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Free and budget campsites: Western Australia
Words Julija Zivanovic Pics Supplied
Welcome to part three of our free and budget camping spots series by state — this time we’re covering our largest state by far, Western Australia. Keep reading to discover some awesome destinations that won’t break the bank.
South Lefroy Bay, Ningaloo Coast
If you missed the first part in this series covering the best free and budget camping spots in Queensland, just hit this link to catch up. And if you missed the second part covering the Northern Territory, go here to catch up. Otherwise, welcome to part three where we’ll cover the best free and budget campsites of our country’s largest state, the incredibly beautiful and varied Western Australia. No matter what sort of environment you’re keen to explore, you won’t be disappointed with what WA has to offer.
Western Australia regions
Western Australia — known for its diverse climate, breathtakingly beautiful beaches, world-class surfing, abundant wildlife and aquatic life (being home to the world’s largest fringing reef, the Ningaloo Reef) … and is larger than most European countries — is made up of five regions.
As can be seen on the map above, these are known as the North West, Coral Coast, Golden Outback, Perth and South West. We’ll cover each of these gorgeous regions as we delve into some awesome free and budget-friendly camping spots.
Camping grounds
Alexander Bay Camping Area, Golden Outback
This beachside campground is an 8.5-hour drive southeast from Perth or just an hour east of Esperance. This campground featuring 12 camping bays — adjacent to a white sandy bay — is popular for activities including canoeing and kayaking, bushwalking, fishing, snorkelling and surfing.
Campers should be self-sufficient as the only facilities are a long drop toilet and rubbish bins — although campers are encouraged to take their rubbish home with them. Please be advised that this is a popular spot with no bookings possible, so it’s a first in, best dressed situation. Fees are low at $15 per campsite per night. This camping area is only accessible by 4WD vehicles.
Contact: 08 9083 1555
Banksia Camp, South West
Banksia Camp at D’Entrecasteaux National Park
This coastal camp in D'Entrecasteaux National Park is popular for its stunning location at the southernmost point of WA. It’s about a six-hour drive south from Perth and is certainly worth it when you reach the picturesque beach.
This is a popular family holiday destination where activities such as fishing (rock fishing in particular), surfing and swimming are enjoyed. Facilities are limited including only a toilet and picnic table so campers must be self-sufficient. Fees apply and access is only possible if you have a 4WD vehicle.
Contact: parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au or 08 9840 0400
*FREEBIE* Camel Soak Camping Area, Coral Coast
This free remote campsite near Camel Soak waterhole is a four-hour drive northeast of Perth. The waterhole was used as a water source for both camels and workers when building the famous rabbit-proof fence.
Today it’s popular with campers for its natural beauty and serene environment. Campers should be self-sufficient as this shire managed camping area has little in the way of amenities including only a barbecue and toilet facilities. All conventional vehicles can access the camping area.
Contact: 08 9973 1002
Caravan parks
Barn Hill Beachside Station, North West
You can expect beautiful sunsets such as this one from Barn Hill Beachside Station
Located towards the top of WA (a whopping 22-hour drive northeast of Perth), just down the road from Broome, is the beautiful Barn Hill Beachside Station caravan park. This park is the gateway to more than 50km of pristine untouched coastline lined by the Indian Ocean.
There are various accommodation options including powered and unpowered campsites, huts for up to five people and camping shelters. The many facilities include kiosk and café, ablution blocks, laundry and a mail service. Fees apply and all conventional vehicles can access the park.
Contact: barnhill.com.au or 08 9192 4975
Exmouth Cape Holiday Park, Coral Coast
This seaside caravan park is located right in the heart of Exmouth, or a 13-hour drive north of Perth. Close to the start of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef — the world’s longest fringing coral reef — this park is the perfect location from which to enjoy a number of WA-famous activities including swimming, snorkelling and four-wheel driving.
Accommodation options include various sized cabins and self-contained rooms, ensuite sites on both natural ground and paved, and both powered and unpowered campsites. The park is well facilitated with a camp kitchen, two swimming pools, laundry, kiosk, dump points, recreation room, kids’ playground, ablution blocks and barbecue facilities just to name a few. Fees apply and all conventional vehicles can access the park.
Contact: https://parksandresorts.rac.com.au/exmouth/ or 08 9949 1101
Swan Valley Tourist Park, Perth
Shady sites at Swan Valley Tourist Park
Just a 30-minute drive northeast from Perth, this caravan park situated at the beginning of the famously beautiful Swan Valley offers various accommodation options for a fair price. Just up the road from the Margaret River Chocolate Company and a stone’s throw away from award-winning wineries, breweries, cafes and restaurants, this is a popular spot to stay for tourists and locals alike.
The park offers tree-shaded family apartments and ensuite cabins as well as powered and unpowered caravan and campsites. Amenities are numerous including a swimming pool, recreation room, barbecue area, large playground, tennis court, laundry and much more. Fees apply and all vehicle types can access the park.
Contact: acclaimparks.com.au or 08 9274 2828
Bush camps
*FREEBIE* Barred Creek, North West
Credit: Adobe Stock Images
The location of Barred Creek bush camp is so picturesque and unspoiled you’d be forgiven for thinking we made an error labelling it as a ‘freebie’. But we haven’t, and this epic camping spot is well worth the almost 23-hour drive northeast from Perth (or only 30 mins north from Broome) once you stumble upon the postcard-like beach.
Expect to enjoy swimming, fishing and crabbing and epic 4WD trails in the area. All campers must be self-sufficient as there are no facilities. A four-wheel drive is required to access this bush camp.
Contact: 08 9191 3456
*FREEBIE* Diamond Rock, Golden Outback
Located along the Holland Track — a medium-graded 4WD track which takes 2–3 days — this free bush camp is a great place from which to enjoy WA’s outback peace. About seven hours east from Perth this is true bush camping with no facilities at all. Being on a 4WD trail, a four-wheel drive vehicle is required to access the camp.
*FREEBIE* Willow Springs, South West
Not to be confused with Willow Springs Station in South Australia, this free bush camp is located in serene forestland just a three-hour drive south of Perth. This peaceful location in open forest is a great spot for those wanting to take a break from city life.
Just an hour to the west is the famous Margaret River area which is famous for its beaches, wineries and surfing — your author’s personal favourite area. Being a bush camp, there are only basic facilities (drop toilet and picnic table), and all conventional vehicles can enjoy easy access to the camp.
Overnight rest areas
*FREEBIE* De Grey River Rest Area, North West
This free overnight rest area just east of Port Hedland (or 18 hours northeast of Perth by car) is popular as it’s on the road (Great Northern Highway) that joins Port Hedland and Eighty Mile Beach.
As far as overnight rest areas go, this one is quite large and well facilitated, with several undercover seating areas, public toilets and a dump point. The area is accessible to caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers and big rigs — and you do not need a 4WD vehicle to access the site. Just remember this is not for long stays and you must not remain here for more than 24 consecutive hours.
*FREEBIE* Frank Lupino Memorial Park, Perth
Located just a 45-minute drive southeast of Perth, this free overnight rest area facilitates caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers and big rigs for short stays (less than 24 hours). Amenities are limited to a barbecue, picnic table and a place to light fires.
Campers must be self-sufficient at this location as there is no water or toilets — although being in town means these are easily reached if need be. All conventional vehicles can access this rest area.
*FREEBIE* Smokebush Reserve, Coral Coast
This free overnight rest area located in between Jurien Bay and Cervantes (two hours north of Perth by car) is a large open area at the top of a hill which is suitable for motorbikes, RVs, caravans and big rigs.
Campers must not overstay the 24-hour period and must be self-sufficient as facilities are very bare (only two covered picnic tables and no toilets or bins available). All conventional vehicles can access this rest area.
Get your copy today!
If you enjoyed learning about WA’s best free and budget camping spots and would like more information on each of the above (and more!) grab a copy of Hema’s Where to Camp Guide Australia available on the Hema Maps website and at leading outdoor retailers.
This guidebook was prepared in collaboration with the CMCA, Australia’s largest RV club. Listings are categorised as camping grounds, caravan parks, bush camps and overnight rest areas so you can easily determine which is right for you and your family.
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