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Adventure recreation in Australia: A case study that investigated the profile of recreational canyoners, their impact attitudes, and response to potential management options

Hardiman, Nigel, Burgin, Shelley (2010) Adventure recreation in Australia: A case study that investigated the profile of recreational canyoners, their impact attitudes, and response to potential management options. Journal of Ecotourism, 9 (1). pp. 36-44. ISSN 1472-4049. (doi:10.1080/14724040902863333) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:33068)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14724040902863333

Abstract

Canyoning is growing in popularity in many countries, and in Australia it was well established in the 1990s. Although it is generally accepted that the popularity of this recreational activity continues to grow, quantification of its scale and growth is difficult to determine because canyoning is restricted to the slot valleys of the largely un-patrolled wilderness of the Blue Mountain World Heritage Area. As a basis for management, we undertook a postal survey to determine the canyoners' profile, utilisation trends, their perceptions of impacts, and readiness to self-manage such impacts. We found that the typical canyoner was in the late 30s, male, and likely to have a university education. Canyoners were most likely to visit canyons as part of a club activity, or with friends and family. Few used organised tours, and canyoning was seldom a solo activity. Most perceived that there was moderate damage due to canyoning. Few considered that management should intervene at current levels of impact. We concluded that canyoners could not be relied upon to ensure appropriate sustainable management of such areas. However, since the popularity of the sport appears to be waning there may not be an issue.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1080/14724040902863333
Uncontrolled keywords: Canyon; Sport management; Values and attitudes; Visitor trends; Wilderness management; Wilderness recreation; Wilderness sport
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation. Leisure
H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH541 Ecology
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH75 Conservation (Biology)
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation > DICE (Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology)
Depositing User: N.J. Hardiman
Date Deposited: 22 Jan 2013 15:28 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:10 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/33068 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Hardiman, Nigel.

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