Steep Point Fishing Camp - Edel Land NP

Steep Point is the westerly most point of mainland Australia and is found in the Edel Land National Park (proposed) which forms the western boundary of the Shark Bay World Heritage Are. We drove to Steep Point from our camp site at Tamala Station which is a very sandy corrugated road that required a high clearance 4WD. Steep Point is considered to be one of the best land based game fishing areas in the world.

The Oven / Faultline is close to Steep Point and we found three camps of men who had spent several weeks fishing from these high cliffs. To fish off the cliffs they use a helium balloon to carry the bait out into the channel and then it bobs up and down in the water with the wind to help attract the fish. Once caught they use a special gaff to haul their catch up the cliff - apparently is it not unusual for sharks to take the fish before they are landed. We spoke to some of the fishermen who told us they had caught some large mackerel and sailfish. 

A Permit is required to camp in the National Park and fees apply - they are very popular so it advisable to book well ahead (contact the Ranger or download a permit application from the Shark Bay website). There are some sites at Shelter Bay which are protected from the wind but I understand the keen fishermen prefer to camp on the Steep Point Cliffs which are very exposed and rocky, but close to the fishing spots.

Camping facilities are very basic and you will therefore need to be self-sufficient as there is no fresh water, food, fuel or other supplies available in the area. There are pit toilets and a small number of bins - you are asked to take your rubbish out with you (pets are not allowed and fires are permitted under certain conditions only).