Free entry to national parks over WA Day long weekend

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said fees were being waived to celebrate the $21.

  • Entry fees waived at 30 parks from this Saturday, May 31 to Monday, June 2

  • More than 18,000 people expected to take up offer

  • West Australians will enjoy free entry to 30 popular national parks over the WA Day long weekend.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said fees were being waived to celebrate the $21.05million Parks for People initiative.

"Parks for People is a State Government initiative to provide families and tourists with more affordable, high-quality camping holidays and visitor experiences," Mr Jacob said.

"To celebrate this exciting initiative and our spectacular State, parks managed by the Department of Parks and Wildlife that usually charge fees will have free entry over the WA Day weekend."

The Minister said more than 18,000 West Australians and tourists were expected to take advantage of the offer and visit these 30 parks over the WA Day long weekend.

"We hope free entry weekend will attract families to our magnificent parks and encourage them to use the long weekend to explore and enjoy nature," he said.

"It is also a wonderful opportunity for those people who have never visited our parks to plan a trip and experience our unique and beautiful landscapes.

"There is something to suit every age and activity level, from watching the koalas over a picnic at Yanchep National Park, to paddling the Avon's white waters in Walyunga National Park in Mundaring, or 'going bush' in the wilderness of King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park in the Kimberley.

"Through our Parks for People initiative, over the next four years, we are investing in about 450 new camp and caravan sites, along with new and improved visitor facilities and services, such as roads and lookouts."

       Fact File

  • In 2012-13, there were about 16million visits to Western Australia's parks

  • A list of the 30 parks where the day entry fee will be waived is attached ($12 for cars, $6 for motorcycles and $6 for concession holders). Camping fees will still apply

  • To find out more about WA's parks, visit http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au To explore the places you can camp, visit http://parkstay.dpaw.wa.gov.au

Minister's office - 6552 5800

List of 30 parks where day entry fees will be waived over WA Day weekend

Avon Valley, Beedelup, Cape Arid, Cape Le Grand, Cape Range, D'Entrecasteaux, Fitzgerald River, Francois Peron, Gloucester, Greater Beedelup, John Forrest, Kalbarri, Karijini, King Leopold Ranges, Lesueur, Millstream Chichester, Mirima, Mitchell River, Nambung, Porongurup, Purnululu, Serpentine, Shannon, Stirling Range, Stokes, Tunnel Creek, Walyunga, Warren, Windjana Gorge, Yanchep