Shire of Shark Bay Free Camping

Camping in the Shire of Shark Bay is restricted. Permission must be obtained from the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery and Visitor Centre by telephone, on (08) 9948 1590, or 1300 367 072 or in person at the Discovery Centre, located opposite the town jetty.  Discovery Centre opening hours are from 9am to 6pm, 7 days per week (except Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day). Camping is allowed overnight only, for one night only.

Permission to camp can be obtained on the day you intend to camp. Those persons found camping without an authorisation will incur a $1,000 fine.

There are four designated camping areas controlled by the Shire. All sites are 2WD, dirt road, access and suitable for caravans. The four sites are:

Eagle Bluff

Situated 18km from Denham, camping is available on the top of the bluff or down at the nearby lagoon. This site offers excellent bird watching opportunities with Osprey and Sea Eagles often seen in the area. Eagle Bluff is also a popular snorkelling and fishing site.

Fowlers Camp

Approximately 22km from Denham, this site offers some protection from the wind for those in tents. Fowlers camp offers good beach fishing, as well as a small mangrove stand.

Whalebone

Approximately 25 km from Denham, Whalebone offers easily assessable flat sites ideal for caravans only a short distance from the beach.

Goulet Bluff

Goulet Bluff is approximately 36 km from Denham and a short distance down the road from Shell Beach.

There are no facilities at these campsites and campers must obey the following rules:

• All rubbish is to be removed from the campsite
• All human waste is to be buried
• Chemical toilets are not to be emptied at the sites
• Open fires are not permitted
• Vegetation is not to be removed
• Vehicles are to drive on designated tracks

Fresh water is not available at the campsites but can be obtained from the Water Corporation tanks, located on the Monkey Mia Road approximately 50m from the Denham-Hamelin Road turn off. These tanks are coin operated.
During the wet weather visitors to the Shire are advised to contact the Shire Office, to check on road conditions prior to travelling on unsealed roads.

Francois Peron National Park Camping

You will need a four-wheel drive vehicle to visit Peron’s scenic coastline with dramatic contrasts of red cliffs, blue water and white beaches. It is recommended that you let your tyres down to at least 20psi. Not letting your tyres down, makes it hard on your vehicle, and causes damage to the track for the people travelling behind you.

Bush camping areas are located at Big Lagoon (20kms from Denham, approx. travelling time 45 minute from Denham), Herald Bight (31kms from Denham, approx. travelling time of 1 hour), Gregories and Bottle Bay (43kms from Denham, approx. travelling time of 1 – 1.5 hours). These are not suitable for caravans. Pets and firearms are not permitted and drinking water is not available in the park. Visitors must take their rubbish away with them. Free gas barbeques are supplied at campsites as no wood fires are allowed. Pit toilets are supplied at camp sites.

Camp Fees for Francois Peron National Park

Please note camp fee are payable in addition to national park visitors fee. Visitors Fees and camp fees are to be placed in the honesty box at the entrance to the park.

For further information see the following web sites or contact the Denham CALM office on 9948 1208.

www.naturebase.net/national_parks/previous_parks_month/peron.html

www.naturebase.net/tourism/camping.html

Steep Point

Shark Bay is a 4WD, and Anglers paradise, and with "Francois Peron" National Park and "Steep Point" situated on Edel Land, it is the two most favourite locations for most travellers to the area. Rare native animals have found a protected place in what used to be a sheep station.

The National Park offers a wilderness experience with a fantastic scenic coastline and arid shrub lands. To reach the western most point of mainland Australia, you have to follow the Useless Loop road on Edel Land, and turn off right to Steep Point, which once again offers spectacular coastal scenery like the Zuytdorp Cliffs which rise up to 170 meters above sea level.

A well maintained 4WD is necessary to get to Steep Point. It is recommended that you let your tyres to at least 20psi. Not letting your tyres down, makes it hard on your vehicle, and causes damage to the track for the people travelling behind you.

All visitors must stop at the Ranger Headquarters if arriving between 8am & 8pm. Ranger will catch up with arrivals outside of these hours the following day. Rangers/Caretakers of the Steep Point area are Paul & Pam Dickenson.
Bush camping is available at several sites at Steep Point, namely False Entrance, Blow Holes and Steep Point. Visitors must bring their own supply of water and firewood. Don’t forget to bring medical supplies, first aid kit and book. All rubbish must be taken away with you.

Fees are as follows:

For further information see the following web site or contact the Steep Point Ranger on (08) 9948 3993.

www.steeppoint.com.au

Station Stays

Off the Useless Loop Road there is a station where you may bush camp at the discretion of the Station Owners. For permission and information of road conditions, what to bring and fees please see below:

Tamala Station – Mr Ian and Mrs Kerry King
Ph/Fax: (08) 9948 3994
Or write to PMB 20 Via Geraldton WA 6530