Grumpy 2027 Trip
2027
Ningaloo Late April for around 2.5 weeks
Date Posted:
23 August 2027
Preferred Campgrounds
Notes:
- The above images are of South Lefroy
- I am hoping that the currently closed campgrounds will open next year
- Site Size in metres
- P4 = 4 license plates allowed eg 2 cars, 2 trailers
- NB – We would have trouble fitting our 2 vehicles and 2 trailers on a 12×7 site
- NB – We need a P4 site
- We might ALSO need a second site
- Bookings will continue to open 180-days (approximately six months) before arrival.
- Bookings open six months in advance and generally FILL UP WITHIN Minutes
- Campers must bring a portable sealed-unit toilet
- Campfires when conditions permit and in campers own firepits only
- Dogs must be controlled on a leash at all times
- Generators permitted – restricted hours only
Videos Showing the Campsites
Grumpy 2026 Trip
Date Posted:
2 February
Sadly – We Cancelled the 2026 Trip Because the Cyclone Destroyed the Campground
Understanding Ningaloo Booking, Requirements etc
Date Posted:
26 January
Trip Meeting Saturday 14 March 3pm
Beers:
Average 4.5 beers per day x 6 people = 27 per day x 13 days = 351 beers divide by 24 per carton = 14 cartons (some beer will be in blocks of 30 – this means you can drink more 🤣)
- 4 Emu Export
- 2 Vic Bitter
- 3 Coopers Pale Ale
- 3 Balter XPA
- 1 Feral Smalls (mid strength)
- 1 Beer Farm Hazey (mid strength)
Total 14 cartons
Date Posted:
20 January
🍻🍷 Grumpy Camping Trip Drinks & Other Things Survey RESULTS
Date Posted:
16 January
From The South Lefroy Camp Caretaker
Date Posted:
16 December
It’s a very Bumpy Road In!
We have 2 choices – via Exmouth, being an extra 200 km and talking around 5 hours
OR
Via Ningaloo Road which is badly corrugated and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours
Minilya Roadhouse to South Lefroy via Ningaloo Road
The Ningaloo Road is around 50 km in length and very corrugated.
Your driving speed may be around 30 kph
Reduced tyre pressures help
The distance from Minilya Roadhouse to South Lefroy Bay via Ningaloo Road (Ningaloo Station) is approximately 181 km by car.
The driving route typically takes about 2 hours and 43 minutes via the Minilya-Exmouth Road.
Minilya Roadhouse to South Lefroy Bay via Exmouth
The driving distance from Minilya Roadhouse to South Lefroy Bay via Exmouth and Yardie Creek is approximately 353 km.This route has an estimated driving time of 4 hours and 47 minutes.
The driving distance from Yardie Creek to South Lefroy Bay (Ningaloo Station) is approximately 74.9 km.
This route has an estimated driving time of 1 hour and 51 minutes and follows the Yardie Creek Road and Ningaloo-Yardie Creek Road.
Date Posted:
1 December
Shirts Ordered
I ordered the shirts today @ $65 each and free postage.
I will get Logo embroidering done in Osborne Park which will add about $15 each.
Date Posted:
27 November
One Site for our Entire Stay
Happy to say that after diligently checking for cancellations every day, I was finally able to score one for site 68!
We are now on one site 68 for our entire trip and don’t have to worry about moving site midway. 😀
Date Posted:
24 November
The Team Shirt
By Thursday 27th November (just in case of Black Friday Sale):
- Send me your Shirt Size
OR - Let me know if you don’t like this proposal
Crayfish Fishing Shirt
100% polyester
UPF 50+ sun protection
Collar for neck protection
Quick dry/moisture wicking
Lightweight breathability
Grumpy Logo Embroidered on Chest
THE OFFICIAL GRUMPY OLD MEN 2026 TEAM SHIRT PROPOSAL
(A logical, scientific, medically-sound and completely unbiased argument)
Gentlemen,
As we prepare for our April Two Weeks of Survival, Hydration, Heatstroke Avoidance, and Occasional Fishing, I bring to you a matter of great importance. No, not bait supply. Not beer logistics. Not even who’s snoring loudest this year (though early betting favours Mike OR Blitto).
I speak, of course, about THE TEAM SHIRT.
Now, before anybody mutters “we don’t need matching shirts” or “I already have one from 2005”, allow me to present a robust, evidence-based case for why we DO, in fact, need this year’s official uniform:
👉 The Reef Chief Crayfish Fishing Shirt, proudly embroidered with our legendary Grumpy Old Men logo.
- Sun Protection — Because Skin Cancer Doesn’t Care That We’re Blokes
We will be on a beach.
For two weeks.
In the mid-30s.
Under the kind of Australian UV index that could barbecue a kangaroo in eight minutes.
This shirt is SPF 50+ rated, long-sleeved, AND designed for people who think sunscreen is optional after the second beer. It may be the only thing standing between you and becoming a human prawn cracker.
- Style — Because Nothing Says “Elite Fishing Unit” Like Matching Crayfish Shirts
Imagine us:
Six Grumpy Old Men… strolling down the beach… all wearing shirts featuring a giant crayfish charging out of the ocean like Poseidon’s angry pet.
People will stare.
Tourists will admire.
Fishermen will think we’re professionals.
Children may cry.
Women will swoon.
perfect.
- Comfort — Engineered for Men Who Complain About EVERYTHING
Hot?
The shirt breathes.
Cold?
We are in Western Australia — you’ll be fine.
Sweaty?
The fabric is moisture-wicking.
You won’t look like you’ve just run a marathon when all you’ve done is walk from the Engel to your camp chair.
- Tradition — And We’re Too Old to Start New Ones
We’ve done uniforms before.
It worked.
Nobody died.
This is what passes for continuity in our group.
Also: embroidered logo = classy.
Some might even say “distinguished”.
Not us, but some.
- Because… Look. We’re Grumpy Old Men. This Is the Most Fun We Allow Ourselves.
Let’s be honest — the shirt is basically:
- our team flag
- our identity
- and possibly the only thing we’ll all agree on for the entire trip
So let’s make the decision easy:
✔ Yes, let’s get the shirt.
✔ Yes, let’s add the Grumpy Old Men logo.
✔ And yes, let’s proudly march down that beach like a poorly coordinated paramilitary fishing squad.
In conclusion:
The shirt is practical, protective, intimidating (in a seafood-themed way), visually magnificent, and — most importantly — very, very us.
Date Posted:
20 November
Michael Duncan Joins the Grumpy Old Men
We welcome Michael Duncan to the Grumpy Old Men Tour of Ningaloo.
Michael is my next door neighbour and he assures me he has been a Grumpy Old Man “for a while according to others”. Michael has passed up on the opportunity to attend the Anzac Day AFL match between Essendon and Collingwood at the MCG to come camping with us!
Gil has decided not to go on our trip.
Date Posted:
18 November
We Have A South Lefroy Booking!
I’m pleased to tell you that we have booked South Lefroy for 11 nights. (Bookings were very tight!)
Our sites seem to be less than 30 metres back from the water which is nice.
Unfortunately, we will have to move sites once (from site 68 to site 60) as due to heavy bookings it wasn’t possible to book the same site for 11 nights. I will keep checking the booking site for cancellations.
Our sites allow 2 vehicles, 2 trailers and up to 8 people.
Some sites only allow one vehicle and one trailer – so that further limited the sites I could book as we are two vehicles and two trailers.
Date Posted:
15 November
I’m having trouble with my Facebook account.
You will not be able to contact me on Facebook or Facebook Messenger
Date Posted:
12 November
The Booking Hassles
Date Posted: 11 November
It’s decided – we are going to Ningaloo (South Lefroy)
Leave Perth 15 April
Return around 27-29 April
- Definites = Steve, Gazz, Mike, Rob, Rod
- Can fit one more – (Holding this spot for Gill who is over East and will confirm next week)
- Maybes = Sisto (& Gil)
- If you want to go – send $100 deposit by Sunday 16 November
- Rod Blitvich
Bank details will be texted or on the Grumpy 2026 Facebook Group - I will message you to confirm receipt of your deposit
Good South Lefroy video Site 61
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9fn5vZ5wUI
NINGALOO – SECLUDED AUSTRALIAN PARADISE – 1HR SPECIAL
South Lefroy starts at 26.44
Watch this BEFORE you book South Lefroy, Ningaloo (gives you a good idea about the sites)
very good explanation of the sites and the booking process
DIVING into SOUTH LEFROY’s SECRETS | Australia’s Paradise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufRTwimSGSE
The BEST Camps on Ningaloo Station! South Lefroy Bay & Winderabandi Point |https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMTZvwyqoJk
Date Posted: 10 November
- I will put most of my info and updates on this webpage.
- The newest will be at the top
- Important things/things you have to do will be coloured Red or Orange
Date Posted: 8 November
Summary:
You need to tell Rod by Monday pm: Ningaloo (2 wks) or North of Broome (3 wks)
Votes so far:
Mike – either
Rod – either
Steve – prefer Ningaloo
Gazza – prefer Ningaloo
Rob – prefer Ningaloo
It’s looking like North of Broome OR Ningaloo.
If we went to Ningaloo then late April or May would be good. (2 wks) eg April15- April 29
If we went North of Broome then a bit later would be good (2-3 weeks) eg 27 April to 17 May.
You now need to decide between the two (North of Broome OR Ningaloo)
You might like to check out a couple of the videos I have listed below.
Please can you reply with your preference in the next few days.
( by next Monday 10th November)
Why decide now?
- Bookings are difficult.
- Need to book well in advance
- The Ningaloo booking system is shitty, people book heaps of sites then cancel them later. Bookings open 180 days in advance,
- our dates are already heavily booked.
I’ve taken out Casto’s votes (as he doesn’t want to go anywhere, and certainly would only go for a few days) and Sisto’s votes (as he’s only a maybe). Gil is interested, but hasn’t done the survey.
The votes were as follows:
| NOTE 0=NO, 1= Not Fussy, 2=Maybe, 3=Keen,4=VERY KEEN | TOTAL |
| Dampier Peninsula (coast north of Broome) | 18 |
| Ningaloo/Winderabandi | 16 |
| Mornington | 14 |
| Bungles | 13 |
| Gibb River Road | 12 |
| Shelter Bay near Steep Point | 11 |
| Peron Peninsula | 9 |
| Bali – Waterfalls and Villages | 9 |
Ningaloo
Ningaloo Pros:
- Not so far,
- nice snorkling,
- coral etc
- Squid
Ningaloo Cons:
- Bumpy track in,
- Booking process is VERY DIFFICULT.
- No water, no showers etc, Must bring portable toilet
Ningaloo has half a dozen campgrounds.
Ningaloo Campgrounds Ranked from nicest to least nice:
South Lefroy, Winderabandi, Waroora 14 Mile, North Lefroy, Point Billie, Janes Bay
So I’m looking at South Lefroy
North of Broome
North of Broome Pros:
- Less time on Bumpy track. All bitumen except last 30km.
- Bookings less difficult.
- Most places have showers, toilets and Water fill-up points. More shade
North of Broome Cons:
- An extra 1-1.5 days driving each way
North of Broome Campgrounds:
- Gnylmarung https://gnylmarung.org.au
- Middle Lagoon https://www.middlelagoon.com.au
- Smithies https://smithysseasideadventures.com.au
- Pender Bay https://www.facebook.com/penderbayescape/
- Barn Hill (south of Broome) https://www.barnhill.com.au
Watch this BEFORE you book South Lefroy, Ningaloo (gives you a good idea about the sites)
very good explanation of the sites and the booking process
NINGALOO – SECLUDED AUSTRALIAN PARADISE – 1HR SPECIAL
Good South Lefroy video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9fn5vZ5wUI
DIVING into SOUTH LEFROY’s SECRETS | Australia’s Paradise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufRTwimSGSE
The BEST Camps on Ningaloo Station! South Lefroy Bay & Winderabandi Point |
Travel Australia [EP32]
DAMPIER PENINSULA | PENDER BAY | MIDDLE LAGOON
|SMITHYS | PARADISE FOUND! | BUSH FIRES & WHALES |
Dampier Peninsula – Off-Grid in WA’s Remote North // Gnylmarung
Dampier Peninsula / Pender Bay Escape / Smithy’s Seaside Adventures
SMITHY BEACH CAMPING | BEACH RECOVERY | SHARK FISHING!
You need to tell Rod by Monday pm: Ningaloo (2 wks) or North of Broome (3 wks)
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