T R AV E L
BEST
BEACH CAMPING IN WA
Pack the tent and feel the sand between your toes at these 14 fabulous beachfront camping sites. By Michelle Gilmore
Some are located right on the beach with BYO everything. Others are set back from the beach but have more facilities and even some luxuries. You’ll find them spread across national parks, reserves and councilrun campgrounds, privately owned holiday parks, Aboriginal communities, and even on pastoral stations. Generally, if you’re staying at a site right on the beach, you’re likely to be trading those million-dollar views for a few less onsite facilities, so be prepared. You may even need to be completely self-sufficient at some sites, including bringing your own water.
24
Whichever option you choose, make sure you’ve got the right gear to cover the type of camping adventure you’ve got planned.
Gearing up to go If you’re heading somewhere remote, consider hiring a satellite phone or UHF radio. Having vehicle recovery gear is also essential for those heading off the beaten track as is a first aid kit no matter where you’re going. A portable air compressor is a worthwhile addition, too. Before you travel, research day fees, transit permits, park passes and any restrictions that may apply. With unpatrolled beaches, keep safety in mind when swimming and check where four-wheel driving is allowed. For more details visit trailswa.com.au and select 4WD under trail type.
If you’ll be driving on the beach, only do it in a four-wheel drive and remember to reduce your tyre pressure. Driving conditions can change rapidly along the coast so extra care should always be taken. Wherever you do decide to set up camp, only do so in designated sites, obey signage and camp responsibly, following the seven Leave No Trace principles: plan ahead and prepare; travel and camp on durable surfaces; dispose of waste properly; leave what you find; minimise campfire impacts; respect wildlife, and be considerate of your hosts and other visitors. To get your beach camping adventure started, here are seven sites right on the beach for those willing to rough it, and seven a bit further back but with a little more luxury, to consider for your next trip.
December-January 2021 / Horizons
Suzanne Long / Alamy Stock Photo
Stretching across more than 12,000km, WA has the longest coastline of any state or territory in Australia and offers incredibly diverse and spectacular beachfront camping sites.