Doesn’t the name Camp Bay sound inviting? It is a sheltered bay that offers many activities. You can enjoy fishing and boating here. Walking and mountain biking are also popular. Camp Bay has a rich history. It once served as a quarantine station.
Imagine weary travelers arriving here long ago. They had survived a long sea voyage. Some were sick. The lack of a proper jetty made their arrival even harder. In 1863, Camp Bay was chosen as a quarantine area. The authorities wanted to isolate people with infectious diseases.
The first arrivals faced harsh conditions. The quarantine buildings were not ready. Weary travelers camped in tents on the exposed headland. This area also served as a cemetery. Maria Rye criticized the government. She felt they prioritized roads over immigrant welfare.
In October 1863, the ship Lancashire Witch arrived. Many passengers had died en route. The Camp Bay facilities were deemed unfit to receive them. The passengers had to stay on board. Provisions were lacking and the authorities seemed indifferent.
Thomas Woods complained about the situation. He said immigrants roamed freely. They stole supplies from residents. The situation was dire. In September 1864, Camp Bay officially became a Quarantine Station and Lazaret. Permanent buildings were constructed. Captain James Daymond and his wife Mary were put in charge.
A gale in July 1865 destroyed the barracks. The infirmary was also damaged. The buildings may have been built without an architect to save money. Despite the damage, the station continued to operate. It served as a quarantine station until 1873. Then, Ripapa Island became the new quarantine site. Passengers who died in quarantine were buried at Camp Bay. Sixty or more immigrants were buried on the headland.
Today, Camp Bay offers a more welcoming experience. A lodge with a bar and restaurant is nearby. There is also a small shop. Mountain biking is allowed on the Queen Charlotte Track during certain months. Fires are not permitted to preserve the area.
Camp Bay Campsite provides camping for those using the Queen Charlotte Track. The campground is small. It can accommodate 20 tent sites. As a volunteer camp host, you would encourage visitors to pay their fees. You would clean the facilities. Also, you would share information about the area.
A DOC Campsite Pass is preferred for payment. Otherwise, you can pay with cash. Put the fee in an envelope and place the receipt on your tent. The cost is $10 per night for adults. It is $5 per night for children. Infants stay for free.
Camp Bay has transformed over time. It evolved from a place of hardship to a place of recreation. Its past as a quarantine station is a reminder of its history. Today Camp Bay offers a beautiful bay to explore.