EOI open for North West tourism attraction

Efforts to breathe new life into a north-west Tasmanian tourism attraction will go international from this weekend.

Expressions of Interest (EOI) open on Saturday 21 September for a new operator, or group, to take on and transform the Dismal Swamp site, west of Smithton, into a visitor hub.

Leading the EOI process is international company TSA Riley, which is looking to engage with potential operators from across Australia and even across the globe.

The site has sat dormant since 2020 but has since secured $12.5 million from the Australian Government through a 2022 federal election commitment to help revitalise the site.

The project is expected to attract an overall investment of $40 to $50 million when commercial investors and a developer are locked in, providing a significant economic boost to the region.

The EOI document is available at: https://www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/tarkine-adventure-hub-eoi

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“The hub at Dismal Swamp will create an exciting new visitor experience to complement the area’s amazing natural environment. It’s terrific to see this project now progress to the EOI stage.

“This is a great example of the Australian Government’s investment in the tourism future of the far north-west coast of Tasmania.”

Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Premier and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Jeremy Rockliff:

“We are building on Tasmania’s reputation as a world-leading tourism destination and highlighting Tasmania’s unique experiences.

“This redevelopment will transform the Dismal Swamp site into a world-class visitor hub for cultural and nature-based experiences within the broader far North West region.

“We expect the operation to feature a range of accommodation options and immersive nature-based experiences, which could attract an additional $9 million in annual visitor spend to the state.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Tasmania Anne Urquhart:

“The new visitor hub will attract thousands more tourists every year to the wonderful far north-west coast region of Tasmania.

“This project will generate income and support good jobs in our state’s far north-west, as a result of the determined work of local tourism operators and my advocacy for this much-needed investment.”

Quotes attributable to CEO of West by North West Gabriella Conti:

“The Dismal Swamp redevelopment is an exciting opportunity for the far North West.

“This development will encourage visitors to experience the Tarkine in a sustainable way, stay longer, explore deeper, and fully engage with all the far North West has to offer.

“It provides a key anchor point for visitors, particularly those arriving on the Spirits, to base themselves as they explore the region.

“Visitors will be able to immerse themselves not only in agritourism experiences and world-class produce; but nature-based experiences in the Tarkine, Australia largest temperate rainforest.”