Millstream Chichester National Park in Western Australia’s north-west is poised to become the venue for a new ecotourism project.
Within the park, Palm Pool is the subject of a newly-granted lease for 25 glamping tents, and caravan and camping sites to be built by traditional Yindjibarndi owners.
The announcement comes after three years of negotiations between the state government and the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC), which has now been granted the lease to run the venture.
While full details of the funding have still to be worked out, the development will provide work opportunities for Indigenous rangers and tour guides.
The ABC reports that swimming, kayaking, cultural tours and a restaurant are all on the cards if and when it passes the next phase of feasibility through to development.
However, full access to the area from the north also depends on the completion of the Karratha-to-Tom Price road which is still being sealed.
Those behind the initiative believe many grey nomads have bypassed this area up to now on their journey north or south due to the difficult dirt road conditions.
The granting of the lease is part of a two-year action plan by the State Government for increased nature-based tourism across WA.
Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said the park received about 49,000 annual visitors and was a special place on the state’s camping route.
“We’ll see people come in here and experience a facility much like Karijini National Park, but it will be run by Aboriginal people,” Mr Dawson said.
The landscape consists of the volcanic Chichester ranges and tablelands, one of the few inland Pilbara areas cut by rivers and streams which flow all year round, providing great camping, walking, and stargazing opportunities.
The park is also home to 120 species of birds, 30 species of mammals, 150 species of reptiles, and 500 species of plants.
We’ve been to Millstream, it was such a lovely place. Hopefully this glamping camp won’t detract from the beauty.
Our last trip to WA, we were going to go to the area, but due to reports of the road condition, we did not go.
“Build it and they shall come” Only if you can get there. Bad roads will make people think twice before going to the area.
Stage one should be the roads, see how many people go, then build more camping facilities.
And you will pay for it…as if our taxes are not high enough already!