Western Australia reopens national parks for local camping

The Western Australia Government has reopened as of yesterday (1st May 2020), campgrounds within national parks, reserves and State forest for locals to camp once again.

While the relaxed restrictions allow the Western Australian community to stay connected through activities such as camping, the intrastate travel restrictions remain in place which means people will only be able to visit and camp within their regional boundaries.

The change applies to most of the 268 campgrounds managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and includes camping in huts along the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail.

The community is urged to show caution when using shared facilities to adhere to the four square metres and are asked to maintain social distancing and good hygiene.

For now, key attractions, tours and facilities, such as the Tree Top Walk and the Monkey Mia experience, remain closed. The closures will be re-assessed in the coming weeks.

Western Australia Environment Minister Stephen Dawson advises "allowing Western Australians to camp in their local national parks and reserves is a positive step forward and a reflection of the good behaviour shown by the community during the State of Emergency.

"We could all do with a change of scene.

"I would like to remind campers that they need to ensure they are self-sufficient and able to maintain good personal hygiene by carrying their own handwashing equipment and materials.

"As people enjoy visiting and camping in their local national parks, I encourage them to be vigilant and to continue to practice social distancing."

Mirima National Park and surrounds in Kununurra, Minyirr Park and surrounding conservation reserves in Broome and Geikie Gorge National Park remain open. All remaining remote national parks in the Kimberley, which were due to open in April at the end of the wet season, will remain closed until changes are made to the Kimberley intraregional travel arrangements.

DBCA will work closely with WA Police to ensure a successful and safe reintroduction to camping in national parks.

People can book online via DBCA's online campground booking system. Online bookings will be available for stays of up to two weeks at a time and can only be made up to two weeks ahead of an arrival date. Non-bookable campgrounds will continue to operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

For further information and to make a booking, visit exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au

Image of Bibbulmun Track