Western Australia is a treasure trove of stunning destinations and fantastic off-road tracks. Winter is the perfect time to pack up your 4WD and explore. Whether you’re rolling out your swag, setting up a tent, or towing a caravan, these top campsites offer incredible experiences in some of the state’s most breathtaking settings. Let’s dive into our top 5 winter 4WD getaways in WA!
Kalbarri National Park
Covering over 186,000 hectares, Kalbarri National Park sits at the lower reaches of the Murchison River and is one of the best spots to find ancient traces of early life on land. Winter is wildflower season, making it a perfect time to visit. The park’s inland gorges and coastal cliffs come alive with a dazzling array of unique wildflowers.
Location: About 570 km north of Perth, around a 6.5-hour drive.
Park Passes: Required for entry; daily and holiday passes available online or at park entrances.
Camping Access: Campgrounds like Murchison River Caravan Park cater to tents, caravans, and camper trailers.
Activities: Hike the Z-Bend River Trail, marvel at Nature’s Window, or abseil down the red rock cliffs.
Camping Tips: Book at Murchison House during busy months; facilities include showers, kitchens, and BBQs. Always check road conditions, especially after rain.
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Point Samson
Historic Point Samson, on the eastern tip of Western Australia’s Dampier Archipelago, is the perfect spot to kick back and soak up the serene beauty of the West Pilbara Coast. With great accommodation options close to protected sandy beaches, it’s a haven for fishing and snorkelling enthusiasts.
Location: Roughly 1,480 km north of Perth, about a 15-hour drive.
Park Passes: Not required for direct access, but some surrounding areas may need passes.
Camping Access: Limited camping spots at Point Samson Resort, ideal for self-sufficient campers; not suited for large rigs.
Activities: Visit the old Point Samson Wharf, snorkel at Honeymoon Cove, or enjoy a meal at local seafood restaurants.
Camping Tips: Facilities are modest, so it’s best to carry your own water and supplies. Ideal for shorter stays or day trips.
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Peaceful Bay
Set along the Great Southern Ocean, Peaceful Bay is a secluded spot with beaches stretching from west to east. The bay’s serene waters are perfect for kayaking, and the wildflower season attracts visitors from all over.
Location: About 450 km southeast of Perth, around a 5-hour drive.
Park Passes: Not needed directly at Peaceful Bay; nearby D’Entrecasteaux National Park requires a pass.
Camping Access: Peaceful Bay Caravan Park offers excellent facilities for all types of camping, including larger setups.
Activities: Explore the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk or kayak in the bay’s tranquil waters.
Camping Tips: Early reservations are recommended as it’s a popular spot. The local shop stocks basic supplies.
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Coral Bay
Coral Bay, with its pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, is a stunning introduction to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. It’s one of the few places where you can swim with whale sharks. The area is a 4WD enthusiast’s dream, with secluded beaches and snorkelling spots like Oyster Bridge and Five Fingers Reef.
Location: Around 1,200 km north of Perth, about a 12-hour drive.
Park Passes: Not needed for Coral Bay, but consider a pass for Ningaloo Marine Park activities.
Camping Access: Bayview Coral Bay offers extensive facilities for everything from tents to large caravans.
Activities: Snorkel the reef, explore the nearby Shark Bay World Heritage Area, and enjoy the local marine life.
Camping Tips: Book well in advance, especially during school holidays. Check for off-season discounts with local tour operators.
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Lucky Bay
Esperance’s coastline is famous for its breathtaking beaches, and Lucky Bay is the jewel in the crown. Known as Australia’s whitest beach, its blindingly white sand and turquoise waters make it a must-visit. With 5 km of beach to explore, it’s perfect for beach driving.
Location: Approximately 770 km southeast of Perth, around an 8-hour drive.
Park Passes: Required for Cape Le Grand National Park.
Camping Access: Lucky Bay campground has excellent facilities, though it can be challenging for very large caravans.
Activities: Drive along the sandy beach, fish, spot kangaroos, and capture stunning photos.
Camping Tips: The campground fills up quickly, so book online if possible. Mobile reception is limited, so prepare accordingly.
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What are you waiting for?
Time to hit the road and explore these amazing spots! Safe travels and happy camping!
And if you need any advice or help with anything 4WD and touring, drop us a line. Our team of industry and off-road experts have the experience to give you real-world advice on not just setting up your 4WD with the best gear—from suspension, bull bars, long-range tanks, canopies, and power systems, to rooftop tents, freestanding awnings, and vehicle spares kits—but also the destinations, as we’re all passionate 4WDers and tourers!
