Beach Camping in Western Australia | A Complete Guide

Western Australia is the largest state and has Perth as the capital where most of the magnificent beaches are located. Hence, if you’re after for a weekend beach camping with your family and friends, Western Australia will give you the best spots. The exciting adventures, stunning landscapes, beautiful dunes and the most beautiful beach camping spots will undoubtedly take your breath away! So, what makes Western Australia stand-out for a beach camping?

Western Australia has the longest coastlines in the country. If you’re looking for your next destination, there will always be someplace to explore in the state. WA covered almost one-third of the continent, so beaches are only one of the many options you can explore in the state. The colourful culture, tall trees, ancient landscapes, and free wildlife are some things you must not miss.

Do you want to explore Western Australia in your next adventure? Read on and find out more!

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What Should I Know About Western Australia?

Western Australia is Australia’s largest state with a total land area of 2.5 million square kilometres. The establishment of how Australia was before is fascinating. The Aboriginal Australians have lived and protected the country for thousands of years. Also, British immigrants sailed to Western Australia by a sailing ship, steamship, naval vessel and ocean liner up to how they made Australia their home until today.

Perth is the capital and the largest city in the state. This secluded city is occupied by 79% of the whole population in WA, and one of the main reasons is its climate. Beyond being the largest state in the entire continent, Western Australia is habitat to native flora and fauna. The distinctive features of Australia make it a better environment for placental mammals and other kinds of animals.

Today, Western Australia is one of the most visited and having Perth one of the liveable cities in the entire world. The state’s gorgeous landscapes and habitable environment make it easier for animals to live in peace. So, remember that no matter how you’re mesmerised by the ocean, fine white sands, or anything you see in the wild, you must protect life at all cost.

What Are the Best Beach Camps of Western Australia?

In more than 12,000 kilometres of coastlines, it’s undeniable how Western Australia has the best beaches, not just in Australia but also in the whole world. Here are the best spots for a beach camping:

Cleaverville Camping Area in Karratha, WA

If you want a unique beach camp and located in a secluded area, this is the site or you. There are no facilities such as potable water, power or cooking facilities and toilets that can accommodate visitors, but it is a pet-friendly camp. It can easily be accessed by 2WD, but the terrain is sometimes gravelled, so it is better to bring your 4WD instead.

The Karratha is known for the natural landscape of the area is best for outback camping and has excellent fishing spots and numerous sites where you can pitch your tent. Everything is perfect in this place for camping in the wilderness, and the sunset is one of a kind. The sites must have 3-metres clearance in between, so you wouldn’t have to be worried about privacy.

Cape Range National Park in Exmouth

This national park is an icon in Western Australia with a great spot to bring your trailer and pitch your annex near the beach with an excellent view of pristine and beautiful coastlines. If you want to experience tranquillity and abundant wildlife near the area plus try various activities such as snorkelling and swimming, this is for you.

Walking trails are also accessible in the area with an overlooking cliff that you can enjoy, fauna that you can frequently encounter, and Mangrove Bay Bird Hide that’s a great place to see shorebirds and mangrove fantails.

There are facilities like a toilet, boat ramp, deck/lookout, entry station, and visitor centre. Other park activities are also available such as diving, kayaking/canoeing, surfing and excellent fishing spots. Cape Range National Park is an all-in-one park that everyone can enjoy, so if you’re looking for a great place to stay on the west side of Exmouth, the park is suitable for you.

Sandy Cape Recreation Park in Jurien Bay

If you want to set up a fantastic camp with your tent, make sure to bring your high-quality pegs while camping in Sandy Cape. Just a few kilometres from Jurien bay, you will find this magnificent beach which makes a perfect spot to build your tent. The rocky surface of the site will make it harder for a regular 2WD to make it through, but 4WD can make your drive more comfortable.

If you’re planning to camp in the sandy cape, there are facilities such as long drop self-composting toilets, public barbecue area and picnic tables that you can use but no potable water or power generators. You can also bring your pet but must be supervised at all times to avoid unnecessary disturbances to your neighbouring camp. If you love lookouts, sunsets are best to enjoy here and make the most of your time in the dunes.

Lucky Bay

This area is located at 30-kilometres south of Kalbarri and a five-hour drive from Perth. It is a beautiful spot on the coast that you can enter through Wagoe Station for free, and accessibility does involve taking your 4WD. The shoreline is protected by the reef that stretches up to the bay, which makes it a fantastic location to try snorkelling, scuba diving, and swimming.

The best thing about this place aside from the fact that it’s free, you can choose anywhere you want to camp, but the dunes are an exemption. You can build your fire and try a lot of thrilling activities such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. The lucky bay is a well-protected area due to its diverse ecosystem, so if you’re planning to camp here, make sure to always take your rubbish with you.

Betty’s Beach in Albany, Western Australia

This beach is exceptionally secluded, so if you want to camp with tranquillity, this is the beach for you. Betty’s beach is an excellent place to try fishing since there are good spots anywhere near the shore, and grill right after. This place is pet-friendly, but the owner must always look after and ensure the safety of the pet.

Betty’s Beach is an ideal place for caravans and camper trailers, but a 4X4 vehicle will serve you better and enables you to explore more secluded areas. Showers are the only facility that can be used on the beach, and there are no toilets. If you’re planning on camping here, bear in mind that the beach is closed from mid-February to late April for salmon spawning season.

Hamelin Bay Caravan Park

It is an excellent family-friendly beach camp near Margaret River. This place is perfect for the adventurous ones, and you can go swimming, snorkelling, diving on the wrecks, and visit caves offshore. The unpowered sites will let you experience camping in the wild and appreciate the things in nature.

The seclusion of the place from the hustle of the city will calm and make you relax as you should be.

If you’re not confident enough to camp inside your vehicle, there are accommodations that you can consider. Each of the cabins has the best view of the beach and facilities like comfortable beds, oven, hotplates, fridge, microwave, air-conditioner and more. There is a range of suites from the cheapest to the most expensive, so you can choose a room that will not break your budget.

Seabird Caravan Park

This caravan park is good quality, yet affordable holiday home located right alongside the beach. The beautiful grassed area is the best spot to park your caravan and set up your tent. The beautiful sunset in the Seabird will be your perfect view while gathering with your family and enjoying dinner.

Having easy access to the beach is your significant advantage because you wouldn’t have to take a short hike to get to it.

A lush field is a commonplace where you can hang out with your family and friends. There is also a pool where you can chill and swim. So, if you’re looking for something interesting to go near Perth, this is the place for you.

Heron Point Campground – Waterside Camping Near Mandurah

If you want to somewhere that is only an hour from Perth; this campground is perfect. The 25 different campsites are limited, so you can assure that you can get privacy while camping here. There are flushing toilets available in the area, picnic tables but potable water is not available.

Canoeing and kayaking are accessible if you want the extra thrill and this place is easy to access for a caravan, especially during good weather.

Fishing spots are in the area where water is shallow and calm. This place is famous for the locales mostly because of Blue Swimmer Crab. Herron point will give you a relaxing getaway trip that is not too far from Perth with a beautiful scenic view all day.

Tim’s Thicket

This campground is popular, especially among 4WD enthusiasts. It is a small secluded beach that has the perfect beach for 4WDing and an excellent spot for camping behind the dunes. The shore stretches 2.3-kilometre, so the track reaches the centre of the beach and usually surges due to high waves.

The best combination of the thrilling adventures of 4WD and beach camping is all in this place.

However, due to strong currents, you cannot swim on the beach of Tim’s because it also is an unsupervised beach, so no lifeguards are roaming around. But there are few fishing spots on the beach that you can enjoy catching and grilling.

Preston Beach

Preston Beach is a beautiful place situated further south of Tim’s Thicket. If you’re going to Tim’s, might as well visit the incredible site of Preston and enjoy with your family and friends. This popular and stunning beach feature of Preston is what makes it so popular aside from being a centre of 4WDing. The resort is filled with magnificent beach houses and cabins that will accommodate and help you with your stay.

Wandering the fine white sand of Preston is one of the most fantastic things to do. For nature lovers, the natural wonders of Preston and the vibrant wildlife will stun you. For the adventurers, there are also walking trails that you can try, so you can have your morning walks while watching the beautiful view.

Where Can I Take A Bushwalk in Western Australia?

If you’re visiting Australia and ignoring the trails you could enjoy walking, you’re doing it wrong. Australia has the best walks ranging from easiest to the most difficult ones, so there is certainly a walk that’s perfect for you. For starters, these are some of the best trails that you can try:

Easy Walk

Ancient Empire Walk, Valley of the Giants is a 450-metre loop style bushwalk located at the South West side of Western Australia. Massive trees are visible while taking your walk and you can walk inside the hollow that you surely won’t miss.

Annie Creek Trail, Mornington Wilderness Camp, Kimberley is a 2.4-kilometre bushwalk located at the North West side of Western Australia. This trail is accessible from its campground, and a fantastic view of the birdlife waits for you here.
Baigup Wetland, Bayswater/Maylands is a 1-kilometre bush, cycle and urban walk situated at Perth. In this place, you can experience the Aboriginal and cultural heritage of WA that your family would love.
Baldivis Children’s Forest Trail: is an easy 2-kilometre bushwalk located at Perth. If you’re travelling with your children, this is the perfect place to visit because its bushland is reserved primarily for children.

Moderate Hike

Adcock Gorge, Gibb River Road, Kimberley is a 6-kilometre moderate walk located in the North West region of Western Australia. If you’re the person who loves outback camping and walking, this is the place for you. The quiet environment of the site will satisfy your peace, and you can also take a dip at the deep pool.
Albany Wind Farm to Muttonbird Island: is a 13.5-kilometre bushwalk type of trail located in the South West region of Western Australia. By this trail, you can experience a beautiful view of the coast while hiking and an impressive carpet of wildflower.

Baie des Deux Peuples Heritage Trail: is a 5-kilometre bushwalk situated in the South West region of Western Australia that also has a stunning coastal view while hiking.

Hard Hike

Coastal Plain Walk Trail, Yanchep NP to Melaleuca CP: is a 52-kilometre difficult bush walk trail located in Perth region. If you want to experience a satisfying view of wildflowers, this is for you. This trail usually takes three days to complete, but there are various campsites along the way.

Coastal Trail, Cape Le Grand NP: is a 17-kilometre bushwalk situated in the Golden Outback region of Western Australia. Thrilling and long-distance is best to experience here while watching several animals such as kangaroos and dolphins in the pristine beach.
Devils Slide, Porongurup NP is a 5-kilometre bushwalk located in the South West region of Western Australia. So, if you want to experience a short but death-defying walk, this trail is perfect for you.

What Are the Tips to Achieve the Best Beach Camp?

Here are some of the best tips to have the most memorable beach camping trip:

Rule of the thumb when beach camping: Do not camp in the dunes.
Be familiar with the place you’re camping in – do your research. Ask about pets, noise & curfew, fees for adults and kids.
Before choosing your destination, list down the features that you want in a camp – it must fit in your preferences.

Bring your necessities and miscellaneous.
Check if there is potable water or any water source nearby.
Usually, when camping in the wild, camping permits are a must, so ask if there is any.

Settle in the best location possible.

What Are the Other Things That I Can Do in Western Australia?

If you’re planning to wander Western Australia, you should:

Visit and have a great time at Perth

Check out Broome
Cruise on a Jet Boat through the Horizontal Falls
Visit Rottnest Island

Visit Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park in the Kimberley
Watch the sunset at Cable beach
Take a quick dip at Elephant Rocks

Cycle around Rottnest Island
Drive out to Cape Leveque
Visit Karijini National Park

What Are the Beach Camping Etiquettes?

These are tips on how to be a better camper:

Keep the proper distance. Do not park your vehicle near your neighbour’s. Always bear in mind that personal space is essential even during camping trips.
Respect your neighbour’ privacy. Do not walk around other camper’s sites like you own the place.

Avoid unnecessary noise. Avoid playing loud radio or music, especially when it is time for sleep.
Take care of your kids. Adults must always be the lookout for their kids to avoid hassle and accidents.
Keep the camp tidy. Your campsite should be clear of rubbish, especially when you’re leaving as a courtesy to the next ones who will occupy the camp.

Respect the camp’s shared facilities. Campsite’s toilets and baths must be kept clean and tidy.
Generators. If you’re bringing generators, make sure that it is allowed. Commonly, noisy generators are the leading cause of complaints, so always be polite to your neighbours and use them only at operating hours.
Be polite. Camping is our way to relax and forget the things that bother us for a while, so it is essential to be respectful at all times because nobody wants to deal with you especially if you’re rude and grumpy.

Know the rules. Before going anywhere, you should always know the basic rules and etiquette of camping.
Respect wildlife. The wild is not ours to abuse and disrespect what lives inside of it, so do not harm or feed any animals. Get your rubbish clean and store your food in a sealed container to avoid animals from luring.

What Are the Beach Camping Must-Haves in Western Australia?

Beach camping in Western Australia is exhilarating, so bringing the essentials with you is crucial for a hassle-free trip. In case you have no idea what to put on your checklist, here is the list that may help you:

For campsite: Always make sure that you provide the needs of your camp to achieve wholesome camping.

Camping permits
Tent

Sleeping essentials (bags, pillows, and packs)
Lights (flashlights or headlamps)
Camp chairs and tables

For repairs: Tools are an essential part of every trip, so you should always be ready and bring the basics.

Mallet or hammer
Saw or axe

Duct tape
Multi-tool
Extra cords

For cooking: ensure that you’re cooking fresh food, even camping, so do not forget your kitchen essentials.

Water. It is essential whether it is for cooking or personal use. Always bring drinking water because there may be possibilities that your camp may not have potable water.
Cooler. Having two coolers is optional but very convenient when in terms of camping because one can be your ice storage and others for food.

Stove and fuel
Firestarter
Pots and pans

Cutlery
Cooking utensils
Bottle opener

Knives
Plates and bowls
Cups and mugs

Cutting board
Water bottles
Camp sink or wash bins

Biodegradable soap
Towel
Rubbish bags.

For health and hygiene: During camping, bringing your health and hygiene kits is not a requirement but optional. But experts say, bring only the basics and the needs to save space.

Toilet paper
Disinfectants

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Toiletries
Menstrual products

Prescription medications
First-aid kit
Moisturiser and sunscreen

Preparing yourself: Be well-equipped when camping to make the most of it.

ID
Weather appropriate clothes

Undergarments
Jackets
Tongs

Cosmetics

Optional

Hammock

Camp rug
Grill rack

How to Handle Wildlife during Beach Camping?

When beach camping, you must know the basics on how to avoid disturbing the wildlife around you. Here the list of items to remember:

Avoid attracting wildlife: store your food in a closed and sealed container and put in the cooler. Smelly food can easily lure the animals, so make sure to eliminate them.
Bring your flashlights: lights can easily scare nocturnal animals.
Get loud: man-made sounds can keep away furry animals.

Keep your pets on a leash: do not want to have your favourite pet fight wild animals, so keep your pets in its restraint, especially at nighttime.
Keep a distance: if you see animals roaming around looking for food, keep our proper distance and do not try to run or scare them – there are tendencies of fighting back.
Change your clothes: when going outside and cooking, there are possibilities that you can be smelly enough to attract animals, so always change your clothes before going to bed.

Keep Tidying up: always make an effort to clean everything, even pots and plates. Always store your bins properly.
Be aware: if you’re camping somewhere, always keep in mind that you should know the different kinds of dangerous animals that you may see and encounter during your camp.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Western Australia?

Best time to visit WA is from September to November when the state shows its beautiful contrast of colours and spring. This time, the sunset is more vibrant, and you can visit the beautiful flowers in Kings Park. But if you want to travel at Western Australia during the colder season, June to August is the best time to do that, and the temperature usually ranges from 8 – 19°C (46.4 – 66.2°F).