Shipwreck Creek Campground

Modus Australia delivered a custom Yarra 2 off-grid toilet building for Parks Victoria at Shipwreck Creek Campground, replacing fire-damaged timber facilities with a bushfire-resistant design featuring non-combustible materials, long drop system, and integrated water tanks for remote national park conditions.

Principal:: Modus Australia
Client:: Parks Victoria
Product/s:: Yarra 2
Year:: 2025

Shipwreck Creek Campground offers a secluded camping experience among tall eucalypt trees in Croajingolong National Park at Victoria's most eastern tip. A great escape near Mallacoota, this small campground sits a short walk from Shipwreck Beach, named after the wreck of The Schah (1837), one of Victoria's oldest shipwrecks. The remote location, popular with hikers and campers, required essential amenities that could withstand the harsh bushland environment.

Challenges and Project Needs

Parks Victoria faced several critical challenges when replacing two toilet buildings that had been destroyed by fire. The previous facilities were constructed with timber exteriors, unsuitable for a bushfire-prone national park environment. The replacement needed bushfire resistance, using non-combustible materials designed to withstand extreme conditions.

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Being in a remote location with no mains services, the facility required an off-grid solution with self-contained water supply and waste management. The design had to prioritise minimal maintenance, as the isolated location made regular servicing difficult and costly. Additionally, the building needed to ensure accessibility for all visitors whilst maintaining natural ventilation in the bushland setting.

Shipwreck Creek Campground Toilet | Off-Grid Bushfire-Resistant VIC

Our Solution

Modus designed a custom Yarra toilet building specifically engineered for remote, bushfire-prone environments. This prefabricated modular design enabled faster, less disruptive installation in the national park setting.

Bushfire Resistance

The building was constructed entirely from non-combustible materials, including steel frames and aluminium cladding, meeting site-specific BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) ratings. Rather than using vulnerable electronic automation systems, the design incorporated traditional fixtures that are more fire-resistant and reliable in extreme conditions. Wood-look aluminium louvres provided the aesthetic appeal of timber whilst offering complete fire resistance. A clear apron around the building reduces fuel load and ember risk, protecting the facility during bushfire events.

Off-Grid Capability

The facility operates completely independently of mains services. A long drop system with stainless steel pans connects to a 5,000-litre septic tank positioned beside the building, with waste removal by vacuum-equipped truck. A 2,000-litre slimline water tank with structural reinforcement ensures consistent water supply. Solar LED lighting with motion sensors and day/night switches eliminates reliance on grid power. The building includes a dedicated service area for maintenance crews, that simplifies servicing of water and electrical systems.

Minimal Maintenance Design

Understanding the challenges of maintaining remote facilities, the design incorporated several features to reduce ongoing costs. Multiple toilet roll holders in each cubicle extend the time between maintenance visits. Mini-orb internal cladding with its ribbed profile resists impact damage and makes graffiti tagging difficult. Natural ventilation through louvres and gaps under walls eliminates the need for mechanical systems that require regular servicing. The building includes one Universal Access Toilet and one ambulant cubicle, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

An Outstanding Result

The Shipwreck Creek Campground toilet facility provides Parks Victoria with a durable, bushfire-resistant amenity that serves visitors whilst minimising maintenance demands. The shift from combustible timber construction to non-combustible steel and aluminium represents a long-term investment in the campground's future, eliminating the cycle of fire damage and costly replacement. The off-grid design ensures reliable operation in this remote location, supporting the camping experience for visitors exploring one of Victoria's most secluded coastal destinations.

Products: Custom Yarra 2

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