Discover prime beachfront camping on the Mornington Peninsula at the Capel Sound Foreshores. Situated directly opposite the calm, family-friendly waters of Port Phillip Bay between Rosebud West and Rye, this seasonal campground offers a quintessential Australian summer holiday experience. Managed by a dedicated Committee of Management, the reserve provides numerous powered and unpowered sites nestled amongst coastal vegetation, just steps from the sand.
Capel Sound is part of the extensive Mornington Peninsula foreshore camping network, renowned for its convenient location and relaxed atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for families, swimmers, boaters, and anyone looking to unwind by the sea. The campground typically operates from September through to April, with peak season bookings highly sought after and often allocated via a ballot system or opening well in advance.
Access is straightforward via the sealed Point Nepean Road, suitable for all vehicles including large caravans and motorhomes. The sites themselves are generally grass or sand-based and relatively level. Amenities are well-maintained, featuring multiple toilet and shower blocks, laundry facilities, potable water taps throughout, and a dedicated dump point for registered campers’ sullage.
Strict adherence to campground rules is essential to protect the sensitive coastal environment and ensure an enjoyable stay for everyone. Crucially, **solid fuel fires (wood, charcoal etc.) are strictly prohibited** year-round. Only gas or electric cooking appliances are permitted. Additionally, **pets are not allowed** within the foreshore camping reserves (registered assistance dogs accepted with prior notification). Generators are also forbidden. Due to high demand, **bookings are absolutely essential** and must be made via the official Capel Sound Foreshores booking system.
The campground’s location offers easy access to the shops, cafes, and restaurants of Capel Sound, Rosebud, and Rye. It’s also a fantastic base for exploring nearby attractions like the Peninsula Hot Springs, Arthurs Seat Eagle, local wineries, and golf courses.
Capel Sound Foreshores – VIC Location Map
Capel Sound Foreshores Camping
Site Features
- Location: Absolute beachfront foreshore reserve, Capel Sound (between Rosebud West and Rye), Mornington Peninsula.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes.
- Road Access: Sealed road (Point Nepean Road), excellent access.
- Site Surface: Grass and sand-based sites, generally flat.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, designated paid camping sites. Operates seasonally (approx. Spring to Autumn). Bookings essential.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Varies; subject to booking conditions and seasonal limits (e.g., maximum 59 nights per booking). Minimum stays often apply during peak periods and long weekends.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, communal tables available in reserve areas.
- Potable Water: Yes, taps available throughout the campground.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Yes, excellent coverage for Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone.
- TV Reception: Yes, generally good digital TV reception.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, multiple amenity blocks with flush toilets and showers.
- Ullage (Dump Point): Yes, available on-site for registered campers.
- Drive Through: Some sites may be available; check booking system details.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, communal bins provided.
- Open Fires: **STRICTLY PROHIBITED.** No solid fuel fires (wood, charcoal). Gas and electric BBQs/cookers only.
- Generator Use: **STRICTLY PROHIBITED.**
- Number of Sites Available: Hundreds across the foreshore network. Bookings are competitive, especially for peak season.
- Essentials to Bring: Booking confirmation, gas/electric cooking appliance, beach towels, chairs, sun protection.
- Pet Friendly: **No.** Pets are strictly prohibited (service animals permitted with prior arrangement).
- Fishing: Yes, excellent beach fishing directly opposite, pier fishing at Rosebud or Rye.
- Short Walks: Yes, direct access to beach walking and the paved Bay Trail foreshore path.
Local Amenities
Note: Located directly on Point Nepean Road, close to Rosebud and Rye commercial centres.
- Local Pubs:
- Rosebud Hotel (approx. 3 km)
- Rye Hotel (approx. 4.5 km)
- Dromana Hotel (approx. 9 km)
- Places to Eat:
- La Porchetta Rosebud West (Capel Sound) (approx. < 1 km)
- The Milbri (Rosebud) (approx. 3 km)
- Extensive cafes, restaurants, and takeaway options along Point Nepean Rd in Capel Sound, Rosebud, and Rye.
- Local Attractions:
- Capel Sound Beach (on-site)
- Rosebud Pier (approx. 3 km)
- Peninsula Hot Springs (approx. 7 km)
- Arthurs Seat Eagle Base Station (approx. 8 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- This is a major foreshore camping area; others include Rosebud, Rye, and Sorrento Foreshore Camping.
- Kangerong Holiday Park (Dromana) (approx. 9 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- **None.** There are no recognised free camps on the Mornington Peninsula.
- Nearest Dump Points (Sullage):
- Available on-site for registered campers.
- Public Dump Point at Rye Foreshore (near pier – check accessibility/fees).
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Shell Reddy Express Tootgarook (within Capel Sound) (approx. 1-2 km)
- Multiple stations in Rosebud and Rye.
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available on-site for registered campers.
- Public taps often found along the foreshore Bay Trail.
- Nearest Public Toilets (off-site):
- Available on-site.
- Multiple public toilet blocks located along the Capel Sound/Rosebud/Rye foreshore.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
Capel Sound experiences a temperate coastal climate typical of the Mornington Peninsula.
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot (average max 22-26°C), generally sunny. Ideal beach weather. This is the peak camping season.
- Autumn (Mar – May): Mild sunny days with cooler evenings. Pleasant for walking and exploring.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cool (average max 13-15°C) and often damp or windy. The campground is typically closed during the depths of winter.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): Mild temperatures, but can be variable with wind and showers. The region becomes green and vibrant.
Note: Camping season generally runs from September/October to April/May. Bookings are essential and open months in advance, especially for summer holidays. Check the official website for exact dates and booking procedures.
