Domestic travellers speaking languages other than English are finding more and more Western Australian tourist venues are catering to their needs. 

While Western Australia’s borders are closed due to COVID-19, many tourist venues are buzzing with increasing numbers of domestic travellers keen to get out and discover WA’s amazing sights.

In the past, some domestic travellers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have found it hard to get information in their first language, but this is changing.

“When I first came to Western Australia for a visit, I found it hard to enjoy travelling because I didn’t speak English and so didn't understand the information on local tours,” says Lucky Guo, who works at Busselton Jetty.

Lucky now speaks fluent English, as well as Mandarin, Cantonese, Teochew, Hokkien and Hakka.

“During the tours, I spent most of time looking at the scenery and guessing the story behind it. It was hard to enjoy the trip and stopped me being part of the group.

“There are similar barriers for most people who do not speak English.”

Tourist attractions increasingly provide translations tailored to different tourist groups.  

“China is one of our main target markets for Busselton Jetty, so for the convenience of our Chinese-speaking visitors, we have signage in Chinese in front of the jetty and booking office.

“Also, the Underwater Observatory at the end of the jetty offers translated materials in 12 different languages for tourists to make it easier for everyone to understand our jetty.

“At the same time, we have Chinese-speaking staff, including me, to explain information and assist visitors.”

Busselton Jetty is also running a Multicultural Workshop to help residents who don’t speak English to join the community and meet new friends.

“Due to the WA border closure, we hope residents will get outside and explore the South West to enjoy everything we have to offer here!”

Find out more about Busselton Jetty in English and Chinese at https://www.busseltonjetty.com.au/.