Karijini Eco Retreat, WA

SK travelled to the world class Karijini National Park and stayed a night at the Karijini Eco Retreat which is the first and only facility within the National Park to offer comfortable ‘glamping’ accommodation. There are other alternatives for camping at the National Park via the Department of Parks and Wildlife camp grounds.

The Eco Retreat was designed with the environment in mind with the layout, the facilities and the focus squarely being on environmentally friendly, ecologically sound and sustainability. Solar panels are used for the electricity and hot water and the toiletries are sensitive to the environment.

An entry fee or $12 per vehicle applies to Karijini National Park and it is important to note that this is not included within the rates or packages the retreat offer.

Mobile phone and WiFi reception is almost non existent within the entire park. There is certainly no Telstra reception, although there is a small Optus tower which may provide some coverage for Optus and Virgin customers. There is a pay phone available at the retreat.

The Eco retreat is fully owned by the Gumala Aboriginal Corporation and as part of preservation and being responsible a portion of each tariff  goes to contributing to the ongoing management and conservation of the park.  As the Eco retreat is located within the Karijini National Park, Gumala the park owners, operates in collaboration with the Department of Parks and Wildlife.

The temperatures in the winter months (June to August) can be cold particularly for the night time with temperatures as low as zero frequently. Blankets are provided for additional warmth in the tents although it is recommended to bring warm clothing. (I had a singlet and 2 jumpers, scarf, beanie and gloves to keep warm). The days do warm up and are lovely.

It is located in the heart of Karijini National Park a short 35 km from the Karijini Visitors Centre (also located within the National Park). The closest Gorge is Joffre which is within walking distance from the accommodation. The closest town is Tom Price which is approx 75 km or 1 – 1.5 hours.

Entry into the National Park is off the Great Northern Highway (either from turning right from Tom Price or left from Newman which is 4 hours drive North East) whereby you turn down Karijini Drive and to the Karijini Eco Retreat via Bunjima Drive (West).

Please note that there is 3 km access road that is unsealed to the Retreat. There are portions of the National Park that are also unsealed. It is highly recommended to use a AWD/4WD vehicle. If you are hiring a vechile it is best to check prior to travelling to the retreat because of the unsealed roads.

There are a total of 82 campsites, 5 group campsites, 40 Deluxe Eco tents with en-suites, 10 ‘Dorm Style’ Eco tents, 8 ‘Dorm Style’ cabins. The tents offer a glamping opportunity in the National Park. These spacious tents offer multiple configurations -comfortable king, twin or bunk beds with linen, seating, side tables and natural ventilation. The tents are minimalist although there is provided in each tent a esky, a thermos and toiletries in the tent and a little balcony to sit on and watch the sunset. There is no air-conditioning nor fans.

Additionally, the campground offers a camp kitchen & BBQ facilities as well as showers & WC for the campers.

There is a Outback restaurant (bookings are essential), bar, kiosk, pavilion and souvenir shop. You are requested to take all your rubbish with you which are the same rules for the entire National Park.

Due to the nature of the environment they have a strict no fire policy.

As there are campgrounds available the rates really cater for all budgets. The campgrounds start at an unpowered site is $20 per adult per night (with under 12 free) right up to the higher tariffs of the Eco tents.

Prices for the Deluxe Eco tents range depending on the layout, nights and complete package but a general range is $315- $570 per night. The unpowered dorm style Eco tents are less per night ranging from $208-$280 per night.