The importance of marine leisure environments: investigating visitor and local resident perceptions and uses of marine environments on Coffs Coast, NSW Australia

The coastal region of northern New South Wales, Australia is experiencing dramatic population growth as well as being an important regional destination. The qualities of the natural landscape and marine environments have been a central feature in the region's attraction and appeal. This study considered the importance of the region's marine environments for leisure-related purposes. A total of 267 visitors and local residents of Coffs Coast were surveyed about their activities and the importance of the region's marine environments to them. Both residents and visitors held high opinions of the quality of the region's marine environments and its importance to their leisure. The analysis found Coffs Coast marine environments to be important for the regular leisure activities of those living in close proximity, as well as for visitors. The preferred marine leisure activities included beach walking, swimming, and surfing. Respondents described the marine landscape as distinctive in its accessibility and uncrowdedness. Findings indicate that marine resources are used regularly by residents and visitors who reported a strong desire for the naturalness and integrity of marine environments to be retained.