Work will commence in mid-April at Maidens Reserve on exciting new upgrades that will include new lookouts and trails and should be fully completed by mid-2024.

There will be some periods during construction when the public will not be able to access some areas of Maidens Reserve, but all efforts will be made to minimise disruption where possible.

Maidens Reserve in Kalgulup Regional Park offers panoramic views over the Indian ocean and Bunbury townsite from lookouts located on high sand dunes. This popular park is enjoyed by the local community and visitors for a range of recreational and relaxation activities. To ensure visitors can continue to experience and enjoy the reserve, the State Government has committed funding for infrastructure improvements to revitalise the lookouts, install accessible sealed pathways and improved beach access. These works will improve park accessibility, create safer access and maintain and enhance the biodiversity, recreational, social and cultural values for Bunbury residents and visitors.

View the fact sheet in the downloads section below.

What is happening at Maidens Reserve?

The existing informal lookouts at the Maidens Reserve in Kalgulup Regional Park are eroded and existing infrastructure, including steps, seating and remaining trigonometrical station, are badly deteriorated. New visitor infrastructure will provide a major focal point in the regional park. The project includes:

• A new accessible pathway to a lower lookout. 
• New steps and viewing area, including seating and interpretation at the upper “Maidens” lookout.
• Upgraded stair access from the upper “Maidens” lookout to existing beach access.
• New trailhead and improved interpretation signage of natural and cultural values throughout the park.
• Rehabilitation works to disturbed and eroded areas, including planting.

When will construction commence?

Construction works on the new lookouts and trails are scheduled to commence in mid-April 2023, with completion expected by mid-2024.

To assist logistics and reduce impacts to the dunes and vegetation throughout construction there will be helicopter lifts of materials to the lookout and trail sites. There will also be some truck movements near the materials laydown area. DBCA and the contractor will endeavour to keep disturbances to a minimum.

The City of Bunbury has recently completed upgrades to the nearby parking area and playground facilities within the Maidens Reserve to complement the lookout and trail redevelopment.

Will I still be able to visit Maidens Reserve during the planned works?

During these planned works, the project area within Maidens Reserve will be closed. Visitors can also expect some disruption to path and trail access in the area as works are undertaken.

Project updates including park closures and a map of the project area are available by visiting dbca.wa.gov.au/bunbury-parks.

DBCA thanks the community for their understanding during the works period.

Was the public consulted on this project?

Yes, the regional park is managed by several stakeholders, including local government and State Government agencies who initiated preparation of the Kalgulup Regional Park management plan. Public consultation was achieved through a consultative process with the City of Bunbury, Kalgulup Regional Park Community Advisory Committee, Gnaala Karla Booja representatives and the City of Bunbury Co-Design Access Panel.

The Kalgulup Regional Park Management Plan was released in 2021 and provides guidance on the future management of the park. More information on the Kalgulup Regional Park and a copy of the management plan can be accessed on the DBCA website.

As part of the Park establishment and planning processes for the Kalgulup Regional Park, the following two priority visitor infrastructure capital projects were identified:

• Maidens Reserve lookouts and trails
• Mangrove Cove boardwalk and path replacement and development and design plans determined.

What consultation was done with traditional owners?

In addition to the consultation for the establishment and planning processes for the Kalgalup Regional Park, DBCA worked with the Gnaala Karla Booja Native Title representatives on the naming of the parks. The amalgamated parks have been named Kalgulup Regional Park, meaning ‘place of fire’ or ‘place of burning campfires’ to reflect the area’s significance to Noongar people.

What is the helicopter being used for?

A helicopter will be used during the first phase of construction, which is expected to last between one and two months, to lift materials to the construction site. The frequency of heli lifts will vary depending on weather conditions and project progress.

The stairs and lookouts are prefabricated and need to be transported to location and lifted into position. Usually, heavy machinery would be used to transport the materials but due to the steepness and height of the terrain, the soil type and the desire to use existing alignments where possible to minimise vegetation disturbance, a helicopter will lift materials to the construction sites to reduce impacts to the dunes and vegetation during construction.