Press release: Tourism Western Australia and responsibletravel.com create an insiders guide to WA

Tourism Western Australia and responsibletravel.com are creating an insider’s guide to Western Australia (WA), including the best sustainable tours and places to stay and travel secrets from locals. As part of this we are searching for the best travel tips and photos from anyone who has travelled in Western Australia to be part of this online guide.

The best tip or photo will win a place in the guide and a signed print of their choice from world renowned wildlife photographer Andy Rouse, who had his first taste of Western Australia earlier this year. His tips on visiting Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef will also be part of the guide. The runner up will win a signed copy of Andy’s Living Landscapes book.

Western Australia might be Australia’s largest state, taking up almost a third of the country, but in many ways it is also the most undiscovered. Geographers are still mapping islands off the northwest coast; scientists are still discovering new species of flora and fauna and traditionally tourists headed east. This means its 12,500km of pearly-white coastline, rugged outback and lush forests teaming with rare wildlife are unspoilt and travellers can often experience the extraordinary scenery all to themselves.

The insider’s guide, which will launch on 9th November, highlights the best natural and cultural experiences in Western Australia, from camping in national parks and swimming with turtles at Ningaloo Reef to learning more about the aboriginal heritage which surrounds the ochre and black stripped domes of the Bungle Bungles. It goes beyond a normal guide with video and podcasts featuring insider tips from locals on where to go and what to do.

All accommodation and tours featured are selected on the basis of a rigourous responsible travel policy and ability to offer a distinctive travel experience that benefits the local community, while sustaining the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

Christie Lord, Tourism Western Australia’s UK Marketing Manager added: “Tourists increasingly want more authentic and locally distinctive holiday experiences. We want to bring together insider knowledge from locals with advice from other travellers to help tourists to discover Western Australia’s best experiences. Whether it’s the best snorkeling spot on Ningaloo Reef or an amazing local restaurant, it’s about having an unforgettable experience which also benefits local communities and supports conservation.”

To enter, got to the competition page on IKnowAGreatPlace.com, add your tips and insider knowledge or upload your favourite snaps. When choosing tags, make sure you include Western Australia competition under 'Select activities'. If you are not already a member, registering is free and easy. Closing date for competition is midnight on Friday 5th November 2009. Entries will be judged on originality and insight.

www.IKnowAGreatPlace.com offers:

• Forums – find answers to your questions from travellers and locals
  
• Tips – swap ideas on great places to visit and great things to see and do
  
• Photos – upload albums and inspire others with great images of your travels
  
• Diaries – record your travel tales and stay connected with family and friends whilst on the road
  
• Travel companions – meet people to travel with on your next adventure

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For more information or images of Western Australia please contact:
Elen Thomas, UK PR Manager, Tourism Western Australia
Email: ethomas@twa.australia.com; Phone: 0207 438 4606

For more information on responsibletravel.com please contact:
Krissy Roe, Communications Manager, responsibletravel.com
Email: press@responsibletravel.com; Phone: 01273 648 519

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About Western Australia
Western Australia is Australia’s largest and most extraordinary state, where 12,500km of pristine white beaches contrast with the deep red of ancient rock formations and the lush greenery of the stunning southern regions.

It is a nature lovers’ paradise where you can dive with the world's largest fish – the whale shark – or snorkel with manta rays at Ningaloo Reef, swim with wild dolphins and discover Australia’s only biodiversity hotspot in the southwest. Perth – four hours closer than Sydney – is the sunniest city in Australia; Broome is celebrated for its exotic pearling history and artistic community; historic Fremantle is good for whale-watching, and is just a short boat ride from car-free Rottnest Island. Margaret River has become a centre for gourmet food and wine. For more information visit www.westernaustralia.com

About responsibletravel.com:
responsibletravel.com is the world’s leading travel agent for responsible holidays. The site offers over 3,500 richer, deeper and more locally distinctive travel experiences that are better for destinations and local communities.

Whether you’re after an action-packed adventure, a relaxing beach escape or a charming countryside getaway closer to home, there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets.

Co-founder, Justin Francis had the original idea for the website after meeting Jackson, a village headman in Zambia. He subsequently launched the site with backing from Dame Anita Roddick in 2001. Based in Brighton, England the company also campaigns for positive change in the travel and tourism industry.

www.iknowagreatplace.com is responsibletravel.com’s online travel community website, launched in December 2008. The site offers local travel secrets to travellers throughout the world. Post questions in the travel forums, swap your tips and ideas, upload photos and blogs from your travels and look for companions for your next trip.

About Andy Rouse
Andy Rouse has long since had a passion for wild things. He has captured some of the most exciting and evocative photographic images of wildlife found today, with a raft of BBC wildlife photography awards to prove it.

With a style all of his own, Andy is equally passionate about the message that his images convey and sees his work as contributing to the general appreciation of our precious wildlife, hopefully stimulating us all to act on their behalf. www.andyrouse.co.uk