CAMPING
The Shire of Carnarvon has a number of picturesque places where you can camp. There are no free camping areas in the Shire of Carnarvon.
“Camping” includes sleeping in, on or around a vehicle, tent, caravan or swag including at roadside parking and stop areas that do not display 24hr stopping signs. Go to Main Roads website for information on rest areas within the Shire of Carnarvon.
The maximum legislated stay at any one campground is ninety (90) days in any calendar year, 30 days during peak season which runs from 1st of April to the 1st of October of any calendar year.
It is an offence to camp anywhere other than in a registered caravan park or designated camping ground or nature-based camping area. Camping is not permitted, anywhere other than in a registered/designated camping location, each person may receive an on-the-spot fine of $100.00
Be aware of campfire restrictions and total fire bans during warmer months. You can get up to date information on fire controls and alerts on the Bush Fire Camping Advice page.
Wilderness Campgrounds
We value our natural resources, flora, fauna and landscape and have some unique and beautiful areas for people to enjoy and camp. Carnarvon is situated between two beautifully pristine World Heritage Areas. We are the doorstep to both and are proud of what we have on our doorstep. It is with this in mind we expect our visitors to respect the environment they are visiting so that others can come and visit and enjoy the wonders of this region for many years to come. Below is some information on our most notable camping grounds.
Please respect them and leave them in a better condition than you arrived.
Blowholes, Point Quobba Campground
Notably one of our most popular attractions. The Blowholes and Aquarium are located 75km north of Carnarvon. To get there take the turn off on Northwest Coastal Highway signposted approx 20km north of the townsite. You will see a telecommunications tower adjacent to the turn-off.
Some important information to note before you travel to the Blowholes:
- Campsite bookings are not required
- Camping at the Blowholes Campgrounds is for a maximum of thirty (30) days during peak season which runs from the 1st of April to the 1st of October.
- Blowholes fees are $10 per person per night and $3 per child per night (3-15 years).
- Fees will be collected daily by a Carnarvon Shire representative or may be placed in an envelope provided and placed in the honesty box provided. Facilities for online payments of camping fees are available on the Carnarvon Visitors Centre website through the Accommodation widget. Paying in cash can be done using the camp envelope provided with your Name, home address, phone number, vehicle registration number, the appropriate fee in cash and placed in the honesty box with the detachable tab, with details completed placed on the vehicle dashboard, where it is easily visible by the Shire representative.
- Alternatively, you can call the Shire of Carnarvon Visitors Centre on 9941 1146 and pay by credit card over the phone or at the Visitors Centre.
- Fees will be collected daily by a Carnarvon Shire representative. This will be either a Ranger or Camp Manager
- There are day-use toilets at the Blowholes day area at the Aquarium
- Waste collection and sullage dump points are located prior to the entrance to the campgrounds
- Please ensure you secure all rubbish and place in the appropriate disposal unit at the entrance.
- Any litter left unsecured can kill, mame and harm our precious wildlife and damage the ecosystem.
- Please note that there is no water and minimal shade.
- You must have a chemical toilet to camp.
- Please do NOT use the area as a toilet or waste dump, facilities are provided and campers must provide their own chemical toilet. Signs of defecating around camp sites may incur a fine.
- Phone and internet coverage is available but not guaranteed.
- The nearest facilities are in Carnarvon 75km southwest of the campgrounds.
- Enquiries can be directed to Ranger Services on 9941 0012 or (08) 9941 0000.
Gladstone Bay Campground
Is Located 150km south of Carnarvon and 20 km south of Wooramel Roadhouse. It is under the management of Yaringa Station (08) 9942 5952. Gladstone Bay is in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. There are amenities for the use of campers and day visitors. For more information please visit Gladstone Bay website
- Campsite bookings are not required
- Fees need to be paid before you enter the day or camping areas and it is cash only
- Fees for Camping at Gladstone Bay are $13 per night per person and $10 per night for Australian Pension Card holders, there are no concession rates or seniors rates.
- Children over 8 years old are $5 per child per night
- Day visit fees also apply at $7 per person.
- Fees will be collected daily by the manager of Yaringa Station or may be placed in an envelope with your details including the vehicle registration number and placed in the honesty box provided.
- Waste collection is located at the entrance to the campgrounds
- There is no food or water. You are advised to ensure you have enough food, water and fuel to see you for the duration of your stay, plus 1 week and enough to get you to the next place on your itinerary.
- Please note that there is no water and minimal shade.
- Campers must have a chemical toilet to camp.
- Toilets are available at the day parking area only
- Phone and internet coverage is not guaranteed.
- The nearest facilities are at Wooramel Roadhouse 20km north of the campgrounds for fuel and supplies.
- Enquiries can be directed to Yaringa Station (08) 99425952
There is NO CAMPING on Gladstone Lookout on North West Coastal Highway
Code of Conduct for Campground
Apart from the Tourist Parks in our towns we also have some amazing natural camping areas you are welcome to visit and stay. There are a few things you need to know:
- It is an offence to camp anywhere in the Shire of Carnarvon other than in a registered caravan park, Tourist Park or designated camping ground/nature-based camping area.
- Any person camping other than in a registered/designated camping location may receive an on-the-spot $100.00 fine.
- Campers are advised that the maximum legislated stay at any one campground is ninety (90) days in any calendar year for overnight campers/caravans at any Campground and only thirty (30) days during peak season which runs from the 1st of April to the 1st of October.
- Fees will be collected daily by a Carnarvon Shire representative or may be placed in an envelope provided and placed in the honesty box provided. Facilities for online payments of camping fees are available on the Carnarvon Visitors Centre website through the Accommodation widget.
- PET OWNERS – Pets are welcome, however, all animals must be kept on a lead at all times. 1080 poison is in the area and can be fatal to domestic pets. You are responsible for cleaning up after your pet to avoid inconvenience to other campers and you must never leave your pet unattended.
- FISHING – Please observe fishing sanctuary area restrictions. Bag limits and recreational fishing licences are required – contact Department of Fisheries (08)9941 1185
- BOATING - There are boat ramps in and around Carnarvon that you can use. These boat ramps and the carparks are not permitted camping areas. For more information please contact the Department of Transport on boating in the Gascoyne Region.
- VEHICLES – Not permitted on the beach unless for the purpose of boat launching or unless otherwise signed posted. The beaches around Carnarvon are known turtle nesting areas and need to conserve our native environment. Use designated Boat Ramp parking areas. Camping in vehicles is only permitted in designated Camping Grounds and Tourist Parks.
- BEHAVIOUR – Respect your fellow campers, day visitors and look out for each other in order to make everyone’s stay as enjoyable as possible. No excessive noise after 9pm. Please abide by the directions of the Shire Representative and/or Police.
Carnarvon Shire Rangers regularly visit the campsites to ensure compliance by campers and visitors
THESE RULES ARE IN PLACE FOR THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF ALL PATRONS OF THE CAMP GROUNDS. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE RULES COULD RESULT IN EVICTION. THE REGISTERED OCCUPANT OF A SITE OR ACCOMMODATION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THEIR PARTY AND ANY GUESTS AND OR VISITORS.
Campgrounds in and around Carnarvon
Caravan Parks & Station Stays
There are seven (7) Caravan and Tourist Parks in Carnarvon
- Coral Coast Tourist Park
- Outback Oasis Caravan Park
- Carnarvon Caravan Park
- Wintersun Caravan and Tourist Park
- Norwesta Lifestyle Park
- Big4 Plantation Caravan Park
- Carnarvon Capricorn Holiday Park
For more information please contact the Carnarvon Visitors Centre on 9941 1146
Farm & Station Stays
There are some Farm and Station Stays in and around Carnarvon
- Tropical Farm Stay
- Quobba Station and Red Bluff camp
- Gnaraloo Station and 3 Mile camp
- Warroora Station
- Wooramel Station Riverside Retreat
For more information please contact the Carnarvon Visitors Centre on 9941 1146
Campgrounds in and around Coral Bay
Caravan Parks & Station Stays
Coral Bay has two (2) Caravan Parks
- Ningaloo Coral Bay - Bayview
- Peoples Park
There is also the Ningaloo Coral Bay Backpackers in Coral Bay
Station Stays
Station Stays around Coral Bay are
- Bullara Station Stay
- Warroora Station
For more information please contact the Carnarvon Visitors Centre on 9941 1146