South Australian Tourism Commission’s $2 million Experience Nature Tourism Fund has announced the recipients of the first round of grants, with 18 products and experiences supported across South Australia, including several on the Fleurieu.

Sailing journeys of marine parks from the far west coast to Kangaroo Island, a cultural immersion experience at Deep Creek and a luxury camping experience on the Murray River, are just some of the new tourism experiences getting a financial boost.

A total of nearly $486,000 in grants will unlock more than $824,000 in combined project value, supporting operators to attract more domestic and international visitors, while showcasing the state’s natural landscapes.

Mark Koolmatrie, owner/operator of the Fleurieu’s Kool Tours, says nature tourism experiences are exactly what people are looking for coming out of the pandemic.

“Our new overnight experience in Deep Creek National Park is something that’s not been done before, and the grant means we’ve been able to bring forward our plans to launch this tour much sooner than we could have otherwise done.

“Known as Miwi Kungalun or ‘listening to self’, it is a Ngarrindjeri cultural experience where visitors will take a deep dive into self, embrace nature, and leave with the tools to move forward. 

“They will learn the old age stories of the Ngarrindjeri people and have a chance to disconnect from their busy lives, phones off, and connect with nature, environment and self.”

Operators receiving grants are spread across the regions and showcase a diverse range of South Australia’s national parks and reserves, wilderness sanctuaries and marine parks.

The funding program runs over four financial years, with up to $500,000 available in each year.

Applications for 2023 funding will open early in the new financial year.

The first round of successful projects on  the Fleurieu and KI include:  

Brindabella Sailing - Eyre Peninsula; Fleurieu Peninsula; Kangaroo Island; Yorke Peninsula.

Purchase of new equipment to operate new day and overnight sailing journeys from Outer Harbor and Port Lincoln to various South Australian marine parks. Grant of $18,424 for total project value of $23,030.

Naiko Retreat - Fleurieu Peninsula

Purchase of MULE 6-seater vehicle to provide nature tours on existing accommodation property and transport to surrounding national parks.

Grant of $50,000 for total project value of $98,173.

Southern Ocean Walk - Fleurieu Peninsula

Purchase of equipment to enhance the customer’s experience and promotion of the Southern Ocean Walk through a targeted campaign in Australia’s leading walking magazine.

Grant of $10,241 for total project value of $12,802.

Off Piste 4WD Tours - Fleurieu Peninsula

Purchase of a trailer, equipment and conduct marketing activity to launch a new tour focusing on Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri culture and the natural habitat.

Grant of $11,360 for total project value of $14,200.

Tribal Expertise Facility (Kool Tours) - Fleurieu Peninsula

Purchase of vehicle, trailer and camping equipment to operate new overnight immersion experience in Deep Creek National Park.

Grant of $35,304 for total project value of $44,130.

Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island

Purchase of a vehicle to operate small group touring and shuttle services for guests of the Sea Dragon lodge.

Grant of $50,000 for total project value of $90,763.