Breakaway Campground – Coalseam Conservation Park (CG)

Breakaway is an overflow campground, open only when Miners is full.

Camping for caravans and tents is permitted at Miners and Breakaway. It is not permitted at the other sites. Be sensible and camp only in the designated areas – do not destroy the bush by making your own camp site. If the camping areas are full, commercial caravan parks are located in the nearby towns of Mullewa, Morawa and Mingenew.
Coalseam Conservation Park is among the most botanically diverse bush areas in the northern wheatbelt region of the Midwest of Western Australia. This acacia shrubland, with its sparse understorey, comes alive with everlasting wildflowers after good winter rains.
The recreation sites at River Bend, Irwin’s Lookout and Fossil site are day-use only.
Petrol and supplies are available at Mingenew 30km to the south and Mullewa 60km to the north.

SITE ACCESS
It takes four to five hours drive from Perth or one hour from Geraldton to reach Coalseam. All roads within the park are gravel and are accessible by two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Please drive carefully and take notice of all road signs. It is recommended that caravans and trailers should not be taken to Irwin’s Lookout or Fossil due to steep slopes and sharp bends past the Miners turnoff. Please leave them at Breakaway or Miners. Care needs to be taken when crossing the fords at Irwin River and Irwin River South. During winter they are prone to flooding and may be unpassable. Please take notice of water depths before crossing and drive within your capability.

Please note: GPS Co-Ordinates are approximate and provided in most cases to get you to the entrance. Once inside the park there should be signs to the actual camp grounds. Failing this please check with National Parks for further directions

FEES & BOOKINGS
Fees are from $8/adult per night, $6/concession card holder per night, $3/child per night (over 5 and under 16 years)

Bookings do not apply at this campground. It operates on a first come – first served basis.
Best time to visit: August to October for wildflower displays (dependent on rainfall).

FACILITIES
Toilets, barbecues, picnic tables and defined camping bays are provided at Miners, No facilities are currently available at the Breakaway site. However toilets, barbecues and picnic tables are located at River Bend 1km to the east. No fires are permitted. Drinking water is not provided in the park so always carry your own supply. River water is not recommended for drinking.

THINGS TO DO
Enjoy one of the most florally diverse areas of bushland in the northern wheatbelt region of the Midwest, including spectacular displays of everlastings during the wildflower season. Learn about the area’s interesting geology and explore the site of Western Australia’s first coal mine – seams of coal and fossil remnants are visible in the rock strata along the Irwin River.
Irwin Lookout: Located on the major cliff top in the park, the lookout provides spectacular views over the Irwin River valley and the breakaway landform. Please stay behind the barriers as they are there for your safety.
Fossil: Located on the eastern bank of the Irwin River. Ancient marine fossils can be seen south of the car park within the cliff on the other side of the river. Take care when walking or wading across the river. The fossil site can also be accessed (by foot) from Riverbend. Coal seams can be seen in the cliffs north of the car park. Please do not disturb any fossils or coal seams, leave them there for others to enjoy.

GUIDELINES
Consider your neighbours – generator use is permitted between 8am and 8pm.
Camping is permitted for a maximum period of three nights during the peak ,please allow everyone the opportunity to camp at Coalseam.
Stay behind the barriers at the lookout site – the cliff edge may become unstable. Keep away from all cliff edges when exploring the park. Carry water with you when walking, wear sturdy shoes and sun protection. Tread carefully and keep to the paths as snakes can be found in the park. Stay behind the barriers at the mineshafts. They are there for your protection. In case of a fire or smoke, leave the park immediately. If smoke is noticed while walking within the park please immediately return to your vehicle and leave the park.
Very few campgrounds have waste bins – take all waste with you when you leave.

For more detailed information direct from the National Parks web site, please click on the relevant links. FACILITIES, CAMPFIRES, GENERATORS, SAFETY, PETS IN PARKS

Data & Photos courtesy of: Parks & Wildlife Western Australia
Updated 04112018KT