Cape Riche Campground — Beach Camping on WA’s Southern Coast: Senior Grey Nomad Guide 2026
Cape Riche Campground is one of those places that the Great Southern’s most experienced grey nomads keep quietly to themselves. Campsites literally metres from the ocean. A caretaker on-site. A boat ramp, fire pits, BBQs, fish cleaning station, and a protected swimming area with a pontoon. And at around $20 a night, it is extraordinary value for a managed coastal site in Western Australia. But before you point your van down Sandalwood Road, there are things your friends almost certainly did not mention — the 18 kilometres of unsealed road to get there, the cold-only showers, the strict no-dogs rule, and the fact that the nearest hospital is 100 kilometres away. This guide covers every detail so senior grey nomads arrive prepared, comfortable, and safe.
Grey nomad stops in south-west Western Australia
Table of Contents
- Cape Riche and Its Campground: Why Grey Nomads Drive This Far
- The 18km Unsealed Road — Spectacular Access, But Genuinely Hard for Some Seniors
- Your Two Main Options Side by Side
- Cape Riche Campground: The Beach, the Caretaker, and What You Get for $20
- The Cold Shower Truth: What It Means for Senior Comfort at Cape Riche
- What Cape Riche Campground Doesn’t Tell You Online
- Van Life Savings Spots: Free and Low-Cost Camping Near Cape Riche
- Wellstead Bush Park: The Smart Senior Base Camp
- Full Facilities Comparison: Cape Riche vs Wellstead Bush Park vs Albany Caravan Parks
- Rates: All Options
- The Cape Riche Day Plan for Seniors
- Senior Checklist: Cape Riche Campground
- What to Do Near Cape Riche: Senior Activities Guide
- GPS Coordinates and Postcodes: Save Every Stop
- Frequently Asked Questions — Cape Riche Campground for Grey Nomads
- Quick-Reference Card
1. Cape Riche and Its Campground: Why Grey Nomads Drive This Far
You will be cruising the South Coast Highway somewhere between Albany and Esperance when someone at a roadhouse mentions Cape Riche. They will say the campground is right on the water, the fishing is extraordinary, and there is a swimming area with a pontoon. You will pull out your phone, find almost nothing useful written from a senior’s perspective, and either keep driving or take the turn south towards Wellstead. This guide is for the people who take the turn.
Cape Riche Campground sits on the southern coast of Western Australia’s Great Southern region, approximately 100 kilometres east of Albany and 24 kilometres south of Wellstead. It is managed by the City of Albany and is one of six nature-based coastal campgrounds in the Albany coastal reserves. What makes Cape Riche different from the others is its position — campsites are literally metres from the beach, there is a resident caretaker who collects fees and manages the site, and the protected swimming area with a pontoon makes it genuinely suitable for senior swimmers who want calm, safe water rather than open surf.
Cape Riche has a remarkable history that makes it one of the most interesting stops in the Great Southern. Named after Claude-Antoine-Gaspard Riche, a French naturalist who became lost near Esperance in 1791, the cape was charted by Matthew Flinders in 1802 during his circumnavigation of Australia. By the 1830s it had become a trading post regularly visited by American whalers, and the historic Cape Riche Homestead — constructed between 1850 and 1860 — still stands in the area. For a senior grey nomad who appreciates a destination with genuine stories to tell, Cape Riche delivers.
If you are building a grey nomad route along WA’s south coast, the Cape Riche detour adds around 36 kilometres return from the South Coast Highway — a small price for one of the most scenic coastal camps in the region. Most travellers passing through have no idea it exists. That is the point.
2. The 18km Unsealed Road — Spectacular Access, But Genuinely Hard for Some Seniors
The campground at Cape Riche is managed, staffed, and genuinely well-maintained. It is not, however, the easiest site to reach when you are towing a caravan. The people recommending it to you probably arrived in a Prado with a camper trailer. Here is the honest senior’s briefing before you commit to the access road.
- 18 kilometres of unsealed road to get there. Sandalwood Road from the South Coast Highway to the campground is 18 kilometres of dirt. Multiple reviewers report corrugations on sections of this road. In dry conditions most caravans manage it without issue, but it is not the smooth sealed driveway that some camping apps imply. Drive slowly, allow extra travel time, and check road conditions with the City of Albany before going in after rain.
- Cold showers only — no hot water. Multiple recent traveller reviews confirm that showers at Cape Riche are cold water only. In summer this is refreshing. In autumn and winter on the southern WA coast, a cold shower at night can be genuinely unpleasant for seniors with arthritis or circulation issues. Plan to have a hot shower before you leave Wellstead or Albany if you are arriving in cooler months.
- No power — no exceptions. Cape Riche Campground is entirely unpowered. CPAP machine users must bring a lithium battery or solar setup with sufficient capacity for their full stay. There is no mains power anywhere at this site.
- No dogs. Strictly enforced. Dogs and all pets are not permitted at Cape Riche Campground. This is a City of Albany rule and it is actively enforced by the on-site caretaker. If you travel with a pet, you cannot stay here.
- No dump point on-site. There is no dump point at Cape Riche. You need to be self-contained for your full stay. The nearest dump points are in Albany, 100km away. Plan your tank capacity carefully before heading down Sandalwood Road.
The full address is: Cape Riche Campground, Sandalwood Road, Wellstead WA 6328. GPS: -34.597701, 118.749668 (source: Australia247 public database). Save this before you leave Wi-Fi.
3. Your Two Main Options Side by Side
Here is how Cape Riche Campground compares to Wellstead Bush Park Campspot — the nearest senior-friendly alternative 17 kilometres up the road with a sealed access road. Read this table before deciding where to sleep.
| Facility / Concern | Cape Riche Campground | Wellstead Bush Park Campspot |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ~$20/night per site | ~$40/night powered (couple) |
| Booking required | No — first come first served | Call ahead recommended |
| Mains power (240V) | ❌ None | ✅ Powered sites available |
| Flush toilet | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hot shower | ⚠️ Cold water only | ✅ Hot showers |
| Dump point | ❌ None on-site | ✅ Check locally |
| Disability amenities | ⚠️ Not confirmed | ✅ Amenities for disabled |
| Drive-through sites | ⚠️ Sandy sites — not confirmed drive-through | ✅ Large drive-through sites |
| Dogs / pets | ❌ NO PETS | ⚠️ Check with hosts |
| Sealed road access | ⚠️ 18km unsealed Sandalwood Rd | ✅ Sealed access in Wellstead |
| Caretaker on-site | ✅ Resident caretaker | ✅ Hosts Rob and Carolyn |
| Beach / ocean access | ✅ Sites metres from beach | ❌ Inland — Stirling Range views |
| Phone coverage | ⚠️ Limited Telstra / No Optus | ✅ Better coverage in Wellstead |
| Medical proximity | ~100km to Albany Health Campus | ~82km to Albany Health Campus |
| Senior recommendation | ✅ Self-contained, Telstra, warm months | ✅ Best powered senior base camp |
4. Cape Riche Campground: The Beach, the Caretaker, and What You Get for $20
Cape Riche Campground is managed by the City of Albany and sits within the Cape Riche coastal reserve on WA’s Great Southern coast. With approximately 20 designated campsites and a defined day-use area, it is not a large facility — but what it lacks in size it makes up for in position. Campsites are located directly adjacent to the beach, some just metres from the water’s edge. The sunrise from a beachfront site at Cape Riche, looking out over calm water with the southern coastline stretching in both directions, is genuinely spectacular.
The resident caretaker collects fees daily and ensures the site is kept clean and well-managed. This is a significant advantage over unmanaged free camps — there is a real person on-site who can answer questions, advise on conditions, and respond if something goes wrong. For senior grey nomads, having a caretaker present is a genuine safety and comfort benefit that most camping apps do not adequately acknowledge.
Activities at Cape Riche include swimming in the protected area with its pontoon, fishing off the beach and rocks, snorkelling, bushwalking through the coastal heath, and boating from the on-site ramp. The area is a known southern right whale calving ground — between July and October, whale sightings from the cape are common. The coastal heath supports a number of rare WA flora species including the feather-leaved banksia and coast featherflower.
October through April is the sweet spot. Summer months bring warm water for swimming and snorkelling in the protected bay. July to October brings southern right whale sightings from the cape. Avoid winter nights (June–August) unless you have excellent heating in your van — the southern coast of WA gets cold and the cold-only showers become a real comfort issue. The campground caretaker is on residence year-round.
Full address: Cape Riche Campground, Sandalwood Road, Wellstead WA 6328 GPS: -34.597701, 118.749668 (source: Australia247 public database) Managed by: City of Albany — 08 9841 2333 Caretaker enquiries: 08 9847 3088 (verify current number with City of Albany before relying on this) Cost: ~$20 per site per night — collected daily by caretaker Booking: No pre-booking — first come first served Maximum stay: 7 days during peak periods
5. The Cold Shower Truth: What It Means for Senior Comfort at Cape Riche
This is the detail that divides travellers more than any other at Cape Riche Campground — and it is consistently under-reported on camping apps and tourism pages. The showers at Cape Riche are cold water only. This is not an old listing with outdated information. Multiple recent reviewers in 2024–2025 confirm it. One reviewer specifically noted: no hot water in the showers. Another paid $20 for the night and found the BBQs did not work and the shower was cold.
Cold water exposure after a day in the sun is manageable for fit younger travellers. For seniors with arthritis, poor circulation, Raynaud’s disease, or cardiovascular conditions, a cold shower in the evening — particularly during autumn and winter on WA’s southern coast — is a genuine health concern, not just a comfort inconvenience. If you rely on a warm shower as part of your daily health routine, plan accordingly: have a hot shower at Wellstead or Albany before arriving, or use your van’s own hot water system. Confirm current shower conditions with the City of Albany on 08 9841 2333 before your stay — this may change.
The positive counterpoint: in summer, the cold shower situation matters very little. WA’s Great Southern summer days are warm, the water temperature in the protected swimming bay is pleasant, and a cold rinse at the end of the day is entirely acceptable. The cold shower concern is most relevant for autumn and winter stays — October through May, most senior grey nomads find Cape Riche entirely comfortable.
Most modern caravans and motorhomes have their own on-board hot water systems. If yours does, Cape Riche’s cold showers are simply a non-issue — use your own. If you are in a basic campervan without on-board hot water, plan for a hot shower stop at Wellstead Bush Park or in Wellstead townsite before heading down Sandalwood Road for the evening. The 17km trip back is easy in daylight.
6. What Cape Riche Campground Doesn’t Tell You Online
The City of Albany page on Cape Riche is brief. The camping app listings are generic. Here are the five things that experienced grey nomads know about this site that most online sources miss entirely.
1. The sites are on dark, soft sand. Multiple traveller reviews specifically mention that campsite surfaces are soft dark sand — not hard-packed gravel or sealed concrete. This is important for seniors towing heavy caravans: if you get into a soft spot, you can sink. The on-site caretaker can advise you on the best firm sites when you arrive. Always check the ground before reversing in.
2. Some sites are better than others — ask the caretaker. With around 20 sites available, quality varies significantly. The caretaker on site knows which spots are firmer, which have better shade, and which are most suitable for larger rigs. Ask before you pick your spot. The caretaker is a genuine local resource — use them.
3. Firewood is sometimes available for purchase from the caretaker. You can buy firewood from the caretaker on site — but stock is not guaranteed. BYO firewood as a backup. Fire pits are available and fires are permitted under the caretaker’s guidance. Always check for total fire ban days — these apply across the Great Southern region.
4. Swimming here is genuinely safe — the pontoon matters. The protected swimming area with its pontoon is not just a gimmick. It creates a defined, calm swimming zone with something to hold onto and rest on for senior swimmers. This is not common at coastal campsites and it makes Cape Riche genuinely more accessible for older swimmers than most beach camps in WA.
5. Southern right whales calve here. The Albany and Cape Riche area is a documented calving area for southern right whales. Between July and October, whale sightings from the cape are not unusual. This is one of the few campsites in WA where you can genuinely wake up to whales offshore from your van door.
Telstra signal at Cape Riche is reported as limited and patchy. Optus users have no coverage. This is a remote coastal site 18km down a dirt road — do not assume your phone will reliably connect for calls or data. Download offline maps, save all GPS coordinates, and save emergency numbers to your phone before you leave Wellstead. If you are an Optus user or travelling alone, carry a registered PLB at minimum. Register for free at beacons.amsa.gov.au.
7. Van Life Savings Spots: Free and Low-Cost Camping Near Cape Riche
The Cape Riche and Wellstead area has several options for senior van life savings spots that suit grey nomads of different setups. Here are the main options with honest senior verdicts.
| Site | Cost | Address + GPS | Senior Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Riche Campground | ~$20/night | Sandalwood Road, Wellstead WA 6328 GPS: -34.597701, 118.749668 | ✅ Best beach position in the region. No power, cold showers, no dogs. Self-contained Telstra travellers only. |
| Wellstead Bush Park Campspot | ~$40/night powered couple | Wellstead WA 6328 GPS: approx -34.4987, 118.6148 | ✅ Best senior base. Powered, drive-through sites, disability amenities, hosts on-site. 17km from the cape. |
| Cosy Corner East Campground | Fee applies | 35km west of Albany, City of Albany WA 6330 GPS: approx -35.0559, 117.5056 | ✅ Also City of Albany managed. 21 caravan bays, 2WD accessible. Good alternative if Cape Riche is full. |
| Albany Town Caravan Parks | From ~$35–45/night powered | Albany WA 6330 (multiple options) 100km west of Cape Riche | ✅ Full facilities, hot showers, dump points, close to hospital. Best for seniors needing all comforts. Use as base for Cape Riche day trips. |
With only around 20 sites and no pre-booking available, Cape Riche Campground fills quickly during school holidays, long weekends, and peak summer season. If you arrive and it is full, the next nearest option is Wellstead Bush Park, 17km back up Sandalwood Road. Always have a backup plan before driving down the unsealed road, particularly if you are arriving late in the day.
8. Wellstead Bush Park: The Smart Senior Base Camp for Cape Riche
Wellstead Bush Park Campspot is the best senior base for the Cape Riche area. Located just 17 kilometres from the campground on the sealed road approach to Wellstead, it is run by hosts Rob and Carolyn — described consistently by grey nomads as welcoming, friendly, and genuinely knowledgeable about the local area. Rob in particular has been praised for being a great conversationalist and a reliable source of local advice on road and weather conditions.
The park offers large drive-through sites — a significant advantage for senior travellers managing large rigs who do not want to reverse into a small sandy bay at the end of a long day. Powered sites are available. The facility includes amenities specifically designed for disabled visitors, which makes this one of the more accessibility-friendly options in the region. The backdrop is the Stirling Range — completely different scenery from the coastal camp, but equally spectacular. Coastal camping on WA’s south coast.
Address: Wellstead Bush Park Campspot, Wellstead WA 6328 GPS: approx -34.4987, 118.6148 (verify on arrival) Hosts: Rob and Carolyn Website: Camps Australia Wide — Wellstead listing Rate: ~$40/night powered couple (confirm when booking) When you call, ask: Large drive-through site available for my rig length? Are hot showers available? Can you advise on current Sandalwood Road conditions for the trip to Cape Riche?
Wellstead itself is a small Wheatbelt-to-coast crossroads town with a general store for last-minute supplies before heading to the cape. Grey nomads travelling the south coast route between Albany and Esperance consistently recommend stopping here. For more on free camping across Western Australia, the Great Southern coast between Albany and Bremer Bay has some of the most underrated camping in the state.
9. Full Facilities Comparison: Cape Riche Campground vs Wellstead Bush Park vs Albany Caravan Parks
| Facility | Cape Riche Campground | Wellstead Bush Park | Albany Caravan Parks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mains power | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Flush toilet | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hot showers | ⚠️ COLD ONLY | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dump point | ❌ | ⚠️ Check locally | ✅ Albany has 2 public dump points |
| BBQ | ✅ Free BBQs (check working) | ⚠️ Check locally | ✅ |
| Fish cleaning station | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠️ Park dependent |
| Boat ramp | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ Albany boat ramp is separate |
| Caretaker on-site | ✅ Resident | ✅ Hosts on-site | ✅ |
| Disability amenities | ⚠️ Not confirmed | ✅ | ✅ Most Albany parks |
| Dogs/pets | ❌ NO PETS | ⚠️ Check with hosts | ⚠️ Park dependent |
| Phone coverage | ⚠️ Limited Telstra | ✅ Better Telstra | ✅ Full coverage |
| Medical proximity | ~100km (Albany Health Campus) | ~82km (Albany Health Campus) | ✅ On-site in Albany |
| Senior overall rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Prepared self-contained Telstra travellers, warm months | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best senior base camp | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Full comfort option |
10. Rates: All Options Near Cape Riche 2026
| Option | Rate | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Riche Campground | ~$20/site/night | No booking — first come first served | Cash to caretaker. No power. Cold showers. No dogs. 7-day max peak. |
| Wellstead Bush Park — Powered ← Senior Recommended | ~$40/night couple | Call ahead — hosts Rob and Carolyn | Powered, drive-through, disability amenities, Stirling Range views. |
| Albany Caravan Parks | From ~$35–50/night powered | Book direct or online | Full city facilities, hospital nearby, dump points, hot showers. Best for extended stays. |
| Cosy Corner East (City of Albany) | Fee applies — check City of Albany | No pre-booking — first come first served | Good Cape Riche alternative if full. 2WD, caravan bays, coastal location. |
All rates are a guide only and current at time of writing. Confirm rates with the relevant manager before arrival. Prices may vary by season.
11. The Cape Riche Campground Day Plan for Seniors
Whether you are staying overnight at the campground or doing a day trip from Wellstead or Albany, here is a timed plan built specifically for senior grey nomads.
| Time | Stop + GPS | Senior Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30am | Depart Wellstead Bush Park or Albany Fill water, fuel, and have breakfast before leaving sealed road | No fuel, food, or water on Sandalwood Road. Sort everything in Wellstead or before. |
| 8:15am | Turn onto Sandalwood Road (18km unsealed) GPS turnoff: approx -34.4820, 118.7100 | Drive slowly. Corrugations reported. 18km takes 20–25 minutes at a comfortable pace. |
| 8:45am | Arrive Cape Riche Campground GPS: -34.597701, 118.749668 Sandalwood Road, Wellstead WA 6328 | See the caretaker first. Ask about firm sites for your van and current BBQ and facility status. |
| 9:00–10:30am | Morning walk along the cape and coastal heath | Best time for birdwatching and, in July–October, whale watching from the headland. Flat coastal walking with stunning views. |
| 10:30am–12:30pm | Swimming in protected bay / fishing / snorkelling | The pontoon in the protected swimming area gives seniors something to rest on and hold. Best swimming window before afternoon wind picks up. |
| 12:30pm | Lunch at camp — free BBQs or campfire | Check BBQs are working before relying on them — some reviews report faults. Have a gas cooker backup. |
| 2:00pm | Afternoon rest / fishing off rocks or beach | Afternoon winds common on the southern coast. Rock fishing needs non-slip footwear and care — do not fish alone on rocky outcrops. |
| 4:30pm | Sunset from campsite or cape lookout | Sunsets over the Southern Ocean from Cape Riche are consistently described as exceptional. Set a chair up facing west and stay warm. |
| Day trip option — depart 3:00pm | Return to Wellstead or Albany before dark | Never drive the unsealed Sandalwood Road in the dark. If staying overnight, make sure you are set up before last light. |
The 18km unsealed Sandalwood Road has wildlife, corrugations, and no lighting. If you are doing a day trip, depart Cape Riche by 3:00pm at the latest to allow comfortable daylight travel. If you are staying overnight, be fully set up on your site before sunset. Do not attempt to leave or arrive on this road in darkness.
12. Senior Checklist: Cape Riche Campground
| Item | Why It Matters for Cape Riche | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Travel insurance with medical evacuation | Albany Health Campus is 100km away. Medical evacuation cover is essential for this remote coastal location. | ☐ |
| PLB registered with AMSA | Limited Telstra signal at Cape Riche. No Optus. A registered PLB is your emergency lifeline if phone signal fails. Register free at beacons.amsa.gov.au | ☐ |
| 2-week prescription medication supply | No pharmacy in Wellstead. Nearest dispensary is Albany. Stock up before the Great Southern coast. | ☐ |
| Medicare card + medication list in waterproof pouch | Keep accessible in glovebox. A printed medication list saves critical time for paramedics responding to a call 100km from a hospital. | ☐ |
| Full water tanks before Sandalwood Road | No water tap at Cape Riche Campground. Fill tanks completely at Wellstead before the 18km unsealed drive south. | ☐ |
| CPAP lithium battery | No mains power at Cape Riche. Ensure your battery has sufficient capacity for your full planned stay — no recharge option on-site. | ☐ |
| Offline maps downloaded before leaving Wellstead | Phone signal is limited at Cape Riche. Download Hema Explorer or Maps.me offline maps at Wellstead Bush Park before heading down Sandalwood Road. | ☐ |
| SPF 50+ sunscreen and rash shirt for swimming | The protected bay is ideal for senior swimming but the UV on WA’s south coast is extreme. Apply full sunscreen before the pontoon swim. | ☐ |
| Non-slip shoes for rock walking and boat ramp | Wet rocks, boat ramp surfaces, and sandy site edges all present slip risk for seniors. Sandals are not appropriate footwear at Cape Riche. | ☐ |
| Gas cooker backup | Reviewers have reported that the free BBQs at Cape Riche are sometimes faulty. Always have a gas burner backup so your meal plan does not fail. | ☐ |
| Emergency numbers saved offline and on paper | Albany Health Campus: 08 9892 2222. Emergency: 000. City of Albany: 08 9841 2333. Caretaker: 08 9847 3088. Print and keep in glovebox. | ☐ |
| Dog note — leave pets at Wellstead | No dogs or pets permitted at Cape Riche Campground. If you travel with a pet, arrange to leave them at Wellstead Bush Park and do Cape Riche as a day trip without your dog. | ☐ |
13. What to Do Near Cape Riche: Senior Activities Guide
| Activity | Address + GPS | Senior Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming in protected bay — Cape Riche pontoon | Sandalwood Rd, Wellstead WA 6328 GPS: -34.597701, 118.749668 | The pontoon provides a safe rest point for senior swimmers. Calm, protected water. Best in morning before afternoon sea breeze. |
| Southern right whale watching (July–Oct) | Cape Riche headland, Wellstead WA 6328 GPS: approx -34.6000, 118.7550 | Known calving area. Bring binoculars. Flat clifftop walking. Best viewing July to October from the cape itself. |
| Fishing off beach and rocks | Cape Riche Campground beach, Wellstead WA 6328 | Fish cleaning station on-site. Salmon, herring, and squid commonly caught. Non-slip shoes essential on rocks. Never fish alone on rocky outcrops. |
| Stirling Range National Park | Chester Pass Road, Borden WA 6338 GPS: -34.3687, 118.0877 | About 80km from Cape Riche. Wildflower season (Aug–Oct) is exceptional. Flat to moderate walks suitable for seniors. Entry fee applies. |
| Albany City — shopping, dining, museum | Albany WA 6330 GPS: approx -35.0247, 117.8837 | 100km west. Full town facilities — hospital, pharmacy, supermarket, restaurants, Western Australian Museum Albany, Discovery Bay. Air-conditioned for hot days. Good half-day city visit before or after Cape Riche. |
| Wellstead General Store — coffee and supplies | Wellstead WA 6328 GPS: approx -34.4987, 118.6148 | Last supplies stop before Sandalwood Road. Coffee, basic provisions, and local advice. Essential pit stop for day trippers from Albany. |
14. GPS Coordinates and Postcodes: Save Every Stop Before You Lose Wi-Fi
Save all of these to your navigation app or van life savings spots app before you turn off the South Coast Highway. Once you are on Sandalwood Road, Optus has no signal and Telstra is limited. The time to save these is in Wellstead — not when you are already at the cape.
| Stop | Full Address + Postcode | GPS (copy to app) | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Riche Campground | Sandalwood Road, Wellstead WA 6328 | -34.597701, 118.749668 | 08 9847 3088 (caretaker — verify) |
| Sandalwood Road Turnoff (South Coast Hwy) | South Coast Highway, Wellstead WA 6328 | approx -34.4824, 118.7095 | — |
| Wellstead Bush Park Campspot | Wellstead WA 6328 | approx -34.4987, 118.6148 | Hosts Rob and Carolyn — call ahead |
| Albany Dump Point 1 (near Brig Amity) | Princess Royal Drive, Albany WA 6330 | approx -35.0234, 117.8842 | Free — City of Albany |
| Albany Dump Point 2 (Albany Hwy) | Albany Highway, Albany WA 6330 (near information board) | 34.9713, 117.8661 | Free — City of Albany |
| Albany Health Campus (Hospital — ED 24hrs) | Corner of Hardie Road and Warden Avenue, Spencer Park WA 6330 | 34.9619, 117.8766 | 08 9892 2222 |
| Albany After Hours GP Clinic | Albany Health Campus, Warden Avenue, Spencer Park WA 6330 (front entrance, old hospital building) | 34.9619, 117.8766 | Walk-in — no appointment needed. Sat/Sun/Public Holidays 10am–6pm |
| City of Albany — Campground enquiries | City of Albany, Albany WA 6330 | — | 08 9841 2333 |
| Emergency (anywhere in Australia) | — | — | 000 |
Albany Health Campus is 100km from Cape Riche. A senior with a cardiac event, severe allergic reaction, or serious fall at the campground needs this address already saved in their navigation app before the emergency happens. Save it in Wellstead while you still have reliable signal. Do not wait until you need it.
15. Frequently Asked Questions — Cape Riche Campground for Grey Nomads
Is Cape Riche Campground accessible by 2WD?
Yes. Cape Riche Campground is accessible by 2WD vehicles. The South Coast Highway to Wellstead is fully sealed. The 18km Sandalwood Road from the South Coast Highway to the campground is unsealed but is generally manageable for 2WD cars, caravans, camper trailers, and motorhomes in dry conditions. Multiple reviewers report some corrugations. Wet weather can make sections slippery — check road conditions with the City of Albany on 08 9841 2333 before heading in after rain.
Can I bring my dog to Cape Riche Campground?
No. Dogs and all pets are strictly prohibited at Cape Riche Campground. This is a City of Albany rule and is enforced by the on-site caretaker. If you travel with a dog, use Wellstead Bush Park (17km away) as your base and do Cape Riche as a day trip without your pet.
Are the showers hot at Cape Riche Campground?
Recent traveller reviews (2024–2025) consistently report cold water only in the showers. This is important for seniors with arthritis, poor circulation, or cardiovascular conditions. If hot showers are important for your comfort or health, have a hot shower at Wellstead or use your van’s own hot water system. Confirm current shower conditions with the City of Albany or the caretaker on 08 9847 3088 before your visit.
Can I pre-book a site at Cape Riche Campground?
No. Cape Riche Campground operates on a first come first served basis only. Sites cannot be pre-booked. The fee is collected daily by the resident caretaker. During peak season (Christmas holidays, Easter, and long weekends), the campground can fill. Always have a backup plan — Wellstead Bush Park or Albany caravan parks — before driving down the 18km unsealed road.
Is there a dump point at Cape Riche Campground?
No. There is no dump point at Cape Riche. You must be fully self-contained for your stay. The nearest public dump points are in Albany, approximately 100km to the west — one on Princess Royal Drive near the Brig Amity, and one on Albany Highway near the information board. Plan your tank capacity for your full intended stay before heading down Sandalwood Road.
Where is the nearest hospital to Cape Riche Campground?
Albany Health Campus — Corner of Hardie Road and Warden Avenue, Spencer Park WA 6330. Emergency Department available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Phone: 08 9892 2222. Distance: approximately 100km from the campground. This is a significant distance — for any senior grey nomad travelling this coast, saving the hospital GPS is not optional.
What is the best time of year to visit Cape Riche Campground?
October through April for swimming and beach camping in comfort. July to October for southern right whale sightings from the cape and wildflower season in the surrounding coastal heath. Avoid June through August if cold showers concern you — winter nights on WA’s southern coast are cold and the cold-only shower situation is most challenging in winter. The campground caretaker is on residence year-round.
Is Cape Riche Campground safe for solo senior travellers?
The presence of a resident caretaker is a genuine safety advantage for solo senior travellers — this is not an unmanaged bush camp. Other campers are usually present. Telstra signal is limited but available, which allows emergency calls for Telstra users. Optus users have no signal and must carry a registered PLB. Always tell someone your itinerary before heading down Sandalwood Road, and save the hospital GPS and emergency numbers before leaving Wellstead.
16. Cape Riche Campground Quick-Reference Card — Screenshot and Save
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Cape Riche Campground address | Sandalwood Road, Wellstead WA 6328 |
| GPS | -34.597701, 118.749668 |
| Cost | ~$20/site/night — cash to caretaker |
| Access road | Sealed to Wellstead turnoff. 18km unsealed Sandalwood Road to campground. No night driving. |
| Toilets | ✅ Flush toilets |
| Showers | ⚠️ COLD WATER ONLY — confirmed by recent reviewers |
| Power | ❌ Unpowered only |
| Water | ❌ None — carry from Wellstead |
| Dump point | ❌ None. Nearest: Albany — Princess Royal Drive GPS approx -35.0234, 117.8842 |
| Dogs | ❌ STRICTLY NO PETS |
| Phone signal | ⚠️ Limited Telstra / ❌ No Optus |
| Best season | Oct–Apr (swimming). Jul–Oct (whale watching, wildflowers) |
| Caretaker / City of Albany | 08 9847 3088 (caretaker — verify) | 08 9841 2333 (City of Albany) |
| Nearest hospital | Albany Health Campus, Cnr Hardie Rd & Warden Ave, Spencer Park WA 6330 — 08 9892 2222 — 24hr ED |
| Senior base camp | Wellstead Bush Park Campspot — powered, drive-through, disability amenities, hosts on-site — 17km from cape |
| Emergency | 000 |
Cape Riche Campground Address: Sandalwood Road, Wellstead WA 6328 GPS: -34.597701, 118.749668 (save to navigation app now) Phone (caretaker): 08 9847 3088 (verify current number with City of Albany) Phone (City of Albany): 08 9841 2333 Website: City of Albany — Nature Based Camping When you call, ask: What are current road conditions on Sandalwood Road? Are there firm sites available for my van length? Are the BBQs currently working? What is the current shower situation? Albany Hospital (save now): Corner Hardie Rd & Warden Ave, Spencer Park WA 6330 — 08 9892 2222 — GPS: -34.9620, 117.8760 Use the van life savings spots tool to track all your stops on this route.
Disclaimer: Cape Riche Campground is a managed City of Albany coastal reserve. All GPS coordinates, facility information, phone numbers, and road conditions were verified at time of writing and are based on publicly available data. Information may change without notice. Always verify current road conditions, facility status, and fees with the City of Albany on 08 9841 2333 before visiting. This article is provided as a guide only. The author and retiretovanlife.com accept no responsibility for changes to site conditions, access, or rules after publication.
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🏨 Cape Riche Full? Search Albany and Great Southern Accommodation Below.
Cape Riche fills fast over Christmas, Easter, and long weekends. If the campground is full when you arrive, search Albany and Great Southern accommodation options below.
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