See Western Australia Through Eyes of Traditional Owners

Western Australia�s (WA) vast and varied landscapes are deeply embedded in Aboriginal history - and with many market-ready Indigenous tourism products on offer, visitors can take part in authentic experiences to learn more about the oldest living cultural history in the world.

Attending ATE, the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Committee (WAITOC - www.waitoc.com.au) aspires to promote Indigenous tourism experiences, and in doing so encourages the development of new, culturally authentic Indigenous tourism ventures that ensure visitors receive the authentic experience they seek.

Since its inception, WAITOC has been instrumental in fostering and supporting the growth of the Indigenous tourism industry in Western Australia and now represents more than 50 Aboriginal tourism operators listed on their website ranging from accommodation, traditional dance and Dreamtime stories to contemporary history, bush tours and art.

There is no better way to enjoy and interpret the magnificent coast and beautiful landscapes of Western Australia than with a traditional custodian of the land, and in Esperance (on the South East coast of WA), the answer is Kepa Kurl Eco Discovery Tours (attending ATE, www.kepakurl.com.au).

Kepa (water) Kurl (boomerang) is the Aboriginal name for the town of Esperance, and means, �where the water lies like a boomerang�. The region supports a unique ecosystem, Australia�s scientifically proven whitest beaches and the panorama of offshore islands of the Recherche Archipelago.

Kepa Kurl is a locally owned and operated Aboriginal Company, committed to providing quality, personalised and informative cultural experiences that allow visitors to gain an appreciation of the diversity of the Aboriginal culture.

Further north, discover the Kimberley�s ancient landscapes with a local Indigenous guide.

Owned and operated by Neville Poelina, a Nyikina man who has lived all his life in the Kimberley and has traditional ties throughout the region, Uptuyu (attending ATE, www.uptuyu.com.au) invites guests to learn about bush medicines and bush tucker, and explore the fascinating geography and history of the Kimberley.

Based in Western Australia�s dramatic Kimberley region, Uptuyu can tailor a personalised experience to discover one of the world�s last great wilderness areas.

Remote and rugged, its landscape is spectacular with rich red earth, wide horizons, ancient gorges, crystal clear rock pools and pristine beaches.

Also located in the Kimberley, a core base for adventures is the Oongkalkada Wilderness Camp established at Udialla Springs, a 3000-acre Nyikina-Mangala property between Broome and Derby fronting the mighty Fitzroy River. The camp is near fresh mineral springs and is surrounded by an array of native fauna and flora.

Kooljaman at Cape Leveque (attending ATE, www.kooljaman.com.au) is a multi award winning Aboriginal owned wilderness camp. It is a beautiful remote paradise offering a quiet place to get away from it all. Located 220 kilometres north of Broome on the Dampier Peninsula, Cape Leveque is a popular spot to fish, swim and snorkel or just sit back and relax.

This area is steeped in fascinating history � and learning about this aspect enhances your stay at Kooljaman at Cape Leveque. Kooljaman is the Bardi Aboriginal name for Cape Leveque. It is thought the Aboriginal people may have come to this part of the continent somewhere between 5000-7000 years ago after the last Ice Age. The sea level rose and formed King Sound and the many hills and mountains became islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago.

Aboriginal people of the Cape Leveque area would have had contact with visitors such as Indonesian and Macassan fishermen and may have sighted European explorers such as William Dampier when he sailed into what is now King Sound.

Also located in the Kimberley, the onsite Indigenous TAFE academy at Home Valley Station is central to the sustainable development of both the pastoral and tourism aspects of the station.

Owned by the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) Home Valley Station (attending ATE, www.homevalley.com.au) was purchased on behalf of the Balanggarra people of the East Kimberley.

Since acquiring the Home Valley pastoral lease in 1999, the ILC has endeavoured to involve local Indigenous people in all aspects of the station�s operations. In both its tourism and pastoral enterprises, members of the local Indigenous communities have assisted in all manner of projects associated with the resurrection of what was, at the time of purchase, a poorly neglected cattle station.

Today, Home Valley is a hub of activity that caters not only for travellers of the Gibb River Road, but for Indigenous students and trainees from many communities across the Kimberley.

As well as all-new accommodation options, Home Valley Station offers the Dusty Bar and Grill, two lagoon style pools, new reception and station store, conference facilities and a cultural centre.

ENDS Tourism WA Media contact: Sarah Monahan Media & PR Manager � Destination 08 9262 1710 / 0423 881 272 sarah.monahan@westernaustralia.com