The heritage listing of WA’s
Kimberley coast and hinterland
is seen as a positive step.
CRUISE lines are applauding the Federal
Government’s announcement that the West
Kimberley region is to be placed on Australia’s
National Heritage list.
Tony Briggs, founder and md of Coral Princess
Cruises, which operates Kimberley cruises, told
CW he is “delighted” by the decision.
“When I initially ventured over to the
Kimberley in the mid 90s to put together the
first expedition cruises in the region – when
the region was a lot less well known than it is
today – the thing that struck me most was the
remoteness, amazing natural beauty and sheer
scale of the region,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to see that the magnificence of
the Kimberley will be preserved for future
generations to experience.”
Briggs said Coral Princess Cruises takes its
obligation to the protection of wilderness
areas very seriously.
“We’ll look forward to continuing to work with
the Department of Conservation and other
government bodies to ensure that every
Australian is able to experience one of
Australia’s last true wilderness areas for many
years to come,” he said.
Michael Corbett, public relations manager,
Orion Expedition Cruises, welcomed the
heritage listing “as it is an extraordinary
pristine area of Australia, well worth
protection for future generations.
“The heritage listing should boost domestic
and international recognition of the area with
its extraordinary ancient geologic features that
predate life on earth, vast expanses and vistas,
marine and terrestrial wild life, and indigenous
rock artwork that could be as much as 40,000
years old,” Corbett said.
Bernard Whewell, managing director of
Broome & The Kimberley Holidays, said the
listing provided a welcome boost to tourism in
the region.
“The cruise operators that ply the coast in a
variety of vessels expose their clients to the
most wonderful array of natural attractions.
“The protection of the Kimberley will allow
many more to experience this holiday of a
lifetime,” Whewell said.
