Updated 26th July 2024

HOT OF THE PRESS... AND CURRENTLY EXCLUSIVE NEWS TO THIS SITE ... WE NOW HAVE THE VAC SWIM ENROLMENT DATES AND CAN NOW FINALISE THE DATES FOR WHEN THE SUMMER CAMPGROUND BOOKINGS WILL OPEN!

Shire of Ravensthorpe has implemented a Summer Priority Booking Program for both Starvation Bay and Mason Bay Campgrounds when bookings for this period are released in three stages only several months prior. Hamersley Inlet Campground is excluded from this program and only the normal 6 months advance booking restrictions apply.

Each year the summer school holiday period (December/January) are kept on hold for our coastal campgrounds for the following:

• Stage One Priority Release* (22nd August to 2pm, 4th September): allow local families enrolled in the VacSwim program to stay on site whilst their children undertake swimming lessons. Due to government safety requirements, boat owners should be aware, similar to it’s introduction last year, that the boat launching area at Starvation Bay will be closed whilst swimming lessons are in progress (actual times to be confirmed but likely to be from mid-morning to lunch time)

It is important for parents considering swimming lessons at Starvation Bay this summer and wanting to camp on site not to delay registering your child with the Education Department when the summer VacSwim enrolments open Wednesday, 21 September 2024 as you will need to provide this as proof with your campground booking request form.

With the 2025 VacSwim regional summer program starting later than usual, it is important for families to note that bookings will only be taken to enable attendance for the swimming lesson period:  ie IN: 05/01/2025 and OUT: 18/01/2025 (limit one campsite booking per family for these dates).  Bookings that are outside of these dates will need to meet the criteria in accordance with Stage two or three. 

• Stage Two Release (Open 5th - 20th September): Is open to local residents and ratepayers within the Shire of Ravensthorpe only. (Limit one campsite booking per family/household). Proof will be required and details will be provided soon on how to obtain the access password code to enable you to book when bookings open. 

HERE'S WHAT EVERYONE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR!

• Stage Three Release (Saturday, 21 September): Bookings open to the general public (automated from midnight of the nominated date). So mark your calendars and thank you for your patience.

THINGS YOU SHOULD NOTE:

To ensure eligibility during Stage One and Stage Two release, please note that our campground booking system (for Starvation and Mason) will have to shift from instant booking to pending (ie requiring approval first). Unfortunately, this will impact all bookings whilst this feature is switched on (even if you are booking outside of these dates).

Once we shift to Stage Three release (when bookings open to everyone), the system will revert back to instant booking.

Watch this space for more updates or follow us on Facebook @FitzgeraldBiosphereCoast where we will start rolling this information out from next week.

HINT: You don't need to wait for bookings to open to set up your SpacetoCo account (our booking portal). We recommend if you don't have one already set up, to do this prior to the booking release, which will help speed up your booking. Please also have all of your vehicle registrations on hand when it’s time to book (eg car/caravan/camper trailer etc) as you will need this to be able to complete your booking.

If you need assistance with our booking platform in preparation for the summer time rush, please get in touch with our friendly Customer Services Officers 9839 0000 for advice.

We hope you get the opportunity to enjoy the experience of coastal camping in the picturesque Fitzgerald Biosphere Coast region!

If you don't want to wait, Hamersley Inlet Campground is currently open for bookings in December 2024 and January 2025.