Background:

Twertup is located within the north-west sector of the Fitzgerald River National Park about 50 km south east of Jerramungup. Overlooking a wide valley, the site includes an old spongolite quarry, a Field Studies Centre and a number of walk trails.

The Twertup Field Studies Centre originally opened in 1981 and was used by the Friends of the Fitzgerald River National Park and other organisations for environmental/nature based activities. These included natural history excursions, study weekends and environmental education for schools.

In January 2008, the Studies Centre was destroyed by a bush fire that was started by lightning.  Since then, the Friends demolished the original cottage and rebuilt the facility. It is now available for use by the public and groups pursuing nature-based activities.

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Access:  

Twertup is accessed from Pabelup Drive along a 10km track, suitable for 4WD vehicles only due to sandy sections.  Camper trailers and caravans are not permitted. Approval may be given for other types of vehicles on a case by case basis.  It is open during dry soil conditions only and may be closed for dieback hygiene or bushfire reasons.

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Use of the Twertup Field Studies Centre:

The Twertup Field Studies Centre is open to the general public for both day and overnight use, but preference will be given to those individuals and groups that are pursuing a nature-based experience or study. However, any person/groups wishing to use the Studies Centre for a day event/meeting or an overnight stay are required to book through the Albany Parks and Wildlife Service Office in Albany (see below for booking details)

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Day Use:

The outside facilities such as the BBQ, cook-top, toilets and picnic benches are available to all members of the public wishing to use the area for day use (picnics etc.). They are permitted to make use of the walking trails and may look around the building. In such instances where there are overnight people staying at the Studies Centre day users may, upon agreement, look around inside the building. There is no fee for the day use facilities and the prescribed park entry fees apply.

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The facilities include the following: 

• 4 bedrooms (total 16 beds/bunks);

• kitchen includes sink with reticulated water, wood stove (BYO wood), crockery & cutlery;

• open plan kitchen/dining and lounge area with wood heater (BYO wood);

• outside static BBQ and single gas cook-top;

• picnic benches; 

• 2 outside toilets (long drops), one of which is universal access toilet;

• 12V solar lighting;

• limited supply of rain water in adjacent tanks;

• wide, covered verandahs on three sides of the building. 

A maximum carrying capacity for overnight visitors is set at 30 people. The maximum stay is 7 nights unless otherwise authorised. Organised meetings and events will be permitted within the building and such groups will be required to book and pay for the facility. Weddings, birthday parties and such events will not be permitted at the Studies Centre.   

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Bookings:

The department’s gazette schedule of fees will apply to the Studies Centre and are on a per person basis, although a minimum charge of $80/night applies, irrespective of numbers.  All persons/groups wishing to stay overnight must make a prior booking.

Cost of the Study Centre for a day-time meeting/event is $80/day.

Bookings are managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service’s Albany District front office and can be made on the phone (9842 4500) or by email (Albany@dbca.wa.gov.au) Mondays to Fridays (08:00 – 16:30).