Sandy Cape: Camping, Fishing, 4WD + All You Need To Know!

Looking for a quick weekend Getaway from Perth? Want to be surrounded by stunning ocean views and towering white sand dunes while you disconnect from hectic city life? Then Sandy Cape Recreation Park is for you!

Located just 2.5 hours North of Perth near Jurien Bay, Sandy Cape is a popular camping spot where you can enjoy activities like fishing, 4-wheel driving, sand boarding, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding – there’s something for everyone at Sandy Cape Recreation Park.    

As a Perth local who loves a weekend getaway, this is one of my favourite spots in WA. I’ve got all the info you need to make your Sandy Cape camping trip an unforgettable experience. Read on for everything you need to know. 

How To Get To Sandy Cape

Sandy Cape is 230 km north of Perth and around 10 km north of Jurien Bay. If you’re heading from Perth you can take the scenic 2.5-hour drive along Indian Ocean Drive before turning onto Sandy Cape Road and following it down to Sandy Cape Campground. There are signs so the turn-off is pretty easy to find. 

The road from the highway to the campground is unsealed but suitable for 2WD vehicles – just keep in mind it’s a bumpy ride.

On your way in you’ll come to an information stand on your left and a dump point on your right. Keep following the road and you’ll arrive at the campground, which branches off in several directions. There’s some day parking here too if you’re not staying the night.  

Camping At Sandy Cape

Camping at Sandy Cape is an absolute must! Here there are 88 campsites that can accommodate individual campers and large caravans. The sites are accessible via the road that winds through the campground. Some sites are nestled in between trees and some are more out in the open. 

The Sandy Cape campsites are all unpowered but facilities include flushing and eco toilets, gas BBQ’s and a dump point. There is water, but it’s not potable so bring your own for drinking. 

There is a caretaker onsite to ensure everyone is doing the right thing. 

Camping Fees

You can’t book to stay at Sandy Cape, it’s a first-come, first-served system. It’s a very popular campground so make sure you get in quick, especially on school holidays and long weekends.  

Camping is $20 per night for a maximum of 4 nights and fees can be paid to the Caretaker onsite or at the honesty box near the information board on your way in.  

The $20 camping fee covers 2 adults and 2 children but extra adults are $10 each.

It’s best to leave your receipt on your dashboard so the rangers know you’ve paid.  

Sandy Cape Beach Camping

If you’re a little bit more adventurous, self-contained and have a 4WD with high clearance, you can even camp right on the beach at Sandy Cape. Camping is permitted on the beach several kilometres north and south of the main campground.

There are plenty of spots in clearings in the dunes north of the campground and they’re fairly accessible for novice to experienced 4WDers. If you head south you’ll also find plenty of space to camp, but the beach is a little trickier to navigate so this area suits more experienced drivers. 

If you plan on beach camping in the area make sure you pay or expect a visit from the rangers. There are also no facilities so you’ll have to head back to the main campground if you need to use the toilet, etc. 

Make sure you leave your beach campsite as you found it and take your rubbish with you so this stunning area can be enjoyed by all.

Camping Near Sandy Cape

If you haven’t managed to snag a campsite at Sandy Cape, here are some other options: 

Milligan Island Eco-Campsite

25 minutes north of Sandy Cape you’ll find Milligan Island Eco-Campsite, just north of Green Head. This campsite is also accessible by 2WD and runs on a first-come, first-served system. 

Jurien Bay Tourist Park

Jurien Bay Tourist Park is super close, only 10 minutes away. While not quite the same vibe, the park can be a good place to base yourself while still being able to get out and explore Sandy Cape.

Karda Campground

Karda campground is located about 30 minutes inland from Sandy Cape, close to the stunning Lesueur National Park. You’ll camp amongst green rolling hills and be able to enjoy beautiful views of the land that used to be a property. It’s suitable for both tent and caravan campers. Facilities include toilets, fire pits and picnic tables. Campsites can be booked online and fees are $11 per adult ($7 concession) and $3 per child. 

Keep in mind the campground is closed during summer due to the heat. 

For more places to stay around the area, check out my Guide to Jurien Bay Accommodation.

10 Best Things To Do At Sandy Cape

There’s no shortage of outdoor activities to keep the whole crew occupied at Sandy Cape! The pristine white sands of the beaches are housed within a sheltered bay, making this a great spot for water activities like swimming, snorkelling, fishing, and stand-up paddle boarding. The towering dunes that surround the beach are begging for a sandboard and there are plenty of 4WD tracks to discover. 

1. Go Fishing

One of the most popular activities at Sandy Cape is fishing. You’ll see people dotted along the shoreline throwing in a line. Common catches here include tailor, herring, bream and mulloway. 

Keep in mind that the area is within the Jurien Bay Marine Park so there are some restrictions such as sanctuary zones where fishing is not permitted and there are rules around things like spearfishing, rock lobster fishing, crabbing and netting in some areas.

Be sure to check out the Jurien Bay Marine Park Visitor Guide so you can follow all the rules, there are also plenty of signs up so you can stay ahead of where you can and can’t fish. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is a great resource to stay up to date on bag and size limits that apply. 

For more details on all the best fishing in and around the area check out my Complete Guide to Jurien Bay Fishing. 

2. Explore the Four-Wheel Drive Tracks

There are plenty of 4WD tracks to be enjoyed at Sandy Cape! From novice to advanced, there are tracks to suit everyone. Make sure you’ve got all the gear you need and head out on an adventure.

4WD tracks mainly follow the coastline north and south of the campground. The sand here is soft so you’ll want to let some air out of your tyres (depending on vehicle weight and tyre size, around 15-16 PSI is recommended for beach sand).

4WD Tracks Heading South from Sandy Cape

Head south from the campground, and you’ll catch some pretty spectacular scenery and landmarks including: 

• Limestone cliffs
• Blowholes
• WWII Installation – concrete bunkers
• Bartle Monument

Eventually, the tracks will get a little rockier and this is when you’re getting close to North Head – a limestone headland with beautiful views.

4WD Tracks Heading North from Sandy Cape

The tracks leaving the campground from Sandy Cape are a little easier to handle heading North, so this direction is better for less-experienced drivers. There are plenty of beaut spots to stop for a fish and sand dunes to explore. 

4WD Safety

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when 4WDing at Sandy Cape:

• Drive carefully, some areas can be pretty busy, particularly on holidays and there are some blind spots
• Bring a set of recovery boards – you’re likely to get bogged at some point
• Keep in mind the nearest service station is in Jurien Bay
• An off-road GPS may be handy for navigating the area
• Keep your eyes on the track: There are some pretty spectacular views – don’t let them distract you
• There are some cliffs and overhangs, especially as you head south, they may be unstable so don’t get too close
  Bring a snatch strap so a make can bail you out if needed

3. Sandboarding at Sandy Cape 

Towering sand dunes run the length of the beach and the sand is nice and soft. The kids (and big kids!) will have a great time running up the dunes and sliding down – it’s a great way to tire them out!

Remember to bring your sandboard on your adventure, alternatively, you can hire one from the onsite caretaker. Listen up for safety rules and tips so you don’t injure yourself. 

4. Take in Sweeping Views from the Lookout

The lookout can be accessed from the campground or from the beach. If you head onto the beach you’ll see some large dunes to the left. If you follow the paths up you’ll reach a lookout point that has panoramic views over the ocean, it’s absolutely spectacular! We carried up a couple of beers, sat on the lookout ledge and enjoyed a chill sunset over the ocean. 

5. Snorkelling

Snorkelling is another popular activity at Sandy Cape. The bright turquoise water is crystal clear and sheltered from the elements making ideal conditions for snorkelling. Sandy Cape is within the Jurien Bay Marine Park so you’ve got the chance to see some unique marine wildlife!

6. Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Again, as the water is so protected by the bays, Sandy Cape is the perfect spot for Kayaking and SUPing. The water is generally fairly calm and what better way to explore the coastline!

7. Swimming

As soon as you get to the beach you’ll want to jump in the water, it’s super clear, blue and inviting! Again, protection from the bay offers shelter from the elements and ideal swimming conditions. Make sure you factor in time to just chill on the beach.

8. Photography

Sandy Cape is a nature photographer’s dream! Bright and clear turquoise water, crisp white sand, and elevated panoramic views – what more could you want? Grab your camera, wait for golden hour and snap that perfect piccy. 

9. Enjoy a Stunning Sunset

There’s no shortage of spots on the beach to snag and enjoy a spectacular Western Australian sunset over the sea, with your beverage of choice in hand!

Personally, I recommend the lookout with its panoramic views or head down to the beach for a more private vantage point. 

10. Head out on the boat

There’s no boat ramp at Sandy Cape but you can launch small boats from the beach if you have a 4WD.

Alternatively, You can launch at Jurien Bay Harbour and head up to the area. There’s some great offshore fishing in the area – just make sure you know all the rules if you’re in a special marine park zone. 

Recreation Park Facilities

Sandy Cape Campground has the following facilities:

• Toilets 
• Dump point
• Non-potable water

Are Pets Allowed At Sandy Cape?

Pets are allowed at Sandy Cape but they need to remain on-lead in the campground. 

Can You Have A Fire At Sandy Cape?

Fires are permitted between the 2nd of April to the 19th of September. Check the Department of Fire and Emergency Services site to keep up-to-date with restrictions. 

Bugs at Sandy Cape

Keep in mind you may be camping with these creepy crawlies:

• Flies: Flies are probably the biggest pain in the area and they can get pretty bad in certain seasons
• Ticks: If you’re walking through the scrub you may be exposed to ticks – check for them and remove them carefully
• Bees: There’s a beekeeper reserve not far from Sandy Cape – keep this in mind if you’re travelling with someone who has an allergy

Best Time to Visit Sandy Cape

The best time to visit depends on personal preference and the activities you’ll want to enjoy.

Summer is a fantastic time to visit the Turquoise Coast and the warm temperatures (28-31 degrees on average) are perfect for enjoying all the water activities. Just keep in mind that winds can pick up in Summer. Spring and Autumn bring milder temperatures with less wind. 

Winter days here can be a little chilly (19-21 degrees on average), particularly for water activities and sometimes rainy, but if you happen to make it on a clear day you’ll still enjoy great views and might even be able to cosy up next to a campfire. 

Last words on Sandy Cape

Sandy Cape Recreation Park is an absolute must on your next Perth weekend getaway.  Camp right next to the beach and enjoy plenty of activities like fishing, sandboarding, SUPing and exploring the 4WD tracks – there’s something at Sandy Cape for everyone!

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