Work has begun on a campground at Point Nepean National Park that will offer visitors a new way to experience the site’s remarkable natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The $4.5 million campground – funded by the Andrews Labor Government − is taking shape on the lawn outside the historic Quarantine Station and will be designed for people new to camping.

The low-impact campground will be comprised of pre-pitched tents on platforms, with facilities including a camp kitchen and toilets to be provided in repurposed Quarantine Station buildings.

Point Nepean National Park is a significant place for Traditional Owners of the land − the Bunurong people − and protects a range of native plants and animals. It has a rich military, defence, immigration and quarantine history, heritage-listed buildings, and a stunning natural landscape.

Parks Victoria will also be seeking tenders for a project to immerse visitors in the stories of the park. Interpretive trails and audio and video installations at park buildings are just one option being explored to highlight the park’s living Aboriginal culture and tell its overlapping natural, military and quarantine histories.

The campground and the storytelling projects form part of the Point Nepean Master Plan, which was released in 2018 to protect and celebrate the park’s special natural and cultural values.

Since being released, masterplan projects already delivered include a major upgrade to Defence Road to improve safety and bicycle access and new visitor facilities at the Quarantine Station precinct including seating, picnic and BBQ facilities, shelters and drinking water fountains.

The campground is being funded under the Labor Government’s Victoria’s Great Outdoors program, with $105.6 million being invested over four years to make it easier for more Victorians to enjoy the great outdoors.

Works on the campground are expected to be completed by the middle of the year.

For more information about projects at Point Nepean visit parks.vic.gov.au/projects

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“This is an exciting time for Point Nepean National Park, with the Andrews Labor Government’s investment making sure this remarkable and beautiful area will be enjoyed and celebrated for generations to come.”

“Our $105.6 million Great Outdoors program is making a huge difference to the state’s parks and campgrounds, forests and outdoor facilities, creating jobs and ultimately improving the experience for people getting out and about in our forests, parks and campgrounds.”

Quote attributable to Member for Nepean Chris Brayne

“With a deeper understanding of Point Nepean comes a stronger resolve for its conservation. I know many Victorians will be eager to camp here and experience the park’s cultural, natural and historical stories.”