CAMPING – Beach side or Camp ground
Camping is a perfect way to enjoy and explore the island and its surroundings.
Most camp sites offer a wonderful authentic wilderness experience.
If you are planning to camp you will need to be sure to get a camping permit along with your vehicle access permit.
You have the choice of beach side freelance camping or camping in designated camp grounds with amenities.
Camping Beach side ( Freelance )
Camping in tents, camper or caravans is a popular option for families particularly in the peak school holiday times.
You can find a relatively secluded spot along the eastern beach behind the fore dunes.
Always keep a look out for the NO camping or Closed signs, as sometimes they can be missed as you drive along the beach looking for the perfect spot.
Keep an eye out for the NO camping signs
Find a spot that has already been used by campers before and drive into these spots following the vehicle tracks.
Do not make new spots by making tracks and pulling out native shrubs and grasses to widen your camping area.
Once you have set up and organised your camping space you must clearly display your camping Tag on your tent or structure.
The Rangers will enter your camp to check your permit and make sure you are respecting the environment and surroundings.
Remember also that the island has strict fire bans so having a camp-fire to roast some marshmallows is not permitted unless in a designated QWPS camp ground in the supplied fire rings.
For your own health and safety here is a list of camping Do’s & Dont’s :
- Secure all rubbish, ( Dingos, Goannas & other wildlife will try and savage any food scraps )
- Secure you food. ( Dingos will scab and run off with all sorts of food & items, bags of potato’s, wine casks, fresh fruit, loaves of bread )
- Bury all human waste at least 50cm deep and dispose of toilet paper thoughtfully. Do not let it blow in the wind.
- Do not use detergents or shampoos in freshwater lakes or streams ( it is harmful to aquatic life )
- Do not light camp fires. It is illegal except in designated fire rings in managed camp grounds
- Gas cookers are required for cooking.
Remember if you are not in a camp ground there will be no facilities so it will be bring your own porta-potty or dig a deep hole and portable shower.
When camping on the eastern beach side it is a good idea to be prepared for strong winds especially if they are coming from the east, pack some heavy duty ropes and pegs.
Managed Camp ground
If a toilet and hot shower are a necessity I would suggest to stay at a managed camp ground at Central Station, Dundubara, Lake Boomanjin or Waddy point.
Besided the added benifits of having the simple luxuries it is also a consideration if you have small children and are worried about the potential threat of the Dingo. Managed grounds are fully fenced and the kids can play while you can relax.
In the managed camps you will find public amenities including toilets (some are drop boxes), showers, picnic tables and tap water.
Bring a stack of $1 coins for coin box payment if you want a hot shower.
They are basic facilities but they can make the camping experience a little more comfortable especially if you are travelling light.
If you are staying in a camp ground you must bring your own firewood to the island, chopping down trees or burning dead wood and tree branches is not allowed.
You can contact QWPS directly on 131304 to find out further information.