Peaceful Bay is as idyllic as the name suggests; a natural haven that is home to just a lucky few!

The Phillips family have called the southern coast of Western Australia home for generations, with a steeped history in horticulture and mixed farming across the Pemberton, Lake Muir and more recently the Denmark regions for well over 80 years. Peaceful Bay was a favourite holiday destination for the family and a welcome break from life on the farm. Back in the day, there was only a small camping area and few facilities, but sun-baked days playing beach cricket, adventures with Dad clambering over rocks to discover new fishing spots, a place where a tribe of cousins would meet, a place where steak and damper were cooked over the campfire, created a magical place and lifetime memories that endure to this day.

In 2007 when the family decided to diversify their farming operations, there really was only one place that made sense for a sea-change. The opportunity came up to purchase the Peaceful Bay Caravan Park and the family embarked on a new journey in tourism.

Katrina and Ryan Phillips manage the Peaceful Bay Caravan Park with their 4 beautiful kids and are supported by Ryan’s parents, Malcolm and Janine. Over the years, Katrina and Ryan have put a huge amount of energy into transforming what was a tired, unloved Caravan Park into the relaxing, secluded gem that it is today, including maintaining 7 hectares of grassed sites in a bush-retreat setting. The family also run the general store and in 2008, Malcolm purchased a boat with a commercial fishing licence, to supply freshly caught Southern Ocean fish for their Fish and Chips business; an opportunity that doesn’t come up often and was too good to refuse for a family that has fished the waters of Peaceful Bay for decades.

Navigating the Southern Ocean is not always easy and at times unforgiving. However, Ryan and his dad have perfected their sustainable fishing skills and now supply the best of WA’s deep sea table fish, including the highly sought after WA Dhufish, for the enjoyment of their guests. The small kitchen at the general store has now been extended and an alfresco deck installed. Peaceful Bay Fish and Chips is now the ultimate ocean to plate experience and is rapidly becoming a ‘must-do’ experience on the Amazing South Coast.

What’s next for this incredibly energetic family?

Plans are now underway to upgrade the parks amenities whilst retaining the relaxed, beach charm of Peaceful Bay’s location. Equipment hire is next on the to-do list, ensuring day-trippers from nearby Walpole and Denmark can enjoy a ‘Day at the Bay’ and tours are being considered. It’s a long to-do list for a visionary team, but in the meantime, there’s always the beach and family; it’s what matters most.