Smiths Beach developers unveil plan to build Cape to Cape track visitor centre and use revenue to boost trail

Developers behind a proposal to build a hotel and village at Smiths Beach have unveiled plans to add an information centre for the Cape to Cape walk trail and use its revenue to maintain the popular track.

The $280 million Smiths Beach Development Project, which is currently under public consultation, would see a 40ha design featuring a 65-room hotel, 36 camping spots, 61 homes, a community hub, surf lifesaving facilities and public amenities on the Yallingup coast.

Developers have now unveiled full details of their plan to build a welcome centre for the 123km Cape to Cape trail — which would provide information for visitors to the region about its environment and cultural history — and use revenue from the new facility to maintain the trail.

Using a revenue model that will allow additional funds to be contributed to the maintenance and conservation of the Cape to Cape Track, a spokesperson from the SBDP said they hope to preserve the track’s “wonders” for all to enjoy.

“The popularity of the Cape to Cape means everyone who enjoys the track has a role to play in its preservation and conservation for future generations,” they said.

“The Cape to Cape Welcome Centre will provide a very important space to help people understand and appreciate the wonders of the iconic track.

“We want to consult with the local tourism industry to see whether the Welcome Centre can help generate funds to support the groups caring for the track, as keeping the track in top condition is important for all tourism operators.”

The Smiths Beach Project team will commence a consultation process with the local tourism sector to look for a model for the centre, which could generate appropriate levels of revenue from visitors to go towards organisations involved in helping with the maintenance of the track and provisions for infrastructure.

As part of the consultation, the SBDP is also looking to partner with Line in the Sand, a not-for-profit registered charity using a private funding model to rehabilitate and conserve local coastal areas.