Published on Tuesday, 27 April 2021 at 1:20:59 PM
The Shire of Ashburton is continuing to develop its tourism offering with Council supporting the development of an astrotourism strategy at April Council Meeting.
Shire of Ashburton President Kerry White said that the nighttime skies in the Shire were a spectacular sight.
“With our vast region and little light pollution, both those who are awed by the starry nights, and those who are avid astronomers are amazed at the clarity and brilliance of the milky way in the Pilbara”, acknowledged Councillor White.
“Engaging with Astrotourism WA will assist us in determining the best environments from Onslow to Tom Price to develop star-gazing locations and hopefully meet the criteria to be listed as an Astrotourism Town with key observing sites.
“Across WA, small and remote towns have created special places and protected the dark night skies to develop astrotourism as a niche market and we would like to take a similar approach in Ashburton and create a self-drive star gazing trail.
“In addition, the Shire of Ashburton also are part of a collaborative working group with Tourism WA to plan for and promote the 2023 hybrid Solar Eclipse.
“A hybrid eclipse has not been seen from Australia in more than 1,000 years and the 2023 event will not only be visible from land, but Onslow ideally located in the path to view the true total solar eclipse on April 20, 2023
“It is estimated that 50,000 people will visit Exmouth, the Gascoyne, and the Pilbara regions to witness the Eclipse which will have a positive impact on our tourism industry.”
For media information contact:
Alison Lennon - Manager Media and Communications, Shire of Ashburton
M: 0409 314 140 | E: [email protected]
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