The Mimbi Caves Campground near Fitzroy Crossing has completed a major expansion, adding 14 campsites to bring its total capacity to 35 sites along with a new camp kitchen, bathroom block, and onsite sewage treatment system. The upgraded campground is now open to visitors.
The campground, which first opened in 2017, operates under the Camping with Custodians program — an initiative that develops camping accommodation on Country, owned and operated by Indigenous communities.
Both the campground and the adjacent Mimbi Caves Tour are run by traditional owners, according to an article by Perth is OK!.
The eighth Camping with Custodians site is set to open in September near the Wheatbelt town of Dandaragan.
Located southeast of Fitzroy Crossing on Gooniyandi country, the Mimbi Caves sit within a Devonian reef dating back more than 350 million years, with continuous Aboriginal communities in the region for over 40,000 years confirmed by radiocarbon dating of ancient fireplaces.
The caves contain stalagmites, crystals, flowstones, Devonian-era marine fossils, and Indigenous rock art and petroglyphs.
“Mimbi Caves are one of the Kimberley’s great cultural treasures, offering visitors the opportunity to experience one of the oldest living cultures in the world while creating real economic opportunities for local Aboriginal families,” said Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna.
“I’m proud to see continued investment in projects like Mimbi that showcase the Kimberley to the world while empowering Traditional Owners to share their stories, culture and Country on their own terms,” Kimberely added.
The expansion aligns with growing demand for Indigenous cultural tourism. Tourism Australia reported a 22% increase in international tourist participation in Indigenous cultural experiences compared to pre-pandemic levels, with visitors from New Zealand up 102% and Singapore up 101%.
“As Aboriginal tourism continues to grow, so do opportunities for young people to develop skills, secure meaningful local jobs, and build strong futures while remaining connected to Country,” said Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch.
“Mimbi Caves is one of the Kimberley’s most sought-after cultural tourism attractions, and these upgrades will enable more visitors to experience the unique culture, stories, and Country that have drawn people here for generations.”
The Mimbi Caves expansion demonstrates how targeted infrastructure upgrades — 14 additional sites, a camp kitchen, and essential bathroom facilities — can meaningfully grow capacity at remote locations.
The Camping with Custodians model also highlights an expanding segment of the outdoor hospitality market: community-operated campgrounds that offer culturally rooted experiences, drawing travelers seeking more than conventional accommodation.