For this project, the Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation (YSRC) engaged UDLA to help map and analyse the Pink Lake and Lucky Bay areas, working closely with the Hutt River Cultural Committee to identify what’s possible and what needs protecting.
The project’s guiding principles
The land currently known as Lucky Bay and Pink Lake / Port Gregory has been Yamatji Country for thousands of years. Grounded in this deep and ongoing connection, the framework prioritises cultural heritage protection and seeks to ensure that future tourism activation provides meaningful employment and recognition for the Yamatji community.
Top left: Site visit with YSRC and Hutt River Cultural Committee (photo by UDLA),
top right: On-site meeting (photo by YSRC), bottom left: Cameron Lewis on site
(photo by UDLA), bottom right: Back row - Travis McNaught, Clive Nutter, Adam
Murszewski, Irene Kelly, Stephen Kelly. Middle Row - Dion Harris, Nicole Nelson,
Ruby Coombes, Rachel Mallard. Front Row - Khegan Brockman (photo by YSRC).
UDLA developed a four-phase approach built around three on-Country engagement workshops, with collaboration and environmental and cultural values guiding each stage.
The resulting framework proposes a staged timeline for upgrades, including diversified camping at Lucky Bay and improved viewing facilities at Pink Lake. These interventions have been designed to manage visitor pressure and support restoration of the coastal environment through targeted revegetation.
By balancing infrastructure requirements with environmental and cultural values, the Lucky Bay & Pink Lake Tourism Framework establishes a basis for future tourism at both sites. It will inform detailed planning and support funding applications and business case development for tourism infrastructure.
Details:
Client: Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation (YSRC)
Aboriginal Country: Yamatji Country
Location: Yallabatharra, Western Australia
Dates: 2025-26
Lead Consultant: UDLA
Collaborators: Mid West Development Commission (MWDC), Hutt River Cultural Committee, Tourism WA, TRC Tourism, JDSi, Western Environmental
Photos and drawings: UDLA, unless otherwise noted
The Oval is the first stage of DevelopmentWA’s Subi East Redevelopment, transforming the former Subiaco Oval into community-focused public spaces that celebrate local heritage, sport, culture and Country.