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The Inaugural
Warlu Way Tourism Conference
Those who have visited the Pilbara region of Western Australia would know that the landscape is truly something special – a place of vast spaces, endless horizons and rugged natural beauty. It is also home to the world’s oldest living culture, and the significance of the Aboriginal heritage of the region is well recognised and treasured.
The Warlu Way Drive Trail has been established, with the assistance of the Federal Government, to create a catalyst for inviting more people to come and visit this region and enjoy the experiences it has to offer. It also provides a focus for communities, towns and individuals to become involved in celebrating their culture and their landscape and engaging in tourism opportunities in the region.
Australia’s North West Tourism, along with its partners, is pleased to present the inaugural Warlu Way Tourism Conference in Karratha on the 2nd and 3rd September 2009. This is a must-do event for anyone who is passionate about the region and wants to share in shaping the future of the Pilbara.
I look forward to seeing you in September.
Ian Laurance AM
Chairman
Australia’s North West Tourism
Rio Tinto is proud to be the Major Sponsor of The Warlu Way conference.
In partnership with Australia’s North West Tourism over the past 10 years, Rio Tinto has worked to grow tourism in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions. The development of diverse industries is important to us, as a means of ensuring a sustainable future for communities associated with our operations and many of the businesses in these communities.
I believe that by highlighting the exceptional natural attractions of the north, and in particular linking these with the backdrop of indigenous heritage, we can welcome an increasing number of visitors to our state and provide an unforgettable experience that people will want to share with others.
Join us in Karratha in September to discover the opportunities associated with the many attractions of the Warlu Way and see what makes the Pilbara and Kimberley regions so attractive for tourism.
Sam Walsh
Chief executive – Iron Ore
Chair – WA Future Fund
What is Warlu Way?
The way of the warlu, or sea serpent, traverses an ancient and sacred land rich in natural beauty and enchanting Aboriginal stories. It sends you back in time a mystical era when a mighty warlu emerged from the sea and travelled through the pulsing red heart of Western Australia, forming waterways as he moved.
Warlu Way reveals the mysteries of the warlu and other Aboriginal legends by taking you on a 2480 kilometre self-drive journey through Western Australia’s spectacular Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley regions. Interpretive signage along the drive opens your eyes to the secrets of this country and its historical, cultural and natural wonders.
From Exmouth in the South, to Broome in the North, The Warlu Way Experience Trail traverses the heart of the Pilbara and takes the traveller to some of the state’s best natural attractions: the Ningaloo Marine Park and its interaction with whale sharks, Karijini National Park (WA's second largest National Park) and its gorge formations, Millstream-Chichester NP and its billabong oases and strong Aboriginal culture, Murujuga National Park (Burrup Peninsula) with the world’s oldest, most diverse and greatest concentration of rock art, the Dampier Archipelago Marine Park, with the highest marine biodiversity in the state, and the turquoise waters of Cable Beach and Roebuck Bay in Broome.
More about the Conference
Professionals in tourism and business development, as well as motivational speakers and industry case studies will be invited to present. The Pilbara is a region rich in natural attractions and the opportunity will be made through field trips to share this unique landscape with conference delegates.
This is the first conference of its kind to be held in the Pilbara.
Topics to be discussed
- Warlu Way outline
- Business Sessions
- Keynote speakers
- Motivational messages
- Importance of Marketing
- Valuable networking opportunities
- Working Locally
- Setting up a small business
- Q&A Session
Attendance at the conference is FREE however we do ask you to get yourself there as well as making your own accommodation arrangements. If you need recommendations for accommodation please contact us.
For further information on this conference please contact Nerreda Hillier on 08 9193 6136 or email nerredahillier@bigpond.com or www.warluway.com.au
This conference is organised with the support of Rio Tinto, Australia’s North West Tourism, Tourism WA, Small Business Development Corporation & the Pilbara Development Commission through the Royalties for Region program.