Murray Lagoon is located within the Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park, adjacent to Seal Bay Conservation Park and the Cape Gantheaume Wilderness Protection Area.

It is the Island's largest lagoon and the wetland habitat is known for its abundant birdlife.

There are a number of existing walking trails around or overlooking Murray Lagoon. No camping is currently available at the site.

As part of activating nature-based tourism, the Department for Environment and Water commissioned concept designs be developed for the upgrade and development of the Murray Lagoon site to include camping and day trip facilities to enable extended visitor stays.

A large open area exists that rises up to provide views across the lagoon and it is proposed this is developed to provide camp sites of various sizes, suitable for caravans, RVs, camper trailors and tents. In addition, car parking for day trips, access roads to enable easy vehicle movement and new toilet facilities are proposed. A large shelter structure with multiple picnic tables and a BBQ are recommended at the top of the ridge, taking advantage of the views across the lagoon.

Concept plans were shared in March and April 2020 with targeted stakeholders andon the Natural Resources Kangaroo Island website for comment. A number of comments and issues were raised, including:

• The need for interpretive and directional signage
• Flood management of camp sites
• Use of campfire pits
• Number and location of camp sites

The feedback received has been taken into account in the development of final concept plan. The main changes include a reduction in proposed campsites from 15 to 8 and reinstatement of the vehicle carpark/viewing area at the southern end of the site.

• Proposed vehicle access is via a dual access road coupled with smaller one way access roads
• Day parking will be provided along with parallel parking suitable for RV’s and larger vehicles like caravans
• The existing access along the Lagoon Track will be fenced off
• The proposed development will see a total of 8 camp sites of various sizes, suitable for all types of campers including caravans, RV’s, camper trailers and tent users
• Fencing will be included to protect existing vegetation and the lagoon where required
• New toilet facilities will be provided adjacent the day visitor parking, and are proposed in a central location for ease of access by camp users
• A new large shelter structure, with multiple picnic tables and a BBQ is proposed, sited at the top of the ridge, taking in advantage of the views across the lagoon
• A small number of new paths will provide campers links with toilet and shelter facilities.