How do we go about getting a camp site at this national park? We've heard that we would need to show a receipt from our previous night's camp site before being accepted. Is this correct? We're leaving home in 2 weeks time so would be there in mid-Sept maybe.
G'day Tangam,I wouldn't be 100% sure, but i saw all the campers queueing up at the entrance to the NP. There are 8 different areas all with names. They're 482-489 in camps5, and gennys are allowed.
DEC (08) 93340333 or www.dec.wa.gov.au or www.naturebase.net (dept of enviroment and conservation)
We were camped there last year for a week. Problem was that we were there during "School Hols" (Didnt think about that in our planning). Everywhere was Full. Including Karigini.
But we rolled up to the Cape Range NP Fee Pay Station at 0600. There where 14 Vans ahead of us in the line. Guy at the head of the line arrived at 0400. Only 15 campsites availabe that morning, so all those behind us were turned away.
Cant imagine what the receipt thingy would be. Was just the same as registering for any other National Park for us. Roll up fill the form out (done by the NP Gatekeeper) and pay the NP entry fee. Camping fees are paid to the camp host at each campsite. You could phone the NP headquarters up the day before to see what the availibility is like. Thats what we did, and how we got there so early. Regards Ellie and Mike
-- Edited by elliemike on Saturday 3rd of July 2010 07:34:02 AM
-- Edited by elliemike on Saturday 3rd of July 2010 07:36:09 AM
-- Edited by elliemike on Saturday 3rd of July 2010 12:34:33 PM
Thanks for the replies. The "receipt thingy" is to prove that you haven't just been bush camping, which I guess is frowned upon. Phoning before we get there is a good idea, thank you Ellie and Mike. Also .. re paying the NP entry fee , did you buy an NP pass (monthly/yearly) or did you pay-as you-go?
Also .. re paying the NP entry fee , did you buy an NP pass (monthly/yearly) or did you pay-as you-go?
We are National Parks W.A. annual pass holders, In fact just renewed it this week.
Worth it only if you use W.A. N.P.'s a lot. This is the entry fee only. You still have to pay "Daily Camping" fees. Each state has it's own pass (Well I think they all do !!!) Be nice if one day we could have a "Australia National Parks Pass" covering all states.
Just work out how many parks you might visit in a year. And compare "Park Pass" cost to The entry fee cost for each park. Sometimes cheaper to just pay the entrance fee. Like we do in other states when on the road. We prefer N.P. sites mostly, but free camps are used as well (lot's)
By the way even if you get offered the Cape Range NP "Overflow Campsite" take it as you get first choice of campsites the next morning at 0700 before the people (in line) at the park entrance.
You can then move into a site the next day maybe as vans move out. Just ask the "Camp Host" to let you know when a site is vacant in your favoured beachside camp. They are all on the phone. Havent met a bad NP camp host yet in W.A. All seem to be knowlegable characters and helpfull people.
In fact we liked the Overflow Camp (5 sites and a toilet) 15 minutes walk to the beach. It was nice and quiet and elevated so you have a view of the sea and sunsets. So we stayed there all week.
Dont even think of free camping on the Exmouth Peninsular/ Cape Range Peninsular (forgotten the correct name) You will be banned. Even sleeping overnight at the NP park gate is not allowed. Just get there early and watch out for Kangaroos on the road. Hit one going into the park in the morning and one on the way out in broad daylight. doing 50 Kph both times. Killed the morning roo, and badly (I think) damaged the afternoon one. It vanished into the bush. Yep, and I'd just fitted 3 roo shoo screamers on the van that week. Do they work !!!!!!!!!!!!
Having said all that, Out of "School Holiday" times, it must be easier. Regards Ellie and Mike
-- Edited by elliemike on Saturday 3rd of July 2010 12:32:20 PM
tangam wrote:Also .. re paying the NP entry fee , did you buy an NP pass (monthly/yearly) or did you pay-as you-go?
Both times we have been around the block we purchased a NP pass as we entered WA. The seniors price is reasonable and you don't have to worry about fumbling for cash when you com to an entry fee park. We may not have recouped our outlay but is saved a bit of a hastle regarding whether we should be paying or not, or having to stop and make arrangements.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
We stayed in CP at Exmouth first and during that time drove out to Cape Range and had a look at the various camp areas, to determine a bit of a priority list. Did the early morning lineup routine and got into our first choice (Mesa). The actual spot that was empty wasn't the greatest, but when a really good one was vacated the next day, the campground hosts were happy for us to move over to that. Great place - we ended up staying a couple of weeks.
