If you’re a camper seeking exotic and diverse camping experiences, Western Australia should top your list. This expansive region, spanning 975,685 square miles, boasts stunning national parks, intriguing salt lakes, and an impressive Indian Ocean coastline.
For beach lovers, setting up camp here promises a unique opportunity to connect with nature in an unforgettable way.
Breathtaking Campsites Along the Coastline
Lucky Bay: Picture-Perfect Scenery
One of the most lauded beach camping spots in Western Australia is Lucky Bay, located within Cape Le Grand National Park.
Known for its powdery white sands and turquoise waters, this bay attracts campers who wish to wake up to panoramic ocean views. It’s not just humans who love this beach—kangaroos are often seen lounging on the sand, making for a unique wildlife encounter. Facilities here include toilets and showers, ensuring comfort amidst the wilderness.
Accessing Lucky Bay is straightforward for those driving from Esperance. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking a camper van, this spot offers ample space and an array of activities such as fishing, swimming, and even whale watching during migration season.
Transform your camping trip into an extraordinary adventure by exploring nearby Frenchman Peak, which offers breathtaking views of the park.
As this beach is located inside a national park, night camping is not allowed, and you will need to stay at the Lucky Bay campground, which is located near the entrance of the beach. Online booking is mandatory, and bookings are open 6 months in advance.
If you are looking to sleep on the beach in this area, you will need to drive a bit further East and settle for Rock Camping or Alexander Bay beach campsites. The road to access the beach can be quite corrugated and 4WD is advised!
Coral Bay: Underwater Paradise
Try Coral Bay if underwater activities pique your interest. This small seaside town is the gateway to Ningaloo Reef, one of the longest fringing coral reefs in the world.
Snorkelers and divers flock here to witness vibrant marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks. The beachside campsites provide a base for daily underwater escapades, while simple amenities like showers and communal kitchens cater to essential needs.
Beyond its aquatic allure, Coral Bay offers other attractions like the scenic Maud’s Landing and guided quad bike tours through rugged terrain. These added excursions ensure your stay remains dynamic and full of discovery.
With easy road access from Exmouth, it’s no wonder Coral Bay remains a must-visit destination for many campers.
The Unparalleled Beauty of Broome
Cable Beach: Sunset Spectacles
Cable Beach in Broome is famed for its long stretches of golden sand and dramatic sunsets. Campers often opt to stay at designated sites that permit walking straight onto this idyllic beach.
Whether you’re hoping to fish in crystalline waters or simply relax, Cable Beach has it all. This location places you at the doorstep of natural wonders while keeping modern conveniences within reach.
Noteworthy activities include camel rides along the shore and visiting nearby Gantheaume Point, where ancient dinosaur footprints can be observed. If you’d rather immerse yourself in local culture, Sun Pictures—the world’s oldest operating outdoor cinema—is a short drive away.
Such a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness cements Cable Beach as a prime camping choice.
Broome Bird Observatory: A Birdwatcher’s Haven
Another gem near Broome is the Broome Bird Observatory at Crab Creek Road.
Only a 40-minute drive from town, this sanctuary appeals to bird enthusiasts with its variety of avian species. The observatory provides budget-friendly accommodations, making it accessible for everyone eager to delve into flora and fauna.
Alongside birdwatching, activities such as guided safaris and educational talks enhance the experience. Don’t miss the beautiful Roebuck Bay, where tidal flats reveal a unique ecosystem. It’s worth noting this campsite provides basic amenities, but the remoteness adds to its charm, offering an unspoiled escape from urban life.
Hidden Jewels in Lesser-Known Areas
Hamelin Bay: Relic of Bygone Days
For a magical beach camping experience, venture to Hamelin Bay in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
Famous for its friendly stingrays that glide close to shore, Hamelin Bay delivers an interactive wildlife encounter. Its serene environment attracts those wishing to camp amid historical remnants of an old timber jetty—a relic recalling the bay’s past commercial whaling hub.
Camping facilities here cover basic necessities, but visitors appreciate the back-to-nature vibe. Enjoy snorkeling or rent a paddleboard to explore the clear waters. Additionally, the proximity to both Augusta and Margaret River presents opportunities for wine tasting and culinary explorations, enriching your camping sojourn.
Sandy Cape Recreation Park: Off-the-Beaten-Path Bliss
Sandy Cape Recreation Park is ideal for adventurers seeking less touristy spots.
Located near Jurien Bay, about two hours north of Perth, this coastal haven provides dune landscapes perfect for sandboarding. With beachfront camping spaces, Sandy Cape caters to rustic and self-contained setups alike.
This secluded area encourages leisurely strolls along unblemished beaches or investigating rocky headlands teeming with tidal pools. The park’s undeveloped essence means fewer crowds, presenting an untouched wilderness ripe for exploration.
Although the amenities are minimal, Sandy Cape’s raw beauty justifies the simplistic lifestyle it necessitates.
Booking is now mandatory as this spot is becoming quite busy. It is also almost always windy there!
Cheap and Cheerful Options
Bettys Beach: Nature’s Retreat
Bettys Beach, nestled east of Albany, lends itself superbly to budget-conscious campers. This hidden gem features free campsites set against a picturesque backdrop of dramatic cliffs and crashing waves. While lacking some luxuries, the sheer splendor makes it worthwhile.
A favorite among anglers, Bettys Beach offers abundant fishing opportunities.
The nearby Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve (one of our favorite spot on the south coast) is teeming with wildlife, ideal for hikers and nature photographers. Despite its remote location, a bumpy drive rewards you with a peaceful and pristine environment, perfect for disconnecting from daily stresses.
Manning Gorge: Beyond the Coast
Although more inland, no list would be complete without mentioning Manning Gorge in the Kimberley region. This campsite combines scenic riverbanks with escarpments for an immersive Outback experience. Adventurous spirits favor it for hiking trails leading to the awe-inspiring Manning Falls.
Facilities here remain basic, but the fresh waterholes and rock art engravings transport you to another epoch. Manning Gorge aligns well for those craving an authentic bush experience blended with cultural heritage. By embracing simplicity, this site allows nature’s majestic solitude to shine through.
- Lucky Bay
- Coral Bay
- Cable Beach
- Broome Bird Observatory
- Hamelin Bay
- Sandy Cape Recreation Park
- Bettys Beach
- Manning Gorge
From iconic landmarks to obscure treasures, Western Australia beckons with a myriad of beachside camping locales. Pack your gear and embark on a journey to these extraordinary destinations, where each sunrise marks a new story waiting to unfold.
Sources
- https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/paid-content-7-camping-sites-western-australia
- https://www.escape.com.au/top-lists/the-best-free-and-cheap-camp-grounds-in-wa/image-gallery/210ef7930d7346a22a8bcf981fbece80
- https://concreteplayground.com/melbourne/travel-leisure/the-ten-best-beach-camping-spots-in-australia
- https://www.australiantraveller.com/wa/north-west-wa/kimberley/broome/broome-camping/
