A new, low-impact campground at Point Nepean National Park (Australia) is preparing construction this month as part of an AU$4.5 million project that will provide visitors with a brand new opportunity to explore the park’s stunning natural beauty and its rich cultural heritage.
According to a report, the campground will be situated on the lawn outside the historic quarantine station.
It will be designed to accommodate people new to camping. The campground will feature pre-pitched tents on platforms and facilities, including a camp kitchen and toilets in repurposed Quarantine Station buildings.
A second phase of the development, which will include additional tent pads and amenities added towards the south of the quarantine station, is set to begin later this year and will see Parks Victoria appointing landscape architect and urban design firm TCL to design the project.
Point Nepean National Park is a significant place for traditional owners of the land, the Bunurong people, and protects various native plants and animals. It has a rich military defense, immigration, quarantine history, heritage-listed buildings, and a unique natural landscape. Camping in the park can be an exceptional opportunity for tourists.
The campground is an element of the Point Nepean Master Plan released in 2018 to preserve and recognize the park’s unique, natural and cultural treasures. With the increase in visitors, the plan will include improvements, repairs, and upgrades to allow visitors to enjoy and learn more about Point Nepean.
Since the release of the master plan, projects have been completed, including a significant improvement to Defence Road to improve safety and bicycle access and new visitor facilities in the Quarantine Station precinct, including seating, picnic, and barbecue facilities, shelters, and drinking fountains.
The funding for the campground is part of Victoria‘s Great Outdoors program, which invests AU$105.6 million over the next four years to make Victorians enjoy the great outdoors. This includes less expensive camping fees, improved campgrounds, tracks for 4WD, and walking paths.
Following the conditions on the ground and any public health directives in place, the first phase of the campground project is scheduled to be completed by the middle of the year.
For more information about projects at Point Nepean, visit parks.vic.gov.au/projects.