If you’re looking to escape for a weekend, Western Australia is home to some of the world’s best beaches, national parks and caravan and camping getaways.
In less than five hours drive, travellers can explore destinations to suit a variety of budgets and holiday styles. And if you’re taking along your caravan or camper, there’s plenty of overnight parks available.
Whether you’re from Perth or visiting, these camping hot-spots are packed with appeal. Ready for a weekend away from the city? Here are some easy weekend caravan escapes you’ll want to experience.
Swan Valley | 35 Minutes
Only half hour from Perth city, the Swan Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions. Sample your way along the 32-kilometre food and wine trail, which covers more than 150 attractions, wineries, breweries and gourmet shops.
The scenic loop also makes for a pretty adventure, especially in spring.
Where to stay: Park your caravan or camper amongst the famous vineyards. Swan Valley Discovery Park offers powered caravan sites and camping facilities in the heart of the region.
What to do: Grab breakfast and bubbles overlooking the vineyards at Sittella Winery, have a cold beer (or two) at Mash Brewing Co and book in for a round of Supa Golf afterwards. Sample nougat at Mondo, discover the buzzing world of Windarra Honey and handfeed wildlife at Caversham Wildlife Park.
Tip: Getaway to the Swan Valley in spring for the weather and to see the region alive with colour.
Moore River | 45 Minutes
A view of the Moore river lagoon beach in Western Australia
North of Perth and only a half hour from the Swan Valley lies a favourite destination for secluded escapes and weekend camping.
Famous for its natural attractions and walking trails, Moore River is a relaxing oasis on WA’s coastline. Ideal for adventurers who enjoy fishing, walking, hiking and canoeing, or simply kick back on a river cruise and soak up everything the region has to offer.
Where to stay: Guilderton Caravan Park at the mouth of Moore River is conveniently located, offering the ultimate base to explore the region. The park has camp kitchens and showers and is walking distance to the river for a quick dip on hotter days.
What to do: Go 4-wheel driving on the beach, hire a kayak or canoe and snorkel the dozens of shipwrecks off the coast between Two Rocks and Jurien Bay. The Moore River is also popular for Bream fishing and river tours.
Tip: Moore River is best enjoyed in early summer or mid spring before the heat hits its peak.
Honeymoon Pool, Collie River | 2 Hours
Once a coal mine town, Collie is now a thriving community offering both urban and natural attractions.
On the edge of Collie River is one of WA’s campsite jewels, Honeymoon Pool – a large, natural pool surrounded by forests. For those seeking serenity, this escape offers a slice of paradise only a few hours’ drive from Perth CBD.
Where to stay: Wellington National Park at Honeymoon Pool’s camping spot has about 20 campsites. However, these spots are only suitable if you are camping and cannot be booked (first in best dressed). If you’re bringing the caravan, check out Collie Caravan Park or Potters Gorge by Wellington Dam which offer powered sites and shady camping spots.
What to do: Pack your bike and tackle the mountain bike or walking trails within the Collie region. Swim or canoe in Black Diamond Lake, and marvel at the natural beauty and lush forests. Visit the second largest dam in WA, Wellington Dam for picnics and rural adventures or climb to the top of Darling Scarp to soak up the views.
Tip: To take advantage of the swimming spots, warmer weekends are best to escape to Collie River. Campsites are in high demand for peak season and school holidays.
Sandy Cape | 2.5 Hours
If you’re craving a water-based getaway, then Sandy Cape, only 15 minutes from Jurien Bay, offers adrenalin-fuelled adventure.
Whether you want to relax on the beach or tick off multiple water and sand dune activities, the small, sheltered bay offers swimming, snorkelling, fishing and sandboarding to keep the entire family entertained.
Where to stay: Sandy Cape Recreation Park or Jurien Bay Tourist Park both offer plenty of spots to camp or caravan. Camping sites at Sandy Cape are first come first serve. They are accessible via a 2WD, however, there are excellent 4WD tracks north and south of the campsite.
What to do: Swim at Sandy Cape’s protected beach, which rarely has excessively windy days. Explore the Jurien Bay snorkel trail, fish off the jetty and venture to Grigson’s Lookout. For history lovers, the WWII remains are well-preserved with two shelters, original foundations and an underground bunker. Up for more adventure? Book a skydive and land on Jurien Bay’s beach or head into the Drovers Cave network.
Tip: Camping is restricted to four nights only in peak seasons (school holidays and long weekends). If you go during these times, head there early to beat the rush. Pay attention to signage if you plan on fishing as there are many restricted fishing zones.
Hamelin Bay | 3 Hours
The coastal region of Hamelin Bay offers a wonderland of water and nature-based activities.
Nestled between Margaret River and Augusta, Hamelin Bay is one of WA’s best beaches, making it a great getaway destination. The location is famous for its stingray experience, with dozens of rays often swimming close to shore to feed off fish scraps.
Where to stay: Margaret River Contos Camp Sites are split into eight regions, including one in Hamelin Bay which is 2WD accessible. Hamelin Bay Holiday Park offers nearly 100 powered and 25 unpowered sites suitable for caravans and campers, with all essential amenities including hot showers and gas cooking.
What to do: Hamelin Bay has over 120 wineries to sample local and world-class wines and produce. It’s also notorious for its many shipwrecks, so pack your snorkelling or diving gear.
Tip: The stingrays are seen most days during summer and only occasionally in winter.
Parry Beach, Denmark | 5 Hours
Located in the middle of Peaceful Bay and Denmark, Parry Beach is a secluded fishing spot with a history that was once attached to commercial salmon fishing.
Today, it’s a small camp site between natural swimming pools and offers incredible scenery. The beach is fully accessible via Parry Beach Road along Parry Inlet.
Where to stay: Camp at Parry Beach underneath the peppermint trees. The site has solar powered hot showers, toilets and BBQ area.
What to do: Beach hop from Mazzoletti Beach to Greens Pool, Elephant Rocks, Waterfall Beach and Hillier Beach. Walk the Bibbulmun track, sip on sparkling Shiraz at Matildas Estate, lunch at The Lake House and pack a picnic for Cosy Corner Beach. Denmark’s boat harbour is highly recommended if you have a 4WD, a 7km drive off the South Western Highway.
Tip: If you’re taking the caravan, beware the height limitation is 2.7 metres at Parry Beach camp site. The famous Cheese Factory on Scotsdale Tourist Drive is also closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan ahead for this destination.
You don’t need to travel far to feel like you’ve escaped the hustle and bustle of city life. Where will you be escaping to for your next weekend getaway?
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