- Official opening of $1.92 million visitor centre for Purnululu National Park
- Centre in East Kimberley complete in time for the 2023 visitor season
- Opening coincides with 20-year anniversary of World Heritage listing for Purnululu
- Purnululu National Park scheduled to open to the public on 1 May 2023
A state-of-the-art $1.92 million visitor centre has been unveiled at the World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park in the heart of Western Australia’s East Kimberley.
Environment Minister Reece Whitby travelled to the region for the official opening, with access to the public scheduled for 1 May in time for this year’s tourist season.
The new building has been designed to fit in with the unique, natural surroundings of Purnululu National Park and educate visitors about the Traditional Owners of the land, the Jaru and Gija people and their culture.
The redevelopment will accommodate the growing needs of the park and enrich the visitor experience. Construction of the centre began in October 2021.
The building has large east facing windows showcasing the view of the striking ancient rock formations of the Bungle Bungle range.
Purnululu National Park has been World Heritage Listed since July 2003 for its outstanding natural geological values. The area spans 240,000 hectares.
The new visitor centre has received a combination of State and Federal funding. It’s also been funded through Australian Heritage Grants.
It will open daily from 8am to 4pm and close during the wet season.
The Australian and Western Australian Governments are unwavering in their commitment to support the Aboriginal cultural heritage of Purnululu National Park.
As stated by Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek:
“Our Government is proud to help deliver a state-of-the-art centre that will enrich the visitor experience and share the cultural history of the World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park.
“The opening of this new visitor centre is the perfect way to celebrate the 20-year milestone of global recognition for Purnululu National Park.
“What a spectacular backdrop for this new facility, surrounded by the incredible natural phenomenon of the Bungle Bungle range.”
Comments attributed WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
“This new information hub will help educate visitors about the cultural and natural significance of this unique destination.
“The Bungle Bungle range will take your breath away. I’m proud this new visitor centre will support the ongoing management of the World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park for years to come.
“We are incredibly lucky Western Australia is home to several World Heritage Listed sites such as the Ningaloo Coast and Shark Bay.”
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna:
“Our Kimberley region has so much to offer and I’m confident this new visitor centre will be a major drawcard as this year’s tourist season gets underway.
“The centre has been designed to complement the unique, natural surroundings while showcasing the spectacular views of the Bungle Bungles.
“It’s important we educate visitors on the rich history of Purnululu National Park and its Traditional Owners and recognise their deep knowledge and connection to Country.”
WA Environment Minister’s office – 6552 6300
