Connect with Djaara culture at Larni Yirrip Campground

A NEXT-level campground just past Crusoe Reservoir in Kangaroo Flat, designed and built by the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and its commercial enterprise DJANDAK is due to open soon.

The Larni Yirrip (Home of the Ironbark) Campground features 12 campsites, toilet and picnic facilities, shelters, fire pits and frog ponds.

The new camping facility has been built around existing tracks and previously disturbed land to minimise the need to remove trees, and was funded by $2 million courtesy of the State Government’s Victoria’s Great Outdoors program.

At a recent smoking ceremony and cultural dance performance to celebrate the impending opening of the site, DJAARA chair Rebecca Phillips spoke about its significance.

“This is the first DJAARA campground designed by and for Dja Dja Wurrung People since colonisation,” she said.

“But, importantly, it is a campground built for the whole community. It’s based around Dja Dja Wurrung values and is designed to create a space for community and sharing.

“It gives everyone an opportunity to connect with nature, and connect with Djaara culture.”

Parks Victoria CEO Lee Miezis said Larni Yirrip will make spending time in nature and experiencing the health and wellbeing benefits of getting outdoors easier for everyone.

“This beautifully designed new campground, with fantastic facilities, is the gem of Central Victoria’s parks,” he said.

“Parks Victoria is proud to work in partnership with DJAARA to deliver projects like this and jointly manage parks across Central Victoria.”

Find out more on the Parks Victoria website.