World Heritage listing hopes to transform Pilbara from being 'one big mine site'
But the high-visibility garb dominating its queues suggests many travellers are bound for another destination, and for reasons far less idyllic.
Communities in the Pilbara have long sought to dispel the perception the region is just a "big mine site".
In light of Australia's 21st World Heritage listing this month, some are hoping the Murujuga Cultural Landscape, more than 1,500 kilometres north of Perth, will put the red-dirt capital on the map.
Jeff Gillies, chief commercial officer at cruise line Coral Expeditions, said the international recognition of Murujuga had "absolutely" increased bookings.
"The World Heritage listing will increase the awareness," Mr Gillies said.
Coral Expeditions is one of the few cruise companies in Australia with an itinerary that features the Burrup Peninsula, or Murujuga, off Karratha.
The exploratory-style line has travelled there since 2019, with passengers tendered ashore for tours with Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) rangers.
"[Travellers] definitely seek out World Heritage areas because they know they know that they're going to see a special place on Earth."
The nearby Port of Dampier is home to one of the country's busiest industrial ports but only welcomed its first cruise vessel in 2023.
Mr Gillies said the lack of a dedicated cruise terminal, leaving vessels to dock within the cargo wharf, could be a barrier for less nimble craft.
MAC, which jointly manages the World Heritage site, told the ABC it had recently struck a deal with French operator Ponant Cruises to also visit Murujuga.
The arrangement would bring larger contingents of guests to view the area's ancient Aboriginal rock art.
The World Heritage listing significantly increases the conservation estate once covered by the Murujuga National Park from 5,134 hectares to just under 100,000.
MAC deputy chair Belinda Churnside said commercial opportunities had to be balanced with cultural obligations.
"We have roles and responsibilities to care for country," she said.
The body's plans to construct a tourism precinct at Conzinc Bay has stalled since it began in 2022, attracting some local dismay over the closure of the popular "jump up" four-wheel-drive track.
It would see a two-wheel-drive road installed leading to the picturesque inlet where MAC hopes to build an eco-resort.
However, Ms Churnside said "cultural sensitivities" around the road design have delayed the works.
The uncertainty extends to the makeshift shacks dotting several islands off Murujuga used by local fishers and surfers.
Both MAC and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions (DBCA) said the World Heritage listing would not directly impact access to the shacks.
Any changes would come through the preparation of a new joint management plan, something the ABC understands is still being negotiated.
Yindjibarndi elder Jane Cheedy said the World Heritage listing was a rare chance to share culture, protect country, and address economic inequality in the Pilbara.
"We, the traditional owners, are putting out our story and it's getting taken overseas, and then people will come to know more about Murujuga," she said.
"If it helps empower Aboriginal people that would be good."
City of Karratha Mayor Daniel Scott said the heritage listing presented a "very large" opportunity, but the area was not yet ready to cope with an increase in tourists.
Housing availability is a chronic challenge in Karratha, especially as a population increase looms.
Cr Scott called on investors to help get more accommodation online in Karratha.
"We've got everything here we need, now we just need the entrepreneurs and those people that see the opportunity to come to Karratha and help us take advantage of it," he said.
The City of Karratha said an international airport was essential to make the most out of Murujuga's listing.
"I think it's a really, really big step forward and in justification for an international airport," Cr Scott said.
The only international airport in the Pilbara is in Port Hedland, a two-and-a-half-hour drive further north.
It has not serviced regular international flights since the COVID-19 pandemic, although a business case to resume those services is before state and federal authorities.
A WA government spokesperson said tourism officials were continuing to assess all route development opportunities but would not comment on Karratha's bid for an international airport.
Pilbara Tourism Association chair Barry Harrison echoed the city's concerns about accommodation.
"So much accommodation is sucked up by mining and the resources sector," he said.
Mr Harrison said with the high cost of airfares, stronger marketing of the Pilbara's world-class Aboriginal history was needed to attract holiday-makers.
"As we've seen around the world, in other locations, people will just flock to this region to see it," he said.
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