With an incredible 12,900 kilometres of coastline, Western Australia is the world’s beach camping capital.
Where to camp in WA is a very open-ended question. From the South Coast at the edge of the Southern Ocean, to the Cape and Geograph Bay, the Indian Ocean coast to the north-west, as far as the Timor Sea – for incredible beach camping – Western Australians are spoilt for choice.
From camp spots near surf breaks, to stunning inlets and bays – perfect for snorkeling and swimming, kayaking, standup paddle boarding, beach fishing and boating – these are some of the most magical spots to pitch a tent in WA.
Where to camp by the ocean in WA
Belvidere Campground
This campground is nestled among the forest, near the edge of Leschenault estuary, just out of Australind.
The camping area is suitable for caravans and has wood barbecues. There are 11 camping sites each with a table and barbecue each. Campfires are usually permitted, in the provided fire rings. Campsites start from $7.50 adult per night. There are no pets allowed in the campground, running water is also not on site so remember to bring plenty of drinking water.
Location: Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park.
Website: parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au
Yallingup
Yallingup is home to one of Australia’s most picturesque surf breaks and renowned for its consistent quality waves.
The town is one of Western Australia’s most beloved and popular destinations in the Margaret River Region. Explore the reef just off the beach, a great spot for snorkelling, especially during calmer hours of the day.
The Yallingup Holiday Park is located right on Yallingup Beach, the site is busy most months of the year. The area is one of the most ‘Instagrammed’ in WA, with the Three Bears, Yallingup, Smiths and Injidup beaches all stunning. The unusual rock formations (like at Wyadup Rocks) and the limestone caves are popular places to explore.
Tent sites start from $32 per night at Yallingup Holiday Park, with price can change in school holidays and Summer months.
Location: 186 Yallingup Beach Road, Yallingup
Website: yallingupbeach.com.au
Hamelin Bay
Hamelin Bay Holiday Park is one of Western Australia’s most beautiful and memorable locations for beach camping. The holiday park is a short stroll to the incredible Hamelin Bay in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
Hamelin Bay is famous for its stingray experience. Throughout the day, dozens of massive stingrays often come close to shore, attracted by fish scraps and bait often left in the water by those fishing. The rays often come in groups, sometimes up to ten at a time.
There are 120 campsites on offer, with 95 sits with access to power.
Location: Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, Hamelin Bay Rd, Hamelin Bay WA 6288
Website: hamelinbayholidaypark.com.au
Conto Campground
Just outside of Margaret River is a newly upgraded campsite, Conto. The campsites are not far from the stunning Conto Springs Beach, a great place to swim, body board, surf or just unwind on your own stretch of sand.
The well sheltered campground is nestled around shady peppermint tree woodlands. There are 116 sites to book, with camp kitchens, undercover areas, picnic tables and more facilities. Book online before you arrive, sites from $10 per person, per night.
Location: Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, Conto Rd, Boranup WA
Website: parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au
Prevelly
The tranquil village of Prevelly is the perfect spot for a surf camping adventure. The beautiful location – about 15-minutes drive from Margaret River – offers outstanding surfing conditions nearly every day of the year.
There are 80 or so camping spots not far from the beach at Prevelly Caravan Park, with most of those with power.
Location: 9km West of Margaret River
Website: prevellycaravanpark.com.au
Peaceful Bay
Peaceful Bay is about half way between Walpole and Denmark, as the name suggests, one of the most calming places to camp in the world.
The Peaceful Bay caravan park offers visitors car camping opportunities. Right next to Walpole-Nornalup National Park, the site offers access to amazing beaches, 4WD tracks, bushwalking and much more. The Gap, Rame Head, The Tree Top Walk and Cape Range walk will keep you busy.
The area is perfect for beach fishing, expect to reel in a few whiting, biting just off the shore or perhaps salmon during the annual run between March and April.
There’s a small caravan park store, with stocks of essential items and a cafe/shop where you can munch down on fresh fish and chips.
Location: East Ave, Peaceful Bay WA 6333
Booking Information and Website: peacefulbaywa.com.au
Parry Beach
Parry Beach is located at the far western end of William Bay National Park, a popular surfing location, it stretches about five kilometres, merging with Mazzoletti Beach – taking visitors to Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks. The campsite is managed by a team of dedicated volunteers with the permission of the local Denmark Shire.
The Bibbulmun Track winds through the campsite, along the beach to Tower Hill and beyond to Lights Beach. Parry Beach borders Mazzoletti Beach which is accessible across the mouth of the Parry Inlet.
The beach is fully accessible via the Parry Beach Road which winds along the Parry Inlet off the South Coast Highway west of Denmark.
Facilities including camp kitchen, solar-powered hot showers, a boat launching area and public toilets. There are public picnic tables around the campsite and firewood is sometimes on offer from the caretakers. Dogs are allowed, with owners asked to keep their pets on a leash.
Location: Parry Rd, Denmark
Booking Info/ Website: rainbowcoast.com.au
West Cape Howe National Park, Albany
Shelley Beach – 30km west of Albany in West Cape Howe – is part of a series of beautiful beaches along the waters of Torbay. The turquoise waters, stunning surrounds and clear ocean make this beach a popular yet remote feeling destination on WA’s south-coast.
The beach and lookout are located just south of Cosy Corner along Coombes and Shelley Beach Roads, Shelley Beach has a large car park set just behind the beach.
Above, the Shelley Beach Lookout is worth a visit for it’s views across Torbay and Torbay Head to the south, and of Torndirrup Peninsula, the Albany Wind Farm and The Gap across the water to the west.
Location: Shelley Beach Rd, West Cape Howe
Booking and Website: rainbowcoast.com.au
Waychinicup National Park Campground
Waychinicup National Park extends from Normans Beach to Cheynes Beach, located 40-minutes drive east of Albany. The coastline features unusual granite rock formations, beautiful, clear waters and views both inland and out across the Indian Ocean.
There are a few small campgrounds in Waychinicup from $7.50 per-night, space is limited. Facilities include gas barbecues and toilets. These camping areas are popular with families and perfect places to base yourself for bushwalking and canoeing adventures. There are no pets allowed and there is no running water here, so you’ll need to bring enough fresh water in.
Boats can be launched from the beach at Two Peoples Bay to the west and at Cheyne Beach on the east side of Waychinicup National Park. Popular swimming locations in the area include Little Beach at Two Peoples Bay and the Waychinicup River inlet, of course, be aware of dangerous conditions whenever you take to the water.
Location: 120 Albany Highway, Albany for information.
Booking and Website: parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/waychinicup
Four Mile Campground
Camping not far from Four Mile Beach in the Fitzgerald River National Park, just a short drive from Hopetoun on the south coast of Western Australia.
Camping not far from Four Mile Beach in the Fitzgerald River National Park, just a short drive from Hopetoun on the south coast of Western Australia between Albany and Esperance.
A perfect place to use as a base for extraordinary bush walks with stunning Ocean view rewards. The area is also ideal for spotting southern right whales – often seen sheltering in the bay with their young calves during winter months.
The small campground is set up with picnic tables and a gas barbecue facility. There are 15 campsites allocated and the site is somewhat protected from the weather.
This is a convenient place to camp when visiting East Mount Barren, Barrens Beach, Mylies Beach and West Beach, according to Parks and Wildlife WA.
Four Mile Campground costs $10 per adult, per night. No pets are allowed and there is no running fresh water, so be prepared.
There is another campground, St Mary Inlet in the Fitzgerald National Park, also not far from the beach. The cost and facilities area more limited compared to Four Mile Campground.
Location: Hamersley Drive, Hopetoun WA
Booking Information and Website: parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/four-mile-campground
Cape Le Grand National Park & Lucky Bay
Cape Le Grand National Park is often cited by International travel media as having some of the most stunning beaches anywhere in the world.
Cape Le Grand is something else, rugged coastal peaks and clean, fine white sand beaches.. You’ll often see local kangaroos chilling out on the beach, it doesn’t get more Australiana than that.
You’ll find camping at Cape Le Grand Campground or Lucky Bay Campground.
These are both equipped with camp kitchens, gas bbq, picnic facilities, toilets and running water. These sites operate on a first come first served basis, so it’s best to come early. Fees apply.
Location: 50 km SE of Esperance
Website: parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/cape-le-grand
Sandy Cape
Sandy Cape Campground is located near Jurien Bay about 2.5 hours drive north of Perth. There are some 50-campsites starting from $15-per-night, including toilet blocks and camp kitchen facilities.
Conditions for swimming and snorkelling are often excellent, weather depending, with a cove offering protection and steep sand dunes surrounding. You’re almost always guaranteed an incredible Western Australian sunset in the evening.
The beach campground is popular, especially during weekends. You can’t book the sites, instead you’ll need to check-in on site.
Location: At the end of Sandy Cape Road (off Indian Ocean Drive)
Website: dandaragan.wa.gov.au
Francois Peron National Park & Monkey Mia
The World Heritage Site in the Gascoyne is home to several incredible, isolated camping spots. Francois Peron National Park hosts camping in a number of areas, all accessible by 4WD.
Campsites to choose from include Big Lagoon, Gregories, South Gregories, Bottle Bay, Herald Bight, Whalebone Bay Campground, Fowlers Camp Campground, Eagle Bluff and Goulet Bluff. Permits start from $15 per day.
Location: Gascoyne region, Western Australia – Shark Bay Road, off Great Northern Highway
Website: sharkbay.org.au
Monkey Mia
On the edge of the the Francois Peron National Park, is one of Western Australia’s most famous holiday destinations, Monkey Mia.
The Monkey Mia Experience is managed by WA Parks & Wildlife, where you can stand in knee deep water and see wild bottle nose dolphins, who visit every morning. Park Rangers will offer a limited number of fresh fish for hand feeding by a lucky few people.
A favourite spot for families and those not just looking to see the famous dolphins, Denham and Monkey Mia offers campers incredible beaches, red sand dune walk paths and stunning views.
Tent camping is available at Denham Seaside Tourist Village, Blue Dolphin Caravan Park and Shark Bay Caravan Park in Denham. These sites all offer powered campsites and great facilities, like camp kitchens and gas barbeques. Check the respective websites for rates and other details.
The RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort is 30-minutes drive from Denham, where campsites starting from $45 per night. Prices climbing during peak-periods.
Location(s): 1 Monkey Mia Rd | Shark Bay, Monkey Mia, Western Australia
Website: experiencesharkbay.com & sharkbay.org
Coral Bay
The small town of Coral Bay signals the start of the great Ningaloo Reef region, with beautiful coral reef just meters off shore.
The settlement includes a few houses and restaurants. Where the reef meets the beach, just 50 – 100 meters out, perfect for snorkelling, discovering a myriad of fish and other sea life.
Campsites are offered at the Bayview Coral Bay, with powered sites starting from $48-per night or unpowered from $43-per-night.
Location: Bayview Coral Bay, Robinson Street, Coral Bay
Website: coralbaywa.com.au
Warroora Station
Warroora Station is at the epicentre of incredible beach camping in Western Australia’s 260 kilometre World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef Marine Park.
Warroora Station is home to 11 beachside camping spots, mostly only accessible by 4WD. You’ll need to be completely self-sufficient if you’re visiting these sites. Only 14 Mile is accessible by 2WD, all the other camping locations are 4WD only.
14 Mile
The protected waters of Ningaloo Reef only meters from the campsite, offering stunning views of the reef and easy access to the sea. 14 Mile is a “must visit” for anyone wanting to experience the raw natural beauty of the Ningaloo Coastline.
Sandy Point
Limited campsites in a very secluded location.
The Lagoon
Warroora’s Lagoon wilderness camp is 2 minute walk from the beach. The Lagoon has a salt water inlet, flowing to the ocean. You can access secluded bays and rock pools in the immediate area.
Black Moon Cliff
If you seek “a place all to yourself” Black Moon Cliff is your spot.
Here you’ll discover breathtaking panorama of the whole Ningaloo coastline. A steep “goat track” down the cliff face offers access to the beach below.
Elle’s Beach
Elle’s Beach is pure magic (4WD’s needed) with its close proximity to the most amazing coral gardens of the World Heritage Ningaloo Reef itself for those looking for a snorkeling experience without peer around the globe.
Campsites are 2 minutes walk from the pristine bays of this stretch of coastline and offer a panorama that will be forever etched on your mind.
Steven’s Surf Break
Steven’s Surf Beach is a heaven for surfers. One of 3 at Warroora station. The camping area is back behind the primary dune which offers some protection from the prevailing winds. A 5-minutes walk to the water.
Sasha Bell’s Spot, Veronicas Vista & Nolans Nook
Isolated Wilderness Camping areas – these are single camps only, with one small space allocated for a small group.
Location: 24km north of the Minilya Exmouth Rd / North West Coastal Highway turnoff.
Website: warroora.com
Ningaloo Station
The famous 50,000 hectare Ningaloo Station offers multiple campsites on the beach, pristine untouched coastline, rugged ranges, wild flowers, native fauna, fishing, and whale watching. Camp on the beach, snorkel on a reef and enjoy one of the world’s great wonders.
Each camping area is behind a locked gate (key collected from the homestead) to ensure sites are not overcrowded.
To protect the fragile ecosystems of the area there are a variety of rules and restrictions to follow relating to campfires, rubbish, pets and cleaning, all listed on the Popular camps are found at Winderabandi Point, North Lefroy Bay, Point Billie, South Lefroy Bay and Jane’s Bay.
Location: Great Northern Highway, to Minilya-Exmouth road for approximately 120kms; to Ningaloo Road, approximately 40 km north of the Coral Bayturn-offf and follow the signs.
Location: Great Northern Highway, to Minilya-Exmouth road for approximately 120kms; to Ningaloo Road, approximately 40 km north of the Coral Bayturn-offf and follow the signs.
Website: ningaloostation.com.au
Cape Range National Park
Adjacent to the Ningaloo Marine Park, Cape Range National Park is famous for spectacular rocky gorges carved by ancient rivers. Right on the top end of the Exmouth peninsula, the national park is home to some of the most awesome sights in Australia.
Some of the world’s best beaches are found here, including Turquoise Bay – often ranking in the top 10 or 20 beaches in travel media.
Pay camping fees on arrival. Keep in mind, November to March is cyclone season so check alerts for notification of parks closures.
Some of the best places to beach camp in Cape Range National Park:
Osprey Bay
44 camp sites situated above a rock-shelf shoreline with access to a small sandy beach for all visitors.
Yardie Creek Campground
In Cape Range National Park, and right on the beach (no facilities other than drop toilets).
No fires are permitted (including solid fuel stoves). Gas stoves are permitted unless total fire bans apply.
Tulki Beach – Cape Range National Park
11 campsites about 200 meters from the beach.
Location: Yardie Creek Road, Cape Range National Park
Website: parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/cape-range
Cape Leveque
The northern most tip of the Dampier Penninsula in Cape Leveque – in a place that feels unchanged for a million years. 240km north of Broome, traditional owners of the land operate one of the world’s most unique eco resorts, in one of planet Earth’s greatest places.
The two surrounding indigenous communities of Djarindjin and Ardyaloon (One Arm Point) jointly own and operate Kooljaman, a cultural and ecological experience like no other.
Camp by the beach or experience the beach camping shelters right in front of the water.
Location: Kooljaman, Cape Leveque
Website: kooljaman.com.au
We recognise and acknowledge Aboriginal people as traditional custodians of the land in this article.
Please note, these campsites are administered by local, State and private organisations and are paid sites. Please consult the relevant websites for official details.
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