Caravan couple's 'unforgettable' experience at cheap beachfront campsite: 'In awe'

An Aussie couple who are currently travelling full-time around the country in their caravan have shared the incredible moment a pod of four dolphins "appeared out of nowhere" as they were cruising near a small island directly off Perlubie Beach in South Australia. Daz and Lee Perryman, who were camping at Perlubie Park at the time of the encounter, told Yahoo Lifestyle that the experience was 'unforgettable' and also shared advice for fellow caravan owners who are keen to visit the area.

"It was such an incredible, unique experience," the couple said. "You can’t plan or pay for moments like these—they just happen, and they leave you in awe of how raw and untouched this part of the country is."

Elaborating further on the special moment Lee said, "They stayed with us for about 10 minutes, swimming alongside the boat and seeming quite curious about us. Our Australian Shepherd, Oz, was equally fascinated—we actually had to hold him in the boat because we were worried he might try to jump in and play with them!

"The dolphins came so close, swimming directly under the boat. They seemed completely aware of us, gracefully navigating just beneath the surface. At times, they were so close you could almost reach out and touch them. They were majestic creatures, and the whole experience was simply unforgettable."

Where to camp at Perlubie Beach

For nature lovers or caravan owners who feel drawn to the pristine waters and beachside camping opportunities that Perlubie offers, Daz and Lee say that Perlubie Park is a "great alternative" for those who are unable to secure one of the 24 beach camping spots.

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"The setup at Perlubie Park is essentially a spacious, open area with large sites, easily accommodating our caravan and Ram without any issues," they explained. "It’s all unpowered camping, but there are great facilities, including a camp kitchen, toilets, and a shower. There are barbecue facilities, rubbish bins, a dump point, and it’s dog-friendly—with a fenced, off-leash area for dogs to run around."

Other features of the site that Daz and Lee loved were the easy 500-metre walk to the beach, which they say is easy for families to manage and the beach shelters, which are available for day use.

"You can drive or walk down from Perlubie Park, set up under a shady spot on the beach, and enjoy the day—just like we did," says Lee. "So even if you’re not camping directly on the beach, you can still have a fantastic beachside experience."

How much does it cost to camp at Perlubie Beach?

Daz and Lee, who frequently share their caravanning adventures via @our_salty_life on social media, tell Yahoo Lifestyle that they paid $30 a night and stayed three nights at Perlubie Park.

Meanwhile, unpowered beach camping sites at Perlubie are $20 per night.

What to know before booking Perlubie Beach camping

Although Perlubie Park offers some amenities like a camp kitchen, toilets, showers, barbecue facilities, rubbish bins, and a dump point, Lee and Daz caution that you’ll still need to be "somewhat self-sufficient."

The closest water supply is in Streaky Bay, about a 20-minute drive away, so it’s important to bring enough water with you to support your stay," they tell Yahoo Lifestyle.

"Streaky Bay is also the closest town for supplies," they continue. "It has two IGAs, a bakery, and at least one pub (maybe two!). While the park is well-equipped for unpowered camping, being prepared with your own essentials will make for a smoother experience."

What is there to do at Perlubie Beach?

For Daz and Lee, part of the appeal of Perlubie was the chance to test out their True Kit boat, citing the location's shallow entry and calm waters made it a safe and easy location for launching.

However, whatever your hobbies are, it seems that the area will have something for most outdoor enthusiasts.

"Perlubie is known for being popular with squid and whiting fishing, though we didn’t have any luck this time," Lee says while also citing surfing as a popular drawcard - although she cautions that the area is best suited to more experienced surfers.

"Fishing is a major drawcard—whether you’re crabbing, squidding, or chasing whiting and other species, it’s truly a paradise for anglers," she continues. "Many of the beaches in the Streaky Bay area are safe with shallow entries, making them ideal for families with kids."

If scenic drives are more your thing, Daz and Lee recommend the Westall Loop Road for it "beautiful coastal views" and also the drive out to Cape Bauer and Sceale Bay.

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"Don’t miss a visit to Murphy’s Haystacks, an impressive collection of ancient rock formations just a short drive from town," Lee says.

She continues, "Streaky Bay itself has so much to offer—you could easily base yourself there for four or five days and find something new to do every day. It’s a wonderful mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty."

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