Upgrades to Maidens Reserve, located south of Bunbury, have been completed, offering visitors access to two new lookouts at the Kalgulup Regional Park site.

The improvements include a lower lookout situated 45 metres above sea level, accessible via a 670-metre-long assisted wheelchair-accessible pathway, and an upper lookout at 67 metres above sea level.

The project, which saw the completion of new walkways and lookouts earlier this year, has recently received its finishing touches.

Landscaping and revegetation work has been finalised, and interpretive signage highlighting the cultural, natural, and historical values of the park has been installed.

Since the opening of the lookouts and pathways, Maidens Reserve has welcomed more than 5,000 visitors per month.

Kalgulup Regional Park, managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ Parks and Wildlife Service, was established as part of the state government’s Plan for Our Parks initiative.

This initiative aims to deliver five million hectares of new national parks and reserves by the end of this year.

Acting Environment Minister Dr Tony Buti said: “The Cook Government is committed to supporting projects that can benefit the Western Australian community by providing nature-based tourism, creating local jobs, and supporting more accessible attractions.

“This project creates local jobs, a nature-based recreational opportunity and, importantly, will ensure key sites in Kalgulup Regional Park are accessible to all visitors. These upgrades, along with work underway to further improve nearby Mangrove Cove, are part of the Cook Government’s election commitment to create and manage Kalgulup Regional Park.”

Bunbury MLA Don Punch said: “Bunbury enjoys a beautiful natural environment that the accessible Maidens Reserves upgrades gives everyone the opportunity to get out, experience and enjoy.

“Kalgulup Regional Park came about because of years of community advocacy by people like Bernhard Bischoff to recognise and protect our natural environment, so this is a significant achievement for our community.

“The Maidens Reserve is a fantastic asset for our community that has created a new attraction for visitors and gives the local community a new opportunity to get out and appreciate our place in the world.”

The enhancements to Maidens Reserve are expected to boost local tourism and provide a more inclusive experience for all visitors, reinforcing the park’s role as a key recreational and natural asset in the region.