Volume: 13  Number: 1  Page: 50–62

Can Sites Formerly Subjected to Development Provide Satisfying Nature Tourism Experiences? Two Case Studies from the Top End of Australia's Northern Territory

Sharon Chirgwin G.P.O. Box 1199 Darwin, Australia (Formerly of Northern Territory University, Australia)

Many types of nature-based tourism are associated with the use of natural areas that are relatively pristine. It is in the interests of both the industry and sustainability to investigate whether some of the experiences nature-based tourists are seeking can be provided in non-pristine areas. This paper describes two destinations in Australia's Northern Territory –Aquascene and Fogg Dam –which were previously subjected to development, but now provide nature-based experiences. It examines what needs they are fulfilling and why, and reviews what this means for the use of other previously developed sites in nature tourism ventures.

Keywords: nature tourism, non-pristine sites, inter-generational equity

© 2005 S. Chirgwin

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