Eco-tourism in the Margaret River region has been boosted with the opening of the redeveloped Wharncliffe Mill Bush Retreat in Bramley National Park.
Once a pine mill and then a budget accommodation and camping facility operated by the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW), Wharncliffe Mill Bush Retreat has been upgraded and includes the construction of:
four new lodge rooms, three new two-bedroom forest cottages and 44 bush caravan/camping sites
a wastewater treatment and recycling system for the lodge and cabins and a 30 kilowatt solar power system
refurbished ablution facilities, cafe, reception, kiosk, library and commercial kitchen for group catering.
Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the $1.2million redevelopment was part of the State Government's Naturebank program, which invests in affordable, high-quality accommodation and facilities in Western Australia's national parks and reserves.
"This joint initiative between DPaW and Tourism WA assists the development of environmentally-sensitive tourism experiences in WA's most extraordinary locations," Mr Jacob said.
"Nature-based tourism has undergone enormous growth in recent years and Naturebank provides a management structure that helps ensure these tourism projects achieve ongoing environmental and social outcomes."
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the State Government's Royalties for Regions program invested more than $91,000 through Naturebank to support the Wharncliffe Mill redevelopment.
"The Naturebank program aims to position regional WA as a premier eco-tourism destination," Mr Redman said.
"Tourism is a vital part of regional economies and this program ensures facilities are continually expanded and upgraded so that West Australians can access affordable, high-quality holiday accommodation in our own backyard."
Fact File
Wharncliffe Mill also offers a nature-play space and an Aboriginal-themed meeting place, with cultural learning experiences presented by Aboriginal guides
In 2012-13 Bramley National Park recorded almost 34,000 visits while nearby Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park had almost 2.7 million visits during the same period
Other Naturebank sites include Kurrajong in the World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park and Mount Hart in the west Kimberley
$1.3m Martins Tank campground upgrade at Yalgorup National Park also officially opened today
Environment Minister's office - 6552 5800
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
