Western Australia’s eighth Camping with Custodians campground has officially opened at Yallalie Downs near Dandaraga in the Wheatbelt region.
The new Koora Boodja Campground features 14 camping bays, six caravan bays, shared ablutions, a camp kitchen, a yarning circle and fire pit, and is planned to have a dedicated stargazing platform.
It is only the second Camping with Custodians site outside of the Kimberley.
The Camping with Custodians initiative supports Aboriginal communities to develop, own, and operate campgrounds on their land.
The program creates employment, training, and business opportunities while ensuring tourism benefits remain within local communities.
WA regions like the Wheatbelt and the Midwest are a big draw for grey nomads ...and so too is the chance to learn about indigenous culture. PIC: DBCA
Beemurra Aboriginal Corporation plans to offer Aboriginal astronomy experiences and farm tours, giving visitors a deeper connection to Country and culture.
The WA Government says visitor demand for Aboriginal tourism continues to grow, with more than four in five visitors interested in Aboriginal tourism experiences in the state.
In 2023-24, Aboriginal tourism businesses contributed $55.1 million to the State’s economy.
WA Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch said it was fantastic to see the Koora Boodja Campground come to life.
“Aboriginal tourism creates opportunities for communities to share their culture on their terms, while building businesses, creating local jobs, and strengthening regional economies,” he said. “Strong visitor interest in Aboriginal tourism shows the enormous potential to this sector, and we want to see that growth deliver lasting benefits for Aboriginal people and communities across Western Australia.”
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