Campsite Upgrades for WA Midcoast

Improvements include track and road upgrades, better way-find and interpretative signage, shower and toilet amenities, and picnic and tables and fencing, with the Irwin, Coorow, Dandaragan and Northampton shires overseeing construction.

The $1.5m move is part of the State Government’s $40.7m Western Australian Caravan and Camping Action Plan and Parks for People initiatives funded by the Royalties for Regions program.

Overall, the initiatives will deliver eight new campgrounds; expansion/upgrade of at least nine campgrounds; at least 450 new camping and caravan sites; co-investment in at least three commercial tourism accommodation lease areas; new and improved visitor facilities in at least nine areas; and investigation and establishment of mobile and web-based applications, including the provision of wi-fi at selected parks.

Osprey Bay in Cape Range National Park, near Exmouth, was one of the first revitalised campgrounds to open after its redevelopment in April this year.

In 2013, an estimated 939,000 visitors stayed in WA caravan parks and campgrounds, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to the State’s economy.

"Vehicle access is important because self-drive holidays are a popular way for people to explore the state, contributing more than $860 million to WA’s economy in 2014," said Tourism Minister Kim Hames, adding that regional tourism was vital to the economy.

"In 2014, total visitor spend in the state was $8.6 billion, and $3.8 billion of this was spent in regional Western Australia," he said.