Behind the Story: How an Indian Travel Writer Brought Western Australia's South West to Life

Every travel story begins long before it appears in print.

Behind the stunning photographs and carefully crafted words are countless emails, phone calls, fact-checks and conversations, all designed to ensure readers receive an authentic and accurate picture of the destination.

That was certainly the case when respected Indian travel writer Ranjan Pal visited Western Australia's South West as part of a Tourism WA media familiarisation programme.

During his journey, Ranjan experienced our Beach & Forest Eco Adventure, exploring the towering karri forests of Warren National Park, the vast Yeagarup Dunes and the wild Southern Ocean. But rather than simply writing from memory, he continued working closely with us after returning home.

Over the following weeks, Ranjan contacted us with thoughtful questions about the tour, local history, wildlife, Noongar culture and the unique landscapes of the Southern Forests. Together we exchanged information, photographs and ideas to ensure every detail of his story was as accurate and informative as possible.

As the article developed, another challenge emerged.

The newspaper, Deccan Herald, has a long-standing editorial policy of not naming commercial tour operators in its travel features. While we completely respected that approach, Ranjan believed it was important for readers to understand the role licensed operators play in helping visitors safely experience remote places such as the Yeagarup Dunes.

Using information we provided, he explained to his editor that Pemberton Discovery Tours has operated in the Southern Forests for more than 25 years and, for many years, has been the only licensed operator with vehicle access into this remote section of the D'Entrecasteaux and Warren National Parks.

He also highlighted something we strongly believe ourselves: guiding is about much more than transport. It is about helping people understand these remarkable landscapes, respecting fragile environments and ensuring visitors can experience them safely.

While Deccan Herald ultimately removed all commercial business names in line with its editorial policy, the experience itself remained at the heart of the story.

Read the article here

The published feature, Adventures on the Edge of the Indian Ocean, beautifully captures the dramatic coastline, towering forests and unforgettable landscapes of Western Australia's South West, introducing thousands of Indian readers to one of Australia's most remarkable regions.

We sincerely thank Ranjan Pal for his professionalism, his curiosity and his genuine commitment to telling the story accurately. His willingness to seek clarification, verify information and advocate for responsible tourism demonstrates the care that goes into quality travel journalism.

We also extend our thanks to the editorial team at Deccan Herald for publishing Ranjan's beautifully written feature. We respect the newspaper's commitment to independent travel journalism and appreciate the opportunity to see Western Australia's South West shared with readers across India through such an engaging and thoughtfully researched story.

Finally, we gratefully acknowledge Tourism WA for creating opportunities through its international media familiarisation programme, and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) for supporting approved media visits through the waiver of national park entry fees. As licensed commercial tour operators, we contribute park entry fees throughout the year, and this support helps introduce visitors from around the world to Western Australia's spectacular national parks in a safe, respectful and sustainable way.

Stories like this remind us that great travel journalism is built on collaboration. Together, journalists, tourism organisations, conservation agencies and local operators all play a role in inspiring future travellers to discover the extraordinary places we are privileged to call home.