| Cost | Lucky Bay Kalbarri: $15 per night per vehicle. Lucky Bay Cape Le Grand: Day fee applies, book online |
|---|---|
| Location | Lucky Bay Kalbarri: 46km south of Kalbarri, WA. Lucky Bay Cape Le Grand: 59km south east of Esperance, WA |
| Pet Friendly | Lucky Bay Kalbarri: Yes. Lucky Bay Cape Le Grand: No |
| Campfires | Lucky Bay Kalbarri: Firepits available. Lucky Bay Cape Le Grand: No fires or solid fuel appliances |
| Facilities | Lucky Bay Kalbarri: Toilets (accessible), firepits, dump point, picnic tables. BYO water and firewood. Lucky Bay Cape Le Grand: Accessible toilets, solar hot showers, BBQ, camp kitchen, picnic tables, boat ramp |
| Vehicle Access | Lucky Bay Kalbarri: 4WD recommended, 2km sandy road. Lucky Bay Cape Le Grand: 2WD access, but beaches notorious for boggy conditions |
| In Camps App | Yes – find full details and nearby sites |
Most people know Lucky Bay near Esperance in WA but there is also a Lucky Bay campground 46km south of Kalbarri and it doesn’t disappoint. Both are wonderful bases to explore two unique National Parks – one on the west coast the other on the south. For us it was, regretfully, the last beach stop in WA before we crossed the border.
Lucky Bay, Kalbarri
How does a protected bay, reef, massive sand dunes and a budget campground only 50 metres to the beach sound?
As you travel 2km down a gravel road, you will come across the camp host where you pay your fees of $15 per night per vehicle and he points you in the right direction to camp.
It can be windy out there but there is plenty of protection from the wind.
CAMPS Ambassadors, Dale and Tracey said from where they camped, it was a short walk to the beach where you could fish or have a swim. It is also dog friendly.
You can drive on the beach here and Kalbarri is only 40 km to the north. Kalbarri National Park is a wonder worth exploring – especially the brand-new skywalk, the dramatic coastline and a Western Australian icon, Nature’s Window.
Facilities/features: Toilets (accessible), firepits, dump point, mobile coverage, generators allowed, picnic tables. Bring your own water, firewood and portable toilet if you have one. 28-day limit.
Pets: Yes.
Best time to visit: Winter.
Access: Four-wheel drive recommended, there is 2 km of sandy road.
Bookings: Currently no bookings, pay on arrival. It will soon be run by a local Aboriginal organisation.
Images thanks to Adams Family Travels
Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park
This beach will leave you spellbound. Located 59 km south east of Esperance, it has had a $4.2 million makeover, making more room for campers. Fish, swim, snorkel, say hi to the kangaroos and Matthew Flinders’ plaque.
The sheltered bay is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, fishing, surfing and launching small boats. Be aware that these beaches are notoriously treacherous for vehicles and it is easy to become bogged in the most innocent looking wet or dry sand.
Facilities/features: Accessible toilets, solar hot showers, BBQ, camp kitchen, picnic tables, boat ramp. Generators are allowed. No fires or solid fuel appliances, so BYO liquid or gas fuel BBQ, stoves and heaters, except during a fire ban.
Pets: No.
Best time to visit: February to March.
Access: Two-wheel drive is all you will need to camp here – note that these beaches are notorious for boggy conditions. Ask the ranger about surface conditions and tides.
Bookings: Online bookings and day fee.
Images by CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE
Find these sites and more nearby in the CAMPS guide books, new CAMPS Pendium boxed set and CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE App.
Download the Camps App for iPhone/iPad or Android
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the two Lucky Bay campgrounds?
Lucky Bay near Kalbarri is 46km south of Kalbarri on the west coast and is budget-friendly at $15 per night with basic facilities. Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park is 59km south east of Esperance on the south coast, has had a $4.2 million upgrade with solar hot showers and camp kitchen, and requires online bookings.
Can I bring my dog to Lucky Bay?
Dogs are allowed at Lucky Bay near Kalbarri, but not permitted at Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park.
Do I need a 4WD to access these campgrounds?
For Lucky Bay Kalbarri, a 4WD is recommended due to 2km of sandy road. Lucky Bay Cape Le Grand is accessible by 2WD, but be aware the beaches are notorious for boggy conditions – ask the ranger about surface conditions and tides before driving on sand.
Can I have a campfire at Lucky Bay?
At Lucky Bay Kalbarri, firepits are available for campfires (bring your own firewood). At Lucky Bay Cape Le Grand, fires and solid fuel appliances are not allowed – bring a liquid or gas fuel BBQ, stove or heater instead, except during fire bans.
How do I book a site at Lucky Bay?
Lucky Bay Kalbarri currently operates on a pay-on-arrival basis at $15 per night per vehicle through the camp host. It will soon be run by a local Aboriginal organisation. Lucky Bay Cape Le Grand requires online bookings with a day fee applicable.
What facilities are available at Lucky Bay Kalbarri?
Lucky Bay Kalbarri has accessible toilets, firepits, dump point, picnic tables, mobile coverage, and generators are allowed. You need to bring your own water, firewood and portable toilet if you have one. There’s a 28-day camping limit.
What’s nearby to explore from these campgrounds?
From Lucky Bay Kalbarri, you can explore Kalbarri National Park including the brand-new skywalk, dramatic coastline and Nature’s Window. Kalbarri town is 40km north. From Lucky Bay Cape Le Grand, you can explore Cape Le Grand National Park, meet the famous kangaroos on the beach, and visit Esperance.
When is the best time to visit Lucky Bay?
The best time to visit Lucky Bay Kalbarri is winter. For Lucky Bay Cape Le Grand, February to March is recommended as the best time to visit.
