Charles Darwin Reserve – Self-Guided Camping Trips

Charles Darwin Reserve  
   

Explore the rich diversity of flora and fauna on Charles Darwin Reserve, which falls within Australia's only internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot.

The sheep may be gone from this former pastoral station, but there's no shortage of animals roaming its ancient woodlands and wildflower-strewn plains.
>More about Charles Darwin Reserve


  Samphire Campground
   Samphire Campground at Charles Darwin Reserve.

Your visit

You'll set up camp at Samphire Campground, surrounded by a grove of paperbarks.

On your walks or drives around the reserve, you might spot malleefowl, Major Mitchell cockatoos, peregrine falcons or Australian bustards. Or perhaps lizards sunning themselves on the picturesque rocky outcrops that dot the property.

And at sunset, you'll be able to take in the unforgettable view across the plains to Mt Gibson. 

When The reserve is closed during the months of October to March. Camping is possible between the start of April and the end of September, subject to weather and management activities.
Transport 4WD access only.
Facilities
  • Camping is in the designated campground, which you'll have all to yourselves (although volunteers or researchers might also be present on the property).
  • There is a pit toilet and a fireplace at the campsite.
  • There are a series of self-drive tours around the property.
Nearest town Wubin (100 km)
Cost There is a flat fee for stays of up to 6 nights. The cost per stay is $40 per vehicle for supporters, or $100 per vehicle for non-supporters.
Food  BYO all food and drinks (including water).
Timing
  • 3–4 days will give you plenty of time to see the sights of Charles Darwin Reserve.
  • Maximum stay is 6 nights.
  • Each booking period runs from Wednesday through to Tuesday.
Other arrangements
  • The maximum group size is 8 people, and in this environmentally sensitive area, we limit the number of vehicles to 4.
  • You must be totally self-sufficient for the duration of your stay, in terms of food, fuel, water, first aid supplies, communications equipment, vehicle maintenance and recovery equipment, and camping equipment.
  • You should carry additional supplies, as events may lead to an unplanned extended stay (e.g. roads can become impassable following rain).
  • No pets or firearms can be brought onto the property.
Booking
  • Bookings are essential.
  • To enquire about available dates and to request a booking form, email visits@bushheritage.org.au or call 1300 628 873.
  • We’ll provide you with maps and specific reserve information when we confirm your booking.

Page Last Updated: Monday 23 April 2012
Major Mitchell cockatoo
Major Mitchell cockatoo.
Photo: Paul Evans

Everlasting daisies
Everlasting daisies.
Photo: Annette Ruzicka

Gecko
Gecko on a gimlet gum.
Photo: Catherine Hunt


Malleefowl
Malleefowl. Photo: Jiri Lochman

York gum
York gum woodland.
Photo: Paul Evans

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