The upgraded camping area is more environmentally-friendly while providing an enhanced experience for visitors.
The Queensland Government has finalised $180,000 worth of upgrades to the Chance Bay camping area in the internationally-recognised Whitsunday Islands ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Park.
The Chance Bay camping area is a popular attraction for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the iconic coastal landscape and surrounding reef, with approximately 360 campers staying on site every year.
Hosting up to 12 campers at a time, its white sandy beach, fringing coral reef and nearby walking track to Whitehaven Beach offers visitors plenty to see and enjoy.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) engaged with contractors Dirtscapes Outdoor Developments who utilised local barge operators, machinery hire and material suppliers to upgrade and enhance key features of the campground to improve visitor access and comfort.
The QPWS worked closely with Ngaro People representatives to provide a Cultural Heritage Induction to contractors and supervise work on the ground to ensure the area’s important cultural heritage was not impacted by the project.
The upgrades include the installation of new picnic tables and toilet facilities, as well as the construction of sand ladders along the beach access track.
QPWS has also defined four camp sites for single and multi-person tents and updated signage.
Replacement amenities provide an improved waste management system to address the risk of impacts to the surrounding environment.
QPWS also oversaw the planting of 100 native trees including casuarina, acacia, pandanus and silver bush throughout cleared and cyclone-damaged areas.
The project was jointly funded by the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area Reef Joint Field Management program.
Principal Ranger Dave Orgill said the upgrades safeguarded the surrounding key environmental areas while also enhancing camper experience.
“The upgrades to the popular Chance Bay camping area not only provide a more comfortable experience for visitors, but also improve environmental protection for the surrounding natural areas, which is critical in ensuring sustainable tourism well into the future,” Dave said.
“By offering state-of-the-art facilities across our iconic national parks, we are fostering the connection between visitors and our pristine protected areas while safeguarding these important sites.
“We encourage people to take the opportunity over the upcoming school holidays to get out and enjoy the breathtaking sights and experiences on offer across the Whitsunday national park islands.”
