Perlubie Beach is one of the best camping getaways in South Australia, with its beachfront campground and sweeping sand dunes. If you’re looking for your next holiday destination with tons of activities for the entire family, you’ll love this dreamy beach which is perfect for swimming, water sports or sunset walks. The nearby town of Streaky Bay is just a short drive away, so you’ll have everything you need but can still enjoy that feeling of setting up your camp in a remote place.
Perlubie Beach is just one of many incredible camping sites in the area. Don’t forget to check out the best caravan parks in South Australia here.
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Where is Perlubie Beach located?
This incredible beach is located on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, between the towns of Streaky Bay and Smoky Bay. It takes around 15 minutes to drive to Streaky Bay and just under 40 minutes to reach Smoky Bay in the north.
It is easily accessible by car and is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The beach is surrounded by sand dunes, and even though this is a popular spot, you’ll still be able to find a quiet corner, even on busy days.
There are a number of hiking trails in the area, and many people come here for bird-watching. The nearby towns of Streaky Bay and Smoky Bay are also well worth a visit and make for a great stop on your road trip through the area.
Get a change of scenery and try some of the best caravan parks in the Adelaide Hills next our check out these quotes about Australia.
Map of the camping sites and caravan parks in and around Perlubie Beach
Perlubie Beach only has one official campground, but there are actually several nearby sites you can choose from. Head to Smoky Bay or Streaky Bay for larger caravan parks, or set up a free camp in the beautiful surrounding area of Perlubie Beach.
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Camping at the Perlubie Beach
Perlubie beach is great for camping, fishing, kayaking, or just spending time in nature.
As of early December 2022, camping at Perlubie Beach costs $15 AUD per person per night and must be booked online here. The price per night depends on the season and can occasionally be higher. There is generally no staff on site, but the camping permit must be visibly placed on or in your vehicle.
Locals from the nearby regions also have to pre-book their pitch online from now on, but they get an option to purchase a yearly ticket for Perubie beach camping. Additional camping spots on the beach are available to them during the high season.
You can camp on the entire beach, both in tents and with your RV or car, but the numbers are capped so make sure you book as early as possible to ensure a good spot. Keep in mind that driving on the sand is recommended only with a four-wheel drive vehicle. Otherwise, you can leave your car in the parking lot in front and carry your gear to the beach. While it is not strictly forbidden to drive to the beach in a 2WD, you can get stuck very easily, and it is generally not worth the risk.
Make sure to pay attention to the tides, so your caravan or tent isn’t too close to the water.
Our tip: Previously, you could just show up at the campsite and pay on arrival, but it’s important to note that this is no longer possible after December 2022. Pre-booking this campsite is essential, and spots sell out fast, so make sure to book as far in advance as possible. You can find more information here.
Camping amenities at Perlubie Beach
There are clean toilets in the parking lot where soap and toilet paper are usually available. Unfortunately, there is no light in the bathrooms, so you take a flashlight with you after dark.
You can use some of the small huts along the beach that provide enough shade to put a table and chairs under. These are also ideal for hanging a hammock or clothesline.
Unfortunately, there is no dump point at Perlubie Beach camping, nor is there a water or electricity hookup for RVs. Campfires are also not permitted on the beach, and fines apply.
You can bring your four-legged friends and let them run free if you camp at Perlubie Beach. Just make sure that your dog does not disturb other campers and that you clean up after them.
Price range: Starting at $15 AUD
Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: Public toilets, shaded area
Driving time from Adelaide: ~ 7,5 hours
Address: 87QV+FM Perlubie, South Australia, Australia
Free and wild camping at Perlubie Beach
There are unfortunately no official free places to camp close to Perlubie Beach. You’ll have to drive considerable distances inland to find options where you do not have to pay, although the travel time to the beach will be far. Luckily, low-cost options are widely available at Perlubie Beach, but if you’re looking to camp for free, you’ll have to resort to wild camping.
Wild camping in Australia is a tricky subject, and our complete guide to wild camping is a great place to start if you’re unsure of how to approach it. Generally, it’s prohibited but often tolerated, although wild campers can still be fined if caught camping illegally.
Close to Perlubie Beach, you’ll find that wild camping is common, especially in the dune areas around Point Brown and further south around Baird Bay. If you’re planning on setting up a wild camp close to Perlubie Beach, make sure to bring everything you need, including a camping toilet and plenty of water and fuel. Follow the rules and do not camp if there are “no camping” signs displayed. Note that a 4WD car is highly recommended for accessing these locations.
Most importantly, leave no trace and do not drive on the dunes which are a delicate ecosystem that is being damaged by visitors.
Our tip: Avoid popular beaches for wild camping and choose more remote areas instead, wherever possible. Do not camp on private property and ask local residents for permission when in doubt.
Camping close to Perlubie Beach
Since Perlubie Beach only has one campsite with limited space, you might want to check out some other options should this spot be fully booked.
If you are already exploring the beautiful coast of the Eyre Peninsula, why not stop at one of the campsites mentioned below?
Streaky Bay Foreshore
Streaky Bay is located only about 20 kilometres south of Perlubie Beach and is also a beautiful and quiet area on the west coast of South Australia.
Discovery Holiday Park is a popular vacation destination in South Australia, and not just for camping enthusiasts. The park is set on 16 hectares of well-maintained grounds and is within walking distance of the town’s main street, stores, cafes and restaurants.
There is a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and needs, including campsites with and without electricity, cabins, villas and cottages. All accommodations are clean, comfortable and well-maintained, and many offer magnificent ocean views.
The Discovery Holiday Park Streaky Bay Foreshore has a number of facilities and amenities to ensure guests have a pleasant stay. These include a swimming pool, playground, barbecue area, camp kitchen, laundry facilities and a kiosk where you can purchase essential items. The friendly and helpful staff of the park is always on hand to help guests with any questions or needs they may have.
Whether you are a couple on a romantic getaway, a family looking for an affordable and fun vacation, or a solo traveller wanting to explore the area, this park has something for everyone.
Price range: $23 to $44 AUD per night
Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: Laundry, TV room, playground, camping kitchen, BBQ, kiosk
Driving time from Adelaide: ~ 7,5 hours
Address: 653X+67 Streaky Bay, South Australia, Australia
Our tip: To get from Streaky Bay Foreshore to Perlubie Beach, you can take the Flinders Highway about 27 kilometres south. The drive takes about 30 minutes and is a beautiful route that runs along the coast and through some of South Australia’s stunning scenery. It’s worth stopping here every now and then to have a picnic and enjoy the views.
Haslam Camping Ground
Haslam Camping Ground is located just a 15-minute drive north of Perlubie Beach. It is a city-managed parking lot with a public toilet nearby.
There are some trees in the parking lot that provide shade, and you can park your camper in between. There are also picnic benches, a BBQ, a small playground for children and a dump point for campers.
This trailer park is self-catering only, as there is only one public restroom outside the campground and no electricity or water hookups. There is an “honesty box” where you’re asked to pay $15 AUD per person per night to cover the cost of the site.
The park is only a few minute’s walk from the beach where you will find a boat ramp and a jetty for fishing.
Price range: $15 AUD
Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: Public toilet, BBQ, playground, dump point, picnic area, jetty, boat ramp
Driving time from Adelaide: ~ 8 hours
Address: F6R7+3G Haslam, South Australia, Australia
Acraman Creek Conservation Park
If you’re looking for a remote camping experience and like to be on your own in nature, the campground and trailer park at Acraman Creek Conservation Park is the place to be.
The campground has a few basic facilities, such as public restrooms and picnic benches, and otherwise, only pristine nature and the feeling of adventure.
There are no electricity or water hookups for campers, but luckily the price per night is reasonable at only $13.50 AUD per vehicle.
Unfortunately, it is not allowed to take dogs into the park to protect local wildlife.
Please note that there is limited shade here, so a tent or awning is essential, especially during summer.
Price range: $13.50 AUD
Dogs allowed: No
Facilities: Public toilets, picnic area
Driving time from Adelaide: ~ 8 hours
Address: H22X+5X Smoky Bay, South Australia, Australia
Smoky Bay Caravan Park
Smoky Bay Caravan Park is about half an hour’s drive from Perlubie Beach and is a popular stopover for those exploring the area.
The caravan park is located just a few yards from the ocean, where you’ll find a long fishing jetty. If you’re lucky, you can catch large tuna, salmon, crabs and squid here.
The campsite has cabins for up to five people with or without their own kitchen. There are also tent sites and caravan sites with and without electricity. Campers can enjoy a fully equipped community kitchen with a gas grill, refrigerator and microwave, coin laundry and an office where you can buy bait, snacks and other necessities.
If you need a bigger selection of groceries, you will find a small supermarket just 2 minute’s walk from Smoky Bay Caravan Park.
You are allowed to bring your dog as long as it does not run loose on the campsite.
Price range: On request
Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: Camping kitchen, BBQ, laundry, kiosk
Driving time from Adelaide: ~ 8 hours
Address: JWFM+4W Smoky Bay, South Australia, Australia
Things to do in and around Perlubie Beach
If you’re staying at a campground close to or at Perlubie Beach, you’ll love these things to do in the area.
1. Swimming and snorkelling
The crystal clear water of the local beaches is not only ideal for swimming but also for snorkelling. You can see many different species of fish here, and many parts of the bay are shallow and calm
The water temperature ranges from pleasantly warm in summer to cool but refreshing in winter.
2. Fishing
This coast is a popular spot among fishing enthusiasts. You can fish right from the beach or jetties in the area, and recreational fishing does not require a permit. If you’re lucky, you can catch tuna, flounders, crabs, salmon and squid here.
3. Bird watching
The northern Eyre Peninsula is home to a variety of seabirds and other native birds, making it an ideal place for bird-watching. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and your camera.
4. Dune hiking
The beach is surrounded by high sand dunes, which offer a number of hiking trails for visitors. Enjoy the sea breeze and some of the best views of the area as you enjoy a picnic among the dunes. Make sure to leave no trace and do not take any sand or shells with you.
5. Visit nearby towns
The towns of Streaky Bay and Smoky Bay are located just a quick drive from Perlubie Beach and are well worth a visit once you’ve had enough of the beach. There are also some camping sites in these towns if you want to add them to your road trip through South Australia.
6. See dolphins
You can often spot dolphins in this area, right from the beach or while you are out on a paddle board. Keep your eyes on the water and keep in mind to avoid disturbing or getting too close to marine life.
Our tip: Looking for Australia’s most beautiful places and camping hotspots? You need to visit Coral Bay.
Perlubie Beach camping FAQ
There is no free campground located close to Perlubie Beach, although you can set up a wild camp in the dune areas. Make sure to follow local rules and do not leave trash behind. Only camp if there are no signs asking you not to.
Yes, as of December 2022, you need to book online in advance. There are limited spots available, and this site is often fully booked so plan ahead.
Yes, there are some shaded huts available where you can set up your camp. However, space is limited so make sure to arrive early.
Pets are allowed at the beach, although you need to clean up after them.
Wild camping is not technically allowed but is often tolerated if campers clean up after themselves and do not drive on the dunes.
Yes, you can stay at the Discovery Holiday Park Streaky Bay Foreshore, which has a lot of amenities, including cabins, a shared kitchen, laundry facilities and a playground.
You need to pay online in advance when you book your camping space.
No, unfortunately, space is limited, and you need to pre-book online. If you do not have a reservation, you cannot stay at the site.
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