State Government funding helps create tourist hub, extra accommodation at Bullara Station, south of Exmouth

A $200,000 State Government grant has helped pave the way for a Gascoyne station to open a tourist hub, offering high-end glamping tents and affordable accommodation options ahead of the influx of visitors expected for next year’s eclipse. Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan last week officially opened the Woolshed tourist hub at Bullara Station, south of Exmouth. The development was boosted by a $203,000 Regional Economic Development Grant. Bullara has provided authentic station stay experiences for the past 12 years. But it has now expanded its capacity to include two new luxury glamping tents, 60 new affordable camping and caravan sites, a new ablutions block, hot water system, shearing shed hub, upgraded power systems and a commercial kitchen and café. This means Bullara has extra capacity to host events, most recently including a sold-out dinner for the 2022 Gascoyne Food Festival late last month. Twelve jobs have been created from this new tourist hub, bringing the station’s total peak season staff to 32. Under the RED grants program, $45.8 million has been committed over eight years towards projects that aim to enhance economic development and job creation in regional WA. “It is fantastic to be able to support Bullara Station in taking their pastoral tourism to the next level,” Ms MacTiernan said. “Increasing Bullara’s capacity and variety of accommodation options allows a greater number of visitors to stay longer, and spend more in the local economy while they experience this magnificent region. “This superb tourism opportunity will contribute to the big push in the lead-up to the Ningaloo total solar eclipse in April 2023.”