06 Mar Sandy Cape, The Perfect Beach Getaway

Sandy Cape IS the perfect beach weekend getaway if you are looking to escape the city and relax on a beach for a few days, while still remaining close to civilisation and with reception. It’s the “yah I’m camping” vibe without really roughing it. 

Sandy Cape is a totally different vibe to Perth’s beloved “down south” weekend getaway. Its raw fun, nothing fancy. So what is its appeal?

Getting To Sandy Cape

Sandy Cape is a small recreational camping ground 10-15mins north of Jurien Bay. Which means it’s just a short 2 ½ hr drive north of perth. The camping grounds at Sandy Cape are right next to the beach, making it the perfect beach getaway.

Sandy cape is just in the southern realm of the Coral Coast and therefore offers amazing beaches. It is usually included as a pit stop if you are doing a coral coast road trip. However, its also part of the lesser known Turquoise Coast. 

Once you turn off the freeway (at Hester Ave) head right towards Waneroo Rd, take a left at Waneroo Rd and it eventually turns into the Indian Ocean Dr so you don’t need to make any more turns until you pass through Jurien Bay town. Done. Take a left onto Sandy Cape Rd, just 11km out of town.

Fee’s 

Before you enter the campgrounds, stop at the information bay to pay your fee’s. It’s $20 per night (for 2 adults), plus additional for children or additional adults. Put the money in the envelope/honesty box and rip off the “receipt” and place it on your dash. That way if any rangers or the camp host come around you have proof you have paid the camp fee. The camping is a first come first serve basis, you can’t book. So you do need to get there early to get the primo spots.

Camping at Sandy Cape Campground.

Sandy Cape offers camping for the amature / beginner campers in the main camp ground area. There are 88 “sites” or clearings for tents and caravans. Some sites are close and open and others are a little more spread out and protected by surrounding trees. For the experienced campers and 4wd enthusiasts you can further explore the dunes and beaches in your 4wd and camp amongst the dunes, scroll down for more on that below. 

Sandy Cape is a great place to go on the first camping trip. Jurien Bay town is just a 10-15min drive away if you need provisions or if you run out of booze (yes this actually happened to us one time we were camping as a group). So if you are unprepared or unsure if camping is something you might enjoy, Sandy Cape is a great place to dip your toes into camping. It’s a little bit more “off grid” than a traditional caravan park because there are no powered bays and there are minimal facilities. 

When you enter the camping grounds turn left towards the main tent camping grounds and the camp host, this will be the busiest spot and it has the best facilities. Cold shower and long drop toilets. If you turn right at the entrance you will find plenty of clearings for caravans and a mix of camping spots, some close to one another, some spread out and some protected by surrounding scrub. Or you might just have to pick what’s available if you go on a busy weekend.

Camping outside the main campgrounds

If you want to be a little more off grid, camping close to the beach or in the dunes there are 2 options. North and South of the campgrounds. You are permitted to camp outside the camping grounds throughout the area. Just make sure you pay your fees at the info stop, rangers do patrol the area.

NORTH of Sandy Cape camping grounds.

When you reach the end of the campgrounds, there is a track that will take you to the northern bay. If you take this track you will see lots of additional camping spots. These are small and large clearings in the dunes and also up on the limestone cliffs. There are plenty of rocky areas to set up a caravan, campers etc. Its a free for all, but just don’t destroy the dunes or vegetation in the process. 

There are no facilities here, so it is a short drive to use the toilet or you will need to bring your own chemical toilet. Not a bad trade off for the primo spots. 

This track in and out of the northern bay is reasonable and you should be able to access without letting your tyres down because the track is well worn, firm and rocky at places. Only super sandy at the beach access points.  

The northern beach/bay is really protected here from the south west winds that hammer Jurien Bay coast line. That is why this is a great option if you can jag a spot. The beach along this northern track is usually really well protected. That’s what makes it, in my opinion, the perfect beach getaway.

However, being a primo spot it will fill up quickly. If you are looking to do more off-grid style camping this is a great way to wet your toes. 

SOUTH Of Sandy Cape camping Grounds

At the information sign (along sandy cape rd) there is a track that will take you into the scrub and towards the beach. There are multiple places to camp along this track. 

Clearings and protected areas in the dunes. However I will say… the beaches here are much more sandy and harder to access. If you are not confident about 4wd’ing its maybe not the best spot because the beach access is harder. The further south you go towards “North Head” the more treacherous the track gets.

This stretch of beach is not as protected so will get a little windy. It will absolutely be much more protected in the dunes however the beach wont be as nice to enjoy on a windy day.  

There were some pretty killer camping spots we found halfway between Sandy Cape and “North Head” (google it) however you would need really good weather for this stretch of coast to be enjoyed to its full potential.

Please just remember to pick up your rubbish and bring a chemical toilet to do your business. You can go rogue and camp in the dunes where there are some pretty sweet camping spots to find, just be responsible so the privilege isn’t taken away. 

Facilities 

Sandy Cape is an amazing beachside place to camp, if you are looking for a summer weekend getaway. There are no bookings, it’s a first come first serve basis. It will get busy on long weekends and school holidays. 

The main camping area offers (long drop) toilets and bbq’s dotted around the area. There is one main under cover picnic area with tables and electric bbq’s. On the weekends there is a daily coffee van that serves food, coffee and soft serves. 

There are clearings suitable for tent camping and larger areas for caravans and camper trailers. The ground is hard on some sites for tent pegs. 

The main beach you can drive on a short distance and there is a massive sand dune, you can rent sandboards to enjoy the dunes. 

Best time of year to Visit

Although this is part of the Coral coast… the best time to visit sandy cape, for the perfect beach getaway would be summer. However, there is a caveat to that. 

In summer you will have those amazing warm days and nights, however you will get the afternoon and evening winds. 

Autumn will be the best for the wind factor but you may get the odd cooler day or rainy day. Traditionally in Perth and WA the wind drops during Autumn… but you know mother nature will do what she wants to do. 

Traditionally the best time of year to visit the coral coast is March through to Oct. However Jurien Bay is not quite north enough for the heat during Winter. If it’s a night stop over it will be fine, however if you are looking for the perfect beach weekend getaway i would reserve this spot for a summer and autumn.

4wding at sandy cape

The area has some great 4wd tracks, it has both amature and advanced tracks. Most of it is amature unless you are seeking out the advanced stuff. You can explore your way to a more secluded beach and go park on the beach somewhere for the day for a fish or just chillax. 

Sandy Cape is renowned as a 4wd playground because there are some dunes in the area so if you have a 4wd (make sure you have all the equipment you need) and go explore the dunes with the car and the sandboard.

Final Thoughts about the perfect beach getaway

Sandy Cape is so much more than just a campsite. Its a weekend adventure. Fishing, swimming diving, reconnecting to nature. Of in my opinion the perfect weekend beach getaway.

All in all, we recommend giving Sandy Cape a visit. If you are wanting a mild camping experience with a killer beach to enjoy. Or if you are new to 4wd’ing and want to have a bit of amature fun. 

If you run out of food or booze, or water… you can nip into Jurien bay for the provisions. Or if you want a full off grid weekend you can have that too. Its a win win.

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