Time to stretch your legs and get out into the fresh air as the state campgrounds are now open.
Western Australia’s Parks and Wild Service has announced that campgrounds within the State’s national parks, reserves and state forests will be open for avid overnight nature lovers so prepare to whip out the winter woollies stat.
Although intrastate travel restrictions are very much still a thing, the reopening of these campgrounds gives people a chance to explore the nearby great outdoors in their regional boundaries.
An old fashioned, back to basics holiday in nature sounds like the perfect remedy to what is going on in the world right now, and you may even be surprised to know some camping spots even existed.
Prepare to stretch your legs, breathe in that crisp air as we highlight some of the best camping spots in each region.
Perth & Surrounds
Perth Hills Centre Campground – Beelu National Park
Forest camping is not all about roughing it up as Perth Hills Centre Campground is considered a luxury spot complete with showers and kitchen facilities. This Mundaring campsite is popular with schools and is only open for public camping every Friday and Saturday night and WA school holidays.
Location: Allen Road, Mundaring, Western Australia, 6073
Nanga Mill – Lane Poole Reserve
Nanga Mill is the largest campground in Lane Poole Reserve, which covers over 55,000-hectares of Jarrah forest just 100-kilometres south of Perth near Dwellingup. With an advantageous locale situated along the banks of the Murray River, this is the place to get active with outdoor activities such as bushwalking, cycling, swimming and canoeing.
Location: Lane Poole Reserve, Off Ninga Road, Dwellingup, Western Australia, 6213
Bald Hill Camp – Avon Valley National Park
Could this be Perth’s most enchanting campground escape? Located in Avon Valley National Park, Bald Hill Camp provides views of the valley atop of the hill and is one for those who like to wander in nature with the campground close to the jarrah, marri and powder-bark forests. A top spot for bushwalkers.
Location: Avon Valley National Park, Morangup Road, Mundaring, Western Australia, 6073
South West
Crystal Springs Camp – D’Entrecasteaux National Park
Get out your cameras as Crystal Springs Camp is a top spot for photography enthusiasts. Located D’Entrecasteaux National Park, this prime camp spot is great for fishing and bushwalking. Four-wheel drive adventures can be had nearby at Walpole-Nornalup National Park.
Location: D’Entrecasteaux National Park, Long Point Road, Broke, Western Australia, 6398
Boranup Camp – Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park
Be amongst the towering karri trees at Boranup Camp: a tranquil slice of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. If brave enough to face the winter chill, there are beaches located within this National Park, perfect for swimming, snorkelling and fishing within appropriate zones. If wanting to work on your footwork, the Cape-to-Cape Trail is nearby too.
Location: Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, Boranup Road, Boranup, Western Australia, 6286
Belvidere Camp – Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park
Ready to play a round of bird bingo? Belvidere Camp is a popular spot for birdwatching and checking out dolphins alongside the south and west sides of Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park. If game enough, you can also opt to go swimming, snorkelling and attempt to make a catch of the day fishing. There are a number of walking and cycle trails nearby that provide lush views of the Darling Range, Australind and beyond.
Location: South of Buffalo Road, Leschenault 6233
Related reads: Start Planning Your Next Free Camping Holiday Around Australia
Golden Outback
Peak Charles Camp – Peak Charles National Park
Pack up the 4WD and take it for a spin out to the camping grounds at Peak Charles National Park. As the name suggests, this basic camping ground is at the base of Peak Charles, and it’s a hot spot for experienced climbers. The eastern side of the Peak is perfect for climbing and abseiling, while the bushlands surrounding it are a great spot to test your knowledge of native flora and fauna.
Location: Peak Charles National Park, North Cascade, Western Australia, 6445
Four Mile Camp – Fitzgerald River National Park
Plant lovers, Four Mile Camp is for you! Located in the Fitzgerald River National Park – home to nearly 20% of WA’s flora species – this camp couldn’t be a better base for bushwalking and wildflower enthusiasts. The park backs onto the ocean just past Bremer Bay, so if you’re keen on a spot of fishing, kayaking, or even cold water swimming, this is the campground for you.
Location: Fitzgerald River National Park, Hamersley Drive, Fitzgerald River National Park, Western Australia, 6346
Margaret Cove Camp – Stokes National Park
Can’t choose between the sea or trees? Margaret Cove Camp in Stokes National Park has got you covered. Sitting along the southern coast of WA, this campsite has the best of both worlds. Find the magical paperbark lined cove and snap the perfect Insta-shot, or take on the chilly waters for a spot of fishing, snorkelling or diving (steamers advised!). There’s also a boat ramp at the campsite, so hitch the tinnie on if you have one!
Location: Stokes National Park, via Margaret Cove Road, Coomalbidgup, Western Australia, 6450
Coral Coast
Osprey Bay Campground – Cape Range National Park
Is there anything better than waking up to unbroken views of the ocean? The simple answer is ‘no’. Pitch a tent at the Osprey Bay campground, adjacent the Osprey Sanctuary Zone of the Ningaloo Marine Park, for some of the best ‘from bed views’ in the house. Given its location, you’d be mad to not pack your snorkel and stand up paddleboard.
Location: Yardie Creek Road, Cape Range National Park, Western Australia, 6707
Gregories Camp – Francois Peron National Park
Bush camping or beach camping: pick your poison at Francois Peron National Park in Shark Bay. 4WD along the sand tracks and settle in the bush at Gregories Camp for a weekend of bushwalking, beach fishing, and dune exploring. For the avid beach fishermen and women, the on-site gas barbecues are particularly handy for turning your catch into dinner.
Location: Francois Peron National Park, Francois Peron National Park, Western Australia, 6537
North Mandu Camp – Cape Range National Park
North Mandu Camp may be small (there are just five sites), but she’s mighty. Not far from the Ningaloo Marine Park, there’s plenty of beach and water activities to be enjoyed from this base. Spend your days snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, surfing, or spotting whales, or head out to Mandu Mandu Gorge for a nature-filled 3km return walk.
Location: Cape Range National Park, via Yardie Creek Road, Cape Range National Park, Western Australia, 6707
North West
Mitchell Falls Camp – Mitchell River National Park
Ignore everything 90s hitmakers TLC may have taught you because you’re definitely going to be chasing waterfalls at Mitchell Falls Camp. Waterfalls aren’t the only thing Mitchell River National Park has going for it – there are spellbinding gorges and a number of culturally significant sites of the Wunambal people to explore too. Spend your days hunting out the ancient Aboriginal rock art, or colling off in the many nearby swimming holes. This camp is accessible only by 4WD.
Location: Mitchell River National Park, Mitchell Plateau, Western Australia, 6740
Kurrajong Camp – Purniululu National Park
Camp beside Australia’s second most impressive rock formations at Kurrajong Camp in Purnululu National Park. Affectionately known as The Bungle Bungle Range, the gullies, ridges, and domes of Purnululu offer some of the North West’s most incredible hikes and camping. Pitch a tent nearby and watch the fading dipping sun light up the orange, grey, and black bands of the rocks in the distance.
Location: Purnululu National Park, Purnululu, Western Australia, 6770
Munurru Campground
Base yourself at Munurru campground for easy access to some of the Kimberley’s most iconic experiences. The campsite is managed by the traditional owners, the Wunambal Gaambera people, and is right by some of the best river swimming, waterfalls, and rock art in the area. If you’re interested in the wildlife, the site is also known for it’s bird-watching and kangaroo spotting.
Location: Port Warrender Road, Mitchell Plateau, Western Australia, 6740
Before you go
Campers must continue to undergo social distancing measures and are highly encouraged with campers to be self-sufficient. People must observe the four square metres of space per person rule, with particular attention to shared facilities and areas such as ablutions/BBQ shelters and other communal areas, must be followed. Good hygiene practices should also be implemented.
Bookings can be made via exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au for a maximum stay of two-weeks.
Want to find out more campsites on the go? Download the WikiCamps or AirCamp app.
Feature image: Michael Guite on Upsplash
Related reads: Start Planning Your Next Free Camping Holiday Around Australia
See more: Perth and WA Travel
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