Kookaburra Caravan Park

Statement of Significance

Kookaburra Caravan Park, an informal camping park in a well treed park setting, has cultural heritage significance as a good representative example of low cost holiday facilities, and as a longstanding facility that has provided accommodation for many people from the region and beyond. It is also evidence of Busselton’s long standing as a holiday destination.

Physical Description

Caravan park and supporting facilities in a park setting.

The Park is located opposite the foreshore and close to the town centre; it is shaded with maturepepperminttrees. Thereisamixtureofservicebuildings.

History

The Park has provided low cost holiday accommodation for residents of the district and beyond for many years and its long duration as a caravan park is an indication of Busselton’s long standing as a holiday destination. Prior to the formation of the Kookaburra Caravan Park as a private business leased from the Shire of Busselton, the area was used as a camping ground, which was run by the Shire. From the 1920s through to the 1950s, the Midlands Railways’ workshops conducted an annual holiday for two weeks over Christmas for its employees. Special trains carried the workers and their families down to Busselton where they put up tents in campsites 1, 2 and 3. The Shire provided blackened (burnt) saplings to the holiday makers to use as supports for their tents. The camping grounds extended over the sand dunes to the beach. Weather-board change-rooms situated between the two jetties provided facilities for the campsites, however, the amenities improved at the camps over the years. Local shops called on the holiday site to provide supplies for the holiday makers and the Salvation Army often put on a show for the visitors. Other entertainment was organised by the Midland Railways social committee with the Shire providing a piano on Saturday nights (arrived and stayed on a truck). Collie Railway workers also used the campsite for their annual holidays.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree/Moderate Degree

Condition

Fair-Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.