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Tourism Industry Development

The GSDC works in partnership with public and private sector bodies to further develop the Great Southern’s tourism sector. The Commission’s focus is on the joint funding of marketing, product development and the research associated with future private and public sector investment in regional assets.

Tourism in the Great Southern

A diverse natural environment and a range of world class tourist attractions and activities underpin a resilient and dynamic tourism sector in the Great Southern. Internationally-recognised ecotourism assets and natural attractions in the Great Southern are unmatched in regional Western Australia for their scale, diversity and accessibility. The region’s tourism sector is also supported by a range of major events, activities and other attractions.

Tourism and Trade Partnership

The Great Southern Tourism and Trade Partnership between the GSDC, Australia’s South West and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), was established in 2021. The partnership was formed to enhance the region’s engagement with marketing and promotion, events, tourism product development, and destination development. The aim is to develop a more mature tourism product leveraged off our abundance of natural advantages, and flourishing food and wine industry.

The Great Southern Brand

Through the Tourism and Trade Partnership, a distinct Great Southern brand was developed and launched in 2024.

The new brand, titled – Great Southern – WANDER WITH THE WILD, highlights the raw, rugged beauty of the region. In alignment with Western Australia’s broader tourism branding, the regional brand was crafted to highlight the Great Southern’s unique identity while positioning it as an integral and appealing part of the state’s travel offering.

Event creation and support

The GSDC supports a range of regional events generating economic benefit for the local economy, attracting visitors to the region, and improving liveability for community.

In addition, the Tourism and Trade Partnership plays an integral role in improving existing regional events, as well as creating new events. In recent years, events such as the Inaugural Great Southern Gravel Festival and the 2025 Indigenous Culture Festival have been introduced to the region, and major food and wine event, Taste Great Southern, has undergone a revitalisation.