If you are planning to go on a WA road trip soon, you should plan ahead to maximise your vacation days with your friends and family. There are so many destinations that are definitely worth your time. Whether you like camping or caravanning—you will find the best place for you in this list, depending on your budget and interests.
Western Australia is jam-packed with adventure, nature, and fun for the entire family. If you plan to go on a West Australia road trip, going to at least one of these destinations is an excellent way to relax, unwind, and spend time with your loved ones.
In this list, you will learn about the 14 different WA road trip destinations. It will serve as your WA trip planner because you will learn about the different activities, how to get there, and where to stay if you plan on visiting.
Make sure you go through the entire list to find out which of the destinations suit your lifestyle the most. Whether you’re planning to visit Western Australia’s best fishing spots or have a memorable family caravan trip, you’ll get plenty of inspiration for your itinerary here.
Here are the very best road trip destinations in Western Australia:
1. Lake Argyle
Lake Argyle is located in Kununurra in the Kimberley, and it is home to one of the world’s greatest infinity pools—making it an excellent destination for your WA road trip. One of the best things about Lake Argyle is you don’t have to pay a lot of money to enjoy one of the most epic swimming pools and most picturesque views of the Kimberley.
How Do I Get to Lake Argyle?
The quickest way to get to Lake Argyle is to drive the sealed road from the town of Kununurra. You can reach Lake Argyle via road from Broome, Western Australia (1000km) or Katherine in the Northern Territory (500km). If you want to experience other travel options, you can take a cruise ship and enjoy the scenic route up the Ord River or a helicopter flight from Kununurra.
Where Can I Stay Near Lake Argyle?
The 5-hectare land area of Lake Argyle has over 100 shady powered caravan sites. You can also spend the night setting up camp. However, you can also book a night in one of the park’s villas if you don’t have a caravan or camping equipment.
What Should I Do While I’m at Lake Argyle?
Aside from unwinding and relaxing in the infinity pool, you can also enjoy good food and taste different types of craft beer in their beer garden. It is also a prime spot for birding, with several rare species to observe near the caravan park.
2. Peaceful Bay
As the name suggests Peaceful Bay is, in fact, one of the calmest places on earth. If you want to maximise your weekend after a stressful week of work, spending it at Peaceful Bay is an excellent choice. It is packed with tons of activities for individuals and families and plenty of places for good photos.
How Do I Get To Peaceful Bay?
Peaceful Bay is located approximately 45 kilometres west of Denmark in WA. It is just past William Bay National Park and to the left of Bow Bridge. If you are driving on your way to Peaceful Bay, there is an area for beach driving on the harder sand—which is an excellent experience.
Where Can I Stay Near Peaceful Bay?
There are many places to stay if you are near Peaceful Bay. You can camp by the beach or Peaceful Bay Caravan Park, a 7-hectare park with different sites. Some amenities include powered and unpowered sites, a kid’s playground, and some laundry facilities.
What Should I Do While I’m at Peaceful Bay?
There are tons of activities to do in Peaceful Bay, such as surfing, ATV riding, fishing, snorkelling, and other beach water sports. You can also explore the many attractions like the Tree Top Walk, Elephant Rocks, Greens Pool, and more.
3. Hamelin Bay
Hamelin Bay is famous for its pristine beaches where you can go to see the stingrays. But what makes it worthy of being on the list is its large area for accommodating campers and adventurers.
How Do I Get To Hamelin Bay?
Hamelin Bay is located just north of Augusta and is just a 4-hour drive from Perth. If you have enough time on your vacation, you can also visit the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse to get a good view of where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet on the way through.
Where Can I Stay Near Hamelin Bay?
The bay has many accommodation options and is known as one of the Perth region’s best beach camping spots. The most popular is the Hamelin Bay Caravan Park, located directly on the beach. You can stay at one of the park’s cabins, beach cottages, or camp or caravan in one of their 95 powered and 25 unpowered sites.
What Should I Do While I’m at Hamelin Bay?
Hamelin Bay is famous for its beach activities. But aside from seeing the stingrays, you can also explore the area, do a cape to cape track, enjoy dining at one of their restaurants, or have a good time in their wineries and breweries. The nearby town of Augusta is also worth a visit. Here you can play mini-golf, enjoy the local pub, or visit a museum.
4. Jurien Bay
Jurien Bay is a good location to bring your family as it has many activities for adults and kids alike. The waters are excellent for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and surfing. But aside from all the leisure activities, the attractions at Jurien Bay are breathtaking.
How Do I Get To Jurien Bay?
Jurien Bay is only a 2-hour drive from Perth, and you can travel from Perth by bus or by car. The bus ride costs only $33, and because it is located close to the city, you can definitely maximise your weekend with less travel time from Perth and other airport hubs.
Where Can I Stay Near Jurien Bay?
You can opt to stay in a caravan at one of the powered and unpowered sites at Jurien Bay Tourist Park. But you can also find places where you can park near the gravel-based and drive-through sites, which are caravan-friendly. You can also rent one of their nice cabins to enjoy your holiday in peace.
What should I do while I’m at Jurien Bay?
Jurien Bay is packed with fun activities, such as a children’s playground, trails for bike riding, restaurants, cafes, and water sports for beach lovers.
5. Wave Rock
If you want to get a good look at one of the world’s best natural rock formations, Wave Rock in WA is an excellent place to spend a holiday with your friends and family. Wave Rock takes the shape of a big wave and boasts an impressive rock formation that stands 15 metres high with a length of approximately 110 metres.
How Do I Get To Wave Rock?
You can get to Wave Rock from Perth by bus or by car. It is a 5-hour drive, but the sites you see along the way makes your WA road trip worth it.
Where Can I Stay Near Wave Rock
You can stay at the Wave Rock Caravan Park, which is just within walking distance from Wave Rock, Hippo’s Lawn, and Lake Magic. It has powered and unpowered sites. Plus, you can also choose to stay at one of the self-contained air-conditioned cabins. They have a complete list of amenities, such as washroom facilities, playgrounds, swimming pools, BBQs, and LPG for cooking.
What Should I Do While I’m at Wave Rock?
Aside from taking photos by the giant Wave Rock, you can also bring the family to enjoy swimming, camping, and exploring the trails that lead to the nearby Mulka’s Cave.
6. Margaret River
Margaret River is where you can experience good wine, good food, and a good view. It is an excellent destination for families, where kids can go on farm walks, feed animals, attend crafting sessions, and more.
How Do I Get to Margaret River?
There are 3 ways to get to Margaret River from Perth. You can take the train, ride a bus, or drive from the Kwinana Freeway from Perth. If you are driving, just follow the signs to Bunbury, then Busselton until you see the vineyards that indicate that you are nearly there.
Where Can I Stay Near Margaret River?
If you are visiting Margaret River for the holiday, you can stay at the BIG4 Taunton Farm, which boasts an open layout—perfect for campers and caravanners.
What Should I Do While I’m at Margaret River?
Aside from exploring the vineyard and farms, you can also go on two-wheeled adventures on your bike. There are many fun bike trails, crafting workshops, and even movie nights. If you want to extend your trip, consider camping in Dunsborough on your way through to Margaret River and enjoy some great day trips in the region.
7. Mandalay
The Mandalay Holiday Resort and Caravan Park is a fantastic destination with tons of activities for adults and kids alike. There are various options for camping and caravanning, but the peaceful ambience and fun activities makes it an excellent getaway for the holidays.
How Do I Get To Mandalay?
You can get to Mandalay in any 2WD vehicle, and it is only 30 minutes from Walpole. It is on an unsealed road, and it is pretty easy to get locate.
Where Can I Stay Near Mandalay?
You can stay and camp at the Mandalay Resort itself. It offers many accommodation types, from 2 to 3-bed lodging, powered and unpowered caravan sites, and camping sites.
What Should I Do While I’m at Mandalay?
You can enjoy tons of activities like whale watching and swimming. But one of the most fun activities is riding the huge slide that is suitable for kids and adults.
8. Seaspray Beach
If you can’t decide whether you want to go to a beach or river for the holiday, Seaspray Beach offers both. It is located in Dongara, right on the edge of WA’s Coral Coast, but it is also next to Irwin River. And it is filled with fun water activities for the whole family.
How Do I Get To Seaspray Beach?
You can easily access Seaspray Beach by land. If you don’t have a car, Dongara’s Seaspray Beach costs only $33 to get there by bus. It is only a 3-hour drive, which is good if you are looking for a nearby place to spend your holiday.
Where Can I Stay Near Seaspray Beach?
There are many accommodation options near Seaspray Beach, but staying at the Seaspray Beach Holiday Park is part of the experience. You can choose between villas, studio apartments, powered suites, and more.
What Should I Do While I’m at Seaspray Beach?
Seaspray Beach is only 2.4 kilometres away from the town centre and the Irwin River, which gives you more choices for activities if you are staying near the beach. You can enjoy walking tracks, fishing, birdwatching, eating, drinking, swimming, windsurfing, and a lot more.
9. Cervantes
Cervantes is a popular destination for families to relax and enjoy activities like swimming, fishing, and indulging in fresh and tasty seafood. It is the gateway to Australia’s Pinnacles Desert and at the start of the coral coast.
How Do I Get to Cervantes?
Cervantes is close to 5 different airport hubs in WA, and it is easy and accessible to reach it by car from each of the hubs. From Perth’s northern suburbs, getting to Cervantes by the scenic route by the Indian ocean is only 2 hours.
Where Can I Stay Near Cervantes?
You can stay at the RAC Cervantes Holiday Park or book a night of camping and caravanning at Wicked Campers if you are feeling a little adventurous.
What Should I Do While I’m at Cervantes?
There are many activities to do aside from viewing the picturesque Indian Ocean. You can go on luxury outback tours, Pinnacle tours, and enjoy dining on the freshest seafood meals.
10. Madura Pass
Madura is a popular roadhouse in WA, and it is just along the Eyre Highway across the Nullarbor Plain. If you ever find yourself in Madura, you can go to the longest golf course in the world and other unique attractions.
How Do I Get To Madura Pass?
You can get to Madura via 2WD vehicle. It is located 1248 Kilometres east of Perth via the Great Eastern and Eyre Highway. You can also reach it from Adelaide or Norseman.
Where Can I Stay Near Madura Pass?
Madura Pass has a motel and caravan park where you can stay for the holiday, which has fun amenities of their own such as a luxury swimming pool and restaurant.
What should I do while I’m near Madura Pass?
If you decide to visit Madura Pass, you can go to the Nullarbor Links Golf Course, Madura Pass and Lookout where you can get a glimpse of the Roe Plains, and explore the Mullamullang Caves, which is the second-largest cave in the southern hemisphere.
11. Kalbarri
The Kalbarri is an ideal destination for fishing, swimming, and other beach activities you can enjoy all-year-round, thanks to the warm climate. The picturesque views and luxurious accommodations make Kalbarri one of the best WA holiday destinations.
How Do I Get To Kalbarri?
Kalbarri is a long drive from Perth, but luckily, you can go there directly via plane ride to Geraldton. From there, it takes around 90 minutes if you rent a car. If you want to extend your trip, you can opt for beach camping in Geraldton for a few days before driving on to Kalbarri.
Where Can I Stay Near Kalbarri?
Kalbarri is home to luxury accommodations, but you can also caravan at the Linga Longa at Lynton Station or take the Kalbarri backpackers package to save money if you are part of a big group. If you own a 4WD, there are some fantastic 4WD camping spots in Kalbarri that you won’t want to miss.
What Should I Do While I’m at the Kalbarri?
If you find yourself in Kalbarri, you can explore the sites at the national park, do whale watching, birding, fishing, snorkeling, and a lot more.
12. Kojonup
Kojonup is a town located just south-east of Perth in WA. It is a historical town that trails centuries back to the days when nomadic indigenous Australians first visited the area. If you want to go on a more historical and educational adventure, Kojonup is your best bet as it is home to old military outposts and old structures.
How Do I Get To Kojonup?
You can reach it by the Albany Highway in the Great Southern Region, and it is a 3-hour drive from Perth.
Where Can I Stay Near Kojonup?
There are several lodging establishments in the town, but you can also go to the Giant Wool Wagon to park your recreational vehicle for up to 72 hours. Just make sure you clean after yourself.
What Should I Do While I’m at Kojonup?
If you visit Kojonup, you can visit the old military barracks, which is the outpost of the 51st British Regiment. It is one of the oldest buildings in the area and it features a military room with tons of interesting artifacts. Another popular attraction is The Spring that offers a peaceful ambience where you and your family can do picnics and BBQs.
13. Karijini National Park
Karijini National Park covers over 620,000 hectares north of the Tropic of Capricorn in the Hamersley Range. It is WA’s largest national park, and it is an excellent destination if you are looking for warmth during the winter. It features massive mountain ranges, flat valleys, and natural beauty.
How Do I Get To Karijini National Park?
You can enter the national park from Tom Price, Roebourne, Port Hedland, or Newman. Be aware that the fuel stations are far from each other, so make sure you fill your tank and plan your visit carefully.
Where Can I Stay Near Karijini National Park?
The Karijini National Park offers great camping within the grounds. You can stay overnight in several camping spots in the park. They have great amenities such as large areas with picnic tables and BBQs. Camping in Karijini National Park is your best option when exploring the area.
What Should I Do While I’m at Karijini National Park?
Karijini National Park is all about nature, so make sure you are into adventures like hiking, sightseeing, and viewing flora and fauna. You get to see wildflowers, exotic animals, and epic mountain ranges that are relaxing to look at.
14. Leonora
Leonora is where visitors can explore the Gwalia Ghost Town and Museum. It features dozens of buildings, including miners’ cottages, camps, and more. Visiting here is a unique way to spend your holiday.
How Do I Get To Leonora?
There are 4 ways to get to Leonora from Perth. You can ride a bus up to Laverton or Kalgoorlie, ride a train, fly directly to Leonora, or drive your car—which is a 9-hour road trip.
Where Can I Stay Near Leonora?
You can stay at the Hoover House B&B, which is one of the most luxurious accommodations in the area. It boasts tons of amenities, luxurious bedrooms, dining, and more.
What Should I Do While I’m at Leonora?
Visiting Leonora allows you to discover the rich heritage of the Gwalia Ghost Town. It is truly a unique experience when you see the cool artifacts, old mining houses, and other historical structures.
When Should I Visit Western Australia?
The best time to visit Western Australia is in the summer, between November and March. During these times, it doesn’t rain as much, and the temperature is warm enough to enjoy coastal activities. If you’re hoping to do some beach camping in WA, opt for the late spring or early summer months to get the best weather while avoiding the heat waves.
Do You Need a 4WD To Road Trip Around Western Australia?
Most of the locations in WA do not require a 4WD vehicle. However, if you decide to venture further off the beaten track of national parks and beaches, it is better to be ready. There are great 4WD camping opportunities across WA. But, if you just want to camp or caravan near popular destinations, it is not necessary to rent a 4WD.
Related Questions
Can I Free Camp in Western Australia?
There are many places you can camp for free in Western Australia. However, if you are going off to do bush camping or caravanning, you must be aware you are camping at your own risk.
The regulations state you can only camp for 24 hours, only set up camp in a land that is set aside for camping, and do not leave any trash behind.
You can also park and sleep in your car or caravan at rest stops for 24 hours, but you may not set up camp. If there is an emergency, you may camp for up to 3 days in a 28-day period.
Can I Camp in a State Forest in Western Australia?
You can camp for up to 3 nights on any clearing in the forest, but it goes without saying that you must leave nothing but your footprints behind. If you need to shower after 3 nights of camping, you can just ask at a tourist bureau or hotel where you can pay them to get a shower.
Bush camping is somewhat popular in WA, which is why many places offer showers for money. If you are lucky, you can even find a free hot shower if you come across a public toilet. If you are by a beach, some showers can be too cold if you are not up for it.
