Pemberton tour guide Graeme Dearle wins silver at national tourism awards

Pemberton Discovery Tours co-owner and tour guide Graeme Dearle has been recognised as one of the best tour guides in Australia, awarded a silver medal during this month’s Top Tourism Town Awards. Mr Dearle was Western Australia’s finalist for the top tour guide category after receiving the FACET golden guide award at the State awards in June. His “extensive knowledge, deep connection to the region and proactive and guest-centric approach” won him the honour, according to Tourism Council WA chief executive officer Evan Hall. Mr Dearle told the Times while winning silver was persoanlly exciting, he hoped it would also help highlight Pemberton. “I’m absolutely ecstatic,” he said. “Although I didn’t win it, it doesn’t matter because it shines a light on our region.” His title-tilt also improved his guiding, which he said could only be a good thing for the industry. “Going through the process of it, it really lifted the bar for me as a tour guide,” he said. “I think it definitely improved my guiding as well — I had to lift my standard to do that. I thought I was a good guide prior, I think I’m a better guide because of it.” Mr Dearle told the Times the simplicity of Pemberton was a strength for its tourism, with a focus on natural experiences. “I think we’ve kept it pretty simple down this way, and more and more post-COVID, people are wanting that simplicity, rather than the big fancy resorts,” he said. “The South West of Western Australia definitely punches above its weight when it comes to tourism destinations, and Pemberton is definitely amongst that group. “Our natural attractions and diversity is really impressive, and people who come on my tours come away appreciating the diversity more than before.”