Places to See — WA Camping Destinations

Australia's largest state — a long way from the east coast population centres but well worth the drive. Endless coastline for beach lovers in every season, demanding desert treks, gorges in the remote north-west, spring wildflowers in the southern wheat belt. Ten standout WA destinations from south-west forests to the Kimberley.

Photo by Paul-Alain Hunt on Unsplash

Towering tingle + karri forests, estuarine lakes, rugged unspoiled coast. Wide swathe of NP dotted with camping areas (wooded + beach-based).

• 4WD needed for some areas
• Some access fees apply
• Gas stoves preferred over fire (fire-restricted in many areas)
• Best season: September-May

If it weren't for the savage corrugations, the Anne Beadell would be a perfect trek. The Great Victoria Desert is special — handsome gum trees, spinifex gardens, shimmering salt lakes. Beadell-built road network with deep historical interest.

• Permits required for Aboriginal + government lands
• Strong 4WD with good suspension essential
• Roadhouse at Ilkurlka breaks the journey — fuel, hot showers, basic supplies
• Otherwise self-sufficient — full food, water, fuel, recovery
• Sat-phone or HF radio non-negotiable

First seen by Europeans in 1616. Once a fishing + pearling hot spot; now famous for the regular dolphin presence at the Monkey Mia beach.

• Daily dolphin feeding on the beach (rangers strictly control)
• 4WDs can visit Steep Point (mainland Australia's most westerly point)
• Bush camping within François Peron NP
• Commercial camping elsewhere on the peninsula
• Don't miss: Shell Beach (pure shells, kilometres long), Hamelin Pool stromatolites, Eagle Bluff lookout

Photo: simon reeve / Unsplash

Jutting up from the flat mid-west — impressive sandstone ranges. Sea fossils embedded in the sandstone ramparts, where Aboriginal engravings tell more recent stories.

• Hikes into the range — great views + nature study opportunities
• Bush camping at Temple Gorge
• Robust vehicles required on station access tracks
• Best season: April-October

Just west of Exmouth, bordering Ningaloo Marine Park. Water-based activities (swim + snorkel from the beach onto coral) are world-class. Yardie Creek is the centrepiece — 4WD ford + sandy tracks beyond.

• Walks within the NP — deep gorges, spinifex country
• Multiple bush camping options + commercial parks at Exmouth
• Don't miss: swim with whale sharks (March-July), manta rays, snorkel from the beach at Turquoise Bay
• Best season: April-October dry

About as tough as Aussie 4WD touring gets on a defined track. Monster double + triple-headed dunes dominate the challenges. Water-logged sections common; persistent corrugations rattle more than the vehicle.

• Payoff: spectacular scenery, profound serenity, true remote experience
• Permits required via Kuju Wangka (Aboriginal land managers)
• Very experienced + well-prepared travellers only
• Fuel dump arrangement often needed mid-route
• Travel in well-maintained vehicle, sensible pace
• 2-3 weeks plus travel to + from WA

Photo: Sheila C / Unsplash

WA's two highest mountains overlook the gorge country of Karijini. Iron-rich geology paints the region chocolate brown; lime-green spinifex spills into spectacular gorges.

• Walk + descend into idyllic swimming holes + waterfalls. Camera works overtime
• Camping: Dales Gorge campground (popular)
• Access from the east ok for conventional vehicles in dry weather
• Best season: April-October
• Don't miss: Hancock Gorge, Weano Gorge, Joffre Falls

The Fortescue River meanders through Millstream NP under rolling spinifex hills. Jagged escarpments shade rock pools where palms are irrigated by spring water. Old homestead now houses historic exhibits.

• Canoeing + swimming in the spring-fed pools
• Several campgrounds with basic facilities
• Unsealed access from Roebourne ok for 2WDs with care
• Don't miss: Python Pool (perfect for swimming), Chichester Range scenic drive

700km from Derby to Kununurra — presents a face of the Kimberley you won't forget. Majestic ranges around almost every bend; numerous gorges off "fish-bone" side tracks.

• Rough run best in 4WD — particularly the wide Pentecost River crossing at the top end
• Camping: station-run parks + bush options
• Best season: May-September dry only (closed in wet)
• Don't miss: Bell Gorge, Galvans Gorge, Mitchell Falls (4WD detour), El Questro Wilderness Park

The distinctive striped beehive rock domes — most memorable example of Australia's striped sandstone formations. World Heritage-listed.

• Walks access the coloured domes + impressive gorges (Cathedral Gorge is acoustically stunning)
• Access from the Great Northern Highway by 4WD — couple of hours driving + water crossings
• Bush camping in defined areas
• Local scenic flights available from Kununurra (the aerial view is spectacular)
• Best season: May-October dry only

WA's coastal stretches and inland rest stops change season to season. Browse our live Campsite Explorer for current WA camping options — from Pilbara remote bush camps to Margaret River caravan parks.

Browse all WA campsites →

• WA Parks (DBCA) bookings: parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au
• WA NP annual pass: parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/passes
• Karijini bookings (Coral Coast): parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/karijini
• Weather + cyclones: bom.gov.au/wa
• Fire bans (DFES): dfes.wa.gov.au
• Road conditions (Main Roads WA): mainroads.wa.gov.au
• Leave No Trace Australia: lnt.org.au

WA delivers Australia's biggest distances + wildest country. The drive there is half the trip. From south-west forests to remote desert tracks to the spectacular Kimberley + reef-snorkelling Ningaloo — most travellers can spend 3+ months and not see it all.

Build up gradually: south-west loop (Margaret River to Esperance) is the easy intro; Coral Coast + Ningaloo is the next step; the Kimberley + Canning Stock Route is the bucket-list expedition. Each deserves dedicated trip planning.