It's great to be able to try before we buy and now West Australians and prospective visitors to the state can enjoy diving, camping, bushwalking, mountain bike riding and relaxing on a stunning coastal beach - all from the comfort of their own home.
Two new digital media strategies - DISCOVR WA and Park Explorers - were launched this week to encourage people to explore the many activities and experiences on offer in WA's 100 national parks and other reserves.
"We are now providing people with glimpses into real holiday experiences that are occurring throughout WA, showing them what they can do and see before visiting a national park," said Environment Minister Albert Jacob .
The DISCOVR WA app lets people immerse themselves in 3D imagery of national parks, providing virtual reality tours of a range of natural areas in the State.
The app focuses on new attractions including The Gap in Torndirrup National Park, the awe-inspiring Granite Skywalk in the Porongurup Range and the historical lighthouse and Lake Cave in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
"It enables users to navigate the State using a map and choose parks and sites where they will then be taken 'inside' stereoscopic 360 degree photos," said Mr Jacob.
Keen travellers in the state are also being urged to become Park Explorers and share their experiences on social media.
Those travellers selected are loaned video and photographic equipment to capture their moments on holidays and are given park passes and free access to campgrounds.
"It is an excellent way to encourage people to become advocates for parks, while spreading vision and images of all the amazing activities on offer in WA's natural areas," said Mr Jacob.
- DISCOVR WA is available for download on Apple and Android.
- To register your interest to become a Park Explorer, visit www.parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/parkexplorers
