The Experience Nature Tourism Fund is a $2 million boost for South Australia’s visitor economy, which will spur investment in nature-based tourism experiences and make the state more competitive in luring domestic and international tourists.

Grants from $10,000 to $50,000 will be available for new and improved nature-based tourism products and experiences in or near a national park, reserve, wilderness protection area or marine park.

Applications to the Fund are limited to private sector businesses, not-for-profit organisations, and community associations.

Examples of eligible applications could include the purchase of equipment for experiences such as snorkelling, kayaking, cultural tours, wildlife viewing, and other ‘pop up’ activities in national parks such as camping. On land adjacent to parks, it could also include new or refurbished off-grid accommodation such as tiny homes, cabins and glamping tents, and infrastructure such as toilets and solar power generation.

Applicants will need to demonstrate the benefits the project will deliver to the visitor economy and must also have support from key stakeholders including landowners before making an application.

Grants are available via two funding streams:

  • Stream 1 – Quick Activation Projects with grants available from $10,000 to $20,000;
  • Stream 2 – Innovative Development Projects with grants ranging from $20,001 to $50,000.

Projects must comply with the statutory management plan for a particular park or reserve, demonstrate care and consideration of the natural and cultural heritage of the proposed site, and operate in accordance with licence requirements set by the Department for Environment and Water (DEW). If the project enters a national park, applicants must have in-principle support from DEW prior to commencing an application.

The funding program runs over four financial years, with up to $500,000 available in each year.

Applications open at 9am on 5 September 2022 and will close at 5pm on 21 October 2022.