A newly constructed shelter and restored camp site on the Bibbulmun Track is now open to the public after a bushfire destroyed the previous site in January 2018.
Helena camp site, which until now has been closed to the public, is one of the most popular overnight stopovers for people walking the iconic Bibbulmun Track, with the shelter accommodating about 12 people plus an additional 10 tent sites.
The $270,000 structure was designed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) in consultation with the Bibbulmun Track Foundation and has been constructed using fire resistant products such as rammed earth and steel.
The site features a more functional design with additional undercover seating and benches to enhance the visitor experience.
The previous timber shelter was destroyed after a bushfire threatening the communities of Mundaring, Pickering Brook and Kalamunda burned through almost 4,000 hectares of State forest and pine plantation.
Prescribed burning previously carried out by DBCA's Parks and Wildlife Service in the area was integral in assisting firefighters to contain the bushfire and prevent it from impacting on communities in the Perth Hills.
Helena camp site operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information about the Bibbulmun Track, visit www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au or Explore Parks at parks.dbca.wa.gov.au
As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Maintaining the world-class status of the Bibbulmun Track is important and having camp sites and facilities available to walkers is vital.
"I appreciate the contribution of Bibbulmun Track Foundation volunteers in assisting with the building design, financial contribution and more broadly for helping to manage this world-class track in partnership with the Parks and Wildlife Service.
"The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world's great long-distance walk trails so I'm glad to see it being maintained with such passion."
