The Mibanbah Black Rocks campground, situated within Bundjalung National Park, recently reopened after undergoing a significant transformation, orchestrated by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Emma Goodwin, a Ranger from NPWS Bundjalung National Park, spoke about the extensive upgrade, which was the result of three years of careful planning and collaboration with the Bandjalang Aboriginal Corporation. The primary goal of this endeavour was to revamp the campground while preserving its profound cultural significance.
According to Ms. Goodwin, a key aspect of the Mibanbah Black Rocks campground upgrade centred on relocating the existing campsites away from the sand dunes. These dunes hold Aboriginal middens of immense cultural importance to the local Bandjalang people. She explained that the previous arrangement of campsites and beach access had inadvertently led visitors to traverse the dunes. Which in turn, was causing erosion and damage to these sacred sites.
Under the new campsite arrangement, not only are the Aboriginal cultural heritage values of the site better protected, but the campsites themselves have also been greatly improved. Each site at Mibanbah Black Rocks campground has been thoughtfully designed to provide natural screening. This ensures that visitors can enjoy privacy, even during the bustling summer months. Furthermore, the sites have been raised and levelled to prevent inundation by sand drifts and minor flooding during adverse weather.
In total, this upgrade has brought forth 51 public campsites, along with the creation of a cultural precinct for Bandjalang Native Title Holders. There is also expanded parking facilities and improved access to Jerusalem Creek through a newly established day-use area. That’s not all! There’s now also safe and convenient access for families with larger camping vehicles. Both day visitors and campers will appreciate the new picnic spot, fire pits and dedicated pedestrian pathways to the beach. Last but not least, directional and cultural interpretation signage has also been added to enhance the overall experience.
The rejuvenated Mibanbah Black Rock campground is currently open for bookings through the official website at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.
