Cape Keraudren; Camping on the Pilbara Coast

Nice. Terrible. Amazing. That was the three stages I went through when describing Cape Keraudren, for our short stay in May.

In our planning stages to Drive to Broome, we were looking for places to camp that were free/low cost but amazing, and we stumbled across Cape Keraudren, about 160km out from Port Hedland, and 60km from the De Grey river camp ground (which was closed!).

The photos looked brilliant, and the location was good, so we booked it in. On the way there though, we had been reading of high winds – 30 – 50km an hour, and I know from experience (thinking particularly of Gnaraloo station) that camping on the coast when the wind is up is not much fun at all.

However, we persisted and rolled into Cape Keraudren at about 4:30 in the afternoon.

We only paid for one night, not knowing how nice it would be and thinking that we’d bail the next day if it was average. Thankfully, the wind was fairly slow on arrival, and with a great sunset and nice views we were happy to setup.

We’d come from Kalgan’s Pool in Newman, which in our opinion is one of the best free camps around, so had high expectations!

Cape Keraudren now lies in our 5 amazing camp sites between Port Hedland and Broome post.

The following day though, the weatherman came through with his predictions; from about 9AM it blew, and blew and blew. Despite moving the car several times to try and shield us (we couldn’t even get a kettle to boil!) it was pretty unpleasant. The joys of camping in average weather, with an outdoor kitchen.

Determined not to let the weather beat us, we went for a drive around the region. There are a couple of very pretty creeks that run through the area, and with the 4 metre tides its impressive to see them change throughout the day.

The wind died off in the afternoon, we had an amazing walk along the beach and the views were nothing short of brilliant. Despite my doubts about the place, I really fell in love with it and was sad to leave the following morning.

In many ways, it reminds me of Cleaverville, and I feel we were gypped with the wind. Some long term stayers told us the wind was very unusual and that it was normally flat as a tack in May, so we just lucked out.

I guess that’s the risk you take when camping on the coast!

Where is Cape Keraudren?

Cape Keraudren is right on the coast, 165km east of Port Hedland and not far from Pardoo Road house. Broome to Cape Keraudren is 467km. Karratha to Cape Keraudren is 380km.

If you are looking for other coastal camp sites nearby, you have Barn Hill Station 347km North East, and Eighty mile beach 110km North East.

Cape Keraudren Camping

There are 3 main Cape Keraudren Campsites. Sandy Beach, Cootenbrand Creek, the top camp and Cape Keraudren Cliff Camp. Beyond that, there are a couple of other places you are allowed to camp, providing you have your own toilet on board.

How much does it cost?

Cape Keraudren Coastal Reserve entry fee is $12 per vehicle, whether you are camping or not. Beyond that, its $10 per adult per night. If you are only visiting for a day or two this might seem expensive, but it soon fades away if you are there for longer.

When is a nice time to visit?

Normally anywhere between May and September is great weather at Cape Keraudren

Cape Keraudren Fishing

There’s a reason you see a heap of boats at Cape Keraudren. The fishing is supposed to be spectacular, and you have a couple of creeks to play in with a whole heap of mud crabs and other delicious seafood to be caught. Be aware of Crocodiles, as they have been seen here, although it is extremely rare. For more information, check out Crocodile Safety.

Fires and firewood

You are allowed fires here, providing you are sensible with them, and you bring your own wood in. They are very strict about not removing any of the drift wood or wood from the mangroves etc. Go out of the region to get what you need and you wont have an issue

Dogs

Dogs are permitted, but they must be on a lead at all times.

Toilets and dump points

There are quite a few dump points spread over the little area; you wont have an issue getting rid of black waste.

Water collection

If you need water, you can head to the rangers house on top of the hill, and get it from the bore. We never tasted it, but apparently its good enough to drink. This explains why some people are able to stay and camp for so long without leaving for supplies.

WIFI

You wouldn’t believe it, but there’s actually free WIFI at a number of places too. I managed to get on for a little while, but it booted me due to excess data use, even though I barely did anything, but maybe it was just a bug.

Sand flies and mosquitos

The whole coastline in this region is well known for sand flies and mosquitos. The more wind, the less bugs to eat you. Thermacells seem to work well, as does a mixture of detol and baby oil, sprayed on as you would with aeroguard or bushmans.

Check it out

I really fell in love with Cape Keraudren, and would be back for sure despite the average weather we had. It’s such a beautiful place with lots to do. In terms of Pilbara camping spots, its up there with the best. Have you been there? What did you think of it?

If not, chuck it on the list and check it out next time you are in the region.

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