A significant addition to Western Australia’s Kimberley region, the newly opened Lombadina campground offers tourists a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the local Aboriginal culture.
This initiative is part of the broader “Camping with Custodians” program, aimed at promoting indigenous-run campgrounds that not only serve as tourist attractions but also as platforms for cultural exchange and community development.
Located on the picturesque Dampier Peninsula, the Lombadina site is the latest development under the state government’s Camping with Custodians initiative, as reported by The Grey Nomads.
The campground allows visitors to experience the traditions and customs of the Bardi people, the traditional owners of the land. Guests can participate in activities such as mud crabbing and whale watching, coordinated by the Aboriginal operators of the site.
The campground is fully equipped with facilities that cater to the needs of campers and caravanners looking for an authentic and enriching experience. This setup not only facilitates a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture but also provides economic benefits to the local community through job creation and training opportunities.
The Camping with Custodians project, as part of the Western Australian government’s commitment to enhancing Aboriginal tourism, aims to provide high-quality accommodation options that are owned and operated by Aboriginal people. The initiative currently boasts several other sites across the region, including Imintji, Mimbi, Doon Doon, Violet Valley, and Peedamulla, with more planned for the future.
According to the WA Tourism Minister, Rita Saffioti, each site under the initiative offers unique experiences that cater to the growing demand for genuine Aboriginal tourism offerings.
Saffioti emphasized the dual benefits of the project, stating, “Camping with Custodians enables visitors to experience the unique Aboriginal culture in a personal, authentic setting, while creating employment and training opportunities in local Aboriginal communities.”
The success of the Djarindjin campground, opened in 2022 just five kilometers from Lombadina, underscores the popularity and viability of such tourism ventures. It has set a precedent for Lombadina, indicating a promising future for the new site.
These developments are pivotal components of the “Jina: WA Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2021-2025,” which aims to make Western Australia the nation’s premier destination for Aboriginal Tourism. The plan outlines strategies for leveraging tourism to support economic and cultural sustainability in Aboriginal communities.
Local community leaders and operators have expressed optimism about the potential impacts of the Lombadina campground. They highlight the importance of these initiatives in preserving Aboriginal traditions and boosting local economies through sustainable tourism practices.