Djarindin Campground, the recent addition to Western Australia’s Camping with Custodians network of campgrounds, is opening next month.
According to a report, the Camping with Custodians initiative is an Australian-first program that develops high-quality campgrounds on Aboriginal lands open to the public and operated by the community.
Located about 200 kilometers north of Broome on Kimberley’s Dampier Peninsula, the Aboriginal-owned-and-run campsite offers visitors the chance to connect with traditional owners of the land.
The local Bardi residents invite guests to share their cultural experiences, campfire stories, and more.
Camping with Custodians is a great way to make a real and personal connection to Aboriginal people and their culture,” says Bardi, traditional owner and Djarindjin chairman, Brian Lee. “Sitting down and sharing time together in a relaxed and friendly way is perfect for fostering understanding between people.”
The campsite, accessible via the recently sealed Cape Leveque Road, will accommodate big RVs and caravans.
The 37 powered and ten unpowered sites will offer numerous amenities like large drive-through sites, hot showers, an enormous camp kitchen, a shaded barbecue area, and a shared fire pit.
Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation’s (DAC) Chief Executive Nathan McIvor, said in an interview late last year that the campground would offer an opportunity for tourists to base their activities while holidaying on the Dampier Peninsula.
“Kooljaman does not allow caravans, but many tourists travel through with caravans, so the campground will provide for some of these tourists,” he said. “DAC recognized the road was coming through, we had the land, and we knew we needed to monopolize on what was happening as far as tourism was concerned. The exposure to our roadhouse was also a big drawcard for us.”
McIvor also expressed his hope that the campground would help reduce illegal camping in the region.
A powered site for two adults in Djarindin costs AU$50 per night, while an unpowered site costs AU$30 per night for two persons.
This story originally appeared on The Grey Nomads.
Feeling the urge to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Bardi people? At Djarindin Campground, you can delve into traditional activities like bush tucker tours and art workshops. The guided nature walks by locals are a real gem too. It’s all part of the Camping with Custodians network, offering a one-of-a-kind experience in Western Australia. Trust me, you don’t want to pass this up!
Isn’t it exciting that Djarindin Campground’s opening fosters cultural exchange? Join guided tours, storytelling, and art workshops for an enriching Aboriginal experience. It’s a meaningful milestone for sustainable tourism!