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De-stress to the sound of waves at the best beach camping sites near Perth!
If you punch ‘Which territory has the longest coastline in Australia?’ into Google, Western Australia will pop up. The region’s coast is nearly 13,000 km, which is gold for those who want to wash stress away, beach camping-style.
We’ve been snoozing by the sea since Tamagotchis were all the rage. Those pixelated pets are now ‘ancient,’ but a good old beachside kip still feels enchanting.
If you’re chasing the same magic, you’re exactly where you need to be. We’ve rounded up our personal favourites—the sites close to Perth, the shores hidden from the crowd, and the few worthy of a 1-hour haul.
Herron Point Campground
From covenantwealthwithphillipa
Address: Herron Point Rd, Birchmont
Contact Details: +61 8 9531 7777
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10 pm
Drive from the Perth CBD: 1 hr and 5 mins
Website
The idea of waking up to the call of red tail cockatoos was enough to make us bunk at Herron Point Campground, well-hidden on Harvey Estuary’s white coastline. Birdsong indeed echoed in the morning, with unobstructed golden hour views as a bonus.
As a known crabbing and fishing mecca, best believe the estuary also provided us plenty of sea life for dinner. And when we weren’t fishing, we were exploring the waters via a small boat, strolling along the wetlands, or stargazing come nighttime.
The site’s amenities are pretty solid, as well, considering it’s tucked away in an untamed bushland. There’s a kitchen, toilets, BBQs, and even dog-friendly sections, all well-maintained by the adorable caretaker.
Tips:
- Better charge your devices fully or bring power banks. The camp is unpowered.
- Avoid the weekends if you want a truly peaceful experience.
- Clothing with wind-resistant layers is a must, given the strong winds here.
Wilbinga Dunes 1 & Wilbinga Dunes 2
From tommo_hooper
Address:
Drive from the Perth CBD: 1 hr and 5 mins
As the name implies, Wilbinga Dunes 1 and 2’s defining characteristic is their sweeping sand dunes. That means this is the campsite to make a beeline for if your idea of a mental reset involves off-board driving, hiking, and sandboarding.
The views are also worth including in a travel blog. Kangaroo paws and banksias pop some colour to the shore, and the coastal scenery is postcard-worthy, particularly if viewed atop a hill.
What’s more, black bream, bluefish, and Australian snapper frequent the waters, so you can lug your fishing gear in your 4WD. Oh, and let the woofer watch you fish and chill; the beach is dog-friendly!
Tips:
- Don’t worry if you’re a novice 4×4 driver. The site’s 28.3-km trail is newbie-friendly.
- Overnight camping is now prohibited due to litterbugs. Get here early to make the most of the day!
- Bring a shovel. You’ll need it when driving on the sections close to the water.
Coogee Beach Discovery Park
Address: 3 Powell Rd, Coogee
Contact Details: +61 8 9418 1810
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10 am
Drive from the Perth CBD: 32 mins
Website
We still can’t believe that Coogee Beach Discovery Park is just within Perth’s reach—and that it’s just $40 a night per adult. The fine, white sand and glassy waters are features you’ll often see on a bank-breaking tropical island.
They’re not just eye candy, either; the shoreline is meant for romantic or lone strolls, while the waters are swimmer-friendly. If you’re worried about suffering a Jaws-inspired fate, chill; they can’t get past the shark nets.
More than that, the camp won’t force you to channel Bear Grylls’ spirit. The kitchen is fully equipped, spacious picnic tables are set, several BBQs await master grillers, and there’s a tennis court for smashing away calories and frustration.
Tips:
- Don’t forget your fishing equipment. Fishing is allowed here.
- Prices can increase during peak seasons, primarily on school holidays. Check the fees by calling.
- After-hours check-in can be arranged by calling.
Martins Tank Campground
From sara_patroni
Address: Preston Beach Rd N, Preston Beach
Contact Details: +61 8 9303 7750
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Drive from the Perth CBD: 1 hr and 25 mins
Website
Idyllic but still close to home, Martins Tank Campground gave us a wilderness-centred getaway sans the 2+ hour drive and stinging prices. For just a $10 concession fee, we slept amid tuart and peppermint trees, all while facing Martins Tank Lake.
As for activities, we spent hours swimming, fishing, birdwatching, and bushwalking. We could’ve even visited prehistoric thrombolites at the nearby Lake Clifton but decided to pass up since the lot has been there countless times already.
The sweetest part is that the campground has around 30 individual campsites—think tents, campervans, camper trailers, and caravans. Plus, there’s a kitchen equipped with gas BBQs and generators are allowed. We didn’t have to resort to frozen sandwiches!
Tip:
- Making reservations is required. Book online or phone the number above to do so.
- Reservations can be made 180 days ahead of your target date.
- Bring your trash bins, as there aren’t any on the site.
- To enjoy the communal campfire, camp between April 1 and November 30.
Belvidere Campground
From kianablackburn
Address: Unnamed Rd, Leschenault
Contact Details: +61 8 9219 9000
Drive from the Perth CBD: 1 hr and 43 mins
Website
Smack dab in Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park’s tuart-lined section, Belvidere Campground is a site for sore eyes and spirits. It’s hardly a snoozefest, though, with escapades like bushwalking and fishing for those who want to stretch out.
The 1.8-km Belvidere Heritage Trail is especially well-regarded, thanks to its simplicity, estuary panoramas, and historical factoids. This path is also home to majestic wildlife, so don’t be shocked if kangaroos or kookaburras appear as you stroll.
Beyond that, you’ll have 28 campsites to choose from, each coming with a fire ring (BYO wood) and a picnic table. And don’t worry about dragging your things along the lengthy shore; 4WD vehicles can enter the camp.
Tips:
- Make sure to slightly deflate your tyres before entering the beach to improve traction.
- There are no showers, so don’t forget to bring your own water.
- Don’t leave your spray repellent at home. The mosquitoes here can ruin your trip.
Seabird Caravan Park
From choccakey
Address: 1 Williams Way, Seabird
Contact Details: +61 8 9577 1010
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 5 pm
Drive from the Perth CBD: 1 hr and 10 mins
Our kiddos want another Seabird Caravan Park stay, and honestly, we want the same. The experience was family-friendly in a nutshell; the game room, playground, and swimming pool were all hits.
The coastal scenery was also a real mental and emotional boost despite the ‘not-so-secluded’ atmosphere, a result of the camp being a fam-favourite. A standout moment for us was soaking in the sunset while lounging on the grassed site.
As the cherry on top, we just spent $40 a night, which is a steal if you factor in the pros beyond those we already mentioned. We’re talking about dog-friendly sections, laundry facilities, ensuite showers, and toilet cubicles, cleaned twice every day.
Tips:
- You can opt not to bring food, as there’s a kiosk and tavern. Just give the number a call to know what’s on the menu.
- Consumables like salt, sugar, or coffee are usually not provided. Keep that in mind when packing.
