Outdoor Sector Research

A key part of Outdoors WA role is supporting research in the local outdoor sector. Whilst we inherently know the value of taking people outdoors for their personal, community, and spiritual well being, it is often difficult to quantify. Ongoing research is needed to support the value of taking groups outdoors.

Outdoors WA has recently undertaken a range of initiatives to understand and respond to key issues within WA. These are only possible with the support of volunteers graciously giving of their time and key partners like the Outdoor Council of Australia and the Department of Sport and Recreation. Research includes:

National Outdoor Recreation Environmental Scan (2015)

The latest data looking at workforce and training in outdoor recreation across Australia has been compiled by Service Skills Australia working with partners across the country. Download the scan or full report.

National Outdoor Sector Survey (2013)

The 2013 Environmental Scan covers education providers, businesses, organisations, workers and volunteers in the outdoor sector. This information allows us to advise both federal and state governments about the current state of the labour market in the outdoor sector. More...

Industry Training Initiative

In 2012 a report was completed investigating issues across the outdoor sector with training, qualifications and registration more...

Leadership Competency Review

Sector consultation identified concerns with leadership pathways in the Adventure Activity Standards. These have been addressed. More...

Aboriginal Outdoor Instructor Training

Research has shown there is some potential opportunity to identify and develop local indigenous outdoor leaders across WA More...

Ongoing partnered research

Outdoor Youth Programs Research Alliance

This research is looking at establishing quality evidence of the extent to which outdoor, camping and nature-based programs are associated with reliable improvements in resilience, learning and wellbeing among young people. More...

Understanding and Preventing Led Outdoor Accidents Data System (UPLOADS)

What is the incidence of injuries during led outdoor activities in Australia? or the factors that cause injuries, or the most appropriate prevention strategies?

The aim of this project is to develop an injury and accident surveillance system for the outdoor activity industry in Australia. More...

Sector research

Serious Adventure Report (2006) - Review of Adventure Tourism Visitor Safety in Western Australia.

In 2005 the Tourism Minister Mark McGowan established a taskforce to look into the tourism industry after 10 tourists and a tour guide went missing in a Karijini National Park gorge in June.
The review released in 2006 looks at a range of issues relevant to the adventure tourism industry, including licensing and accreditation requirements and signage and information availability.

Download the Serious Adventure Report here