Kimberley Dreamtime Eco Retreat
Nyikina Mangala Country, Kimberley, Western Australia
About the project
This project resumes work that Jarlmadangah Burru Aboriginal Corporation (JBAC) started several years ago, to build an eco retreat at the base of the escarpment a few kilometres from the community. The original project was disrupted by the Covid pandemic.
During development, the project will maximise opportunities for community members to work, particularly since the buildings will incorporate bricks made by community members using local earth. Once complete, Kimberley Dreamtime Eco Retreat will provide spectacular glamping accommodation for tourists – and for Nyikina Mangala people it will create jobs in tourism, hospitality and catering.
Ultimately, the purpose of the project is to support Nyikina and Mangala people to live well on Country, strengthen culture, and build a thriving, self-determined community.
Our role
JBAC engaged METIO to assess work done to date, scope and plan the project, and help secure funding to complete it. The redevelopment work involves the following activities:
renew the existing platforms and install new tents, furniture etc
connect water, power and sewerage – including an ensuite with toilet and shower for each of the six platforms
build support facilities – a social gathering space, camp kitchen and ablution block
landscaping and signage.
Project team
This project is driven by Jarlmadangah Burru Aboriginal Corporation and fueled by community members.
Troppo Architects are designing the support facilities
Emama Nguda Aboriginal Corporation is supporting the earth brick-making
Design
Location
Compressed earth blocks
In discussions of JBAC’s vision for the eco retreat, community members requested that the retreat have no negative impact on the landscape and that the buildings ‘blend in’ with Country. Given Metio’s experience in compressed stabilised earth blocks, and the community’s desire for local work and industry, JBAC leadership expressed strong interest in the prospect of using earth bricks in the project. In November 2025 we spent a weekend demonstrating the process and making compressed earth bricks.
Project impact
The project is already providing Nyikina Mangala people with opportunities to learn and work. Once operational, the impact of Kimberley Dreamtime Eco Retreat will amplify. It will:
boost the local economy of Jarlmadangah Burru and surrounding communities
generate jobs and revenue – not only from the tourist accommodation but from catering, cultural tourism and additional business at the community store
share, celebrate and strengthen Nyikina Mangala culture
improve livability of Jarlmadangah Burru.