Conto campground

Conto campground (also known as Contos) is one of the best-located camping spots in Western Australia. Set in coastal peppermint woodland inside Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, it sits 21 kilometres south of Margaret River town and about 4 kilometres inland from Conto Beach. With 109 marked campsites spread across eight camping areas, it is large enough to absorb a crowd but still feels like you are deep in the bush.

Getting there#

From Margaret River (21 km, ~20 min): Head south on Bussell Highway, turn right onto Boodjidup Road, left onto Caves Road, right onto Conto Road. The entire route is sealed. No 4WD needed.

From Perth (~270 km, 3-3.5 hours): Forrest Highway or Kwinana Freeway south, then Bussell Highway through Busselton and Margaret River.

Margaret River town is your last reliable stop for fuel, groceries, and supplies. Stock up before heading down Caves Road.

Camping areas#

Conto has eight separate areas, each with a different character. You choose your area when booking but cannot reserve a specific site number.

Chuditch (19 sites) and Quenda (18 sites): Best equipped. Reverse-in crushed limestone pads for caravans and camper trailers. Food prep shelters with gas BBQs, dishwashing sinks (rainwater, not guaranteed year-round), picnic tables, fire rings. Top pick for families and first-time campers.

Hamelin (22 sites): Largest area. Earth and grass sites among peppermint trees. Tents, swags, small campervans only. Gas BBQ shelter, picnic tables, fire rings.

Isaacs (13), Davies (12), Whalers (11), Whistlers (14): Earth and grass sites. Tents and swags. Picnic tables, fire rings, pit toilets. Davies is well sheltered from wind. Whalers and Whistlers are quieter with fewer neighbours.

Wanil (unmarked): Most basic. Fenced grass area, no marked sites, parking outside fence. Fills fast during peak periods.

Which area? Caravan/trailer: Chuditch or Quenda. Tent with facilities: Chuditch, Quenda, or Hamelin. Peace and quiet: Davies, Whalers, or Whistlers. Budget/travelling light: Wanil.

Facilities#

• No-flush pit toilets in all areas
• Gas BBQs at Chuditch, Quenda, and Hamelin
• Fire rings at all areas (seasonal restrictions apply)
• No drinking water guaranteed — bring all you need (5+ litres per person per day)
• No powered sites, no generators
• No showers, no rubbish bins (pack out everything)

Check the official page for current conditions.

Fees and booking#

Per person per night: adults $20, concession $15, children (5-15) $5, under 5 free. Payment by Mastercard or Visa at booking.

Book through ParkStay WA. Bookings open 180 days in advance. One site per booking. For peak periods (school holidays, Easter, autumn fire-season window), book the day the window opens. Each person in a group needs to book separately — coordinate your camping area.

Best time to visit#

Autumn (Mar-May): Best for most campers. Crowds clear by mid-March, comfortable temperatures (15-25 degrees), campfires from mid-April. Spectacular autumn light through the karri forest.

Spring (Sep-Nov): Wildflower season. Whale viewing from shore in September-October. Campfires still permitted. Can be wet.

Summer (Dec-Feb): Peak season. Sites book out months ahead. Fire bans in effect, temperatures can exceed 35 degrees. Beaches at their best and Hamelin Bay stingrays most active.

Winter (Jun-Aug): Quiet, rainy, atmospheric. Trails can be muddy. The forest looks incredible in the rain. Bring serious waterproof gear.

Things to do#

Cape to Cape Track#

The 135 km track runs directly past the campground. Walk north through towering karri trees to Boranup Lookout (~8 km one way) for panoramic views. Walk south to Hamelin Bay (~14 km) through coastal heath and limestone cliffs. Short option: campground to Conto Beach (4 km return).

Conto Beach#

A wild, windswept stretch backed by limestone cliffs. Not a casual swimming beach — heavy surf and rips. Popular with experienced surfers, rock fishers, and photographers.

Boranup Forest#

Karri trees up to 60 metres tall with fern-carpeted floors. Boranup Drive is a scenic unsealed road through the forest. Stop at Boranup Lookout for views to the coast.

Hamelin Bay stingrays#

About 20 km south (30 min). Friendly stingrays swim into the shallows near the old jetty pylons, most reliably in summer between 9-10 am. Sheltered beach much safer for swimming than Conto Beach.

Margaret River caves#

Three show caves within easy reach: Mammoth Cave (15 min, self-guided), Lake Cave (10 min, guided), Jewel Cave (25 min, the largest). Adults $25 each.

Margaret River town#

Over 200 wineries, cellar doors, craft breweries, cafes, and all the supplies you need. Worth a lunch trip to break from camp cooking.

Rules#

• No pets anywhere in the national park
• No generators
• Campfires in fire rings only, 15 April to 30 November. Restrictions can change without notice — check Parks and Wildlife WA alerts
• Bring your own firewood (collecting in the park is prohibited)
• Pack out all rubbish

What to bring#

• Water: Your number one priority. Rainwater sinks are unreliable, particularly in summer. At least 5 litres per person per day, more in warm weather
• Firewood: If camping 15 April to 30 November, bring your own. Collecting timber in the park is prohibited. Buy in Margaret River town
• Rubbish bags: No bins at Conto. Pack heavy-duty bags and store rubbish in your vehicle to avoid attracting wildlife
• Cooking gear: If you are not in Chuditch, Quenda, or Hamelin, bring a camp stove and fuel
• Warm layers: The southwest gets cold after dark, even in autumn. Coastal fog and sub-10-degree nights are common April-October
• Torch or headlamp: No lighting at the campground — it gets properly dark
• Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and march flies, especially after rain and in warmer months
• Offline maps: Mobile signal is unreliable. Download Google Maps or an offline map before you lose reception
• Sun protection: Tarp, sunscreen, and hats. Shade is limited at some sites in summer

Can't get a booking?#

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