Billionaire plans to turn WA caravan park into luxury eco resort

Plans have been unveiled for an $85 million redevelopment that will transform a caravan park into a luxury eco-resort north of Exmouth, WA.

Mining billionaire Andrew Forrest will lodge a development application through Tattarang, the Forrest family’s private commercial group.

The caravan park site was purchased in 2017. 

A planning permit is yet to be submitted to the Exmouth Shire, however community consultation is currently underway over the proposed development. 

According to the proposal, up to 550 overnight guests could be accommodated, which is less than the existing amount the caravan park is currently licensed to accommodate. 

The proposed project is described as “low impact” and “blending into the natural environment, with a mix of accommodation” and will be located 13 kilometres north of Exmouth, at Vlamingh Head.

Chief investment officer of Tattarang, John Hartman said the project is “a sustainable, considered development with the ability to create jobs and generate income for existing tourism providers.” 

According to marketing materials, accommodation will range from “powered caravan sites to eco tents, family-friendly villas and hotel rooms”, with plans to also include restaurants and bars, swimming pools, a spa, tennis courts, a recreation centre, playground, boating and storage facilities.

The WA Tourism Council believes the development and operation of this project would make a significant contribution to the local WA economy.

“Once up and running, the resort is anticipated to create hundreds of jobs and inject more than $30 million to the local economy each year,” chief executive of Tourism Council WA Evan Hall said.

The proposed Ningaloo Lighthouse project is designed by Kerry Hill Architects.