Since its beginnings in 2015 Yarnbala has grown from a bold family vision into one of the most unique conservation-led tourism models in regional Australia and a living example of how environmental stewardship and meaningful economic growth can coexist.
Set on 58 acres of critically endangered grassy she-oak woodland on calcrete at Coffin Bay, Yarnbala is more than a destination – it is a protected sanctuary.
Every decision made on the Yarnbala land is guided by one mission: to safeguard its native flora and fauna so future generations can experience what still remains.
Founded and operated by Kane and Brooke Slater, alongside their children Arj and Tallara, Yarnbala was built the hard way through years of physical work, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to regeneration.
What began as restoration of a fragile ecosystem has evolved into a carefully curated, off-grid experience, which welcomes a limited number of guests each year.
“It’s incredible to see the enjoyment it brings to our guests, sitting around our original campfire, walking through the native woodland and seeing species they may never have encountered before,” Kane said.
“It reconnects people to what truly matters, family, friendship and nature.”
Yarnbala’s model has quietly attracted attention across Eyre Peninsula.
Councils and regional leaders are now exploring how development can occur without compromising ecological integrity and prove that economic growth and thriving natural systems can co-exist, with Yarnbala proof this can be done.
The recent establishment of the Yarnbala Foundation marks a step forward.
Officially recognised as an environmental organisation, the foundation transforms years of dedicated, behind-the-scenes conservation work into structured, scalable impact.
“We are currently in the process of appointing a broad and diverse spectrum of directors, bringing together a wide range of skills, experience and perspectives,” Kane said.
“This leadership will strengthen the foundation’s ability to provide meaningful advocacy, strategic direction and informed input into sustainable growth and environmental protection across the region.”
The foundation’s first major initiative is the construction of predator-proof fencing to protect Yarnbala’s Special Environmental Benefit area from feral cats and foxes.
The land has already been protected from heavy grazing from kangaroos for more than 30 years to allow native grasses, wallaby grass, spear grass and kangaroo grass to regenerate, Kane noted.
“That regeneration has created critical habitat for endangered woodland species including the diamond firetail finch and the southern emu-wren, which rely on dense native grasses for feeding and protection,” he said.
“Removing feral predators will create a true sanctuary, with a tangible, measurable conservation outcome.”
In another pioneering project, Yarnbala is implementing real-time monitoring of western pygmy possums during winter breeding months.
These largely unknown native marsupials will be able to be viewed online from anywhere in the world and as result create awareness, contribute to research data and connect audiences directly to on-ground conservation.
The foundation has also identified additional land of high ecological value similar to Yarnbala that it aims to acquire.
“This land supports species recognised under the EPBC Act, including the western yellow robin, scarlet robin, Rosenberg’s goanna and brown buttonquail as just some examples,” Kane added.
“Securing land under foundation ownership enables one of the highest levels of covenant protection, safeguarding biodiversity beyond traditional heritage agreements.”
Yarnbala also welcomes school groups of all ages from across the region and beyond, and provides hands-on environmental learning extending beyond the classroom.
“Our younger generations are our succession plan,” Kane said.
“When children come to Yarnbala, you see an immediate connection, but more importantly, the change continues long after they leave.
“It must be one of the best classrooms in the world.”
Experiences such as ‘Wild Yarnbala’ also allow guests to forage for bushfoods, learn about the native fauna, try their hand at learning the ancient art of water-divining and come winter, witness the western pygmy possums in their natural habitat.
The ‘Birds of Yarnbala’ experience, delivered by a local expert guide, showcases the region’s diverse birdlife, while the recently launched ‘Stars of Yarnbala’ brings Wirangu woman Susie Betts storytelling to the campfire, with the founder of Waldya Spirits sharing the story about the Seven Sisters and other cultural narratives in a respectful and safe setting.
“We believe the stories that are allowed to be told should be heard,” Kane said.
“They create connections to the country, to history, and to each other.”
The second stage of Yarnbala signals an exciting evolution, with the thoughtfully designed eco-cabins created for a very limited number of overnight guests.
Originally granted development approval in 2016, the two planned off-grid cabins have been carefully intended to sit lightly on the land, with one elevated on a ridge overlooking the ocean and national park while the other will be nestled discreetly within the grassy she-oak woodland.
“Guided by sustainable design principles and powered by natural elements, these cabins will offer an immersive, understated luxury experience deeply connected to the surrounding landscape,” Kane said.
“These intimate eco-stays offer guests a rare opportunity to experience off-grid living within a critically endangered ecosystem.”
Visitors can gain firsthand insight into how the Slater family actively steward the land, from restoring native habitats to growing seasonal produce sustainably.
Each stay can be curated to include Yarnbala’s private experiences and collaborations with local businesses, which create a deeply immersive and distinctly local offering.
In May, the Slater family will represent Yarnbala at the Australian Tourism Exchange in Adelaide where they will expand awareness of this conservation-led model to national and international markets.
“We want to protect what we have left and enhance why we all live where we live,” Kane said.
“We live in one of the most ecologically diverse and safest places on earth. It’s our moral obligation to care for the ecosystems that provide safe spaces – not just for us, but for the species that depend on them for survival.
“Nature doesn’t need us, but we need it.”
Now, Kane observed, was the time to scale the impact – to turn dedication into tangible, measurable change.
