The Bungle Bungle Caravan Park, owned by billionaire couple Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s agribusiness Harvest Road, has been unable to open for the dry season due to delays in approvals from traditional owners.
The caravan park, located just outside the Purnululu National Park, usually attracts bustling tourist activity and provides a central point for helicopter scenic flights and group tours.
Visitors with cars and caravans not equipped for the rough 50-kilometer drive into the UNESCO world heritage site often stay at the caravan park. In contrast, accommodation in the national park is limited to camping areas and a luxury lodge.
The caravan park had advertised a May 1 opening, but Harvest Road confirmed the opening will not go ahead, and bookings for the coming month have been canceled.
According to a report by ABC Australia, the Western Australian Department of Planning Lands and Heritage said a new permit is required for the caravan park to continue operating.
“Harvest Road Group was advised in January 2023 the Pastoral Lands Board would issue a three-year permit for non-pastoral activities, subject to a letter of authorization from the Bungle Bungles Aboriginal Corporation as the registered native title party,” said a department spokesperson.
However, the corporation, formed late last year to represent native-title holders, has not yet provided the letter. The traditional owner group chose not to comment on the matter, citing cultural sensitivities.
In response to the delay, a Harvest Road spokesperson stated that the decision to postpone the opening was “out of its control,” but assured that “other options are in place so that visitors are still able to enjoy the Purnululu National Park.”
Environment Minister Reece Whitby expressed his hopes for a resolution, saying, “Harvest Road and traditional owners are involved in conversations. The last I heard is they were looking positive.”
The caravan park’s closure has impacted local tour businesses, with HeliSpirit unable to operate scenic flights out of the park until it reopens. Alternative arrangements are being explored, such as using the Indigenous community of Warmun as a base, although accommodation there remains limited.
Meanwhile, Halls Creek Motel manager Michael La Rosa expects that many tourists visiting Purnululu will opt to stay in the town, which is an hour’s drive south of the caravan park. He said, “We’ve picked up a few bookings already from it, for the next two weeks — if it’s closed longer we’ll definitely pick up more.”
For RV park owners and operators, this situation highlights the importance of maintaining good relations with traditional owners and local communities. Obtaining necessary permits and approvals in a timely manner can prevent operational disruptions and financial losses.
Additionally, it underscores the value of having alternative plans in place to accommodate unforeseen circumstances, ensuring that both businesses and visitors can still enjoy the unique attractions of the region.