Camping
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Stage Two of the Indian Ocean Drive Improvement Works project commenced on 17 April 2024. This project will see the construction of two passing lanes (one northbound and one southbound), 33 kilometres of widening, the installation of audible edge lines and realignment of crests and curves.
Indian Ocean Drive from the Eneabba Coolimba Road (north of Leeman) to the Cliff Head Camp Site entry (6kms South of the Brand Highway junction) will be temporarily closed from 17 April 2024 until late February 2025.
During this time, the coastal camping nodes of Knobby Head and Freshwater Point will not be accessible.
The Cliff Head campsite will remain open but will only be accessed (to and from) via the north. All road users wishing to travel along Indian Ocean Drive will be detoured via Eneabba-Coolimba Road and Brand Highway. If you would like more information about the works you can go to the Main Roads website or call them on 138 138
SHIRE OF IRWIN CAMPING
Cliff Head, Freshwater Point and Knobby Head campsites provide beach camping at its finest. Sandy beaches, cliff faces and an array of flora and fauna present the ideal camping locations for beach and water activities.
There is NO FREE CAMPING within the Shire of Irwin. Please only camp within designated camping areas or at local accommodation sites such as caravan parks. Camping fees at $20 per vehicle per night will apply to all camping along Indian Ocean Drive within the Shire of Irwin. Camping is permitted for a maximum of three nights per visit. Shire of Irwin campsite operate on a first-in, best-dressed policy. Bookings are NOT AVAILABLE.
During peak periods, the campground is generally full by lunchtime each day, so come early if you are seeking a place.
Please take the time to read this information on the facilities provided by the Shire of Irwin and your responsibility as a camper in our region, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Please observe the following;
- Maximum vehicle speed through the Indian Ocean Drive campsites is 8 km/per hour.
- Please respect the fragile dune system by using designated tracks only.
- Use of generators is welcome between 8am and 10pm.
Patrolling Officers will conduct regular patrols and on-the-spot fines may be issued. An officer will be available onsite to take camping fees via EFTPOS and Pay Stations are located at Cliff Head, Freshwater Point and Knobby Head for cash and voucher payments.
CAMPFIRES
Campfires are allowed from May 1 until September 30. They are NOT permitted during the total fire ban months of October through to April each year. Please keep yourself up to date by visiting dfes.wa.gov.au for current fire bans and restrictions. Collecting firewood from the campsite surrounds is prohibited so please ensure you bring enough from home or purchase firewood locally.
FACILITIES PROVIDED
Waste Dump Point is located at the Town Oval on Waldeck, St Dongara.
Fresh Water is not available at the coastal node campsites. A free water tap is located opposite the intersection of George Street and Point Leander Drive, near the playground.
Public Toilets are provided in Dongara, Port Denison, Cliff Head, Knobby Head and Freshwater Point camp sites.
Long Vehicle Parking is available at the Town Oval on Waldeck Street, which is a short walk to the Visitors Centre and the Moreton Terrace main street in Dongara.
Rubbish Bins are provided throughout the Shire; please leave no trace and take only memories.
Power is not provided at the coastal node campsites.
PETS
Pets are welcome but need to remain on a lead within the campsite. Please be mindful of fox baits that may be set in nearby bushland areas. Dog waste bags are offered throughout the Shire and waste should be disposed of each time in the bins provided.
RV OVERNIGHT REST STOP
The RV Overnight Rest Stop at the Dongara Town Oval caters for self-contained RV/Caravans only, at a rate of $10 per vehicle with a Patrol Officer visiting daily to collect fees via cash or EFTPOS. A maximum of 1 night stay is permitted. Please respect other visitors and residents during your stay and make use of the rubbish bins and dump point facility provided.
For further information including directions, please click on the links to brochures below or contact the Shire of Irwin Administration & Visitors Centre on 9927 0000.
RATEPAYER INFORMATION
If you are a ratepayer in the Shire of Irwin, you are entitled to 10 x nights camping at no charge each financial year. All other visitors will be charged $20 per vehicle per night.
Ratepayers can obtain camping vouchers by contacting the Shire Administration Office. Vouchers can be collected in person or posted to the ratepayer’s residential address.
For any further enquiries, please contact the Shire of Irwin on 9927 0000 or email reception@irwin.wa.gov.au
OPEN CAMP SITES
- Cliff Head (North and South) – is only be accessible (to and from) via the north until LATE FEBRUARY 2025
- Knobby Head – CLOSED UNTIL LATE FEBRUARY 2025
- Freshwater Point – CLOSED UNTIL LATE FEBRUARY 2025
- RV Overnight Stay, Dongara Town Oval, Waldeck Street
