A remote Top End tourism attraction has used its Brolga award prize money to launch new interpretative signage that tells the story of Bare Sand Island’s sea turtles.
Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Adam Giles said the new signs were established by local operator, Sea Darwin, who runs award winning turtle tracks tours on the island throughout the year.
“Sea Darwin’s turtle tracks cruise showcases Bare Sand Island as a new destination and new experience for the Top End, and these new signs will help tell the Territory’s story to visitors,” he said.
“Sea Darwin has previously received the NT Brolga Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism and I am pleased they chose to use their $2000 prize from sponsors Qantas to develop interpretative signage to enhance the visitor experience on their eco-tours.”
Sea Darwin owner Jim Smith said they were excited to launch the new interpretative signs.
“For the first time on the NT coast, there will be interpretation signage that tells the story of our sea turtles, our war history and who the land belongs to,” he said.
NT Department of Land and Resource Management marine scientist Rachel Groom welcomed the initiative which she said provided the public with accessible information on turtles.
“Turtles are a group of species vulnerable to many impacts globally and this demonstrates a local commitment to providing a sustainable tourism opportunity,” she said.
Mr Giles encouraged Territory tourism operators and businesses to nominate for this year’s Brolga awards.
“The Brolgas are the Territory’s premier tourism awards and nominations for this year’s awards are open now until Friday 14 August,” he said.
“Tourism is the Territory’s largest employer, providing jobs for around 16,000 people and a thriving tourism industry will help to develop our regions, boost local businesses, create more jobs and grow the Territory economy.”
Bare Sand Island is one of the most significant nesting grounds for flatback turtles in Australia, and is located 90 kilometres by sea from Darwin in Bynoe Harbour.
