Exploring WA: The Baileys' adventure as Campground Hosts
Are you curious about what it takes to be a Campground Host in the stunning landscapes of Western Australia's national parks? We sat down with a couple to find out the latest!
Meet Leon and Karen Bailey, a South Australian couple who have traded in retirement for a life of adventure as Campground Hosts. Having volunteered across national parks in South Australia, the Northern Territory, and now Western Australia, the Baileys are no strangers to the great outdoors.
How would you describe your role as a Campground Host?
Volunteering as a Parks and Wildlife Service Campground Host under the guided supervision and support of the Parks and Wildlife Service rangers is very rewarding and satisfying.
While at a Parks and Wildlife campground we ensure the campsites and amenities are kept clean and tidy and there is always plenty of time to enjoy the national park ourselves.
We are often the first point of contact for campers and park visitors. We welcome them and provide general information, usually about the trails, local plants and animals. We answer enquiries relating to places of interest, water availability, the best fishing spots, suitable 4WD tracks and any other questions which will add value to their time spent in the national park.
Keeping the amenities clean and well stocked is always rewarding because the campers are so appreciative and thankful which makes their stay more enjoyable.
We have occasionally assisted Parks and Wildlife Service rangers with light maintenance tasks such as plant trimming and sign maintenance.
What do you enjoy most about being a Campground Host?
We love meeting lots of likeminded people and hearing all their travel stories, spending time in nature and exploring the opportunities that each national park has to offer.
We enjoy interacting with Parks and Wildlife Service rangers and being able to occasionally tag along with them to explore the park.
Knowing that we are part of a valued Campground Host team and proudly wearing the Parks and Wildlife Service volunteer uniform.
Playing a part in special events like having the opportunity to be on Parks and Wildlife Service training courses such as Cultural Awareness and Conflict Resolution Training and taking part in the various education sessions that are offered.
What have you learnt from your WA Campground Host experience?
How beautiful and diverse Western Australian national parks are and how important it is to look after them.
How to best support, understand and show a duty of care towards the many travel weary campers and visitors to WA national parks.
In our recent four week Campground Host placement at Monkey Mia, we experienced how the Parks and Wildlife Service staff and rangers demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and commitment towards their work.
Their enthusiasm fostered a very special spirit of fascination with every visitor towards the dolphins, the beautiful environment of Monkey Mia and the natural beauty of Shark Bay World Heritage Area.
Campground Hosting in the West…it’s just the best.
Are you ready to sign up?
If this sounds like something you would like to do, join us at the next induction training on October 28, 2024.
Whether you're dreaming of a beachside retreat, a peaceful forest, or a rugged outback adventure, we’d love to chat with you!
For more details, check out Campground Hosting or drop us an email at pwsvolunteers@dbca.wa.gov.au.