The best beach camping spots in Western Australia
Julia D’Orazio discovers where solitude is bliss camping along Western Australia’s stunning 13,000km coastline.
When it comes to beach camping, Western Australia can leave you feeling overwhelmed — the good kind, that is. The vast state’s coastline stretches for nearly 13,000km. The options of where to park, experience wildlife, watch an Indian Ocean sunset and retire to the sounds of waves rolling are abundant.
I’ve had my fair share of slumbers along sands — whether blazing red, snow-white or gold — and here I reveal my dream spots around my home state.
Time to embrace a sandy doormat …
Hamelin Bay Holiday Park
Peak hour looks different at Hamelin Bay. Located 36km south of Margaret River, Hamelin Bay Holiday Park features 120 camp sites, ablution blocks and a camp kitchen. The park enjoys easy access to the popular beach famed for its flirting residents who frolic close to shore — stingrays.
The floating black diamonds are often spotted doing laps, travelling up and down mere centimetres from the coastline. The bay is Ngari Capes Marine Park’s premier wildlife viewing spot, with the protected beach great for snorkelling and fishing (just be mindful of the barbs). Besides being on ray-watch, exploring the base of its jagged coastal cliffs also makes Hamelin Bay a unique place to explore.
Beyond the beach, there are many lures around the caravan park. A freshwater lake on its doorstep is a hit for bird-watching enthusiasts, attracting waterbirds such as grey teal, grebes, and the bridled tern, to name a few.
A short drive away is Boranup Karri Forest, home to towering century-old karri trees and scenic drive Caves Road featuring naturally ornate underground caves. A notable mention is the plentiful award-winning wineries and breweries on Hamelin Bay’s doorstep. Spoilt for choice here.
P: 08 9758 5540
E: bookings@hamelinbayholidaypark.com
Pender Bay Escape
Unwind on flaming red shores with a stay at Pender Bay Escape. It is an adventurous offroad drive (some topsy-turvy detours may be included) to the secluded off-grid camping area on Native Title land along the Dampier Peninsula, 178km north of Broome. Almost secreted, there is minimal signage off Broome Cape Leveque Road (and offroad) to direct you to this spectacular clifftop campground, so keep your eyes peeled.
After coastal navigation, unwind at this gorgeously vibrant part of the coast. Inviting cerulean waters fringe the bay’s soaring red cliffs, boulders and verdant bushlands. Between it all, there are naturally carved highlights — rock pools and caves.
There are over 40 unpowered campsites along the cliffs, most accommodating caravans, camper trailers and RVs. Campers are encouraged to be self-sufficient, with the campground featuring only one amenities block with flushing toilets, hot showers and laundry facilities at reception.
Every campsite features a campfire, and I must admit, it is magical to see the bluff alight here and there as the sky slowly transforms from sunset to starry sky. Each campground feels a world away from everything, with surrounding bushlands acting as a natural barrier.
Other than basking in coastal views, stretch the legs below the cliffs. Check out Love Heart Rock (self-explanatory) along the beach. Instagram favourite Rock Pool is a hidden natural infinity pool between bluffs overlooking the beach. Hike to Cliff Lookout to take in panoramic vistas of the striking coastline. A real diamond in the rough.
Please note: Pender Bay Escape only accepts advance bookings, and walk-ins are not accepted.
P: 0429 845 707
E: penderbay@bigpond.com
Three Mile Campground
Gnaraloo Station is a particularly great spot where the desert meets the sea. Located at the tip of the southern Ningaloo Reef 149km north of Carnarvon, Gnaraloo’s Three Mile Camp attracts aqua babies (surfers, snorkellers) and those who dare to be airborne (kites and windsurfers).
The off-grid campground sits on a 90,000ha working merino sheep station. Beyond its landmark entrance, Three Mile Camp features 54 unpowered sites, including ‘primo’ spots just metres from the shore. Facilities include amenities blocks with hot showers.
There’s hardly a dull moment along the coast: Expect plenty of offroad action to access the coastal playground’s best bits: renowned surf breaks including Tombstones, and drift snorkel hotspot Gnaraloo Bay. The bay has plentiful marine life and massive coral bommies flipper strides from shore. Opposite the campground is Three Mile Lagoon, perfect for a spontaneous snorkel session or swims in calm waters. The best time to visit is between April and October, with bookings in advance strongly advised.
P: 08 9948 5000
E: 3milecamp@gnaraloo.com.au
Banksia Camp
One of the southwest’s best-kept secrets is Banksia Camp. The cosy campground in D’Entrecasteaux National Park is 142km west of Albany and features seven campsites and a hut. It is boarded between peppermint woodlands and the Southern Ocean. It’s a short downhill stroll through coastal heathland to arrive at the coast, swathed with smooth giant boulders. Here, you can enjoy simple pleasures: splash in the natural pools or cast a line.
It is strongly advised to be self-sufficient as the campground features basic facilities such as a drop toilet and rainwater tank. Banksia Camp does not take bookings, so it is best to get in early to secure a spot.
Lucky Bay and Le Grand Beach campgrounds
The union of two Australian icons couldn’t be more endearing: kangaroos sunbathing at a blissfully blue beach. And no, it’s not the stuff of fiction.
Cape Le Grand National Park, 48km east of Esperance, is home to the country’s whitest beach — certified by soil scientists — Lucky Bay. As if having white sandy beaches wasn’t enough as a lure, Lucky Bay attracts a roo population that you’ll often spot lounging along the beach.
Campers can make the most of this spectacle, being greeted by million-dollar views daily at Lucky Bay Campground. The popular campground borders the famous bay and features 56 unpowered, compacted crushed rock campsites.
If you missed out on securing a Lucky spot, head 12km west to Le Grand Beach Campground. The park’s other beachside campground features 14 unpowered compacted crushed rock campsites behind sand dunes. Facilities at both sites include flush toilets, showers, a sheltered kitchen area and barbecues.
Winderabandi Campground
Far away from it all is Winderabandi Campground. Fringing Cape Range National Park, the off-grid campground is bit of a mission to get to. Located 100km south of Exmouth, getting there requires a 32km drive along rough corrugated tracks. It takes roughly an hour to reach Winderabandi Point and another hour or so to reach the campground. This includes crossing over Yardie Creek (only at low tide).
But once you have arrived, relish in the solitude in Nyinggulara National Park (ex-Ningaloo). The coastal campground is vast and features 49 unpowered campsites, all differing in size. As the name suggests, it is often windy, so I recommend finding a site with sand dunes for added protection.
As for keeping occupied, the campground neighbours Winderabandi Sanctuary Zone (part of Ningaloo Marine Park), a perfect spot for kayaking and small boat adventures. As for snorkelling, it is best to take a small boat out. Shore-based fishing is permitted along the coast.
There are no facilities at the campground.
Conto Campground
Find your spot of tranquility in the Margaret River region with a stay at Conto Campground. Located in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, 19km south of Margaret River, the massive campground is encircled by peppermint trees and is 4km from Conto Beach.
The ever-popular campground is divided into eight sections and features 116 campsites. Facilities vary throughout the site, with drop toilets in all areas.
Conto Campground is a great, inexpensive base for exploring the best of Margaret River’s coastline. For avid walkers, the campground has access to hiking trails, including the legendary Cape to Cape Track. There are also 4WD tracks nearby, including a rocky ride to the region’s best-kept secret, Kilcarnup Beach. Advance bookings are strongly recommended.
Cosy Corner Campground (East)
Sometimes, the best things in life really are free. Enter Cosy Corner Campground (East), 29km west of Albany. As the campground name implies, it is tight, with 36 campsites spread across two sections.
The protected campground fringes the coast and intersects the Bibbulmun Track, one of Australia’s great walking trails. Hike, swim and repeat.
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