South Coast Camping
During the lead up to the Easter break, there were a lot of posts in the various camping forums I frequent, all asking the same thing. “Where can we camp, that isn’t too expensive or free?” There was a great deal of response, with some brilliant suggestions, both North and South of Perth.
It didn’t take long for it to dawn upon me, that Easter was going to be busy, regardless of where we went. Camping sites and “Secret Spots” were going to disappear fast. There seems to be so many more Families out there camping, which is great to see.
I did what everyone else was doing and started pouring over maps and Googling (if this is such a word) possible camping areas. Having a young Family, our preference of camp sites has changed. Once we searched for peace and tranquility, now we hoped for like minded Families to be around us, so our boys can have exciting adventures with new friends that they make.
Then I remembered a place on the South Coast where as a young man, I spent many a holiday, diving and fishing, where local farming Families would gather, for bon fires and spit roasted pig. Masons Bay. It had been over 17 years since I last called through, would it still exist as a camp site?
Masons Bay is a bit of a Road Trip from Perth as it is a 600 Km
drive from
Perth. That’s a long way with young kids! The good news is, there are options for overnight camping on the way there and back that make the trip so much more enjoyable.
We camped on the way South at new facilities in the town of Quairading. The local community have done a simply amazing job in building their camping ground. They have placed it between their new $2 million Swimming Pool and their new Bowling Club. One would hope that a Family Social evening would be put on each weekend during the Summer Months, as the location is, perfect!
Quairading Caravan Park
The Camping Ground has spotless facilities and a new Kitchen and BBQ area. They also have a Fire Pit and allow Pets. The best bit is, it isn’t going to break the bank, as for a Powered Site it was under $25 for a Family for a night. They have a Stay for 2 and get 1 free offer, which is awesome!
Next day saw us back on the road to Masons Bay. A word of caution for anyone who may travel down there, at the time of writing, the Southern Ocean Road between Hopetoun and Masons Bay was flooded out before Easter.
Lake Jerdacuttup has burst its banks and depending on the winter, it could be 2 years before the road opens again. We took Springdale Road in to Masons Bay, it has a bit of well maintained gravel to navigate over, which is suitable for all cars and caravans
Masons Bay is now a council managed site, which is “Hosted” during busy times, for reasons unknown. There are two brand new toilet blocks, with Long Drop Toilets at each block. There is no water at Masons Bay, however, there are two water filling
points provided in Hopetoun, which on Springdale Road, is 41 km away. There is a Dump Point with a Tap at the campsite (Brackish Lake Water) and a rubbish collection bin. Pets are welcome and each site has a Fire Pit, although wood is scarce.
Over the Easter Break and concurrent school holidays, the Shire of Ravensthorpe, due to the flooded road and inconvenience caused, had dropped the Fees from $10 per night per Site to $5 per night per Site. Even at $10 per night, it makes the fuel bill seem so much less, to get to Masons Bay!
Beach Side Camping
We were a little disappointed only by one aspect of our stay there. The Campsite was empty and we only had other Families stay for a few days over the two weeks we were there. The weather was perfect, yet over Easter I counted 27 Campsites empty? What is going on Perth? Whilst everyone was squeezed into camping sites elsewhere, we were rattling around in ours! I’m unsure of how many sites there are in Total, but would suggest 40.
An Easter Paradise Left Empty
Good Access For Large Vehicles
Typical Caravan Bay
Sheltered Tenting Sites
Ample Parking
Each campsite is very sheltered and mostly private. They are situated at the most 100 meters from the high tide mark on the beach. The beach has vehicle access in two directions, with the front blocked to traffic, to create a safe swimming beach for kids and pets. The Bay its self is protected by an outer reef and for those terrified by sharks, this keeps big ones out, making it safe for all manner of water sports.
Sheltered Bays With Ample Sun for Solar
Natural Vegetation Wind Breaks
The fishing for kids is First Class. Herring and Skippy are plentiful, my boys were greatly entertained catching them. We dined many times on fresh Herring. Abalone is also locally caught. If you have a boat, beach launching is easy. There is also a boat ramp at Starvation Bay, about 18 minutes away. I won’t go into camping at Starvation Bay, but will say it is just as good, with all the same facilities. We went over to Starvation Bay a few times when the wind was from the West. It’s perfect then.
Boat Ramp Access
There are snakes down on this piece of Coast. You will see one on the road at some point. Pets need to be kept close and kids need to be made aware of their presence. My boy rode over a young Dugite, whilst we were out riding. My heart stopped for an instance, but neither Boy nor Snake were harmed.
There is no phone or internet service!! How Good!!
Hopetoun has better shopping facilities than Ravensthorpe. Prices are reasonable for Food and Fuel. There are a couple of nice Cafes and a Bakery not to be missed. Don’t run out of gas down here, wow, it is expensive!
We had a fabulous time down at Masons Bay and would encourage other Families to look beyond 2.5 hour drives from Perth.
On our way home, we over nighted at Wave Rock Camping Ground. Again the fees were reasonable and facilities good. Wave Rock is a must see with kids, there are some interesting walks, a small but interesting Wild Life Park and an amazing night sky.
There you have it folks, Masons Bay! We hope on our next visit the Camping Bays are full and the air is filled with children’s laughter. It’s an iconic Australian Family camp site.
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