Centre
Halls Creek Visitor Centre
Broome Visitor Centre
None visited
3.3
50%
20%
5%
40%
(10/20)
(4/20)
(1/20)
(8/20)
Evaluation of Current Interpretation Facilities
How did visitors rate the park interpretation facilities?
The annual DEC park visitor survey is a voluntary written survey handed out to park
visitors. A question in the survey is: Was sufficient information (signs and brochures)
provided about the area? The response to this question has been very positive in the past,
rating 5.3 in 2000 (based on 1 = strongly disagree and 7 = strongly agree) and increased
significantly to 6.1 in 2005. The average response from 2000 to 2005 was 5.9 indicating a
positive response to the existing interpretation program.
In the October 2005 interviews we asked people to rate the interpretation facilities on a
scale of one to five (1 = poor 4 = good 5 = very good) and 3.9 was the average calculated
from all responses. Although direct comparison of the results of the two surveys is
difficult because of the techniques used, the broad trend of a positive response to the
interpretation program remains the same.
Visitor comments relating to this survey question (VISTAT surveys 7/2004-10/2005) are
included in appendix B.
Do visitors spend much time reading the current signs?
A short timing and tracking survey of selected people was conducted at five different
signs at Cathedral Gorge to gauge the holding power of the signs.
a) Piccaninny Creek Trailhead Signs
The control time (time taken to read everything and briefly look over the map) for the
two signs at the Piccaninny Creek trailhead was 1 min 55 sec. The survey average for the
total of 23 people surveyed was 26.5 sec. Almost every person (21 of 23) stopped and
read these signs indicating a strong need for information at this site.
b) Trailside Signs
A second tracking and timing survey was conducted on three trailside signs on the
Cathedral Gorge walk. These signs had little holding power, averaging less than 4
seconds for each sign. The hot weather, sign location, design and proximity to the start of
the track are likely to have influenced these results. For details of the two surveys see
appendix C.
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
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4
What?... What are the park’s interpretive resources?
4.1
Site description
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area is
located in the East Kimberley region of Western
Australia, approximately 300 kilometres by road
south of the regional town of Kununurra (map 1).
The principal physical feature of the park, covering
almost 45 000 hectares is the Bungle Bungle Range,
a large sandstone massif featuring spectacular
gorges, banded domes and sandstone towers. The
Ord River forms the southern and eastern boundaries
of the World Heritage Area, and several creeks
(Bellburn, Piccaninny, Red Rock, Osmand and
Buchanan) form a network of seasonal watercourses
through and around the range.
The Bungle Bungle Range, a little known attraction
Map 1: Location of the park
until it burst into the public spotlight in the 1980’s
following the airing of a TV documentary, was
gazetted as Purnululu National Park in 1987. In 2003 the park was recognised for its highly
significant natural values with inscription on the World Heritage list. Approximately 45 000
visitors travel each year to Purnululu National Park in the remote Kimberley region to view
one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes.
4.2
Visitor Facilities
Compared with some of Australia’s other World Heritage areas like Uluru and Kakadu,
Purnululu’s visitor facilities are relatively underdeveloped. There is no large scale visitor
centre, cultural centre or resort. Current facilities include a small visitor centre, 2 basic public
campgrounds, 2 commercial campgrounds, walking tracks, lookouts and an airstrip (figure
9).
The prime visitor attractions are concentrated around the Bungle Bungle Range and can be
divided into two precincts, north and south. The southern precinct around Piccaninny Creek
has the best representation of the ‘Beehive Domes’ and consequently is the most visited area.
Facilities here are basic and include a carpark and walking trails to Cathedral Gorge,
Piccaninny Gorge and the ‘Domes’. Interpretation is limited to walking track signs. This
precinct is earmarked for redevelopment within the life of this plan.
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
16
Fig 9 - Purnululu World Heritage Area Visitor Facilities
Echidna Chasm
Mini Palms
Kurrajong
Campground
Walanginjdji
Lookout
To Highway
Piccaninny
Gorge
Visitor Centre
Piccaninny Creek
Carpark
- Domes Walk
- Cathedral Gorge Walk
- Piccaninny Gorge Walk
Lookout
Walardi
Campground
Elephant Rock
Bellburn
Campground
Airstrip
The northern part of the park, unlike the southern section, does not have the beehive dome
formations and is instead dominated by large gorges and steep sandstone walls. Main sites
here include the steep-sided Echidna Chasm and Mini Palms Gorge. Again the facilities are
basic and only include a carpark and walking tracks. The track into Mini Palms Gorge is the
longest marked track in the park (5km return). Interpretation is limited to walking track
signage.
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
17
Away from the two major visitor nodes, on-site interpretation is limited to three other sites;
the entry station near the Great Northern Highway, the park’s visitor centre and displays at
the airstrip. There is no interpretation at any of the lookouts or campgrounds.
In addition to the static interpretation facilities guided walks by tour operators are conducted
throughout the park.
4.3
Natural Environment
Geological Features
The Bungle Bungle Range, a large sandstone formation rising to a height of 250 metres
above the surrounding plain, features spectacular beehive shaped sandstone towers and
numerous deep gorges. These universally significant geological features were recognised
when the park was nominated for inclusion on the World Heritage list:
The Bungle Bungles are, by far, the most outstanding example of cone karst in sandstones
anywhere in the world and owe their existence and uniqueness to several interacting
geological, biological, erosional and climatic phenomena’ – World Heritage Committee.
The banded sandstone towers of the Bungle
Bungle Range are an outstanding example of the
geomorphic process of weathering by wind, rain
and flowing water. Extensive faulting and
jointing of the sandstone massif followed by 20
million years of erosion resulted in the formations
we see today.
The distinct banding in the sandstone is due to
biological crusts that wind in horizontal dark
bands across the sandstone structures. The crusts,
formed by cyanobacteria (single cell
photosynthetic organisms), are present on a
massive scale and serve to stabilise and protect the
ancient sandstone formations.
Banding in the ‘Beehive Dome’ structures
Flora
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area lies in a transition zone between the arid
desert environments to its south and the monsoon savannah environments to the north.
Six hundred and nineteen species of vascular plants were recorded in the park during a
1992 biological survey by the DEC. Of particular importance in this respect are:
the cyanobacteria of the sandstone towers;
the presence of an exceptionally diverse range of spinifex (Triodia spp) species;
southerly occurrences of particular monsoonal savannah plant and animal species;
northerly distributions of certain arid zone species of plants and animals; and
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
18
significant endemic species.
The vegetation of the World Heritage Area is characterised by eucalypt-dominated open
woodland and various types of grasslands. The plateau area of the Bungle Bungle Range
is dominated by shrubs such as Acacia and Grevillea and a ground cover of spinifex. The
many sheltered gorges contain several rare species adapted to a moister climate such as
Livistona palms, ferns, vines and figs. The sandplain species are typical of desert
environments. Species such as silver-leaf bloodwood and bauhinia are prevalent.
Fauna
The fauna of the park is largely cryptic, many species seeking out the moist and sheltered
gorges of the Bungle Bungle Range. Species restricted to the park’s sandstone habitat
include mammals like the short-eared rock-wallaby, rock ringtail possum and common
rock-rat and birds such as the white-quilled rock-pigeon and sandstone shrike-thrush.
Macropods are well represented in the park and species include the euro, northern nailtail
wallaby and agile wallaby. A species of skink, Lerista bunglebungle is endemic to the
World Heritage Area.
4.4
Cultural Heritage
Aboriginal Heritage
The Purnululu region is an area of great cultural and socio-economic significance to
Aboriginal people. Evidence exists of occupation for at least the last 20 000 years and
some suggest much longer. Despite the disruption caused by the arrival of Europeans
around 100 years ago, Aboriginal people continue to maintain their cultural identity and
attachment to the land. Indigenous groups with cultural affiliation to the park and
surrounding area include the Kija, Djaru, Miriuwung and Malngin peoples.
The DEC works closely with local Aboriginal people to manage the park. The system of
management acknowledges Aboriginal people’s traditional responsibility for care of
country and the wellbeing of visitors. It gives Aboriginal people a strong say in park
decisions, and paves the way for similar management in other parks in the state.
Purnululu National Park is the first national park in the Kimberley to be managed in this
way.
Throughout the park there are numerous sites of cultural significance to Aboriginal
people. Presently none of these sites have been opened for visitor access however some
are known and visited by tour operators and locals. The tangible elements of Aboriginal
culture within the Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area are of high priority for
protection and may also become valuable interpretive features of the park.
Non-indigenous Heritage
The first European exploration of the area surrounding the Bungle Bungle Range was by
Alexander Forrest between 1876 and 1879. He worked for the Survey Department and
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
19
his brief was to assess the potential of the northern part of Western Australia for horse
and cattle breeding, tropical crops, and gold. His favourable reports of the pastoral
potential led rapidly to the stocking of cattle on leaseholds established in the area in 1884.
Following this initial exploration the pastoral industry became the mainstay of the region
and the lands adjacent to the Ord River were heavily stocked with cattle. Within a few
decades this area became severely degraded due to overstocking and poor land
management, initiating the resumption of a parcel of land in 1967, the Ord River
Regeneration Reserve, later to become part of Purnululu National Park.
In the early 1980’s attention was drawn to the region when a TV documentary on the
fascinating geological features of the Bungle Bungle Range was broadcast to the world.
Visitors quickly came to see this ‘unknown’ natural wonder and prompted the
government to protect the area for future generations. Purnululu National Park was
declared a few years later in 1987.
4.5
Park Themes
The Thematic Approach to Interpretation
A key element of this plan is the development of interpretive themes (or messages) that
are to be communicated to visitors to the World Heritage Area. From a visitor’s point of
view this is probably the single most important step in an interpretation plan.
When interpretation has a theme, it has a message. When our information is related to
some key idea or central message it becomes easier to follow and becomes more
meaningful to visitors. People remember themes – they forget facts.
Interpretive themes are considered from the viewpoint of the visitor. Effective
interpretive planning requires you to be your visitor first and your manager second. It is
important to know which stories are of most interest to your visitors.
Principal Interpretive Theme for the World Heritage Area
The principal theme for the World Heritage Area encompasses the essence of the park in
one sentence and is a message we would like all visitors to take home after their visit. It
will be the theme that is foremost communicated across the whole interpretive program
and will be supported by the secondary themes.
“Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area is
a place of universal natural and cultural value and
is ours to experience, enjoy, share and protect.”
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
20
Supporting Themes and their use
A series of secondary themes have been developed that help illustrate the park’s principal
theme. They have been grouped together under the following storylines: - Geological,
World Heritage, Biological, Human Occupation and Management (table 2). Each
secondary theme is further broken down into subthemes which are a series of short
statements that support the theme. The secondary themes have been assigned to
individual projects that are the most appropriate method or site to display these messages.
When completing interpretive projects follow these guidelines:
1. Read the prescription for your project in section 5
2. Follow the links to the key themes. These themes are appropriate
messages to be incorporated into your project
3. Use these themes as a starting point for writing your material
4. Select relevant subthemes for your project. Note that you do not have
to use all of the subthemes, pick the ones that are most appropriate.
Figure 10 - Using the Themes and Subthemes
Key Message
Storyline
Supporting sub
messages that
reinforce the
key message
Theme
Project number that
relates to the messages
(hyperlinked to project
in section 5)
Best site (bold) to portray
themes & subthemes. (Does
not include publications or
the visitor centre)
Subtheme
Suggested
Location
(& project no.)
Geology
1. The Bungle
Bungle Range is a
unique sandstone
formation
featuring
spectacular gorges,
‘beehive domes’
and deep chasms
a. The range is comprised of sandstone
that is around 360 million years old
b. The range was formed by a process of
sedimentation and deposition
Piccaninny
Ck carpark
(14)
Echidna
Chasm walk
(21)
Secondary site to
portray theme and
subtheme
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
21
Table 2: Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area storylines, secondary themes and
subthemes
Storyline
Theme
Subtheme
Suggested
Location (&
project no.)
Geology
1. The Bungle
Bungle Range is a
unique sandstone
formation featuring
spectacular gorges,
‘beehive domes’
and deep chasms
2. The NW of the
Bungle Bungle
Range is comprised
of conglomerate
and features deeply
dissected gorges
such as Echidna
Chasm and Mini
Palms Gorge
a. The range is comprised of sandstone that
is around 360 million years old
b. The range was formed by a process of
sedimentation and deposition
c. Streams and rivers deposited sediment in
the Ord Basin eroded from mountains in
the north
d. In the last 20 million years a dramatic
uplift of land and subsequent erosion
formed the features seen today
e. Sandstone towers characterise the northeastern and south-western parts of the
range
f. The towers and cliffs rise to a maximum
height of about 250 metres above the
surrounding sand plain
g. The sandstone is extremely fragile but
relatively stable because the individual
grains touch and interlock with one
another
Piccaninny Ck
carpark (14)
a. The north-western area of the range is
comprised of conglomerate, a sandy
matrix embedded with well-rounded
pebbles and boulders
b. The conglomerate was formed when fast
flowing streams and rivers deposited large
sediments in the Ord Basin around 360
million years ago
c. Deep gorges are prominent in the area and
were formed by erosion along faults and
joints (lines of weakness) in the rock
d. Sheer sided gorges such as Echidna
Chasm and Mini Palms Gorge cut deep
into the range, in some places for several
kilometres and only a few metres wide
Echidna
Chasm walk
(21)
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Airstrip (11)
Entry station
(9)
Domes walk
(19)
Echidna Chasm
trailhead (15)
Mini Palms
trailhead (16)
Airstrip (11)
Echidna
Chasm
trailhead (15)
Mini Palms
trailhead (16)
22
Storyline
Theme
Subtheme
Suggested
Location (&
project no.)
a. The formation of the Domes is an
outstanding example of the geomorphic
process of weathering by wind, rain and
flowing water
b. Jointing and faulting in the sandstone was
a key process in the formation of the
Beehive Domes
c. The dominant direction of jointing and
fracturing in the Piccaninny Creek area is
NW and NE – which controls the
distribution of the beehive formations
d. The geological significance of the beehive
domes is one of the principal reasons for
the park being awarded World Heritage
listing
Domes walk
(19)
a. Banding in the sandstone is due to the
presence or absence of cyanobacteria
b. Alternating layers in the sandstone have
different properties which make them
either conducive or unfavourable to
cyanobacteria growth
c. Cyanobacteria colonises less porous
sandstone and plays a role in stabilising
and protecting the sandstone from erosion
d. Clay poor sandstone is highly porous and
does not favour cyanobacteria growth
e. Oxidation of the sandstone bands without
a cyanobacteria protective coat forms
orange layers in the rock. The cyanobacteria layers are grey in colour.
Domes walk
(19)
5. A linear and
vertically tilted
limestone ridge is a
dominant visual
feature of the park
a. The limestone is comprised of marine
sediments deposited when a shallow sea
covered the area around 500 million years
ago
b. The limestone contains fossils of
trilobites, small conical shells and algae –
simple life forms from the Cambrian era
c. The ridge forms a strong linear feature to
the west of the Bungle Bungle Range
Walanginjdji
Lookout (23)
6. The Osmand
Range & Halls
Creek Mobile Zone
are significant
geological features
a. The oldest rock formations (1845 million
years old) lie in the Halls Creek Zone to
the west of the park
b. The Osmand Range was once a large
mountain range with active glaciers
Audio
interpretation
of drive into
park (27)
3. The Beehive
Domes (“Cone
Karst”) have been
formed by unique
geological processes
4. Banding in the
Beehive Domes is
due to properties of
the sandstone and
presence or absence
of cyanobacteria
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Piccaninny Ck
carpark (14)
Airstrip (11)
Cathedral
Gorge walk
(20)
Elephant Rock
walk (29)
Piccaninny Ck
carpark (14)
Airstrip (11)
Audio
interpretation of
drive into park
(27)
23
Storyline
Theme
Subtheme
Suggested
Location (&
project no.)
World
Heritage
of the area
c. The Spring Creek Track (park access
road) crosses the Halls Creek Mobile
Zone
d. The Halls Creek Fault is a major fracture
in the earth’s surface running for 850km
from the park to near Darwin
e. Calico Springs has been formed as a
result of this fault system
7. The Piccaninny
Circular Structure
is a meteorite
impact site on top
of the Bungle
Bungle Range
a. The Piccaninny Circular Structure formed
from a meteorite impact between 300 and
180 million years ago
b. Its size (7km across) and location
dramatically affect the local landforms
and drainage
Airstrip (11)
8. Purnululu NP is
a World Heritage
listed site because
of its universally
significant natural
features
a. UNESCO’s World Heritage listing seeks
to protect and preserve cultural and
natural heritage around the world
considered to be of outstanding value to
humanity
b. Purnululu was awarded World Heritage
listing by meeting two natural criteria for
inception on the list
c. Purnululu’s geology is an outstanding
example – one criteria for World Heritage
listing (a significant geomorphic or
physiographic feature).
d. Purnululu is a superlative natural
phenomena or area of natural beauty and
aesthetic importance – another criteria for
World Heritage listing
Entry station
(9)
a. Purnululu was inscribed on the World
Heritage list in 2003
b. Purnululu joins 15 other World Heritage
listed properties in Australia
c. The listing of Purnululu complements that
of other significant geological properties
such as Uluru and Kakadu
Entry station
(9)
9. Purnululu joins
15 of Australia’s
most significant
and iconic sites on
the World Heritage
list
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Airstrip (11)
All walk
trailheads (14)
(15) (16)
All walk
trailheads (14)
(15) (16)
24
Storyline
Theme
Subtheme
Suggested
Location (&
project no.)
Biology
10. The park is
located in the
transition zone
between the desert
and tropics
a.
PNP contains a diverse range of animals
& plants because of its location in the
transition zone between the sub-humid
tropics and the semi-arid regions
b. A 1992 biological survey reported that the
park supports 298 species of vertebrates
(149 birds, 81 reptiles, 41 mammals, 15
fish, and 12 frogs)
Entry station
(9)
11. The
cyanobacteria of
the beehive domes
is highly significant
a. Cyanobacteria are essential to the
complex structure of the Bungle Bungle
range
b. The cyanobacteria stabilise the outer
layers of the sandstone towers in the form
of banded skins of the beehive domes
c. The long term stability of the Bungle
Bungle Range relies on these ecological
and biological processes
d. The sand grains of the beehive formations
are covered by banded “biocrusts” of
different species of single celled
cyanobacteria
e. These microbial communities, made up of
at least five different cyanobacteria
species, represent some of the most
ancient life forms and simple ecosystems
on earth
Domes walk
(19)
12. The park’s
sandstone range
habitat is a unique
environment, home
to endemic wildlife
a. Sheltered habitats of the gorges provide
refuge from drought, fire and climatic
variation
b. The restricted Livistona palm is a
conspicuous and highly specialised
inhabitant of the range surviving in
protected areas with higher moisture levels
c. Grevillea psilantha is only found in the
Bungle Bungle Range.
d. The moist microclimate of the gorges of
the range support interesting life forms for
eg the rockhole frog – a diurnal frog of the
park’s waterholes
e. Several restricted mammal species seek
the protection of the gorges and hilly areas
of the range eg short-eared rock-wallaby,
and rock ringtail possum
f. Birds species restricted to sandstone
habitats in the park include the Sandstone
shrike-thrush & white-quilled rock pigeon
g. Termites are a conspicuous and interesting
Mini Palms
trailhead &
walk (22) &
(16)
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Piccaninny Ck
carpark (14)
Cathedral
Gorge walk
(20)
25
Storyline
Theme
Subtheme
Suggested
Location (&
project no.)
part of Purnululu’s animal life and
colonies form mounds up to 80m high
extending up walls of the range.
13. The wildlife of
the sandplain
country has a
strong relationship
with deserts further
south
a. Sandplain habitat makes up 2/3 of the
World Heritage Area
b. Several desert specialists such as Grevillea
wickhamii and the desert mouse are found
in the sandplain country
c. The sandplains consist of well drained
soils that support a variety of grassland
vegetation communities
d. The sand plains and sandstone plateau
support a rich diversity of arid zone plants
e. Spinifex diversity is the highest in
Australia (13 species) - a centre of
endemism for this widely spread and
distinctively Australian plant group
f. The spinifex, Triodia spicata has not been
recorded anywhere else in the Kimberley
except the World Heritage Area
g. Triodia bunglensis is known only from the
World Heritage Area
h. Eucalyptus collina (silverleaf bloodwood)
is a conspicuous eucalypt of the
sandplains
Elephant Rock
(29)
14. The relic
monsoonal
rainforests of the
park are a unique
and valuable
habitat
a. Sheltered gorges in the Osmand Range
and watercourses of the Osmand Ck
Valley support the most southerly
occurrences of particular monsoonal plant
and animal species
b. This habitat is one of the area’s most
significant conservation values but also
one of the most inaccessible to visitors
Osmand
Lookout (18)
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Platform Walk
(17)
Audio
interpretation
of drive into
park (27)
26
Storyline
Theme
Subtheme
Suggested
Location (&
project no.)
Human
Occupation
15. Aboriginal clan
groups have a
traditional
association with
lands that include
the park
16. Contemporary
Aboriginal culture
is alive and strong
in and around the
park
a. From the beginning of time, Purnululu has
been Aboriginal land
b. Several language groups have an
association with the park both past and
present – the Kija, Djaru, Miriuwung and
Malgn groups
c. Traditional occupation was focussed on
the Ord River and its tributaries –
Bellburn and Osmand Creeks
d. Aboriginal people adapted to this resource
rich environment, moving between the
uplands in the wet season and along the
river in the dry, while using intermediate
lands in all seasons
e. Aboriginal people played an important
role in early pastoral history and changes
in land use since European settlement
f. The word Purnululu is a Kija term for
sandstone
g. Winan, a widespread exchange network
exists throughout the Kimberley and was
part of Aboriginal life in Purnululu
h. Winan traditionally involves the meeting
of large groups of people at suitable sites
(eg Ord River) to trade economic
commodities (tools, weapons, raw
materials)
Entry station
(9)
a. The Purnululu region is an area of great
cultural and socio-economic significance
to Aboriginal people
b. Waljari (Djaru) and Ngarrangkarni
(Kija), the Dreaming, is the continuing
guiding principle in the living traditions
and beliefs of Purnululu’s traditional
owners. It is law
c. For Aboriginal people, the land or
‘country’ is interwoven with everything.
It is part of their spirituality as is the
animals and plants. It is their home not
just a resource
d. Aboriginal people have long traditions
based on caring for the land
Entry station
(9)
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Platform Walk
(17)
Osmand
Lookout (18)
Airstrip (11)
(Also guided
walks /
activities)
27
Storyline
Theme
Subtheme
Suggested
Location (&
project no.)
a. Wali yundarnilu nalarninji Gamarilu.- The
17. The Kija and
Djaru people welcome you”D
Djaru peoples
yurrung
welcome you to the b. “Jirrayam perrait ta yurrung nganginj
K
The
Kija
people
welcome
you”
park and ask you to
c. “We want tourists from Australia and all over
respect their
the world to come and visit Purnululu. It is
country
sacred to us. We want you to be safe and
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
enjoy your stay. This is important to us”K
“We want to share with you our stories and
our culture and through this teach you how to
respect and care for this land”*
“It is important that tourists don’t go into
places that they are not allowed to. Unless
they have permission to go into that place, it’s
dangerous for them to go in there”*
“When everything was first created in the
Dreaming, it was placed there for a reason
and a purpose”*
“This land, these rocks, they were put here by
the Dreaming”*
“If you take things from Purnululu that were
put there from the Dreaming you take a spirit
away”*
“The only thing we ask that you take with you
when you leave our land is an understanding
of our culture and tradition and photos of
your time there”*
“We ask that you do not climb the rocks here,
they are like our hearts, fragile”*
“We are protecting this national park
according to our law”*
Entry station
(9)
All walk
trailheads (14)
(15) (16)
Airstrip (11)
K
= Statement from Kija group only
= Statement from Djaru group only
* = Statement approved by both groups
D
18. Aboriginal
groups participate
in the joint
management of the
park
a. Two Aboriginal clan groups with
traditional and contemporary connections
to the park participate in management
with the DEC – the Kija and Djaru people
b. Joint management gives Aboriginal
people a strong say in park decisions
c. A park council meets regularly to
consider all matters associated with the
use and management of the park
d. Purnululu National Park is the first
national park in the Kimberley to be
managed jointly by Aboriginal people and
the DEC
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Entry station
(9)
Airstrip (11)
28
Storyline
Theme
Subtheme
Suggested
Location (&
project no.)
19. Europeans have a. The first European exploration of the area
was by Alexander Forrest between 1876
had an association
and 1879
with the land in
b. The area around and including what is
and around the
now know as park was leased to
park for 130 years
pastoralists from 1880
c. High stocking rates led to degradation of
much of Ord River catchment
d. The origin of the name Bungle Bungle is
unclear and there are many theories
e. From 1967 much of the current park area
was resumed for regeneration purposes
f. Few relics of pastoral history remain in the
park except some yards, fence lines and
old bores
g. The park and its geological formations
rose to prominence with media attention in
the early 1980’s
h. Purnululu National Park was gazetted as a
national park and conservation reserve in
1987
i. World Heritage Listing was given to the
National Park in 2003
Management
20. There are
appropriate
behaviours that
visitors should be
aware of when
visiting the park
21. There are
facilities & roads in
the park that have
certain restrictions
on their use
Audio
interpretation
of drive into
park (27)
Entry station
(9)
a. You can help care for the park by
minimizing your impact
b. Please adhere to the principles of Leave
No Trace
c. Respect Aboriginal art and artefacts –
leave them as is
d. Park fees apply in the park
e. Respect the park’s wildlife
f. Please leave your pets behind
g. Plan ahead and prepare for your trip
h. Dispose of waste appropriately
i. Please walk on tracks and keep off the
Domes
j. Drink plenty of water and wear
appropriate clothing
k. Please help prevent the spread of weeds
l. Please don’t light fires outside of
designated areas in campgrounds
Entry station
(9)
a. There is an appropriate code of behaviour
for traversing Mabel Downs Station into
the park
b. The access road is for 4WD’s only. No
2WD’s and caravans allowed
c. The park and visitor centre have specific
Entry station
(9)
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
All walk
trailheads (14)
(15) (16)
Campground
walks (28)
Audio
interpretation of
drive into park
(27)
All walk
trailheads (14)
29
Storyline
Theme
Subtheme
Suggested
Location (&
project no.)
opening hours
d. There are 2 public campgrounds each
with similar facilities
e. There are numerous walk trails each
covering different distances and with
different levels of difficulty
f. The park is closed over the wet season
and at times stipulated by the park ranger
g. There are recommended travel times for
driving the roads and completing the
walks
(15) (16)
22. Fire is an
important part of
the park’s
landscape and
requires active
management
a. Fire is an important part of the landscape
in Northern Australia
b. The DEC is working to manage fire in the
park in an ecologically sensitive way
c. Fire is a complex issue that is not easily
understood and much more work needs to
be done in this area
d. Some species of plant and animal are
sensitive to fire and may be locally extinct
because of changes to the fire regime – eg
cypress
e. Some species benefit from frequent fires
and have become more prevalent in recent
times
Campground
walks (28)
23. Weeds and
feral animals,
including
introduced stock
are an important
management issue
in the park
a. Weeds have become an important issue in
the region since the arrival of Europeans
b. Some weeds such as Calotropis and
Parkinsonia are significant threats to local
biodiversity
c. Cats and feral dogs may be having a
significant effect on native animals within
the park
d. Visitors are not able to bring pets into the
park for this reason
e. Prior to gazettal of the park large areas of
the Ord River drainage were subjected to
huge amounts of grazing pressure from
introduced stock
f. Erosion that resulted from this pressure is
clearly evident in some areas of the park
g. Significant recovery has been made in
many eroded areas
Campground
walks (28)
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
30
5
How, When & Where?
5.1
Introduction
An Action Plan for implementation
The most important component of an interpretation plan is how you implement your ideas.
At this point in the planning process we know our aims and objectives (why we are doing
this), who our visitors are, what we want to tell them, and now we need to define how, when
and where we will implement our ideas. This section addresses this through the provision of
project prescriptions for 29 interpretation projects. Each prescription is a brief summary of
the project stating the objective, timing, funding, logistics, location and messages for each.
To place these project prescriptions in context we begin the section with a review of the
World Heritage Area’s interpretation program, outlining its positives and negatives. A
complete review of the current program is attached in appendix B.
5.2
A review of the park’s current interpretation program
Positives of the existing program
DEC visitor surveys have shown that visitors are generally very happy with the current
interpretation program (see section 3.4). Responses to the 2005 survey question - Was
sufficient information (signs and brochures) provided about the area? rated 6.1 on a 1 to
7 scale indicating a high level of acceptance of the existing program. Comparative results
over a 5 year period also showed a significant increase in visitor satisfaction in this area,
rising from 5.3 to 6.1 in 5 years. This change is almost certainly due to a significant
upgrade of interpretive facilities in 2002.
During surveys a repeated response by visitors was that they were seeking a remote
wilderness experience and did not desire more information / interpretation in the park.
The addition of new interpretive facilities could detract from their desired experience and
therefore we have followed a minimalistic principal in this plan. We have concentrated
on raising the standard of existing interpretive facilities in the first instance rather than
trying to provide more interpretive facilities.
Surveys also showed that visitors were very satisfied with their overall park experience.
Interpretation facilities are not detracting from the overall visitor experience by visual
obtrusion or substantial errors negatively influencing visitor experience.
The current interpretation program addresses the visitor’s basic needs. Brochures, signage
and displays ensure that people get to where they need to go, are able to locate each of
the walks and get information on some of the park’s key features. Each of the walks has
trailhead signage and at least some interpretive signage, allowing people to enjoy their
experience and get information on many of the park’s features. The visitor centre is a
good visual display that provides a succinct overview of the park’s values and is a
valuable information node for providing park orientation.
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Shortfalls of the existing interpretation program
The current interpretation program for the Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area
has several limitations that need to be addressed including:
A lack of cultural content
There is very little cultural interpretation in the park despite Aboriginal people having an
association with the land and the existence of oral and written history pertaining to the
World Heritage Area. There is a very strong desire from visitors and tour operators for
increased cultural material in the park’s interpretation program and for contact with local
Aboriginal people. Numerous comments from tour operators and visitors on this issue are
included in appendix A.
Addressing the issue
There has been some improvement in the working relationship between the DEC and the
Kija and Djaru groups. Recently local Aboriginal people were involved in the Steps to
Sustainable Tourism Program, a participatory planning program that assists Aboriginal
communities and individuals explore ideas for tourism involvement and introduce steps
for sound tourism development planning. Several actions that came out of this Steps
program have been further developed in this plan to address the dearth of cultural
information that is presented to the public. For example the Welcome to Country and
Aboriginal Language Reference projects will help build relationships and develop
cultural interpretive material for presentation to the public.
A lack of World Heritage content
The 2003 addition of Purnululu National Park to the World Heritage list has not been
followed with an upgrade of information to reflect this change. There is an obligation
with inclusion on the list to provide information on the park’s World Heritage values to
the public.
Addressing the issue
Messages pertaining to World Heritage listing are outlined in this plan and will be
included in future interpretation works. Projects such as the upgrade of the park entry
station and visitor centre upgrade to be completed early in 2007 will go some way in
addressing this issue.
Face to face (public contact) interpretation by the DEC is not provided
Face to face interpretation is the most powerful interpretation that the DEC can offer to
visitors. For various reasons mainly associated with lack of people resources this type of
program no longer operates in the World Heritage Area. There is a strong demand for
public contact activities indicated by the high rate of approval of these activities in DEC
visitor surveys.
Addressing the issue
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Public contact activities are demanding of staff time and therefore costly to run. Staffing
levels are currently at a bare minimum and unfortunately one of the first work programs
to be dropped when staffing resources are low is the provision of guided interpretive
activities. The staffing issue for the World Heritage Area needs to be addressed in the
medium to long term to help address this issue.
Option 1 - In the short term students or volunteers could undertake public contact
activities. Successful programs in other states have demonstrated that final year
university students on semester breaks are a viable alternative for providing guided
interpretive activities at relatively low cost. These programs operate by assisting students
with travel and basic living expenses in return for the opportunity to learn skills in
interpretation and park management.
Option 2 – Paid seasonal guides that are employed through funding from park fees and /
or fees to attend. Guides could initially be employed at times of peak visitation – June to
August.
These options are further discussed in project 13 (Guided Activities) in the project
prescriptions section of this chapter.
Written interpretive publications are well below DEC and other state agency
standards
There are only a limited number of publications for the park and no new publications
have been produced since World Heritage listing. Apart from two recently produced
publications the existing written material (which includes a series of park notes) is of
relatively low quality and needs upgrading to the standard of other DEC publications.
Addressing the issue
The recently completed Purnululu National Park brochure and “Mag Paper” have already
greatly raised the standard of the park’s publications and the planned upgrade (2007) of
the ‘Park Notes’ will further raise the standard. These notes and any other new
publications will all be produced in line with DEC standards.
The current visitor centre is below functional capacity
The park’s visitor centre is a building that was not designed specifically for its intended
use and in peak periods is unable to cope with the number of visitors. The display area is
cluttered and located in one corner making access difficult especially for groups. The
display information predates and therefore does not reflect World Heritage status or cover
Aboriginal culture in any detail.
Addressing the issue
Although there is no funding available in the short term to upgrade the visitor centre there
is the likelihood that this will occur in the medium to long term. Until this time a project
earmarked for completion early in 2007 will upgrade some of the displays and address
some of the issues above.
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Current signage is graphically basic and has little holding power
The current interpretive signage on walk trails and trailheads is based on a one-colour
design with no photographs and only illustrations to provide visual attraction. This is
sufficient to convey basic information however there are modern interpretive techniques
based on more colourful, attractive designs that have potentially greater drawing power.
Addressing the issue
The graphic design of all new signage will include full-colour techniques and utilise high
quality photographs. One of the first projects proposed in this plan is the provision of a
style guide and logo which will drive the graphic “look and feel” of future projects.
Some signage is poorly located reducing the holding power of the signs
Signage on walks at Cathedral Gorge and Mini Palms is poorly located reducing the signs
ability to get messages across to the visitor. Some signage on the Cathedral Gorge walk is
located in soft sand and in exposed locations, places where visitors are less likely to stop.
Some of the signs are not located near tangible and interesting locations prompting the
question “Why would anyone stop there?” Some of the signs on the Mini Palms trail are
now outdated as they discuss features which no longer exist.
Addressing the issue
The new walk trail sign projects proposed for all of the park’s walks (see project
prescriptions 19, 20, 21 & 22) will take into account the deficiencies mentioned above.
Where appropriate signs will be placed near tangible features or at walk destinations
where visitors are able to be ‘captured’ by the sign. Signs will be removed from hot and
exposed sites and not placed too close together or close to the start of the walk when
visitors are less likely to stop.
5.3
Project Prescriptions
Below is a list of interpretive projects that form the implementation part of the plan. Since
the commencement of writing this plan some projects have been completed but have been
included below for completeness.
The projects are loosely prioritised with higher priority projects being listed first. Projects
dealing with previsit information and standards are given higher priority as are some projects
that are more easily completed. For ease of completion and to help with funding applications
some projects have been lumped together. Each project has been given an approximate cost
which is a rough estimate if the project were completed by a private consultant / contractor.
Table 3: Summary of Project Prescriptions
Project
Year
Cost
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Comment
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Project
Year
Cost
Comment
1. Park logo and style guide
Completed
2006
n/a
Project completed and logo and style guide now
being used for projects. Local Aboriginal artist
Marietta Bray developed the logo design
2. Purnululu NP World Heritage Area
brochure
Completed
2006
n/a
Project completed – further printing (10 000 =
12 months supply) needs to be funded
3. Image library
Completed
2006
n/a
Project complete. Images available for use.
4. Purnululu NP World Heritage Area
Magpaper
Completed
2006
n/a
Magpaper printed and being distributed to
visitors.
5. Kimberley region brochure
Completed
2006
n/a
Printed and distributed for 2007 tourist season.
Needs ongoing financial commitment.
6. DEC website upgrade
Current
$0
Corporate relations project (internal). Small
project with no cost. Once new DEC site is
released Purnululu information will be upgraded
7. Aboriginal language reference
project AND 8. ‘Welcome to
Country’ project
Current
$6000
Partly completed. Welcome to Country
statements recorded and language reference
project still running (Oct 2006). Further funds
will be required.
9. Park entry station upgrade AND
10. Park visitor centre displays
upgrade AND 11. Airstrip display
Current
$28 500
In progress. Due for completion early in 2007.
Combined sign project funded by
Commonwealth funds
12. Tour operator training package
By end
2008
$11 000
Medium priority
12a. Scenic flight operator info
package
By end
2008
$3000
Medium priority
13. Guided activities
By end
2008
$60 000
p.a
2 X 6 month positions – Funding and approval
to be obtained.
14. Piccaninny Creek carpark
trailhead A – consultation, research
& graphic design
2007/08
$55 000
(includes
16, 17,
19, 20
22)
Project dovetailing with site redevelopment.
Planning earmarked for completion in 2007/8.
Combined with projects 16, 17, 19, 20, & 22.
Consultation and planning for moving both
Piccaninny and Mini Palms carparks required
B – sign manufacture and
installation
2008/09
$10 000
(includes
Sign development and installation to be
completed in sync with site redevelopments
16, 17, 19,
20 22)
15. Echidna Chasm carpark trailhead
16. Mini Palms carpark trailhead
Mid 2007
$11 500
(includes
21)
2008/09
See 14
Funding has been sourced and this and projects
15, 18, 21, 24 & 26 are underway. All will be
completed around mid 2007.
Planning to be completed in 2007/8 at same
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Project
Year
Cost
Comment
time as Piccaninny Carpark planning
17. Platform walk interpretation
2008/09
See 14
As per 14
Mid 2007
$4200
Funding has been sourced and this and projects
15, 18, 21, 24 & 26 are underway. All will be
completed around mid 2007.
19. Domes walk interpretation
2008/09
See 14
As per 14
20. Cathedral Gorge walk
interpretation upgrade
2008/09
See 14
As per 14
21. Echidna Chasm walk
interpretation upgrade
Mid 2007
$11 500
(includes
21)
Funding has been sourced and this and projects
15, 18, 21, 24 & 26 are underway. All will be
completed around mid 2007.
2008/09
See 14
Work on Mini Palms carpark (project 16) will
be dovetailed with this project
23. Walanginjdji Lookout
interpretation display
To be
determined
-
24. Piccaninny Gorge walk brochure /
publication
Mid 2007
$3000
25. Previsit displays – Turkey Creek
(Warmun), Kununurra and Halls
Creek Visitor Centres.
To be
determined
-
26. Revamp of ‘park notes’ (fauna
lists etc)
Mid 2007
$1800
27. Audio interpretation of drive into
park
To be
determined
-
To be prioritised
28. Campground walks interpretation
To be
determined
-
To be prioritised
29. Elephant Rock interpretation –
trailhead and signage
To be
determined
-
To be prioritised
18. Osmand Lookout walk
interpretation
22. Mini Palms walk interpretation
upgrade
If deemed necessary
Funding has been sourced and this and projects
15, 18, 21, 24 & 26 are underway. All will be
completed around mid 2007. Includes printing
To be prioritised
To incorporate new style and logo in design.
Funding has been sourced and this and projects
15, 18, 21, 24 & 26 are underway. All will be
completed around mid 2007.
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Project Prescriptions
1. Park logo and style guide (completed)
Description
Development of a unique and easily identifiable logo and style that represents the World
Heritage Area and its features.
Objective
To provide a unified look and feel for World Heritage Area interpretation products. This will
raise the profile of the World Heritage Area and establish an effective brand through the
production of a new logo, style guide, and interpretation standards.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
completed
n/a
n/a
Management Considerations / Comments
The artwork of local Aboriginal artist Marietta Bray was the basis for the new logo and style
guide developed in 2006. The logo and style guide now fit into the DEC suite of
interpretation standards and have already been used in some interpretation products.
2. Purnululu NP World Heritage Area brochure (completed)
Description
Upgrade of the Purnululu Park orange leaflet to a full colour DL size (A3 folded) brochure in
similar format to other new DEC national park brochures.
Objective
To provide a high quality previsit and orientation publication for the World Heritage
Area
To upgrade the existing publication to be in line with other DEC publications
To reflect World Heritage status
Raise the standard of park publications
To reflect new and updated information about the park
Priority & Timing
completed
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Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Cost
Previsit, visit (park orientation) & post visit
1, 8, 9, 17, 18, 20, 21, primary
2, 10, 16, 19 secondary
Current stock should last until at least end of 2007. Around 15
– 20 000 copies (cost approx $4-5000) should last one year.
Management Considerations / Comments
Strategic Development & Corporate Affairs (SDCA) designed this publication and
should be contacted for reprints or edits.
Other park and reserve brochures across the Kimberley region need to be upgraded to
a similar standard to achieve consistency across the region.
Ongoing funding for reprints of this and any other publications will need to be
provided by regional or external funding sources.
3. Image library (completed)
Description
Provision of a library of professional photographs for the World Heritage Area
Objective
To provide a stock library of images in digital format for use in interpretation projects. Will
greatly assist with expediency of future interpretation projects. Will raise the standard of
interpretation products and give DEC copyright over its own photo library
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Cost
completed
n/a
n/a
n/a
Management Considerations / Comments
Project completed by Murranji Photography (Rod Hartvigsen) and the Image Library
CD has been distributed. The library contains 250+ images on CD for use for not-forprofit purposes (eg publications, signs & websites).
Copyright issues need to be adhered to and no selling of products using these images
is allowed
Approximately 20 copies have been distributed within DEC – check with park staff
for copies
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4. Purnululu NP World Heritage Area Magpaper (completed)
Description
A 12 page full colour newspaper style publication covering information about the World
Heritage Area.
Objective
To provide important previsit and park orientation information to visitors. The magpaper will
also provide background information on the park and be an important interpretive tool for
getting management and cultural messages across.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Cost
completed
Previsit, visit (park and site orientation) & post visit
All except 5, 6 & 7
n/a
Management Considerations / Comments
Magpaper printed and now available at the park visitor centre.
The paper will need to be evaluated at a later date and a decision made on whether a
reprint is required and what changes are necessary. Funding for this project was a
‘one off’ and came from Commonwealth funding.
Distribution of the publication to be determined by park staff and can include
information nodes such as the Kununurra and Halls Creek Visitor Centres as well as
the park.
5. Kimberley region brochure (completed)
Description
Production of full colour brochure featuring all parks and facilities of the Kimberley region
Objective
Provide visitors with a one-stop brochure outlining all the parks in the region, their facilities,
services and access information. Will assist tourists with planning their trip and reduce the
need for visitors to use numerous brochures.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Cost
completed (11/06)
Previsit
8, 20, 21
Approximately $5 000 (printing only)
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Management Considerations / Comments
The first tier in a planned three tier system for publications in the region. (The
proposed structure for publications across the region will be:
o Regional brochure
o Park or reserve brochure
o Park notes (covering fauna lists, flora, geology etc).
(An exception to the above publication hierarchy is the production of the Purnululu
magpaper, produced specifically for the World Heritage Area.). All of these
publications will form a distinct set with uniform style and look and feel.
Cost of $5 000 is for print run of approximately 50 000 brochures.
Wherever possible these should be made available for download on DEC’s website.
This will be a collaborative project across the region requiring assistance from a
number of Kimberley staff.
At the most basic level this brochure will inform people of the exact locations of
parks, which parks will suit their needs, what they can and can not do, how much
time they need to spend at each, travelling times and preparedness information.
6. DEC website upgrade
Description
Review and up-grade of information provided about Purnululu NP on the DEC website.
Objective
To upgrade the DEC website to include current information about the park including World
Heritage status, Aboriginal cultural material and new park facilities. New interpretive
products (brochures etc) will be made available on the web as part of this project.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Costs
High (2007)
Previsit
1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21
Nil
Management Considerations / Comments
This project will be run in conjunction with the department’s Strategic Development
and Corporate Affairs unit manager of electronic media.
The department name change from DEC to CALM has delayed the upgrade of the
site.
Much of the website is currently in a satisfactory state and the scale of the upgrade is
not major. This project has been given high priority because of the need to include
World Heritage information in the website.
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7. Aboriginal language reference project
Description
A compilation of standard Kija and Djaru terms, place names and stories associated with the
World Heritage Area.
Objective
This consultation project will compile and document Aboriginal reference words, site names
and stories that may be used in future park projects. The project will alleviate the need to
continually consult Aboriginal groups for reference material. This will be a collaborative
project completed in conjunction with the Kimberley Region Language Resource Centre.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Cost
High (2007 and on)
Previsit, visit (park and site orientation) & post visit
16, 17, 18
Ongoing funds required for consultation
Management Considerations / Comments
The relationship between the Department, the Kija and Djaru groups will have a
major bearing on the outcome of this project
Part of this project will address one of the key actions of the Steps to Sustainable
Tourism process - Names for places within the Park (see appendix D).
In its completed form this project will produce a Purnululu National Park World
Heritage Area Aboriginal reference document that is a compilation of public stories,
terms and site names sourced from the Kija and Djaru people.
Where possible material will be translated into Kija or Djaru language.
It is an ongoing project that will be funded over coming years with the first
consultation and planning phase conducted in the first half of 2006.
A significant component of this project will be the further development of
relationships with the park’s Traditional Owners.
There will be a need to determine what information is regarded as public and what is
not.
Funds for the project will be allocated for consultation fees and travel for the project
manager.
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8. ‘Welcome to Country’ project (in progress and partially completed)
Description
A document or statement from Aboriginal groups that welcomes visitors to the World
Heritage Area. Can be expressed in a variety of forms including on signs, promotional
material, videos etc. It has the potential to be utilised by a variety of tour operators and in
local visitor centres and DEC facilities.
Objectives
To develop a coordinated Welcome to Country program which is an integral part of
Purnululu’s presentation to the public
To develop a strong statement of identity for traditional owners associated with
Purnululu
To give Aboriginal people a sense of ownership and belonging with regards to the
park
To provide an invitation to engage with and enjoy country
To provide an opportunity for visitor protocols to be effectively presented
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Costs
Very high
Previsit, visit (park and site orientation)
17
TBD
Management Considerations / Comments
Welcome to Country statements in both Kija and Djaru languages have already been
developed for the park brochure and entry station signage projects. The next stage is
to get the Welcome to Country message out to the wider public through other
channels.
When Aboriginal language is used audio techniques are a preferred method for
conveying Welcome to Country messages because of the difficulty with reading and
comprehending this written material.
Welcome to Country messages will be installed on park entry signage at several
locations in early 2007.
The Welcome to Country project was another action that arose from consultation with
the local Aboriginal people during the Steps to Sustainable Tourism project (appendix
D).
9. Park entry station upgrade (in progress and partially completed)
Description
Upgrade of the park entry station area near the highway turnoff (on Mabel Downs station).
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Objective
To provide a new World Heritage entry facility in the form of a new display structure,
interpretive panels and associated site works. The project will:
provide a strong welcome message to visitors with a World Heritage and Aboriginal
cultural emphasis
Be more visually appealing and accessible than the current display
Include an upgrade of information via new display material
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Cost
High (completion early in 2007)
Visit (park orientation)
1, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 (Secondary 10)
$28 500 has been expended and covers the signage component
for this and projects 10 & 11. Other components of the project
funded via Commonwealth and DEC funding.
Management Considerations / Comments
As of October 2006 much of this project has been completed including design of signage,
initial consultation, design of structures and site planning. Remainder of project to be
completed early in 2007.
The overall redevelopment includes:
Roadworks as necessary to accommodate vehicle and tour bus parking
New display structures and information panels
A review and upgrade of directional road side signage for the site
New toilet
Gate signage
Cattle grid to remove need for gate
Consultation with park staff, main roads department and owners / manager of Mabel Downs
station will be part of the project. Total site redevelopment project team includes project
manager, landscape designer(s), ranger and external contractors. Separate World Heritage
funds are available for the physical construction of facilities and roadworks.
10. Park visitor centre display upgrade (in progress and partially completed)
Description
A revamp of the information displays both within the centre and the surrounds of the
building.
Objective
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To provide a low cost upgrade of the centre so as to reflect changes in park information,
improve the existing display material and reflect the gaining of World Heritage status. The
upgrade will concentrate on:
reorganising the information around the self-registration area
adding new external displays that cover missing information (eg World Heritage info)
small changes to the current internal display to aid visitor flow and correct small errors
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Cost
High (completion early in 2007)
Visit (park orientation)
All (several already part of existing display and some to be
added with revamp)
To be completed with projects 9 & 11 – total budget $28 500
Management Considerations / Comments
Current information signage around the self-registration and entry area is cluttered
and lacks focus. A combined signage project covering this and projects 9 & 11 due
for completion in early 2007 will help alleviate these issues.
There has been some rationalisation of the internal display area by removing the
touch table and making small furniture changes.
Information in the centre regarding the status of Froghole Gorge that is now obsolete
has been addressed with some small display changes.
A proposed information panel about the Park Council earmarked for outside the
visitor centre has been put on hold because of changes to the council’s structure
The entire visitor centre is likely to need replacing within the next 5 – 10 years.
11. Airstrip interpretation display upgrade (in progress and partially completed)
Description
Upgrade the level and quality of information provided in the airstrip display shelter.
Objective
To provide new full colour display panels within the existing shelter in line with other
signage upgrades in the park and to reflect the park’s World Heritage status. The display has
two key roles – to provide park orientation to visitors who have just arrived via plane and to
give scenic flight interpretive information complementary to project 12a.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Cost
High (completion early in 2007)
Visit (park and site orientation)
1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 17 (Secondary 15, 18)
To be completed with projects 9 & 10 – total budget $28 500
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Management Considerations / Comments
No site works or new structures are required. New interpretive panels will be placed
within the existing structure which houses sign panels 1200mm high x 800 wide.
Interpretive panels have been designed and will be produced and installed in early
2007.
12. Tour operator training package
Description
A tour operator training package for 4WD tour operators, pilots and other tour guides that
operate within or over the park.
Objective
To provide a means with which the DEC and local Aboriginal communities can provide upto-date accurate information to tour operators about the park. The project has the advantage
of:
Ensuring information provided to park visitors is accurate and appropriate
Providing powerful messages to visitors through tour guides who contact large
numbers of people and have more impact than static interpretation displays
Provide accurate and appropriate cultural information to tour operators
Improving communication channels between the DEC, tour operators and traditional
owners
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Cost
Medium (by end 2008)
Visit (park and site orientation)
All
Approximately $11000 (graphic design and printing)
Management Considerations / Comments
The local Aboriginal community expressed a desire to provide tour operators with
appropriate cultural information during the Steps to Sustainable Tourism project (see
appendix D). The development of a tour operator training program should be a jointly
managed project involving the DEC and local Aboriginal people.
The program could be conducted either as a training workshop or provided in written format
as a workbook / tour operator manual. Consultation with DEC’s Tourism and Marketing Unit
is an important consideration.
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12a. Scenic flight operator info sheet / package
Description
Provide a semi-permanent laminated information package for visitors who take scenic flights.
Objective
To give high quality interpretive information to visitors on scenic flights. This group forms a
large percentage of all visitors (approximately 50%) and for this reason it is a vitally
important project.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Cost
Medium (by end 2008)
Visit (park and site orientation)
1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 15, 16, 17, 18
$3000 (graphic design and printing)
Management Considerations / Comments
This is the only possible method, aside from education programs for pilots, that gets
messages across to visitors on scenic flights over the park.
The final product will be a semi-permanent item such as a folder or display item (not
a disposable product) that remains in each aircraft.
This will be a collaborative project with air charter companies and include important
messages from both the DEC and the charter company(s).
13. Guided activities / experiences
Description
Face-to-face interpretative activities provided by park rangers, other park staff, local
Aboriginal people and / or volunteers.
Objective
To provide a high quality value adding visitor experience through the provision of guided
interpretation activities / experiences.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Cost
Medium (by end 2008)
Visit (interpretation)
To be determined
Variable – staff resources are highest cost
(planning as well as conducting of activities must be factored
into staff costs)
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Management Considerations
It has been proven that visitors are more likely to remember information gathered from
guided activities and this is our best mechanism for imprinting messages to the park visitors.
Note that the free guided activities conducted by the DEC in recent years will be very
different to commercial activities run by local Aboriginal communities and have different
planning and operational processes. Much time will need to be spent on the development of
commercial guided activities to ensure they are a viable proposition.
Commercial Guided Activities by Local Aboriginal People
The local Aboriginal community expressed a desire to conduct guided activities as a
commercial venture during the Steps to Sustainable Tourism project (see appendix D).
Whilst the development of a profitable commercial operation is some way off there is the
potential for the DEC to help facilitate the process by aiding with the development and
promotion of these activities.
Guided Activities by DEC Staff or Volunteers
Guided activities have been conducted by DEC staff in the past and have been very well
received. Although highly effective these programs can be costly to run due to high wage and
travel costs. In recent years the extra demands on park staff has meant that face-to-face
programs have ceased in the park. Addressing the staffing issue is the key to restarting the
guided activity program.
In the short term an alternative that has been successfully implemented in other states
involves final year university students and other volunteers taking a type of work placement
on park in exchange for financial assistance for travel and basic living costs. They can assist
with conducting interpretive activities and also park management duties and in doing so free
up park staff to help with the interpretive program. Interpretive training will need to be
provided for the students prior to taking up these positions.
14. Piccaninny Creek carpark display & trailhead
Description
A new trailhead display at the Piccaninny Creek carpark that provides information on the
facilities and recreation opportunities available at the site. Will be implemented together with
a number of other projects including projects 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24.
Objective
To replace the existing signage with an up to date, visually attractive, full colour display that
reflects the changes to the facilities at this site and recent World Heritage listing.
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
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Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Costs
High – planning / design 2007/08 - fabrication & installation
2008/2009
Visit (site orientation and interpretation)
1, 3, 4, 12, 17, 20, 21 Secondary 8, 9
$55 000 for the planning and implementation of this project
and projects 16, 17, 19, 20, 22.
Management Considerations / Comments
There are major redevelopments planned for both Piccaninny Creek and Mini Palms carparks
including relocation of each, completion of new walks and upgrades of the interpretive
signage. The timing of the interpretive component has been designed to dove-tail in with
these construction works and the capital works funding process.
Due to the large scale of redevelopment all of the interpretive projects for these two sites will
be completed together. This will:
Allow for consultation with Traditional Owners to be completed at the one time
Ensure that, on opening, all facilities are totally completed and of a professional standard
Make funding applications easier as the entire project can be funded at once
Allow for a significant upgrade of the park’s interpretive facilities at one time
15. Echidna Chasm carpark display & trailhead (in progress)
Description
Upgrade of the existing trailhead signage to a new full colour, photographic style of display
that reflects the site’s new facilities, new park information and park style. Funding has been
sourced, a brief completed and contractor has been employed to complete graphic design. For
completion in 2007 along with projects 18 and 21.
Objective
To provide more effective and better quality information to users of the site. To also reflect
changes in the site and the park not included in existing signage.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Costs
High (complete by mid 2007)
Visit (site orientation and interpretation)
2, 17, 20, 21 Secondary 8, 9, 1
$11 500 including completion of project 21
Management Considerations / Comments
As of October 2006 early planning for the project, including a site visit with the
interpretation contractor had been completed but sign design had not commenced.
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The issue of providing an appropriate Aboriginal name for the recently completed
Osmand Lookout will affect the information on the trailhead panels and therefore the
timing of this project.
16. Mini Palms carpark display & trailhead
Description
An upgrade of trailhead signage to be completed as part of the Mini Palms site
redevelopment. This will replace the temporary trailhead signage recently provided to
address the closure of Froghole Gorge.
Objective
To give visitors information on the recreation opportunities at the site in a visually appealing
way. The display will reflect recent changes in park information and facilities.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Costs
High - planning 2007/08 and fabrication & installation
2008/2009
Visit (site orientation and interpretation)
2, 12, 17, 20, 21 secondary (1, 8, 9 )
$55 000 for the planning and implementation of this project
and projects 14, 17, 19, 20, 22.
Management Considerations / Comments
This project will be completed in conjunction with several other projects (see project
14).
The location of the Mini Palms carpark has been raised as an issue for cultural
reasons. Any new interpretation signage for the carpark will be part of the site
redevelopment project.
17. Platform walk interpretation
Description
The provision of signage to interpret features of this new walk near Piccaninny Creek. Will
be completed as part of the Piccaninny Creek carpark redevelopment along with projects 14,
16, 19, 20, 22 and 24.
Objective
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To provide visitors with high quality interpretive signage to enhance their experience of this
walk.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Costs
High – planning / design 2007/08 - fabrication & installation
2008/2009
Visit (site interpretation)
13, 15
$55 000 for the planning and implementation of this project
and projects 16, 17, 19, 20, 22.
Management Considerations / Comments
This walk has recently been completed and will be officially opened for the 2007
season.
The issue of providing an appropriate Aboriginal name for the lookout needs
addressing and may affect the timing of this project.
Surveys have shown that visitors spend little time at trailside signage at nearby
Cathedral Gorge. This project will therefore concentrate interpretive signage at the
destination of this walk (lookout) rather than along its length. An Aboriginal story
exists for this site and Traditional Owners will be consulted with regard to its use.
18. Osmand Lookout walk interpretation (in progress)
Description
Sign panels that interpret the surrounding features placed at the new Osmand lookout.
Objective
To provide high quality interpretation at the site and enhance visitors appreciation of its
values.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Cost
Medium (complete by mid 2007)
Visit (site interpretation)
14, 15
$4 200
Management Considerations / Comments
Although the project is not of the highest priority it is appropriate to complete the
project at the same time as the other Echidna Chasm interpretation works currently in
progress (projects 15 & 21)
The issue of providing an appropriate Aboriginal name for the lookout needs
addressing and may affect the timing of this project.
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Further assessment of the site’s key values and associated Kija or Djaru stories may
be required for the interpretation of the site.
19. Domes walk interpretation
Description
Interpretive sign panels for the Domes walk that interpret the values of the site.
Objective
To provide a short (under 2km), universal access walk that is well interpreted and raises
visitor awareness to the universal significance of the Beehive Domes.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Costs
High – planning / design 2007/08 - fabrication & installation
2008/2009
Visit (site interpretation)
3, 4, 11 Secondary 1, 19
$55 000 for the planning and implementation of this project
and projects 14, 16, 17, 20, 22.
Management Considerations / Comments
The park’s universal geological significance is not satisfactorily interpreted in the park
and this site is the most suitable for doing so.
This walk will have the highest level of interpretation of all of the walks at Piccaninny
Creek
This project will be part of a rationalisation of all walk trail interp signs in the Piccaninny
Creek area.
The proposed carpark redevelopment will require a new alignment of the Domes Walk
and this realignment should take into account the need to interpret features of the Beehive
Domes.
20. Cathedral Gorge walk interpretation upgrade
Description
An upgrade of the interpretive signage provided along the Cathedral Gorge walk.
Objective
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To enhance the interpretation of this walk by revamping the walk trail signage. The aim is to
give the signs more holding power with better design, placement and more appropriate
messages. The existing signs will be removed, revamped or replaced.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Costs
High – planning / design 2007/08- fabrication & installation
2008/2009
Visit (site interpretation)
3, 12
$55 000 for the planning and implementation of this project
and projects 14, 16, 17, 19, 22.
Management Considerations / Comments
The existing trailside interpretation for this walk is having little impact on visitors. Factors
likely to influence this lack of holding power include:
Exposed nature of sites where signs are located
Closeness of signs to each other and to start of walk
Basic design of signs which aren’t strong visual attractants
The walk is best suited to having signs located near destination features in shaded areas.
There will be a need to rationalise all of the signage of this walk in conjunction with an
upgrade of the Domes walk interpretation.
21. Echidna Chasm walk interpretation upgrade (in progress)
Description
Upgrade of the interpretation signage provided along the Echidna Chasm track.
Objective
To provide high quality interpretive signage along the walk and give visitors a greater
appreciation of the values of the site. A rationalisation of the messages at the site is required.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Cost
High (complete by mid 2007)
Visit (site interpretation)
2
$11 500 including completion of project 15
Management Considerations / Comments
The addition of the new Osmand Lookout at the site will require an upgrade of trailhead and
trail side signage. Signage will need to address visitor risk messages.
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22. Mini Palms walk interpretation upgrade
Description
Upgrade of trailside signage along the Mini Palms walk.
Objective
To upgrade the existing Mini Palms signage to higher quality, full colour walk track signs.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Costs
High - planning 2007/08 and fabrication & installation
2008/2009
Visit (site orientation and interpretation)
12
$55 000 for the planning and implementation of this project
and projects 14, 16, 17, 19, 20.
Management Considerations / Comments
The existing signage whilst satisfactory has the potential to be upgraded by:
Providing more signage at the destination end of the walk
Locating signage in shaded areas
Removing out of date signage that interprets features that no longer exist
Reviewing the appropriateness of the messages
Upgrading the design to full colour
Any new signage will need to fit into the new style and design for the World Heritage area.
23. Walanginjdji Lookout interpretation display
Description
Provision of interpretive panels that interpret the features of this site.
Objective
To provide high quality interpretation signs that orientate visitors and give an insight into the
values of the site.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Costs
To be determined
Visit (site interpretation)
5
TBD
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Management Considerations / Comments
Low priority project – in order to keep the remote wilderness feel at this site interpretation
facilities may not be desirable. Further consultation with traditional owners as part of project
7 may help determine if there is a need to interpret the site. Any signage should not obstruct
the lookout’s views.
24. Piccaninny Gorge walk brochure / publication (in progress)
Description
A publication specifically for overnight walkers into Piccaninny Gorge.
Objective
To provide walkers with all of the essential information required in planning and undertaking
this overnight hike. Will include maps and important previsit information in a full colour
brochure that fits into new park style and DEC publication standards.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Costs
Medium – (completed for season 2007)
Previsit & visit (site orientation and interpretation)
1, 10, 12, 17, 20, 21 Secondary 8
$2300
Management Considerations / Comments
This project is an upgrade of existing information provided to walkers and will reduce
the need for signage at the trailhead and visitor centre.
Although only a medium priority project, it is currently in progress because of the
need to align the park’s publications and the ease of completion of this project.
25. Off-site visitor centre displays
Description
A series of DEC displays about the World Heritage Area for nearby visitor centres –
Warmun (Turkey Creek), Kununurra and Halls Creek
Objective
To provide high quality previsit information for potential visitors to the World Heritage Area.
This project will include graphic displays relating to:
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
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different recreation opportunities within the park
maps of the park
appropriate visitor behaviour and safety information
key messages on World Heritage and Aboriginal culture
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Low - TBD
Previsit (park orientation)
1, 3, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21
Management Considerations / Comments
Will help provide high quality and up-to-date information about the park to visitors before
they arrive. Will need the cooperation of the relevant manager / owners of the centres to
agree to provide space for the display. Any displays will need to accommodate future
changes to the park and its facilities.
26. Revamp of park notes (fauna lists - birds etc) – in progress
Description
Upgrade of the ‘park notes’ publication set which includes fauna lists and other information
sheets.
Objective
To improve the quality of this publication set and bring it in line with the park style and DEC
publication standards.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Cost
By end 2006
Previsit, post visit
Most (TBD)
$1800
Management Considerations / Comments
The ‘park notes’ are currently available for visitors, however the content needs
review and the design needs reformatting to fit into the new park style.
Funding for this project has been provided and the early stages of the project are
underway
The recently produced magpaper covers several of the topics in the park notes and
therefore some may become redundant. This obviously depends on the continued
production of the magpaper.
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27. Audio interpretation of drive into park
Description
An audio interpretation project based on visitors in vehicles receiving radio signals from
transmitters placed along the Spring Creek track.
Objective
To upgrade the visitor experience along the Spring Creek Track to include an audio
interpretation of the features along the drive. This project will replace the current guide and
vehicle stops along the track. It has the following advantages:
No need for visitors to leave their vehicle
The system follows the format used by local tourism towns / organisations around
Australia for getting information to travellers in cars
Along with messages on geology and other features it can also provide important
previsit and management messages
Gives visitors an opportunity to have an informative experience whilst on the drive
into the park
Interpretation can be provided to people in the comfort of their car without the need
to walk in rugged, often hot country of Mabel Downs station.
It is a highly effective way of communicating to park visitors
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Low - by end 2008
Previsit (site orientation and interpretation)
6, 14, 19 Secondary 5, 20, 21
Management Considerations / Comments
This project will be modelled on the successful project at other sites in Western Australia (eg
Beedelup Falls, Dryandra Drive Trail, Karri Forest Explorer). Several small transmitters
could be installed at high points along the track and provide short audio messages within a
short distance from the transmitter
28. Campground walks interpretation
Description
New interpretive signage (trailhead and trailside) for yet to be developed walk trails from
Walardi and Kurrajong campgrounds.
Objective
To provide a recreational experience for campers at both of the public campgrounds that will
include high quality interpretation.
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Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Low - TBD
Visit (site orientation and interpretation)
22, 23 Secondary 20
Management Considerations / Comments
The exact routes for these walks and appropriate messages for these walks still to be
determined however it is suggested that a human impact theme be used on these walks to
highlight the effect of fire, weeds and ferals on the local ecosystem. Other themes such as
bushtucker and bush medicine could be explored because of the good riverine vegetation
nearby.
29. Elephant Rock interpretation – trailhead and signage
Description
Interpretive signage for the yet to be developed visitor facility (walk & trailhead) at Elephant
Rock.
Objective
To provide interpretive facilities for the proposed walk circumnavigating Elephant Rock.
Priority & Timing
Visitor Orientation
Key Themes
Low - TBD
Visit (site orientation and interpretation)
13 Secondary (3)
Management Considerations / Comments
Location of walk, facilities and appropriate interpretive messages not yet determined. This
proposed walk is perfectly suited to interpreting features of the sand plain country.
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6
Evaluation
6.1
Introduction
Evaluation is a vital component of any interpretation plan. To gauge the success of the
planning process we must assess whether our objectives have been met and refine future
objectives.
The proposed time frame for the implementation of this plan is 5 years. An evaluation
program will be completed after this period of time to determine if the objectives stated in the
plan were met and whether projects were satisfactorily completed. The evaluation program
will utilise some or all of the methods outlined below.
6.2
Why evaluate?
Evaluation and monitoring are useful tools in determining:
the outcomes of interpretive planning
if program objectives are being achieved
if there are better ways to interpret the site
6.3
Methods
A range of evaluation methodologies are available. They can be subdivided into:
Quantitative methods which count and measure things. Here your data is already in the
form of numbers or can be converted into numbers that can be analysed statistically.
Qualitative methods which attempt to describe your visitor’s opinions, attitudes,
perceptions and feelings. This information will require further interpretation and
organisation.
Quantitative and qualitative evaluation and monitoring can be undertaken at Purnululu
National Park World Heritage Area using the techniques listed in table 4.
Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, and combinations of methods usually
give the best results. Evaluation at the front end and formative stages is important in helping
the local community to develop a sense of stewardship for the Park. Summative evaluation of
media and activities at Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area may be particularly
useful prior to the development of interpretive projects in other regional parks. If limited
resources mean that staff are unable to conduct observations or interviews at the Park then
printed questionnaires can provide an alternative method of evaluating the project. Financial
resources may be able to provide for a professional consultant to evaluate the project at
different stages.
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Table 4. Methods for evaluating different phases of an interpretive project.
Phase
Method
Front End (whilst developing interpretive
objectives tailor interpretation to your
visitors’ knowledge)
Focus Groups
Eg. Circulation of story analysis to advisory committee and
conservation groups for input.
Questionnaire/Interview (on site)
Eg. Brochures could be made available to visitors prior to
development of interpretive media to determine visitors’ level of
knowledge and interests.
Formative (tests visitors’ reactions to trial
versions of your interpretation)
Observation
Eg. Do visitors stop to look at trial media and how long do they
spend looking at it.
Simple interviewer administered questionnaire.
Questionnaire brochure on site.
Remedial (checks that all interpretive
elements at a site work well together)
Observation of visitor flow.
Eg. Of visitors moving between interpretive panels on walk trail in
site A2. If some panels are being missed or are difficult to find
then location of these may need to be revised.
Simple interviewer administered questionnaire.
Eg. Following interpretive activities
Summative (once interpretive project is
implemented you can ask ‘is our
interpretation meeting its objectives?’
All methods but primarily observation and questionnaire.
Critical appraisal (opinions of interpretive professionals)
Eg. Could incorporate site visit into conference tours to obtain
feedback from professionals.
Could also incorporate site visit into DEC recreation and tourism
training courses as a case study to obtain input from trainees.
6.4
Guidelines on sample size
Evaluation is always a trade-off between time, money and accuracy. The bigger the
sample size, the more accurate the results are, but the more it costs.
For formative evaluation quite small numbers are all that’s required – if something
doesn’t work it will show up quickly.
Qualitative research usually involves smaller sample sizes, for example in-depth
interviews of 20 visitors to a site.
Quantitative research involves bigger sample sizes, such as interviews of 150+ visitors to
a site. To ensure the sample is statistically representative interviewees must be chosen at
random. When interviewing groups of people the ‘next birthday’ rule helps here – find
out whose birthday is next and then interview them, rather than the dominant ‘group
leader’.
Focus groups typically involve 8-10 participants from one particular visitor group.
Several focus groups may be needed to reflect the visitor profile of a site.
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
59
7
References
Veverka, J., 1994, Interpretive Master Planning,
Montana: Falcon Press
Peart, B., and Woods, J.G., 1976, ‘A Communication Model as a Framework for Interpretive
Planning’ Interpretation Canada 3(5):22-25
8
Appendices
8.1
Appendix A - Tour Operator and Park Visitor Interviews
Tour Operator Interviews
Interviews were conducted with tour operators in the tourist season of 2005 to determine
their impressions of the park’s interpretation program. Comments made in response to a
variety of questions were recorded and a selection is outlined below:
Do you find the information and interpretation signage in the park effective?
“Signage could be better; there are some good ones at Mini Palms and Echidna Chasm. The
bowerbird sign at Echidna Chasm isn’t a good one as it encourages people to go into the
bush off the track.” KWA representative
“Some of them are ok for example the one on banding... Too many signs would look tacky
though and I believe that the guides give enough information to groups on tours.” Western
Exposure representative
There aren’t enough signs saying ‘keep to the paths’ etc and I have seen visitors wandering
off the paths into the bush. I haven’t seen any signs saying ‘don’t walk on the domes’ and
that they are fragile. Members of my group regularly suggest walking on them.” Western
Exposure representative
“The new ones that were put up last year are quite good. The signage is pretty clear;
however there doesn’t appear to be a theme. I tell the group the information before I get to
the sign. I have set areas where I stop and talk because these are in the most shaded parts of
the walk. The signs do support what I say though. The signs make sense and they say the
correct things.” KWA representative
“The signs are ok however Aboriginal content is needed. People always want to see
Aboriginal art and hear about the history.” AAT representative
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“I haven’t seen any signage indicating that the domes are fragile and not to walk on them
etc.” AAT representative
“.. signage is much better than it use to be. Domes trail information board is good. It would
be good to have information boards every 200-300 metres.” Outback Spirit representative
“Generally signs are great especially the new one. Generally don’t use signs on walks when
I am guiding as I know what they say. People don’t want to stand in the sun when we can
give them the message as well without having to read it. I use the map on the sign at the
entrance to Piccaninny.” EKT representative
“The general feeling from tourists is that there are limited signs and this is a good thing. It
gives them a feeling of wilderness and not being cluttered.” KWA representative
“I do like the Park Notes.” AAT representative
“Cathedral Gorge signage is very basic, some people like this.” EKT representative
“… I think the visitor centre is good and informative.” Outback Spirit representative
“Bowerbird sign in Echidna Chasm is not good as it encourages people to go off track to try
and see it, it’s not in good condition and there’s no Bowerbird there either. The onus is on
the guide to have their own information as the signs aren’t adequate.” EKT representative
Are there demands from your tour groups for other interpretive experiences within the
park?
“.. people do say that they would like to see more Aboriginal culture…” KWA
representative
“Definitely more cultural information with Traditional Owners and history...” Western
Exposure representative
“They do ask for more Aboriginal naming, stories and legends. The stuff up at Mitchell Falls
to do with Aboriginal information is good. I think there needs to be more cultural aspects
...” KWA representative
“Aboriginal culture including rock drawings” AAT representative
“Sacred sites information and content on Traditional Owners and who they are.” Slingair
representative
What do you think about the orange information pamphlet that is currently in use in
the park?
“Good that there is a handout and this one serves a basic purpose, …there needs to be more
information provided too.” KWA representative
“I’ve never read it. It seems like too much information and no pictures...”
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Western Exposure representative
“It’s good, it is brief not too much information and not too detailed otherwise visitors
wouldn’t read it.” APT
“It’s got good general knowledge and information. I think it’s excellent.”
EKT representative
“It’s good. It gives all the information people need to know. I have heard comments from
other visitors that the map on the brochure is a bit confusing and they get lost using it.”
Connections representative
What as a tour guide would you most like to see introduced as an interpretive aspect for
PNP?
“Training sessions for tour guides would be great. They do this at Ayers Rock; each guide
that goes there has to do it before they can guide people. It makes the information given out
uniform and credibility good … A session such as this at the start of each season (would be
good).” KWA representative
“Upgrade the visitor centre building and the interps stuff.” KWA representative
“Training sessions for guides coming into the park would be fantastic... across the board
information and to get to know each other as operators and be consistent with info would be
good.” AAT representative
“More Aboriginal language, signs, cultural... Longer opening hours at the visitor centre. I
think it’s great that you are doing a tour guide survey.” AAT representative
“The visitor centre is a little on the small side. I think it would be ideal to have an outdoor
theatre at the visitor centre with 30min information program with a ranger explaining the
park and features, a quality film. People would be happy to pay a fee to see this.” Outback
Spirit representative
“The signs (at entry station) on the way in need to be updated.” EKT representative
“Training sessions for tour guides is a good idea.” EKT representative
“We would like Aboriginal interpretation with some evident of input from Traditional
Owners. Aboriginal names of places would be good too. I suggest that you plan your new
interps around leaving the place as natural as possible. Leave the access track as it is…”
KWA representative
“Training sessions for guides who bring groups into the park..” APT representative
Would be good if the Kija and Djaru could sort out things and to see cultural stories and
names in the place, definitely more aboriginal input”. APT representative
“I think having a training session for tour guides who come into this area is a good idea.”
Western Exposure representative
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“A cultural experience and more Aboriginal content... I spend 20 mins at the visitor centre
every trip. I find members of my groups look for additional information here but are unable
to find it. There’s not much of interest as far as information goes in there.” Connections
representative
“A set format for commentary with accurate information that’s the same for everyone and
consistent. Training for guides sounds good as information would be correct and uniform.”
Slingair representative
Comments dealing with management issues
“The (directional) signs to Cathedral Gorge need to say Cathedral Gorge not just
Piccaninny Creek. Often people have asked the way from the airstrip because there is not
adequate signage.” Slingair representative
“I think the toilet and parking facilities need to be upgraded along with more shade provided
in areas and better designed and appealing picnic seats and tables.”
KWA representative
“I think changing the walking track into Echidna to walking in the dry creek bed is much
better now.” KWA representative
“More parking bays so I can stop for photos. Update the Visitor Centre and get local
Aboriginals to work there, to keep the road in good condition, toilets here are better than
anywhere else I go…” Western Exposure representative
“Don’t seal the access road, it would spoil the remoteness and then it would turn into an
Ayers Rock type of attraction. There is still a wilderness feel to the place and this in
conjunction with the effect on the landscape, would spoil the place and encourage too many
people to come here. The park needs to be managed in a way that the human presence
doesn’t wear it away.” EKT representative
“… need for more toilets at the visitor centre.” Connections representative
“Picnic areas at visitor centre for groups that have shade cloth areas and tablets etc.” APT
representative
“Leave the access track as it is...” KWA representative
“I noticed that cement has been put in a pot hole in Cathedral Gorge; this has changed this
forever now and is not environmentally friendly.” APT representative
“Calico Springs needs a loo and a proper picnic area there. People are stopping there
anyway. This is about half way and people need a break so it may as well be controlled
where they do so.” EKT representative
“Some of the car park signs at Walanginjdji Lookout need to be clearer and signs to direct
people to the private camps need to be revamped and clearer, the ones that are there now
confuse people.” EKT representative
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Visitor Interviews and Surveys
Interviews were conducted with park visitors in October 2005 to determine their impressions
of the park’s interpretation program. Selected responses to questions in these interviews and
also from annual DEC VISTAT surveys are outlined below.
Was sufficient information provided about the area, such as interpretive signs and
brochures for you to get the most from your visit?
Visitor interview (Oct 2005) responses
On publications times for the walks are exaggerated and it’s hard to plan.
Clearly indicating where the domes are in publications e.g. southern end of park
Give info on naming of the Bungles Bungles
Give the different theories on creation of the domes e.g. not just millions of years old.
What about creation theory!!
… heat is a factor when standing out reading signs
In publications it would be good to see what it looks like in the wet.
…got flight info and found out what’s open in the park from Turkey Creek
Having signs is good. I like the bowerbird info and conglomerate info
We were poorly prepared for the heat … we needed good info on this
In general we found the info was repetitious
Signs were good – short and simple. Good because it is hot.
Sufficient info but any more info needs to be short make the signs in brochures short
info if people want more they can get a book…if signs are too long people wont read
them
Got lots of info from home (Germany – travel agent, books etc). Used internet for all
tourism info in oz.
… at start of Cathedral Gorge walk we can’t find the signs and therefore the start of
walk.
Maybe a little more info on things to see - because we are from overseas we don’t
know what is interesting – rely on the signs
We do our homework on places before we go there. So we really don’t rely on any
info at the park – this is just a bonus.
Studied much about park back in Germany using books and websites.
Went to Derby Visitor Centre and got glossy single sheet brochure also from DEC
website – advertising and word of mouth.
Would like more signs on history and Aboriginal history.
Relics display very average and not what it is said to be (pastoral history?)
Its nice to not have just Aboriginal stories but geology and other flora.
… got info from the internet.
Got info from Halls Creek Visitor Centre (not much information there) and websites
We would like more information provided on signs.
VISTAT surveys (7/2004-10/2005) responses:More info on Aboriginal signs and significance would be appreciated
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
64
Plenty of warning signs at the start of walks / but little to provide the local Aboriginal
interpretation of the sites
I would have liked more information re Aboriginal traditions
Better sign posting to Piccaninny would have prevented extra 1 hour walking with
packs!
Sign at start of Piccaninny Gorge hike was misleading
I had to buy books to get basic info
More info about walks in brochures (like given at start of walks)
Information available prior to visitor in nearby town tourist offices would be helpful
Should be advertised that once inside the park there is another 100km more going to
and from the gorges
Need better map. More info re flora, fauna, history etc.
Evening slideshow and / or talk would have been great
More Aboriginal cultural interpretation of this place and in particular the sites here.
Also Aboriginal tours would be excellent here
More signs at the information site off the main road – how many km required to do
The information about ecology, plants and wildlife are too general
More information at highway regarding travel times
Kununurra Visitor Centre helpful but didn’t inform of flights from park
Possibly inform people about sunset viewing sites upon arrival
What do you think of the park brochure (orange)?
Visitor interview (Oct 2005) responses
Couldn’t get it at Halls Creek (nothing on display)
..needs a bigger map on it and better info on planning time. Knew how long it took to
get to the park from destination but not how long from visitor centre to domes.
… particularly liked orange document as explained all the facilities
It was excellent for planning trip however the planning for the walks time weren’t
helpful, don’t know if times are there and back…
Found Orange Park Brochure to be excellent. Especially liked distances from visitor
centre to particular sites by road. The map is good but brochure needs to clearly
indicate where the domes are.
OK - times are over exaggerated.
… read it from top to bottom.
Not good – Jaz scribbled over it and couldn’t read it afterwards.
Didn’t look at it much
… was good for planning walks
Comment on tranquil pool at Cathedral is not accurate – was prepared for a swim
and then saw stagnant pool!
… thought the map was good.
… Caravan Park provided a photocopy of it
Thought info on inside was great especially boxes on animals and how long walks
are.
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
65
Did you stop at the park information bay near the highway? Did you find it useful?
Visitor interview (Oct 2005) responses
Was very helpful, learnt that couldn’t have fires, that there was only one campground
open at this time, got some walk info as well. Would have liked more info on the
condition of the track.
Didn’t see it
Didn’t see them
Didn’t visit - was just before dark when they got there
… would be good to advertise visitor centre hours
We stopped because we always like to stop if there is a chance to get information…
not after any specific information at this spot.
Didn’t stop… arrived late in arvo – rushed
Thought the displays were good as they had the basic info
Good signs / info. Gave info on whether they should bring trailer in or not.
Asked other vehicles at gate if they were on the right track.
Ideal place for information would be at the gate.
Needed a bit of help with direction and road length – comfort of knowing. Got word
of mouth from rangers
To get current info - drinking water, closures, road information etc. Good to get it
right before long drive in.
Should put loo out there!
Are there any other interpretive experiences that you would like to have had whilst you
were here, eg slide shows, talks, guided walks etc
Visitor interview (Oct 2005) responses
Ranger talks … but would need more time. Like them as an activity
Slide show, night walk would be good
Night spotlighting would be good … can’t do that without a guide.
Possibly would attend a night activity
Would be good for a night activity, we have missed these sorts of things everywhere
Nothing extra in the day because we are busy, at night maybe yes
Guided walks and cultural experience
Had no time for anything else
Wouldn’t attend as very tired at night
Would love guided walks.
Ranger talks and chats are good. Like the idea of night walks especially when it is
hot.
Guided walk would be good
Spotlighting at night would be good. See things that you don’t normally know about
For nightwalk we would go because we can’t see these things normally. Astronomy
talks – we liked them in other places and they would be good here.
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
66
General comments from interviews (Oct 2005) - management related
Needs indication sign on the highway before turnoff as I had to do a u-turn as missed
the gate.
Showers would have added another night to their stay
Tour guide education needed e.g. meet a tour group being taken into Cathedral
Gorge at the hottest part of the day.
Shade shelters in campground, showers would be good
Shade shelters around camping areas would be great. Facilities are better than we
thought
Need shade shelters in campground
$9 is a bit rich for not provided showers
Misinterpreted chain on the gate as the park being closed returned to Turkey Creek
who rang park and found out park open
2 hour drive into park is bad.
Tour guides need kick in the bum!! Pushy to old people.
Heat and safety - wouldn’t encourage older people to come and camp as there is no
shade
Found staff poor - Visitor centre staff not very experienced
Don’t change what’s here too much. Like it all.
Believe visitor centre could open longer hours.
Don’t think we should upgrade road – would ruin the holiday experience – keeps
people away.
Camping bit expensive with entry fee for car as well but they were on a budget so this
made worse.
Not difficult to orient yourself in the park
Leave road unsealed. Don’t put power in campground
Should leave the national park as it is.
Would like to come back in wet season to do longer walk possibly. Needed all the
gear and wasn’t prepared
Road in is bad for 2WD vehicle.
Camping fee is too expensive. The fee for the car is OK but for the facilities offered
the camping fee is too expensive
Shade shelters around camping areas would be great. Facilities are better than we
thought
The bore water was great.
The domes walk was confusing with little spur in it
Visitor centre closed and there was no info saying this.
Would like info at halfway on drive in to know another hour to go
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
67
Appendix B – Inventory of Interpretive Material
2002
2002
2002
2002
Glossy Park
Brochure (A4
leaflet)
Interpretation sign
Interpretation sign
Interpretation sign
Information sign
Park previsit
publication
Park
Information
shelter
All of park
Park Entry
Shelter
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM –
corporate
relations
CALM Interps &
Kimberley
staff??
Producer
(agency)
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Average
Condition
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Reprint
2004
2001
PNP Orange
brochure (A3
folded to A4)
Park previsit
publication
Date
produced
(approx)
All of park
Interpretation
Item
Interpretation
project
Location /
Site
Purnululu World Heritage Area
Appendix B - Inventory of Interpretive Material
8.2
68
Park Fees
Driving into the
Bungles
(includes map
of drive)
Things to know
sign
Purnululu
National Park
(Includes park
map)
Purnululu
National
Park
Purnululu
National
Park Western
Australia
Title /
Summary
Fee breakdown for visitors
Preparation info for drive – distance, time, safety issues,
no pets, what you’ll need etc.
Geology of Spring Creek Track and Calico Springs – Halls
Ck Fault
Facilities, regulations, appropriate park use
Respecting Aboriginal traditions. Pets, fires, taking care
etc
General intro to park – general geology (sandstone age,
about Osmand Range) – Aboriginal significance – Kija and
Djaru background.
Map provides locations and general layout of park
Summary of basic park information including
facilities, walks and important previsit information
Park usage info – access, fees, facilities etc
Summary of walks and features
Geological summary of the range, domes and formation
processes
Aboriginal naming story
Includes park map
Summary of park features, facilities and appropriate
visitor behaviour
Park regulations – fires, firewood, campers code
Summary of walks and features
Info about animals and plants of interest (eg Spinifex
pigeon)
Geological summary of the range, domes and formation
processes
Aboriginal naming story
Includes line maps of walks and park - distances between
features
Key Messages
Essential info. Could mention hours of visitor centre
and chance to use 24h self-registration. Park
passes available in Kununurra is useless info –
previsit info
Some information provided is actually required
before getting to this point. Very wordy so hard to
dissect for information. Map of limited use –
needed? Information on guidebook not worthwhile
as people can’t get it - it’s too late.
Essential messages. Highly regulatory and too
many words. Lacks holding power
Good general overview. Map good but some small
errors
Significant overlap with PNP Orange Brochure.
Outdated info (eg still includes Froghole Walk). Well
presented and more professional looking than
Orange Brochure. Some typos.
Although adequate some information is inaccurate.
Does not fit in with other CALM publications. Full
colour would be best. Maps for walks confusing.
Walking track times too cautious and therefore
frustrating for visitors when planning.
Comments appropriate to
interp plan
Visitor centre
display
Visitor
centre
2001
2001
2001
2001
2001
Geology map
(colour keyed to
ages and
structure of rock
samples) and
geology intro text
3D geology model
(colour coded and
labelled)
Park aerial
photograph
Touch table
Date
produced
(approx)
Summary section
of display and
satellite image
and captions (far
left)
Interpretation
Item
CALM – in
conjunction
with Cath
White
(PNP
ranger)
CALM – Gil
Field
CALM – Gil
Field
CALM – Gil
Field
CALM – Gil
Field
Producer
(agency)
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good to
average
Condition
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Interpretation
project
Location /
Site
69
Relics from the
Pastoral Days
Visual display
of park sites
(push button +
lights for
locations)
Geological
evolution of the
Bungle Bungle
Range
The Rock Files
The Big Picture
Title /
Summary
No specific messages – gives overall feel for park
Animal objects – tortoise shell, nests, dried frog & gecko,
centipede, feral animal skulls, feathers, mantis egg
cocoon, print casts, paper wasp nest.
Plant objects – Grevillea pods, Kurrajong seeds, Boab
fruit, bark.
Rock samples and plant ID folder.
Location information for all campsites, walks, lookout,
visitor centre and airstrip. Visual impression of each site
Travel distances and times to each site
Symbols give locations of each facility at each site (toilets,
walks etc)
Layering and name and age of geology elements.
Location of faults and specific geological structures.
Bungle Bungle Range is comprised of sandstone and
conglomerate and was formed about 360 mya.
Encircling the range are much older rocks including
limestone
These increase in age as you head toward the Great
Northern Highway.
The park has a complex and interesting geology.
You can see and touch many rock samples
There are many features of the Bungle Bungle Range
Purnululu is the name given to the sandstone of the
Bungle Bungle Range by the Kija people
Summary of size and location of Bungle Bungle Range
Formation of the Osmand Range – age and rock structure
Halls Creek Fault line – age, location and structure
Ord River – naming and discovery
Panton River – naming and discovery
Mt Buchanan – naming, features
Ord River station history and environmental effects and
resumption by government
Piccaninny Circular Structure – geology of structure and
size and meteor impact information
Naming of Bungle Bungle range
Mabel Downs Station lease is part of Balmoral Station
Bungle Bungle outcamp was part of Ord River station
Key Messages
Poor display. Dried frog and gecko inappropriate.
Some other objects are better but overall there is no
meaning for the display and it is cluttered and
detracts from other, better displays in the centre.
Good interactive display that is popular with tour
guides and some visitors. Some info outdated eg
Froghole still listed. Some lights / buttons not
working
Good 3D element but positioned a little low for most
people to read text. Can go unnoticed because of
this.
Good interactive component. Complex geological
terms can lose people. Possibly information is
aimed at too higher level
Overall the display has good messages but
sometimes aimed at too higher level eg Proterozoic,
quaternary and other terms can lose people. Very
visual and for this reason can have good drawing
power
Comments appropriate to
interp plan
Walking Trail
interpretation
Walking Trail
interpretation
Piccaninny
Carpark
Cathedral
Gorge Walk
2002
2002
2002
Walking Track
Sign 2
Walking Track
Sign 3
Walking Track
Sign 4
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
Producer
(agency)
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Condition
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
2002
Walking Track
Sign 1
2002
2002
Interpretation
sign
Trailhead Sign 2
2002
Interpretation
sign
2002
2002
Interpretation
sign
Trailhead Sign 1
2002
Interpretation
sign
Site information
shelter
Airstrip
display
Date
produced
(approx)
Interpretation
Item
Interpretation
project
Location /
Site
70
Piccaninny
Creek
Domes
Forged
Through Time
Termites
Piccaninny
Creek Trek
(includes map
showing trail)
Welcome to
Piccaninny
Creek (includes
map showing
trail)
Purnululu
National Park
(Includes park
map - copy of
entry shelter
sign
Things to know
(duplicate of
entry shelter
sign)
About the
Bungle Bungle
Range
Flying the
Bungle Bungle
Range
(includes map
of range)
Title /
Summary
Water cycle of Piccaninny Creek
Look for wildlife in creek
Fragile nature of domes
Cyanobacteria and protective skin on domes
Don’t walk on the domes
Formation of sandstone – age, sedimentation and uplifting
of rock
Height of cliffs
Social life of termites and role of termite mounds
Features of the Gorge – distances and locations of sites
Preparation and safe walking info – eg registration,
temperature and important water info
Creek as drainage for the BB Range
Cathedral gorge, domes and Piccaninny Creek walks info
– distances and times
Safe bushwalking practices
General intro to park – general geology (sandstone age,
about Osmand Range) – Aboriginal significance – Kija and
Djaru background.
Map provides locations and general layout of park
Facilities, regulations, appropriate park use
Respecting Aboriginal traditions. Pets, fires, taking care
etc
Summary of geology of BB Range
Formation and age of Bungle Bungle Range
Banding in Domes – cyanobacteria and clay levels
Formation of gorges and chasms – formation of
conglomerate
Description and location of following features of the
Bungle Bungle Range – The Coalition, Deep Gorge,
Livistona Palms, Piccaninny Circular Structure, Piccaninny
Gorge and Creek.
Formation of Picc. Circular Structure
Naming of Piccaninny Creek
Ecology and distribution of Livistona palms
Key Messages
Good succinct messages. Difficult to envisage creek
as described in wet season – photo would help.
Chance of seeing frogs for 99% of visitors is low
Good simple messages. Well laid out sign with good
amount of information. Sign has little holding power
though because of location in sun and closeness to
other signs (too much info in short time).
Good succinct messages and well formulated sign.
Has little holding power though (av. <4sec) due to
location in soft sand and in sun. Better location
needed for these messages (northern end of park?).
Illustration doesn’t help greatly with message
Good simple messages but in wrong place – no
mounds close to the sign. Sign has low drawing
power – average <1sec spent at sign. Not relevant
to whole walk theme?? Better at Walanginjdji?
Too many words (250+). Important information but
needs to be more concise. Much of sign is previsit
info – too late to tell walkers by then. Better in other
locations.
One of most important / used signs in park (av.
Time spent at this sign 25sec). Good messages but
possibly too much information especially when
considered alongside other trailhead. Map incorrect.
General overview. Information replicated at Park
Entry Shelter but appropriate because of large
number of fly ins (different user group). Map good
but some small errors
Regulatory messages. Highly regulatory and too
many words. Lacks holding power. Some
information not appropriate because of clientele eg.
Fly-ins don’t need to know about Spring Creek
Track condition, pets!!
Illustrations good. Too much text for people to retain
info.
Messages OK. Pilots repeat much of this
information. Livistona message better on walking
trail. Would be better giving pictures of each of
these. Too many words
Comments appropriate to
interp plan
2002
2002
2002
2002
2002
2002
Walking Track
Sign 1
Walking Track
Sign 2
Walking Track
Sign 3
Walking Track
Sign 4
Walking Track
Sign 5
Walking Track
Sign 6
Walking Trail
interpretation
Mini Palms
Walk
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
CALM - Gil
Field
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
2002
2003
Walking track
sign 3
Trailhead Sign
2003
Walking track
sign 2
Walking Trail
interpretation
2003
Walking track
sign 1
Mini Palms /
Froghole
Carpark
Replaced
in 2004
Trailhead Sign
Walking track
signage
2002
Walking Track
Sign 6
Echidna
Chasm
2002
Walking Track
Sign 5
71
Bush survivor
Boarding at the
Bungles
Conglomerate
(replica of
Echidna
Chasm sign but
new illo and
word change)
Sun Power
Soil Cycle
Stop!
Welcome to
Froghole and
Mini Palms
The Palms
Conglomerate
Bowerbird
Bower
Welcome to
Echidna
Chasm
Fractured Rock
Potholes
Eucalyptus collina and its response & adaptations to fire
Eucalyptus aspera and its role as home for fauna
Formation of sedimentary rock at Mini Palms
Source of geological material and difference in formation
between Piccaninny Ck and Mini Palms
Role of sunlight in the energy cycle
The role of soil in the nutrient cycle
Plants and micro-organisms are effected by people
walking on them
Keep to the track
General geological formation of mini palms gorge area
Summary of Froghole Walk, gorge and closure info
Summary of vegetation on mini palms walk
Safe bushwalking information
Time and distances of walks
Biology of the Livistona palms
Palm reproduction and basic ecology
Formation of sedimentary rock at Echidna Chasm
Source of geological material and difference in formation
between Piccaninny Ck and Echidna
Bowerbird’s courtship and mating rituals
Echidna Chasm is a long narrow cleft formed in the
conglomerate sandstone of the BB range
Allow 2h for the walk
Safe bushwalking information
Where Chasm gets its name
Aboriginal legend – About quills and thrills
Process of fracturing in rock and example for people to
see
How potholes are developed in creek beds
No evidence of fire so sign lakes impact / meaning.
Tree now dead! Much of the information not valid.
Messages are good ones but now need to be told
somewhere else. Illustration a bit messy.
Replicated info from Echidna Chasm walk. Difficult
to track the locations mentioned eg Where is
Osmand Range? Illustration OK. Title could be
made better
Good simple message but message is not directly
related to anything thematic about the track
Good simple message but again not correct
thematic location
Message good but better on management style of
sign. This message would be good repeated at
other sites but in different form to keep people off
the domes.
Messages OK but generally too many words.
Specific interpretation information not required.
Froghole info out of date – to be removed. Map
inaccurate. Photographs would be better to tell the
story
Messages good. Illustration good. Replicated
message at Mini Palms. Not part of overall theme
for walk
Difficult to track the locations mentioned eg Where
is Osmand Range? Possibly needs broad scale
orientation map to interpret this. Illustration without
labels and difficult to understand.
Location debatable – encourages people to go off
the track. Some people like this others don’t
Messages good. Possibly too many themes /
messages on one sign. Location is good. Possibly
upgrade to include aerial photo map. Full colour
would be better. Story on naming of Echidna Chasm
possibly better in Visitor Centre display
Simple message but a little difficult to work out eg
“north-west trending vertical joint line” is hard to
visualise what this means. Why talk about example
100m away? Put sign there?
Good simple message. Illustration is excellent as it
clearly shows the process. Reference to Piccaninny
Ck not good as this sign is not in this ck. Remove or
move sign
8.3
Appendix C - Evaluation of Interpretive Signage
A short timing and tracking survey was conducted on selected individuals around five
different signs at Cathedral Gorge to gauge the holding power of the signs.
Results
Trailhead Signs (2)
The control time (time taken to read everything on the two signs and briefly look over the
map by two staff) was 1 min 55 sec
Survey average (23 people) – 26.5 sec
General observations
Almost every person (21 of 23) stopped and read these signs indicating a strong
desire for walk orientation information.
Some of the people who spent very little time at the sign let their partner read the
information.
Times varied from 54 sec to 0 seconds.
Of most interest was the first sign, which covers info on the Cathedral Gorge walk
whilst the sign covering the overnight Piccaninny Gorge walk, created little interest.
8.3.a.1.1.1 Walking Track Signs
A
C
B
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
72
The above three signs are located a short distance along the Cathedral Gorge walk. Sign A is
150m from the start of the walk, B is 40m from A and C is a further 30m along the track. All
are in exposed situations. The average amount of time people spent reading each of the signs
was:
A. Termites:
B. Forged through time:
C. The domes:
<1sec
4sec
3sec
Results
These signs had little holding power. Of the 8 people timed at the first sign, 7 walked straight
past and at the second and third signs 8 people out of the 10 recorded also didn’t stop.
The low holding power is probably due to a combination of location, design and visitor
mindset. The signs are in an exposed area with little shade and soft sand underfoot. They are
located a short distance from the start of the trail and people at this point tend to be keen to
get further along the track to their destination before taking a break. The overall appearance
of the signs, with only one colour and no photographs also contributes to the lack of holding
power.
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
73
Appendix D – Action plans developed during the STEPS to Sustainable Tourism process.
Long-term strategic planning for access and infrastructure
Actioning and sustaining this work
16.
17.
18.
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Indigenous training
Study tour to view tourism approaches at other places
15.
Protocols for tour operators and visitors
Tour operator training
Short guided walks
12.
14.
Longer backpack walks
13.
Up-market safari camp
11.
7.
10.
Slide show
6.
Establishing a Aboriginal business entity and trust fund
‘Mag’ paper
5.
Multi-function facility at turnoff
Signage and interpretation strategy
4.
9.
Names for places within the Park
3.
8.
Air routes and aerial photography
Visitor centre services
2.
Welcome to country
1.
Summary of Action Plans are:
74
This section describes the 18 action plans developed during the STEPS to Sustainable Tourism process.
8.4
Develop & design presentation and content
Determine presentation delivery
For delivery by tour operators, visitors centre, preflight, coaches, slide show evenings
Meeting of project group
4. Welcome to Country Video
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Develop & design presentation and content
Determine presentation locations
Visitors centre
Airport
On the road into Park
3. Welcome to Country Signage
Details / Tasks
Create the Welcome to Country message
Determine what should be said to welcome visitors
and establish in both Aboriginal and English
Decide on the forms
signage
video
in person
in mag paper
Ben Cross
75
Ralph Addis
Judy Butters
Howard James
Sonja Mitchell
Ben Cross
CALM personnel
Ben Cross
Traditional owners managed by
Shirley Drill and
Bessie Daylight
Gae McKay with mag paper
Who’s involved
Ben Cross
Judy Butters
CALM
CALM
Resource sources
To develop a coordinated welcome to country program which is an integral part of Purnululu’s presentation to the public.
To provide a strong statement to identify traditional owners as the people associated with the place.
To provide a strong initial expression of the Park’s cultural values to value-add to the visitor experience.
To present an invitation to engage with & enjoy country.
To provide an opportunity for visitor protocols to be effectively presented.
Welcome to Country
2. The message
Action plan leader
Components
1. Forms of presentation
to visitors
Objectives:
Action plan for
Late Feb 2005
April 2005
Feb 2005
When to complete by
Feb 2005
Develop & design presentation and content
Determine presentation delivery
For delivery at campgrounds, visitors centre,
gatherings at special areas
Hold Aboriginal community meetings to discuss how
to approach this
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
5. Welcome to Country delivery in person
Develop proposal with costing and funding options
Seek approval of proposal through PPC
Plan demonstration video
Develop script
Filming in Park
Ben Cross
76
Traditional owners
March 2005
April 2005
April 2005
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Develop revised materials / advice for flight operators
Provide to air operators
Develop film & photography guidelines
Use Uluru Film and Photography Guidelines as a
reference but learn from their experience
Contact Uluru Communications and Public Education
Manager on (08) 8956 2299
4. Film & photography
guidelines
Information to air
operators
Create map/air photo for pilots
Transfer knowledge onto map/air photo
Create a map / air photo which can be used by aircraft
and helicopters pilots.
Arrange meetings times and travel to confirm marked
sites with other traditional owners.
2. Confirmation of
marked sites
3. Map or air photo for
use by helicopter and
fixed wing aircrafts.
Details / Tasks
Identify and arrange time for Traditional owners to fly
in helicopter to identify the sensitive areas
Arrange Lindsay Brown (head ranger) to be available
to fly with T/O so he can mark to a map the identified
sites.
Arrange helicopter.
Ben Cross & Howard James
77
Ben Cross & Howard James
Ben Cross
T/O’s
June 2005
End 2005
June 2005
Lindsay Brown
When
Early April 2005
May 2005
Resources
Heliworks offer is to
provide 1 hour flying time
free of charge
Ben Cross
T/O’s
Pearl Gordon, Shirley Drill, Nora
were identified to fly with pilot and
Lindsay Brown.
Who
Howard James (CEO) has offered
to provided Heliworks helicpter
For air operators to be aware of relevant culturally-sensitive areas around Purnululu
For air operators to alter flight paths as necessary
For air operators to advise passengers that there should be no photographing of these areas
Photographing of sensitive areas during flight path
Component
1. Areas of cultural
sensitivity in relation
to flight paths
Action plan leader
Objectives of this
action plan are
Action plan for
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
6. Trainee employed at
visitor centre
5. Training of Artists
4. Trainees
3. Sales and accounting
systems of products
Provide job, establish work roles and activities
Provide accommodation
Details / Tasks
Identify Aboriginal arts and artefacts that could be made
available for sale at the visitors centre, including;
Paintings, postcards, t-shirts, jewellery, ornaments,
woodcarvings
Identify floor space and security at the visitors centre:
Ensure security is adequate
Ensure space available to mechandise
Ensure adequate sales and accounting systems:
Determine adequacy of existing systems
If not, develop and install appropriate systems of
accounting for stock, sales and security.
Identification and selection of trainees
Identify potential trainees and brief them on the
opportunity
Determine level of interest
Select appropriate individuals
Establish training regime for artists to develop more
products
2. Venue issues
Gae McKay
Component
1. Aboriginal products
To provide products for sale
Have Aboriginal employment in the shop
Title: Visitor Centre
Action plan leader
Objectives of this
action plan are
Action plan for
CALM
78
April 2006
December 2005
December 2005
Purnululu Aboriginal Corporation
Kimberley College of
TAFE
Kimberley Group
Training
Ministry for Arts
CALM
Argyle Diamonds
Tourism Western
Australia
Kimberley Group
Training
December 2005
CALM
Petrine McConchie
Wunan Foundation
December 2005
When
December 2005
CALM
Warmun Arts Centre
Warmun Art Centre
Resources
CALM
Who
Various artists
In association with Aboriginal people determine
Aboriginal words for the location
Determine the form in which the words will be
presented
Prepare presentation materials
Construct or present names in appropriate locations
and form
2. Identification and
matching of Aboriginal
words
3. Presentation of names
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Details / Tasks
List all locals that may be visited
Identify which of these locations are missing
Aboriginal words in its presentation
Ben Cross/Gae McKay
Who
79
Steve Vigilante – walk trails
Park rangers
Ben Cross
Traditional owners
Anthropologists working in area
Ben Cross
Steve Vigilante – walk trails
Ben Cross
Ensure appropriate traditional words are used to describe places
Aboriginal words are profiled and provide a representation of Aboriginal connection to this counntry
Names for places within the Park
Component
1. Identification of
locations that need
Aboriginal words
Action plan leader
Objectives of this
action plan are
Action plan for
Resources
When
Meet and confirm involvement and ownership with
traditional elders
Carry out investigations and research of information
required
Develop an interpretation and communications plan
2. Aboriginal input
3. Information
4. The plans
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
.
Details / Tasks
Establish the details of what is needed to construct the
interpretation and communications plan
Gae McKay
CALM
CALM
Interpretative planner
Interpretative planner
80
CALM
CALM
Interpretative planner
Who
Interpretative planner
Resources
Completion
December 2005
When
Start July 2005
To present and profile natural and cultural elements of Purnululu National Park and Bungle Bungle Range through adequate interpretations and
signage.
Signage and interpretation strategy
Component
1. Interpretive materials
Plan
Action plan leader
Objectives of this
action plan are
Action plan for
Meet and obtain input with traditional elders
Carry out research of information required
o focus on world heritage values (natural and
cultural) as well as general visitor information for
the Park.
Develop and distribute the magpaper
2. Aboriginal input
3. Information
4. The Magpaper
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Details / Tasks
Establish the details of the content of mag paper
Gae McKay
CALM
CALM
CALM
Interpretative planner
Interpretative planner
Interpretative planner
81
CALM
Who
Interpretative planner
Resources
To present and profile natural and cultural elements of Purnululu National Park and Bungle Bungle Range.
Present protocols for area.
Mag Paper
Component
1. Materials
Action plan leader
Objectives of this
action plan are
Action plan for
Completion
October 2005
When
Start July 2005
Meet and obtain input with traditional elders
Carry out research of information required
o focus on world heritage values (natural and
cultural) as well as general visitor information for
the Park.
Determine what existing slides will remain to be used.
Capture new photos to form the new slides for
presentation
Develop for presentation the new slides
2. Aboriginal input
3. Information
4. The show
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Details / Tasks
Establish the themes and content of new slide show
Determine the form of the new presentaion
Gae McKay
CALM
CALM
CALM
Interpretative planner
Interpretative planner
Interpretative planner
82
CALM
Who
Interpretative planner
Resources
Completion March
2006
When
Jan 2006
To present and profile natural and cultural elements of Purnululu National Park and Bungle Bungle Range in up-to-date slide presentation.
Present protocols for area.
Slide show
Component
1. Materials
Action plan leader
Objectives of this
action plan are
Action plan for
Investigate legal structure options and determine most
appropriate
Determine and appointment of directors
May include Aboriginal & non-Aboriginal
Need to deal with Business and Aboriginal issues
Determine the establishment costs
Determine sources of finance
Develop proposal to sources
Identify Aboriginal families to be considered for ownership
Family names mentioned during workshop included, as
prospective owners;
Drill; Green/Edwards; Butters; Clancy; Bindai Mung;
Daylight; Malgal; Others to be determined
Details / Tasks
Investigate legal structure options and determine most
appropriate
Consider ownership issues and directorship issues
Kim Bridge & Ben Cross
To have business entity to engage in business activities
Kim Bridge to assist
Yet to be determined
Purnululu Aboriginal Corporation
Purnululu Aboriginal Corporation
83
Kim Bridge to assist
Kim Bridge
Resources
Kim Bridge to enquire
and assist
Kim Bridge to assist
Who
Purnululu Aboriginal Corporation
Kim Bridge
Establish commercial entity and PBI entity for Indigenous people
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
5. PBI structure
4. Management
3. Finance to establish
entity
2. Ownership
Component
1. Business Entity
Action plan leader
Objectives of this
action plan are
Action plan for
Aug 2005
May 2005
May 2005
May 2005
When
May 2005
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Prepare funding application
o Describe purpose
o Detail scope of works
Determine what negotiation process is required to excise or
acquire land including;
Developing negotiation approach.
Identifying all parties to be addressed.
Carry-out preliminary negotiations.
Complying with Statute requirements, ie. Aboriginal
Heritage Act 1984.
3. Excision or acquire
land – preliminary
process prior to
acquisition.
4. Funding application
for pre-feasibility
study. This exercise is
Determine land tenure issues
Contact Department of Planning & Infrastructure (old
DOLA) and determine current land tenure status
surrounding the turn-off area..
With above DPI acquire understanding of process for
pastoral lease diversification permit.
Consider all tenure aspects for the area, including
pastoral, native title and Aboriginal heritage issues.
Obtain information on requirements for excisions
and/or acquisition of potential land.
Details / Tasks
Identify location options
Site visit
Ned
84
Who
ANW
Using ATDP
requirements
Resources
Aug 2005
Sept 2005
Sept 2005
When
July 2005
Determine the establishment of a new commercial activity at the turn-off into Purnululu situated on the Great Northern Highway.
Title: Turn-off facility ‘MFJ’
2. Tenure
Component
1. Location
Action plan leader
Objectives of this
action plan are
Action plan for
Source funding and consider joint venture potential
with a business partner.
Establish legal structure.
Acquire land required.
Establish and commence business operations.
Determine if development is commercially viable
Prepare funding application
o Describe purpose
o Detail scope of works
Submit to funding sources
Advertise and select consultant
Carry out study
Evaluate report to determine next step
Identify funding sources
Submit application to funding sources
Advertise and select consultant
Carry out study
Evaluate report to determine next step
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
7. Establish business at
turn-off
(note: This may be take
place with prospective
joint venture partner in
which the action plan may
vary to suit.)
6. Business commercial
viability
to assist advance
through previous
tasks. (note: the
scope of this exercise
will include above
requirements and
others, market
information, SWOT
analysis, etc)
5. Perform feasibility
(based on positive
results to continue of
previous
investigation) The
scope of this exercise
is to consider
prospective business
activities, operations,
commercial viability,
etc.
85
ATDP
KDC
86
JV
Successful proponent JV
Commence development
Operations
CALM/PAC
Negotiate lease
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
5. Construction and
operations
CALM/PAC
Through EOI/RFP
3. Seek Joint Venture
partner
4. Negotiate with
successful proponent
Tourism WA
Kimberley Dev
Commission
CALM
Tourism WA
CALM
Consultant
Appoint consultant
2. Pre-feasibility study
Resources
CALM
Who
Park Council
Tourism WA
Details / Tasks
Set site criteria
Rod Quartermain (CALM) /Tourism WA Regional Manager
Higher level accommodation experience
Title: Upmarket Safari Camp in PNP
Component
1. Site selection
Action plan leader
Objectives of this
action plan are
Action plan for
2009
2007/2008
2006/2007
When
Dec 2005
With Management
Plan
2005/2006
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Links with existing tour operators
Advertise to independent travellers
Determine safety requirements & acquire skills
1st aid, safety regulations, insurance - public liability,
business
5. Safety requirements
6. Market walks
Determine requirements to be commercially viable
Determine pricing structure
Costings
Cashflow forecast
Advertising
Logistics
Invite friendlies, tourist operators to partake and
evaluate walks
3. Test walks
4. Commercial viability
Contact and arrange for Sam to come to Purnululu to
fine-tune walks.
Details / Tasks
Plan area to for walks
Identify walking area and its points of interest
o Natural
o Cultural
Prepare narration
Determine time to complete
2. Assistance from Sam
Lovell
Shirley Drill, Paul Butters
Component
1. Design walks
Show country through Aboriginal eyes
Protect and share country
Aboriginal employment
Title: Short Guided Walks
Action plan leader
Objectives of this
action plan are
Action plan for
December 2005
December 2005
March 2006
Paul Butters
Paul Butters
Paul Butters
June 2005
Paul Butters
When
February 2005
May 2005
Resources
Paul Butters
87
Who
Paul Butters & Shirley Drill
Purnululu specific Accred
Identify additional components eg. collecting rocks,
specific driving skills for employees; impact on
wildlife/vegetation; damage to beehive rock formation;
not trespassing beyond designated areas – cultural
(sacred areas); safety issues – ER, first Aid
Use ‘Welcome to Country’ brochures in interim and
‘Leave no trace’ protocols.
Determine and describe protocols.
Establish protocols report at park entrance
Design and provide weather proof succinct
information/guidelines on signs at highway turnoff.
Promote protocols at tourism gateways in towns, in
mag paper, videos, etc.
Simple, standardised and specific section for
Purnululu.
Tour operators to promote protocols – responsibilities
in licence or Accred
Establish signs at each tour operators camp and public
location.
After welcome to country processes.
Details / Tasks
Clarify minimum level of Accred for Tour operators
Determine additional requirements for sub programs
Form sub-committee
Establish criterion – investigate existing options
Ben Cross
88
Tour operators
Tourism Western Australia
CALM
Sub-committee comprising of
Purnululu Aboriginal people, Tour
operators & CALM
Who
Tourism Operators
To establish a minimum operating standard and protocols for tour operators and visitors access to PNP
Protocols for Visitors
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
2. Protocols for visitors
Component
1. Protocols for tour
operators
Action plan leader
Objectives of this
action plan are
Action plan for
Resources
Promote in
packages this
season 2005
onwards
When
2005 season
Identify information tour operators need.
o Use of the land
o Use of flora & fauna
o seasons
Establish answers for tour operator questions.
Develop a presentation format (print/online)
Select a facilitator to develop a training presentation.
Design and delivery training
2. Use of Aboriginal
names in places
3. Correct information
4. Training
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Details / Tasks
Identify what can and what can’t be presented.
Rod Quartermain
89
March/April 2005
December 2005
Rod/Gae
Rod Q.
August 2005
When
Feb 2005
Paul Butters
Resources
March 2005
Who
Warren
Paul Wainwright
Phil
Kenton
Rod/Gae
T0’s
PAC
CALM
Tour operators with accurate and appropriate cultural information
Tour operator training
Component
1. Items that can be
presented to visitors
Action plan leader
Objectives of this
action plan are
Action plan for
Use ‘Welcome to Country’ brochures in interim and
‘Leave no trace’ protocols.
Determine broad range of tourism industry
employment needs
Meet with various sectors of the tourism industry
Identify existing successful programs
Determine what could be implemented to assist
traineeships and employment outcomes.
Determine training regime.
Work out system appropriate to Purnululu.
3. Input from industry
4. Existing successful
programs
5. On the job training
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Identify training for employment opportunities;
Visitor servicing opportunities, etc.
Details / Tasks
Identify trainee prospects
Conduct a tourism training workshop to identify
opportunities and prospective participants.
Identify and invite selected suitable participants.
90
Purnululu Aboriginal Corporation
Kimberley College of TAFE
Tour operators
Kimberley Group Training
Kununurra Tourist Visitor Centre
Accommodation facilities
Tour operators
Tour operators
Kimberley Group Training
Who
Kimberley College of TAFE
Purnululu Aboriginal Corporation
Kimberley Group Training
KDHS
To provide training that facilitates the employment of Aboriginal people.
Indigenous Training
2. Training and
employment
opportunities;
Component
1. Interested & suitable
participants
Action plan leader
Objectives of this
action plan are
Action plan for
Resources
2005
When
Access appropriateness
Look at web-site
Talk to Hassell (Phil APT to report back to PPC &
working group)
Seek university interest and involvement
Determine integrity and range of current data
collected.
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
Tourism Optimisation
Management Model
5. Evaluate modelling
(environment, cultural,
social)
Determine carrying capacity of area.
2. Carrying capacity of
area.
3. Maintain adventure
not amount trail.
4. Current data collected.
Establish key drivers
Details / Tasks
Determine access to other sites
Design controlled access to those sites
To maintain the integrity of PNP
Planning for Access and Infrastructure
Component
1. Growth and pressure
from visitor numbers
Action plan leader
Objectives of this
action plan are
Action plan for
91
Who
Minister for CALM
CALM
Conservation Commission
Park Council
Sub Committee (Tour operators,
Aboriginal people, CALM)
Purnululu people
Tourism WA
Tour operators
DEH
KDC
Experts
Universities, research organisations
Premier & Cabinet
Resources
When
Investigate and identify funding sources
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
3. Funding sources
Determine composition
o Select - 4 Traditional Owners
Nominated were:
o Pearl Gordon, Shirley Drill, Paul Butters &
Bessie Daylight
o Select - 3 Tour operators
Nominated were:
o Paul Wainwright, Howard James & Phil APT
o Others –
o Tourism WA regional manager, Peter at
Kununurra Visitors Centre
2. Establish working
group to drive actions
Determine dates and hold meeting
Details / Tasks
Stepping Stones newsletter
o Details of actions and status
o Phone lists
Tie in with Purnululu Park Council meetings
Working group
To oversee the making it happen
Sustaining the actions
Seek CRC interest and involvement.
Component
1. Communications
Action plan leader
Objectives of this
action plan are
Action plan for
(TOMM) includes social,
environmental, cultural,
infrastructure, services.
Who
92
Kimberley Development
Commission
Ben Cross
KDC will assist with
facilities for meetings
Resources
Consider on-line version
(Rod Q.’s system)
Minimum of two
meeting per year
Determined at Feb
2005 workshop
When
Quarterly –
commencing June
2005
Indigenous working group to contact KSTP
Purnululu National Park World Heritage Area – Interpretation Plan 2006
4. Secure funding for
ongoing assistance in
phase II of STEPS
93
Kimberley Development
Commission
Argyle Diamonds
Kimberley Regional Development
prog
Argyle Diamonds