Embrace winter in WA with these great getaway ideas that won’t break the budget.

Set off to some of the State’s best holiday destinations, find a local caravan park, for budget friendly accommodation, and use it as a base to discover the surrounding region.

Need inspiration? Here are the best winter escapes in WA and what makes them popular when the temperature drops.

Margaret River and Pemberton: Cascades, Wineries and Truffle Season

The South West region is at its lushest in winter. 

Trek through trail-friendly forests to discover beautiful spots including Beedleup Falls in Pemberton and Quininup Falls in Margaret River. Winter and spring are the best times to visit, when the cascades are in full flow.

Margaret River is alive in winter with wine tours and tastings, food and music festivals, farmers’ markets and the iconic truffle season. Each year, fresh black truffles are celebrated by truffle dog demonstrations and world class truffle-cooking experiences. Put your coats and wellies on, and get hands-on with a truffle hunt. Don’t miss out on Cabin Fever either; 10 winter days of bonfires, wine, blues bands and beer.

If you’re still feeling adventurous, explore below the surface with a cave tour. Or, head into Pemberton to tackle the giant Karri climbing trees, along with a visit to the national parks.

Where to Stay: Margaret River Tourist Park is close to all the main attractions, with caravan and camping sites, units and cabins available. 

Broome and the Kimberleys: Warm Tropics

Swap Perth’s cold and wet weather for the tropical climes in WA’s Kimberley region. During the ‘dry season’ in the Kimberley you’ll experience warm daytime temperatures, cool nights and optimum swimming weather.

Winter is the best time to visit WA’s North West. If you want to avoid the tourist rush, go early June before peak season hits in July through to August. Use this time to explore the local national parks which close throughout the wet season. Drive the Gibb River Road for Windjana Gorge, Purnululu National Park, Bell Gorge or Tunnel Creek National Park for the region’s top cascades, gorges, swimming holes and walking/hiking trails.

Broome, although closer to Perth, is almost as warm as the Kimberleys with 30° days and 14° nights. Camel ride along the famous Cable Beach or learn the local pearling history at Willie Creek Pearl Farm. Take a tour of the horizontal falls, book a fishing trip or sit back with a glass of vino and soak up some of the country’s best sunsets. 

Where to Stay: Camp or caravan at the national parks but book early as it gets busy in peak season. In Broome, stay close to the water at one of the many beach resorts.

Albany and Augusta: Whale Watching

Brave the cold and head to Albany or Augusta for the whale watching season, which runs from June to August. It’s also a hotspot for fishing and surfing.

Visit the Old Convict Gaol for local history. Now a museum, the quarters were originally built for convicts in 1852. Wake up early for the local farmers market on Saturday, eat oysters near Emu Point and check out the Albany wind farm, also offering a spectacular coastline view.

For a well-known natural attractions, head to Torndirrup National Park. There you’ll find wildflowers, The Gap (a 24-metre drop where the ocean meets the rocks) and natural bridge, a rock formation that’s been sculptured by the powerful swells of the Southern Ocean.

Where to Stay: Book in at the local caravan park or stay at Emu Beach Chalets for self-contained units by the water.

Horrocks Beach: Secluded Slice of Paradise

If you’re after a winter hideaway, this sleepy fishing village offers a warm swimming spot without the crowds.

Swim from the sheltered beach protected by reef, surf the breaks or head out fishing. Food lovers should head to the General Store, where you can pick up Horrocks Beach’s famous fish n’ chips. Follow the 4WD tracks to Little Bay, arguably WA’s best beach campground for more surfing, fishing and snorkeling spots.

Where to Stay: For holiday units or camping and caravan grounds, Horrocks Beach Caravan Park is walking distance to the beach, rock pools and the city centre.

Which winter destinations will you be adding to your list? Leave your comments below!

Author Bio: This article was written by Jayde Walker (Ferguson), a local Senior Content Creator in the travel, business and music industries. Catch Jayde on LinkedIn