Camping
Nature Based Camping Strategy & Action Plan
The City of Albany Nature Based Camping Strategy & Action Plan (2018-2022) is a five year strategic plan designed to provide a framework for the management of nature based camping in City managed reserves and was adopted by Council in December 2018.
To access the City of Albany Nature Based Campgrounds Interactive Mapping Tool and associated information, please click here.
Leave No Trace
Please enjoy Albany's nature based camping and take your rubbish with you when you leave.
To protect our pristine coastal landscape and local wildlife, please make sure you carry out what you carry in to reduce the impacts of litter and rubbish on our environment.
Help us to keep our campgrounds beautiful by taking your rubbish home, or to one of the following facilities:
RUBBISH AND RECYCLING
Hanrahan Road Waste Facility (7 days)
Cnr Hanrahan Road & Cuming Road, Mt Melville
CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE
Container Recycling Albany
93 Stead Road, Centennial Park
Containers for Cash Spencer Park
1 Hardie Road, Spencer Park
Where can I camp?
There are six nature-based campgrounds located within City of Albany coastal Reserves. Three of these camping areas are currently fee free with the exception of Cosy Corner, East, Torbay Inlet and Cape Riche.
Sites cannot be pre-booked so please plan your trip accordingly so that you have time to find alternative accommodation if they are full. Please only camp within designated camping bays.
General information includes:
- A seven day maximum stay during peak periods.
- Public toilets are available, although water is non-potable. Drinking water is available in Albany or other townsites such as Manypeaks and Wellstead.
- Rubbish facilities are provided, however we encourage campers to take your rubbish with you due to limited capacity especially over peak periods.
- No fires are allowed at any time (except at Cape Riche).
- Dogs are allowed (except at Cape Riche), however are to be on a leash at all times.
- There is limited to no mobile reception.
- Cape Riche has a full-time caretaker, whereas the other campgrounds generally have Camp Hosts during peak seasons (November-April).
City of Albany Campground Map
Cosy Corner East
Cosy Corner East is located 35km west of the Albany townsite. The camping area is appropriate for both caravans and tents and is accessible by 2WD vehicles. It is a well protected campground within Peppermint woodlands and coastal heath, situated within easy walking distance to the beach for swimming, fishing and paddling. There are two camping areas: the upper area has 21 bays suitable for caravans, whilst the lower area is designated for tent camping only with 15 bays. Facilities include an RV dump point.
Fees
$15 per site/night (2 x adults and 2 x children)
Concession (Pensioner, Senior or Student) = $10
Additional Children 16 years and younger = $3
Additional Adult = $7.50
School Groups = $5 per student per night
Torbay Inlet (Floodgates)
Torbay Inlet camping area (also known as Floodgates) is located 30km west of the Albany townsite. The camp area is 2WD accessible along an unsealed gravel road, however is not suitable for larger caravans due to small turn around areas, smaller sized campsite bays, and low over-hanging branches. It is a shady campsite under mature Peppermint trees on the banks of the Torbay Inlet which is suitable for fishing, swimming and paddling. The campground is comprised of 5 small caravan bays and 16 tent bays. The ocean can be accessed via a short walk or along a 4WD track located 1km prior to reaching the camping area off Torbay Inlet Rd.
Fees
$15 per site/night (2 x adults and 2 x children)
Concession (Pensioner, Senior or Student) = $10 per site/night
Additional Children 16 years and younger = $3 per night
Additional Adult = $7.50 per night
School Groups = $5 per student per night
East Bay
East Bay camping area is located 45km east of the Albany townsite. It is a very small campsite within Eucalypt Mallee shrubland with direct access to the beach. Although it is 2WD accessible, it is not suitable for caravans or large campervans due to the steep nature of the access road and limited turning within the campsite area. The campground has a limited number of non-demarcated campsite areas. Camping on the beach is not permitted.
Bettys Beach
Bettys Beach camping area is located 50km east of the Albany townsite. It is 2WD accessible, however there is an extremely steep access road with small turn around areas. It is a small campsite within coastal health with direct access to the beach and spectacular coastal views.
Camping is not permitted on the beach which has extremely soft sand and is exposed to the surf and tides which pose a significant risk. Camping is also not permitted from Mid-February till the end of April each year when the site is utilised by professional fishermen, however can be used as a day use area during this time.
Cape Riche
Cape Riche is a managed campsite with a caretaker present all year round, with fees applicable. It is located approximately 100km east of the Albany townsite and is accessible by 2WD although access is via an 18km unsealed road south of Wellstead. There are approximately 20 campsite areas, and a defined day use area. Visitors to Cape Riche can enjoy fishing, swimming, snorkelling, and bushwalking. Boats can be launched from the beach.
Facilities include public toilets, cold showers, non-potable running water, fish cleaning station, public barbeques, and bins. Fires are allowed under strict guidance from the on-site caretaker, but you must bring in your own firewood prior to reaching the site. No dogs are allowed.
Fees are collected daily, with a fee of $20 per night per site for up to 2 Adults and 2 Children. Additional adult fees are $9/pp/night, and additional Children (6-16yrs) are $3/pp/night, EFTPOS is available and is preferred. Sites are on a first-come first-served basis and cannot be pre-booked. For site specific enquiries please contact the Caretaker at Cape Riche: (08) 9847 3088.
RV dump points
There are four RV dump points within the City of Albany.
- Town information bay on Albany Highway (opposite Le Grande Ave)
- Amity Quays off Princess Royal Drive (near the Brig Amity)
- Cosy Corner East camp grounds, off Cosy Corner Road (waterless dump point)
- Wellstead Town site on South Coast Highway (in the eastern section)
Please ensure that you thoroughly wash down the dump point after using it, with the water provided. Report any damage or issues to 1800 633 000.