Busselton Youth Camp
“Come and rest a while”
[Mark 6:31]
…There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his disciples didn’t even have time to eat. So he said to them, “Let us go off by ourselves to some place where we will be alone and you can rest a while”…
The Camp
The Catholic Youth Camp is operated by the Catholic Diocese of Bunbury and was established to promote and encourage its use for physical, moral, social and cultural development of all people but predominantly families, the young and the underprivileged.
Opportunity for Rest, Reflection and Prayer
The Catholic Youth Camp provides an ideal setting for parish, school, family or community getaways. With direct beach access to the tranquil waters of Geographe Bay, the Catholic Youth Camp is an ideal place to relax and unwind from the stresses of daily life. It offers a peaceful place where people can come, to spend quality time with family and friends to contemplate their lives through quiet reflection, prayer or just to slow down and rest for a while.
More Information
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Location
Situated at 180 Caves Road, Siesta Park the Catholic Youth Camp is one of several sites that form part of what is affectionately known as the “Holy Mile”. This stretch of coastline is halfway between Busselton and Dunsborough and only 2½ hours south of Perth.
The Catholic Youth Camp and Australia’s South West enjoys a temperate climate and observes four definite seasons giving plenty of opportunity for swimming, walking on the beach or paths, fishing, reading as well as indoor and outdoor family games.
Local Mass times
Staying at the Busselton Youth Camp is a great opportunity to take time away from the day to day bustle of life and spend some time in contemplation and prayer. It also gives the opportunity to experience Mass at one of the unique local Churches.
- St. Joseph’s Church, Kent Street, Busselton. – Saturday 6:00pm
- Our Lady of the Bay, Kelly Drive, Busselton – Sunday 9:00am and 6.00pm
- Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Naturalist Tce, Dunsborough – Saturday 6:00pm and Sunday 8:00am (Nov – April); 9.00am (May – Oct).
Should you need to speak with one of the local Parish Priests you can contact the Busselton Parish on 9751 2515 or Dunsborough Parish on 9756 8588.
Facilities
The facilities are managed by onsite caretakers. The caretakers residence is located on the left of the main entrance driveway.
Accommodation
The campsite can accommodate up to 76 people. The site is open to a wide range of groups including schools, youth groups, parish groups, community organisations and families.
The ‘Homestead’ overlooks the beautifully grassed area to the waters edge and beyond. Comprising 7 sleeping rooms of varying sizes, the ‘Homestead’ can accommodate 27 people. The rooms range in size from one single bed through to 4 bunk beds.
The ‘Bunkhouse’ accommodates another 35 people in four rooms of bed bunks. (2 rooms x 8 beds, 1 room x 9 beds and 1 room x 10 beds).
The “Family House” situated to the right of the ‘Homestead’ comprises a large multi purpose room with slow combustion wood heater, that opens out onto a decked verandah. The ‘Family House” can accommodate 14 people and is ideal for smaller groups and families.
Kitchen
Located within the “Homestead” is a large commercial style kitchen. The kitchen includes all the facilities you would expect including
- Gas stove
- Gas oven
- Microwave
- Kettle
- Toaster
- Fridge/Freezer
- Walk in pantry,
- Walk in crockery/cutlery/pots/pans and cooking utensil storeroom
- Walk in coolroom
- Serving benches
Dining Room
Adjacent to the kitchen is the large Dining Room that also serves as the main gathering space for guests. Coin operated gas heating is available.
Verandah
From the dining room you open out onto the large verandah overlooking the grassed playing oval and Geographe Bay.
BBQ Facilities
Bottle gas BBQ facilities are available for guest use.
Showers and Toilets
The shower and toilet facility is conveniently situated between the Homestead and Bunkhouse. An outdoor shower is located along the path leading from the beach.
Laundry
The laundry is located within the shower and toilet facility. Coin operated washing machines and clotheslines are conveniently located immediately opposite the laundry.
Car Parking
Located next to the Bunkhouse is a gravel based car park. There is ample room for parking of approximately 15 cars
Boat and Trailer Parking
Located at the rear of the Family House along the driveway is room for boat and trailer parking.
Grassed playing oval
Located between the beach and Homestead is the reticulated grassed playing oval ideal for outdoor sports and games.
Courtyard
All buildings are situated around a large concrete paved courtyard with outdoor tables and seating.
What you need to bring
To ensure your stay at the campsite is enjoyable there are a number of items guests should bring.
Food and Beverage
The campsite is self catering and therefore guests need to bring their own food and beverages, bin liners and dishwashing liquid. The local convenience store is a short drive away and major supermarkets are located in Busselton and Dunsborough. (Some guests arrange an online shopping order to be delivered direct to the camp.)
Linen and Blankets
Guests need to bring their own sleeping bag/blankets and linen including pillow case, sheets and any extra pillows required.
Toiletries and Towels
Guests need to bring their own toiletries and towels including tea towels.
Sporting gear
Guests may wish to bring general sporting gear for football, cricket, soccer, biking, hiking etc. along with any water sports equipment such as surf skis, canoeing, surf/sail boards etc
Fishing
Guests who like to partake in a little fishing should bring their gear. Crab nets and a scoop net may also come in handy depending on the season.
First Aid Kit
Guests should bring their own general first aid gear particularly for stings and bites. Local Pharmacy’s in Busselton and Dunsborough are open daily.
Arrival and Departure Times
Unless other arrangements have been made with the Caretakers guests are requested to arrive after 2.30pm and depart prior to 10.30am.
Emergencies
The onsite caretakers are in charge of the facility and can advise you on use of facilities at the campsite.
In the case of an emergency, the caretakers must be notified immediately. The caretakers will take on the role of Emergency Coordinator and will be responsible for implementing the Camp’s Emergency Management Procedures if required.
Emergency Procedures
Emergency procedure notices are posted in the main ‘Homestead’ and guests should make themselves familiar with the procedures.
Fire fighting equipment
Fire extinguishers, fire hose reels and smoke alarms are located in and around the site. These should not be tampered with or removed unless in an emergency.
Fires
No fires may be lit on the campsite grounds or on the beach.
Responsibilities of Guests
Guests booking the facility are responsible for the discipline and supervision of all people staying at the campsite under their booking. Guests should promptly report any damages or breakages to the caretakers.
It is the responsibility of guests to ensure the campsite is cleaned prior to leaving. Cleaning checklists are provided for the benefits of Guests.
The check list includes:
- Bunk houses swept mopped and cleaned thoroughly.
- Showers and toilets swept, mopped and cleaned thoroughly
- Dining area swept, mopped and cleaned thoroughly.
- All cutlery, crockery, pots, pans and cooking utensils cleaned thoroughly and returned to their proper place.
- All left over food disposed of or taken with you when you leave.
- Bins to be emptied and placed in the skip bin.
If the camp is not cleaned satisfactorily a cleaning fee of $200 will be deducted from the Bond.
Reservations
Reservations can be made by contacting the Caretakers Joanne and Lindsay Allison on (08) 9755 4556 or email youthcamp@westnet.com.au
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For reservations from 1st July 2024
All prices include GST and are subject to change without notice.
Reservation Fee – $100 (Payable when submitting the Reservation Form)
Accommodation reservation is required to be confirmed 1 (one) calendar month prior to reservation date by paying 50% of total accommodation charges.
Balance of accommodation charges is due and payable on arrival. Credit Card details will be taken on arrival as a bond for any breakages, damages or cleaning charges that may be incurred.
Accommodation RatesHomestead Including Bunkhouse
Peak Season – Includes Easter and Long Weekends (1st November – 30th April)
Per Person $25 per person per night
Minimum Charge $675 per night (if less than 27 people staying per night)
Regular Season (1st May – 31st October)
Per Person $22 per person per night
Minimum Charge $594 per night (if less than 27 people staying per night)
Family HousePeak Season – Includes Easter and Long Weekends (1st November – 30th April)
Per Person $25 per person per night
Minimum Charge $350 per night (if less than 14 people staying per night)Regular Season (1st May – 31st October)
Per Person $22 per person per night
Minimum Charge $308 per night (if less than 14 people staying per night) -
- Reservations can only be accepted by mailing or emailing a completed and signed Reservation Form along with the payment of the requisite Reservation fee.
- Reservations will be held until 50% of the Accommodation Charges have been received at which stage the Reservation will be confirmed.
- 50% of the accommodation charges are due and payable no less than one (1) calendar month prior to the reservation date.
- The remaining 50% of the accommodation charges are due and payable on arrival.
- All reservations (including weekends) are a minimum of 2 consecutive nights.
- Long weekend reservations are for 3 consecutive nights, or 4 nights for Easter.
- If total guest numbers are less than the minimum indicated, then the minimum fee will apply for each nights reservation.
- If guests stay less than the minimum stay then they will be charged for the full minimum stay.
- All reservation requests are subject to approval of the Caretakers which have final right of refusal.
- Reservation priority is given in the following order; Parish Family groups, Catholic schools and organisations.
- The Caretakers reserves the right to allocate high demand reservation periods (particularly during peak season) to other guests on a rotational basis to ensure fair and equitable availability of the campsite during these periods.
Cancellations
- Cancellations can be made by mailing or emailing the Caretakers.
- The 50% Accommodation Fee is non-refundable if any cancellation is made within 1 month prior to reservation date.
- If a confirmed reservation is cancelled more than 1 month prior to the reservation date and the cancelled reservation period is able to be filled by another guest, then the full Reservation Fee will be refunded.
- If a confirmed reservation is required to be cancelled due to an administrative error, then the full Reservation Fee plus Accommodation Charges will be refunded.
- In extreme and extenuating circumstances, the Caretakers may choose in their absolute discretion to vary the above cancellation policy.
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1. Reservations to stay at the Campsite must be made in writing on the form supplied. The reservation fee of $100 must be submitted with the Reservation Form.
2. Any breakages, damages, or cleaning costs (including graffiti removal) incurred by guests will be invoiced to the guest whose name appears on the reservation form. If not paid within the specified time the amount will be deducted from the guest credit card particulars taken on arrival.
3. Accommodation charges outstanding must be paid in full at the time of checking in.
4. Guests are responsible for the orderly maintenance of the campsite and must return it to the original condition immediately at the conclusion of their stay unless otherwise advised. Nothing is to be attached in any manner to the walls, floors windows or any part of the building. Nor shall signs, scenery etc. be erected without the permission of the Caretakers.
5. The right is reserved to refuse reservation or entry to the campsite and facilities at the discretion of the Caretakers, in which case all monies paid will be refunded.
6. The Catholic Diocese of Bunbury nor the Bunbury Catholic Diocesan Youth and Recreation Association Inc. (BCDYRA) makes no warranty or representation to Guests about the condition of the
Campsite and facilities or their suitability for the Guests purpose. Further, Guests acknowledge that they have inspected the facilities and warrants that the facilities are suitable for their purpose.7. It is the responsibility of the Guest to obtain any necessary permits from the relevant authorities as requested for the planned activities.
8. The Catholic Diocese of Bunbury and the BCDYRA will not be responsible for the acts or omissions
of contractors engaged by them.9. If kitchen facilities are to be used all appliances must be left in a clean and tidy condition. No food or drink must be left in the fridges and all bottles and rubbish must be removed from the premises and placed in the appropriate bins. Tables and chairs must be stacked appropriately and returned to their original position. All external windows and doors must be closed. Do not turn off the fridges.
10. Persons authorised by the Catholic Diocese of Bunbury or BCDYRA shall, at all times, be entitled to free access to all parts of the Campsite and facilities.
11. Sub-letting of the campsite or facilities is not permitted.
12. In case of disputes arising, the decision of the Caretakers shall be final.
13. Noise (music etc) must be contained within the requirements of the City of Busselton Bylaws. Additionally, music/noise must cease by 10.00pm.
14. Guests are confined to their reservation area only the accompanying facilities and public areas eg beachfront. Guests are not permitted to enter onto neighbouring campsites.
15. Guests are aware the Campsite is in a Class A Crown Reserve shared with other campsites and that all Guests staying at the Campsite must refrain from any behaviour which could be reasonably construed as disturbing the neighbouring campsites or infringing on their guests, property and/or rights. NO OPEN FIRES PERMITTED.
16. Under no circumstances shall liquor be sold on the campsite unless approval from the Caretakers has been obtained and the necessary liquor permit is sighted at the time of making the Reservation.
17. The responsible consumption of alcohol is allowed. Normal liquor regulations apply. Alcohol is not to be served to guests Under 18 years of age. The Caretakers reserve the right to evict any guests intoxicated by alcohol.
18. Approval for the consumption of alcohol may be withheld at the discretion of the Caretakers
19. Smoking is not permitted in the buildings.
20. The Catholic Diocese of Bunbury, and the BCDYRA accepts no responsibility for private property left on the campsite or in any of the facilities.
21. Pets and animals are not permitted at the Camp site.
22. For the health and safety of all guests the number of guests sleeping in a room must not exceed the number of beds in that room. No beds or mattresses are to be removed from any room.
23. No food or beverage is to be prepared or consumed in any of the accommodation rooms.
23. The Caretakers reserve the right to terminate the occupancy without notice for breach of these Terms and Conditions. The Caretakers are empowered to take action, as may be deemed necessary, for the proper conduct of the campsite.
Catholic Youth Camp
180 Caves Road Busselton WA 6280
Phone: (08) 9755 4556
email: youthcamp@westnet.com.au
Caretakers Joanne and Lindsay look forward to welcoming you.