The new visitor centre at Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island is scheduled to be completed by early 2024 after the original building was destroyed in the 2019-20 bushfires that scorched 211,474ha of the island.

The $19.5 million Flinders Chase Visitor Centre will include cafe and retail space and is being built with a range of ecologically sustainable features to lessen the impact on the natural environment.

It is anticipated the centre, which is being built next to the national park’s eastern entrance by award-winning Troppo Architects, will be finished by mid-January.

Once landscaping, internal decorating, signage and final cafe fit out are complete, it is expected the centre will open in time for the Easter 2024 school holidays.

Kangaroo Island’s tourism industry contributes about $187 million each year to the regional economy, and rebuilding key visitor infrastructure is vital for the recovery of the island and its community.

Troppo Architects has a strong focus on sustainability and the new centre will be able to generate and store its own power, including for electric vehicle charging.

Solar design based on the building’s site, climate and materials will minimise energy use to help keep the centre cool in summer and warm in winter.
Walkways and shelters will help collect rainwater and wetlands will help filter waste and stormwater.

The University of Adelaide is partnering with the state government to build research facilities at the centre and has contributed $2 million towards the project.

Conservation groups, research partners and commercial tour operators will be able to use the event space and local produce will be sold from the centre.

The work of local tradespeople, artisans and artists will be included in the architecture and design.

Quotes

Attributable to Susan Close

Kangaroo Island’s comeback from the 2019-20 bushfires continues to gather momentum and this visitor centre is a vital piece of infrastructure that will be a great resource and attraction for locals and tourists.

This building sets a new benchmark for ecological sustainability through its ability to minimise energy use and filter waste and stormwater.

The reopening of this landmark in such a popular worldwide destination is an exciting time for the island and for South Australia.

Attributable to National Park and Wildlife Service Executive Director Mike Williams

This state-of-the-art visitor centre at Flinders Chase is an exciting addition to the island, which is home to some of our most beautiful national parks.

We have strived to provide even better facilities than were available before the devastating fires.

Visitors to the new centre will not only be able to learn more about this amazing destination and all it has to offer but also enjoy some of its finest local produce.