Abstract:
This study identified and examined factors that are perceived to be significant
inhibitors to national park visitation. Data for this study were obtained from a mail survey of
adult residents of New South Wales and Queensland sampled from the general population. One
thousand three hundred and seventy-two questionnaires were completed representing an overall
response rate of 36%. The survey results revealed significant relationships between the sociodemographic
variables of age, level of education, employment status and life stage and level of
national park visitation. The factors perceived by respondents as the most significant constraints
on visiting national parks were those relating to lack of time due to family and work
commitments. Other significant perceived constraints were a lack of knowledge and perceived
remoteness of parks from home. The study concludes by identifying some strategic implications
for parks agencies in circumstances where they might be seeking to convert non-visitors into
visitors.
