The Shire of Murray has approved a five-year lease for Base Camp Dwellingup, an outdoor and adventure retail store, to operate in the Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre, despite objections from an existing tenant who claimed it would create direct competition.
Background and Approval Process
The Shire received an expression of interest from The Wonder Crew in March 2026 to lease the western part of the centre. The space had been used for storage of stock, brochures, and maps by visitor centre staff and had been vacant for commercial use since 2022. The proposal was initially presented to the council in May but was deferred to allow staff to investigate potential adverse effects on Dwellingup Adventures, the existing tenant.
At its June 18 meeting, the council voted unanimously to grant Base Camp Dwellingup a five-year lease with options to extend. The first year will involve a nominal rent to help the business establish itself, and the Shire will spend $14,000 on improvement works, including ceiling repairs and air-conditioning.
Impact on Existing Tenant
Dwellingup Adventures, which has operated for over 33 years and spent six years at the centre, objected to the proposal. Alicia Caruso from Dwellingup Adventures told the council in May that her trail retail operation makes up about 14% of her revenue and that the market demand is already being effectively met. She expressed concerns that budget brands of hiking and camp equipment would be moved from the general store to Base Camp, which she believes does not align with the centre's vision.
As a goodwill measure, the council reduced Dwellingup Adventures' rent by 20% from November 2026 to October 2030, acknowledging its significant contribution to the precinct. A council report stated there would be some overlap but not enough to outweigh the benefits of the new store.
New Business Details
Base Camp Dwellingup will offer practical trail equipment, recognised outdoor brands, and immediate-use essentials. It will not provide equipment hire, mechanical servicing, cafe operations, or food preparation. Standard opening hours are 7am-5pm Wednesdays to Fridays and 6.30am-5.30pm Saturdays. The business hopes to open by mid-September, in time for the Dwellingup 100 event.
Kristy Gall from The Wonder Crew told the council that trail users need more affordable options alongside high-quality products. Another representative emphasised that they are not aiming to take away customers and that increased visitors would benefit all of Dwellingup.
Visitor Statistics and Community Reaction
According to the Shire, more than 300,000 people visit Dwellingup annually, with about 70% engaging in trail-related activities. In the 2022 financial year, approximately 175,000 visitors entered the centre. Cr Stewart Carter welcomed the new business, noting that the space had been underutilised for a long time.
Ms Caruso argued that Dwellingup needs more restaurants and evening hospitality venues rather than another outdoor retailer. However, the council report indicated that Base Camp Dwellingup would complement the visitor experience and support increased visitation and longer stays.
