Sandy Cape Recreation Park, Dandaragan

Sandy Cape Recreation Park is one of those magical spots that manages to tick every box for an adventurous family getaway. Just 10 kilometres north of Jurien Bay and roughly a 2.5–3 hour drive from Perth, this sheltered bay is framed by soft white sand, clear turquoise water and towering sand dunes that are absolutely made for kids who love a bit of adrenaline. Whether you’re popping in for the day or settling in for a camping trip, it’s an easy escape that feels wonderfully wild and remote once you arrive. The sealed access road off Indian Ocean Drive means standard two-wheel drive vehicles can get there without any trouble, making it very doable for most families.

The main campground runs parallel to the beach and now has more than a hundred numbered sites suitable for everything from tents through to caravans and larger rigs. Facilities are simple and nature-focused: expect long-drop eco-toilets, gas barbecues, picnic tables and parking for day visitors, but no power and no drinking water, so you’ll need to bring all your own supplies and be largely self-contained. To the north and south of the main campground there are additional coastal bush camping areas for fully self-contained four-wheel drive campers, with no facilities at all and a strong emphasis on “leave no trace.” Mobile reception can be patchy, which many families find is the perfect excuse for a digital detox.

One of the biggest changes in recent years is that bookings are now essential if you plan to camp. From late 2024, all camping anywhere within Sandy Cape Recreation Park must be pre-booked through the Shire of Dandaragan’s online system, replacing the old first-come-first-served and honesty box approach. This is a welcome update for families travelling with kids, as it removes the stress of arriving to find the campground full during long weekends and school holidays. It does still book out quickly in peak periods, so it’s worth securing your dates well in advance and having a back-up plan if you’re visiting in busy seasons.

Of course, the main attraction for many kids is the sand dunes themselves. The largest dune rises straight from the beach opposite the main campground, with a few smaller dunes scattered along the bay. You can drive your four-wheel drive onto the beach or park in the main day-use area and walk in with boards and beach gear. Families spend hours trudging up the dune, then flying back down on sandboards, boogie boards or even surfboards, often shooting all the way into the shallows at high tide. It’s exhausting in the best possible way, and even the adults quickly get drawn into the fun, usually to the great amusement of the kids watching from below.

Once everyone has had their fill of sandboarding, the calm, shallow waters of the bay make a lovely, safe place for younger children to splash about. Bigger kids and teens can grab stand-up paddleboards, kayaks or canoes and explore further out into the bay. On a clear day you can paddle out towards the reef, spot fish darting around the rocks and, if you’re lucky, even see sea lions cruising past. The protective reef and gentle gradient of the beach create a naturally sheltered swimming area that’s ideal for families, especially compared to some of the more exposed beaches along this stretch of coast.

Snorkellers are also well catered for, with rocky outcrops, weed beds and reefy sections close to shore. The water here can be wonderfully clear on calm days, and older children who are confident in the ocean will love drifting over the reef spotting fish and interesting marine life. The wider area is well known for fishing and crayfishing too, and many campers bring rods and small boats to launch from the beach. There is easy beach access for boat launching near the main car park, although conditions can be very changeable, so it pays to keep an eye on the wind and swell.

Away from the water, there is plenty of scope for exploring. A short hike over the dunes takes you to a lookout point on the peninsula, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the coastline and the ocean beyond. You can also access the more exposed ocean-side beach, which tends to be better for surfing and bodyboarding but can be quite dumpy and powerful, so extra care is needed with children. Four-wheel drivers can follow the coastal tracks north and south from the park, discovering empty stretches of beach and hidden little bays along the way, but the sand can be very soft in places and it’s not uncommon for vehicles to get bogged, so dropping tyre pressures and travelling prepared is essential.

Sandy Cape is also a lovely base for exploring the wider Turquoise Coast region. Jurien Bay is just a short drive south with its jetty, Playgrounds, cafes and snorkelling trail, while inland you have seasonal wildflower country and national parks such as Lesueur. To the south, Nambung National Park and the famous Pinnacles Desert make an easy and unforgettable day trip for families, especially if you’re already heading up or down the coast. It’s very easy to fill a long weekend here without ever hearing the words “I’m bored.”

For families travelling with pets, Sandy Cape is a particularly appealing option. Pets are welcome in the recreation park provided they are kept on a lead at all times and you clean up after them, and many dogs absolutely revel in racing up and down the dunes and cooling off in the shallows alongside the kids. This makes it a rare coastal camping destination where the whole family, four-legged members included, can stay and play together.

Do keep in mind that this is a nature-based campground, not a holiday park. There is no mains power, no potable water, and, depending on current management and conditions, facilities can be very basic. Campfires are only permitted in season and within restrictions, and total fire bans and changing rules are common in the hotter months, so always check the latest information before lighting a fire. Being largely self-sufficient with water, shade, food and lighting will make your stay much more comfortable. The reward for this little bit of extra effort is the chance to camp just behind a breathtaking beach, watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean and fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

With its combination of massive sand dunes, calm, kid-friendly shallows and a true “off the grid” camping experience that’s still accessible by standard car, Sandy Cape Recreation Park continues to be one of Western Australia’s most memorable coastal getaways for families. It’s the sort of place where children run themselves tired outdoors, parents actually get a chance to unwind, and everyone leaves with windswept hair, sandy toes and a firm promise to come back again.

Sandy Cape Recreation Park

Address: Sandy Cape Road, near Jurien Bay, WA 6516, Australia
Opening hours: Open year-round; bookings are essential for all camping, and seasonal fire and access restrictions may apply.
Official website: Sandy Cape Recreation Park – Tourism Western Australia

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