Top 10 Camping Spots along the Coral Coast
15 January 2024
From Cervantes to Exmouth, you’ll find some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world. The ideal way to soak in the refreshing sea breeze and pristine sandy beaches of the Coral Coast is by rolling out the swag or shacking up for the night in a tent. It’s the best way to immerse yourself in the world-renowned wonders and diversity of Australia’s Coral Coast.
With boundless camping options from beachfront camping to station stays, the 1,100km Coral Coast Highway offers unique experiences that will make your road trip one you won't forget. So, shake off the dust from your camping gear, load up the 4x4, and get ready for a thrilling and unforgettable adventure.
Sandy Cape
Situated just 10km north of Jurien Bay (and just a short 2 hour and 45 minute drive from Perth), Sandy Cape serves as a dog-friendly beach camp offering 88 sites that are 2WD accessible. Popular with young families due to the calm bay and epic sand dunes, you can guarantee the kids will be entertained for hours on end. You enter the camp by travelling along a 5km sealed road followed by 2km of packed limestone gravel, so just keep this in mind when planning your trip. Reservations aren't required at Sandy Cape as sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis but we recommend planning ahead and getting in early, especially during peak seasons such as the Easter Long Weekend and Christmas.
Facilities include eco toilets, parking, barbeques, picnic areas and walkways.
Milligan Island
An additional 25 minutes north from Sandy Cape, tucked amid bushland, the Milligan Eco Campsite sits between the neighbouring towns of Leeman and Greenhead. This dog-friendly camping spot offers 36 campsites and emphasises a natural camping experience while promoting minimal environmental impact. Similar to Sandy Cape, Milligan Island operates on a first-come, first-served basis, without requiring prior reservations. Perfect for those who are time poor and looking for an ideal camping spot not far out of Perth.
Facilities include shade shelters, picnic settings and long drop toilets.
Cliff Head
Cliff Head is a picturesque nature-oriented camping site situated along the Indian Ocean Road and lies south of the twin towns of Dongara and Port Denison. It consists of three distinct camping areas: Cliff Head North, Cliff Head South, and the central campground area at Cliff Head, all offering beachfront camping experiences. Sites can’t be booked in advance and are allocated when you arrive (subject to availability).
Facilities include eco-toilets, an undercover area with a sink, benches and tables, and a communal fireplace.
Miners Campground
Camp amongst the blankets of colour in Coalseam Conservation Park at Miners Campground. Throughout late winter and spring, you’ll wake up to some of the best displays of wildflowers in the world. Miners is a medium-sized campground that consists of 25 unpowered compacted gravel surface campsites.
Facilities include no-flush pit toilets, a communal use firepit and a picnic table and benches.
Dirk Hartog Island
Embark on a getaway from the mainland using your own 4WD and explore the distinctive wildlife, natural wonders, and picturesque scenery of Dirk Hartog Island. Access to the island is available via barge, charter boat, or light aircraft. Dirk Hartog Island is the perfect camping escape for those seeking an off-the-beaten track experience where you can really experience the natural wonders of the Coral Coast.
Facilities include a camp kitchen, BBQ, table and chairs, toilets, and fire pit.
Wooramel River Retreat
Enjoy Wooramel’s spacious retreat with abundant bird and wildlife, private camp fires and amazing night skies while relaxing in naturally heated artesian bore baths from the Birdrong aquifer. You’ll find this unique camp stay 120 kilometres south of Carnarvon, just 2 kilometres off the North West Coastal Highway. Wooramel is a working cattle and goat station so perfect for the kids too.
Facilities include Telstra mobile reception, showers and toilets, and private fire pits.
Quobba Station
Experience nature at its rawest at Quobba Station, a working pastoral station located on the edge of the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. You’ll be camping on a unique slice of Western Australia at Quobba Station, waking up to the sounds of world class and breathing in the fresh coastal air after the perfect night’s sleep. Quobba Station is only accessible via 4WD and sites are allocated on a first come first serve basis.
Facilities include long drop toilets and a waste dump point.
Warroora Station
Warroora Station is a family-run cattle station that’s situated 1 hour south of Coral Bay, the ideal location for exploring the Ningaloo Reef. Here you’ll experience the best of both worlds – the red-rust soul of the outback and the crystal-clear waters of the ocean, the true essence of the Coral Coast
Facilities include basic shower, toilet, and a camp kitchen.
Bullara Station Stay
Bullara Station is the rustic charm and first-class hospitality you’ve been looking for. Camp on a working cattle station and make friends with genial horses, sheep and goats….oh and Maggie, their friendly kangaroo. Bullara Station is popular for a reason and not just for it’s famous burger nights and home-made scones, the station has been set up for travellers to enjoy a raw outback experience where you can switch off from the world and enjoy the surrounds.
Facilities include an oven, fridge, barbeque, stove top, laundry, and shared bathrooms.
Osprey Bay
Located at Cape Range National Park, Osprey Bay Campground has arguably the best ocean views along the Coral Coast. There are 44 campsites with direct access to the beach. Swim, snorkel, kayak and canoe the calm waters of this beach front paradise. Osprey Bay is popular for a reason so we recommend booking as far in advance as you can to secure your spot. Please note, this area is accessible by 4WD only so plan ahead.
Facilities include toilets and picnic tables and priceless views.
