The remote WA town of Wiluna looks set to get a brand new caravan park as it strives to capitalise on the surging popularity of the on-the-road lifestyle.
Located on the edge of the Little Sandy Desert some 950 kilometres north-east of Perth, the historic old gold mining town is known as the gateway to the Canning Stock Route and the Gunbarrel Highway.
And now it is hoping to persuade more adventurous and well-prepared traveller to stop over before heading of on the seriously epic 4WD adventures.
As part of its Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, the Federal Government has announced it is committing more than $1.1 million towards building the park which will accommodate up to 80 visitors.
Shire of Wiluna chief executive Gary Gaffney told the West Australian that there was not currently sufficient accommodation for tourists, and that the caravan park would encourage travellers to spend time in Wiluna, buy supplies and fuel, and potentially buy local artworks.
As borders reopen, Mr Gaffney said there would be a ‘phenomenal growth’ in the four-wheel-drive and caravan market in 2022-23, which would coincide with the completion of stage one of the caravan park.
“I think what we have to do is prepare … 2022-23 is going to see a lot of Australians starting to travel again being able to get across borders,” he said. “We’re going to see this phenomenal growth in the four-wheel drive and caravan market.”
Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson told the West Australian that a priority for the local shire was to attract bypassing visitors to the town of Wiluna, which currently proved difficult because of a shortage of accommodation.
“In its application for Federal assistance with this $1.55 million project, the Shire of Wiluna reported that travellers who might otherwise stay in town were seeking accommodation elsewhere including outside the Shire altogether,” Mr Wilson said.
He said the new caravan park would provide economic stimulus and benefit Wiluna residents.
Last time I went though with work it was dead even the pub fell on hard times when the mine shut, is it open again?
I had 2 stints at Wiluna gold & enjoyed it the pub used to put on good counter meals & the short drive out to Nth pool (well 9) on the Canning was great for a swim & a bbq also good to catch a few yabbies. Just watch out for the glass that the local leave every where. It would be a good stop over for the trip