Article from 4WDing Australia.

If you are looking for the perfect camping destination near Perth, today is your lucky day. In this post, we are sharing a whopping 60 of the best campsites within 3 hours (or 300km) of Perth, all perfect for a weekend or longer break away. Having grown up here and stayed at most of these sites, I can honestly tell you some of these are next level amazing. Do everyone a favour though, and look after them, please.

The sites range from camping in an apple orchard to waking up on the banks of a glassy calm dam, or metres away from the Murray River, and there’s a spot everyone will enjoy. Whether you are chasing adrenaline, relaxation, exploration, bird watching, 4WD tracks, incredible swimming or just a family trip away, you’ll find something to suit.

Obviously, this post is huge and will take some time to go through. To help you out, we’ve sorted the campsites into distance from Perth, with the direction you need to head to get there. Many of the places listed have links that will take you to pages with more information.

Please do us a huge favour, and share this around, and support us! It’s taken a huge amount of time to create and we’d very much appreciate a simple share. If we’ve missed anything, let us know and we’ll do our best to update it. If you prefer 4WDing over camping, then we have a post for you too – 33 Epic 4WD Tracks in WA.

Carmel Cider (26km East)

Kicking off with the closest camp site to Perth, we have an absolute cracker of a spot. In fact, we’ve rated it as the second best camping close to Perth after spending an amazing weekend there. Situated on a spectacular property in the Perth Hills you can camp overlooking their orchard, or if you have a small rig you can stay under the apple and pear trees themselves.

Kick back and enjoy a delicious, hand crafted cider or juice, or stroll through the orchard. Carmel Cider has a dam you can swim in, and a concrete tank pool, with plenty of natural bush land for the kids to enjoy. In season, you can pick some of the apples (season dependent).

You can read the full post about it here; Carmel Cider

• Cost: $20 per night per camp site, unpowered. $30 per camp site, powered.
• Amenities: Toilets, water, swimming in the dam, power (extra $10 per night)
• Style of camping permitted: Everything
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: In fire pits, in season
• How to book: Ring Andrew on 0438 562 772

Carmel Cider; our favourite camp site close to Perth

Looking over the beautiful orchards

Perth Hills Discovery Center (41km East)

The Beelu National Park is a great place to begin your camping adventures close to Perth. Located in amongst the Jarrah and Marri forest, you’ll find a heap of walking and bike trails to enjoy through the Mundaring area. The discovery centre is a popular school excursion location enjoyed by many.

• Cost: $15 per adult per night. $9 concession card and $3 for children between 6 and 15.
• Amenities: Toilets and BBQ’s
• Style of camping permitted: Tents and swags only. No roof top tents, caravans, camper trailers or RV’s.
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted: In designated fire pits, only in season
• How to book: Online booking is required on the DPAW website

Walyunga (44km North East)

Perth has some very under-rated national parks, and Walyunga is a perfect example of this. The camp site is a short drive away from the day use area, but there is fantastic walking options and its a beautiful place to have a picnic. In many ways it reminds us of Serpentine crossed together with Dwellingup.

The wildflowers in season here are fantastic, and you can spend hours walking along the river or through the bush enjoying them all. You can read more about this great place at Walyunga National Park.

• Cost: $11 per adult per night plus National Park entry fees – $15 per vehicle unless you have a parks pass.
• Amenities: Drop toilets and Picnic Tables
• Style of camping permitted: All types except over size setups
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted: In designated fire pits, in season
• How to book: Online booking is required on the DPAW website

The amazing Walyunga National Park

Gidgedales Retreat (47km North East)

The first night we spent in our new Hybrid Camper was at Gidgedales Retreat, and we loved it. Gidgedales retreat is a private property in Gidgegannup overlooking a dam that is the most astounding green colour you’ll ever see. The camping area is on one side of the dam, and is only large enough for a couple of people to stay at, making it nice and quiet, peaceful and enjoyable.

You can flick a lure around in the dam, have a swim, or just kick back and enjoy the scenery. It’s a magic place, and the owners are gems. You can find out more about this here – Gidgedales Retreat.

• Cost: $15 per night, per camp site.
• Amenities: Running water, picnic table, electricity
• Style of camping permitted: Self contained camper trailers, caravans and RV’s
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in their fire pit in season
• How to book: Ring Bob on 0438 083 172

Private camping at Gidgedales Retreat

Lake Leschenaultia (49km East)

If you’ve grown up in Perth and haven’t been to Lake Leschenaultia, you’ve missed out! You’ll find this great place not far out of Mundaring, complete with its own camp ground, playground and café. It’s great for a day trip, and even better for a night or two away.

• Cost: $44 per couple per night, and $6.80 per child over 2, per night. Individual adults are also $44 per night. All sites are powered.
• Amenities: BBQ’s, flushing toilets, hot showers, washing machines, clothes dryers and electricity
• Style of camping permitted: Tents, Campervans and Camper Trailers
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Ring the Mundaring visitor centre on 9290 6645

The beautiful Lake Leschenaultia

Henry White Oval (52km North)

If you are looking for an incredible camping location close to Perth, in a national park, with more to do than you can poke a stick and all the amenities you’d need, Henry White is the place to go. Located inside Yanchep National Park, this is one of the newest DPAW campsites around, and they’ve done a truly brilliant job with it.

Wake up in the morning and stretch your legs on the green grass, stroll with the kangaroo’s and cook yourself a feed in their fantastic amenities. The bird life is next level here, along with the adventure ropes course, a walk around the lake and a visit to Yanchep Lagoon.

This camp ground is great for young kids to explore safely, and at the end of the day you can hop into a hot shower! Unless you head way up north, you won’t find another National Park camp site anywhere near Perth with flushing toilets and hot showers! To find out more, have a look at Henry White Oval Camping.

• Cost: $15 per adult per night
• Amenities: Flushing toilets, Hot showers, BBQ’s, Picnic tables and a single shared fire pit
• Style of camping permitted: All types
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted: Yes, in the single, shared fire pit in season
• How to book: Online booking is required on the DPAW website

A great weekend away at Henry White Oval

Chittering Acres (69km North East)

If you like camping on private property, Chittering acres is a 700 acre property in the darling range with fantastic views, and plenty of local wildlife.

• Cost: $15 – $20 per adult, per night.
• Amenities: Toilets only
• Style of camping permitted: All
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: On Hipcamp here.

Bolinda Vale (71km South)

Our last stay near Perth has lifted the bar for the best campsites near Perth by a long shot. This amazing cattle and sheep property is located only 50 minutes away from Perth, and you can camp right on the banks of the beautiful Dirk Brook.

We had an absolutely amazing weekend away here, and loved walking up and down the creek, checking the cattle out and the views from the top of the hills that are so green it seems fake. Find out more here; Bolinda Vale.

• Cost: $14 per adult per night, and $7 per child under 12 plus a booking fee
• Amenities: Zero. BYO toilet, water and supplies
• Style of camping permitted: Caravans, Camper trailers, tents and swags. SUV or 4WD recommended
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes
• How to book: On Hipcamp, here

Cattle Gully Camp site at Bolinda Vale Farm

It’s absolutely insane

Bald Hill (72km North East)

The Avon Valley National Park has a number of camping opportunities available, and Bald Hill is number 1. We’ve actually never stayed here, but will tick it off the list soon. The Avon Valley National Park is a fantastic place to explore on the whole, and anywhere you can camp inside is a good spot.

• Cost: $11 per adult per night, $7 for concession and $3 per night for children between 5 and 16. National park fee’s also apply, if you don’t have a parks pass
• Amenities: Picnic tables, and a toilet.
• Style of camping permitted: All styles, although limited room for larger rigs
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season and in designated pits with your own wood brought in.
• How to book: Online booking is not possible here. First in, best dressed

Willowbrook Farm (80km North)

We rate this as the best kids camping close to Perth, by far. With a stack of animals that the kids can see and feed, rides behind a quad bike and a massive area for the kids to run around, its the perfect weekend escape. To top it all off, they do free scones with fresh jam and cream on Sunday mornings and it is unbelievable. To find out more, check out Willowbrook Farm.

• Cost: $35 per night for powered sites, and $25 per night for unpowered. The third person (or more) incurs an additional $8 per night if they are over 5 years old.
• Amenities: Flushing toilets, hot showers, power (on the right sites), BBQ’s, picnic areas and bore water only
• Style of camping permitted: All types
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: No
• How to book: Online here or by phone on 9575 7566

The daily animal feeding at Willowbrook Farm Stay

Kicking back at camp

Drummonds (80km North East)

Another of the Avon Valley National Park campsites is Drummonds. Drummonds has some fantastic views of the Avon Valley National Park, and is very popular year round.

• Cost: $11 per adult, $7 per concession and $3 per child between 5 and 16
• Amenities: Picnic table and Toilet
• Style of camping permitted: Tents, Camper Trailers and Caravans (although the sites are small)
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season and in designated pits with your own wood brought in
• How to book: Online booking is not possible. First in, best dressed.

The Valley (80km North East)

The Valley is another Avon Valley Camp ground, right at the bottom of the National Park. The bird life at The Valley is fantastic, and its a very peaceful place to wake up at.

• Cost: $11 per adult, $7 per concession and $3 per child between 5 and 16
• Amenities: Picnic table and Toilet
• Style of camping permitted: Tents and Camper Trailers
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season and in designated pits with your own wood brought in
• How to book: Online booking not possible. First in best dressed.

Avon Valley Homestead (80km North East)

The last, but not least Avon Valley camp site; the Homestead. This has some larger sites, suitable for Caravans, and is loved by many.

• Cost: $11 per adult, $7 per concession and $3 per child between 5 and 16
• Amenities: Picnic table and Toilet
• Style of camping permitted: Everything
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season and in designated pits with your own wood brought in
• How to book: Online booking not possible. First in best dressed.

Tathams Caravan Park (83km South)

Tathams Caravan Park is one of the best that we’ve stayed at, close to Perth. It’s small, its right on the beautiful Murray River, its quiet and the people are amazing. The park is made up of mainly permanent residents, and there are only a couple of powered or unpowered sites. It’s not very well known, and those who visit like it that way! The amenities are old, but well kept and they are more than adequate for a nice stay.

• Cost: $35 per powered site per night. $6 extra per night for kids. $5 per night extra for waterfront camping
• Amenities: Hot showers, flushing toilets, power, boat mooring, laundry, swimming pool, BBQ’s,
• Style of camping permitted: All styles permitted
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Ring 9537 6844

Our campsite at Tathams Caravan Park at night

River front camping means incredible sunsets

Cobbler Pool (85km North East)

Not far out of the Avon Valley National Park lies Cobbler Pool, a free camp site near the river with the train tracks in the distance. The area is lush and green after winter, and is loved by many. Free camps for the win.

• Cost: Free
• Amenities: Zero
• Style of camping permitted: All styles although the track in can require a little clearance
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: First in, best dressed

Hammans Place (85km South)

Just 85km and slightly over an hour from Perth lies another amazing private property by the name of Hammans Place. It’s only 30 minutes from Serpentine Falls, Lane Pool Reserve, Mandurah beaches and Waroona dam, making it a very central place for an amazing weekend away. With over 60 acres of property and a beautiful running creek during winter this is hugely popular.

• Cost: $12 per adult, per night
• Amenities: None; BYO toilet, drinking water and supplies
• Style of camping permitted: Tents and camper trailers
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Book on Hipcamp, here.

Kicking back by the fire at Hammans place

With sheep and beautiful green grass this is another fantastic spot

Jacaranda Hill Farm (91km South)

Not far from Hammans Place lies Jacaranda Hill Farm, another beautiful private property that is available for camping on most long weekend, and some other weekends throughout the year. With elevated campsites and views over Mandurah and bright green hills (after some rain) its an amazing place.

Some sites are suitable for 2WD (but not during winter), but 4WD’s are recommended, as the ground can be quite slippery.

• Cost: $20 per person, per night
• Amenities: None. BYO toilet, water and supplies
• Style of camping permitted: Tents, Camper Trailers and Caravans (4WD recommended)
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: On Hipcamp, here.

Herron Point (96km South)

A seriously popular camp site not far from Mandurah is Herron Point, run by the shire and managed by a care taker most of the year. This is a beautiful spot, right on the Harvey Inlet and is popular for those looking to catch the infamous Blue Manna Crab. The sunsets here are stunning, with the estuary often providing a very calm sanctuary to explore.

• Cost: $8.50 per adult per night. Under 16 is free.
• Amenities: Rubbish bins, toilets, boat ramp, picnic facilities
• Style of camping permitted: All styles
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: No booking possible. First in, best dressed.

Mandurah Estuary Hideaway (99km South)

Another brilliant Caravan Park close to Perth is the Estuary Hideaway, on the inlet at Mandurah. This is a a pretty big park and has lots of room to camp and you’ll have an amazing time. It’s almost opposite Herron Point Campground, and we ended up there one weekend after going to Herron Point and finding it full!

• Cost: $30 – $50 per night, depending on what season. $15 extra per night for anyone over 13. $10 per night for children from 3 – 12.
• Amenities: Toilets, showers, BBQ and picnic facilities, powered sites, laundry facilities. Water is from a bore.
• Style of camping permitted: All styles
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Ring 0407 838 061, or email info@estuaryhideaway.com

Our old camper trailer at Mandurah Estuary Hideaway Caravan Park

The Estuary is stunning, especially at sunrise or sunset

Pinegrove (105km South East)

Another Hipcamp property just over an hour south east of Perth is Pinegrove. At 107 acres, and well off the Brookton highway, its a slice of paradise to kick back and relax for the weekend.

• Cost: $15 per night
• Amenities: Toilet and nothing else
• Style of camping permitted: All types
• Pet Friendly: Yes, to well behaved dogs
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: On Hipcamp, here.

Marrinup Townsite (109km South)

Heading down towards the Dwellingup region, Marrinup Townsite is one of the oldest campsites available to rest your head at. This region is very popular for bushwalking and mountain biking, and the townsite has some interesting history too.

• Cost: $8 per adult per night, $6 per concession and $3 per child (between 6 and 15)
• Amenities: Toilets
• Style of camping permitted: All types
• Pet Friendly: Dogs are permitted, on a leash
• Fires permitted: Yes, but only in season
• How to book: Bookings are not possible

Trapwell Farm (117 North East)

If you want to appreciate someone’s working farm, then Trapwell is a nice property on the Mortlock River (more like a creek by this point). Sites are well spread apart, and sitting in the river on a warm day is a great way to pass the time. The horses are tame enough to walk near, and you’ll see the train roll through every now and again.

• Cost: $15 per night
• Amenities: One toilet
• Style of camping permitted: Any style permitted
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Online, here.

Enjoying a beautiful sunset at Trapwell Farm

Backing onto the Mortlock River

Yarragil (117km South East)

Lane Poole Reserve is one of our favourite places to camp, and Yarrigil takes the cake for the most private site available. You share it with one other ‘site’ and if you go with two groups you can have the whole lot to yourselves. It’s located metres from the beautiful Murray River down some timber stairs, and is a magic place to spend the weekend.

• Cost: $11 per adult per night, $7 per concession and $3 per child between 6 and 15. National park entry fee’s also apply.
• Amenities: Picnic table and toilet
• Style of camping permitted: Tents only, as you have to camp away from your vehicle.
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Online booking is required on the DPAW website

Metres from the Yarragil camp site on the river

Lake Navarino at Waroona (119km South)

One of the most popular water skiing and camping locations near Perth is Lake Navarino, or most often referred to as Waroona Dam. Sadly, they have closed the lakeside camping due to too many issues with people doing the wrong thing, but you can still stay at the caravan park, which isn’t too far away and has a great reputation.

• Cost: $30 – $38 per night for 2 adults, depending on season and powered or unpowered.
• Amenities: Toilets, showers, powered sites, picnic and BBQ facilities,
• Style of camping permitted: All styles
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Ring 9733 3000 or email info@navarino.com.au

Kicking back and enjoying a fire at Waroona Dam

Waroona Dam as the sun goes down; pure magic

Nanga Mills (121km South East)

As a kid, this was the camp ground we spent many weekends at, and its absolutely magic. This is the only camp site in the Lane Poole Reserve that you cannot book online, and its also got a massive open area under the pine tree’s. This makes it perfect for camping with larger groups. A stunning creek runs through the side of the camp ground, and its amazing for kids to run around and explore. Wake up to the kangaroo’s hopping through the camp site and make some memorable adventures with your family.

• Cost: $11 per adult per night, $7 per concession and $3 per child between 6 and 15. National park entry fees also apply.
• Amenities: Picnic facilities and toilets. There is a BBQ at the next camp grounds across as required
• Style of camping permitted: All types
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Online booking is required on the DPAW website

Enjoying Nanga Mills camp ground in the middle of summer

Enjoying the Creek at Nanga Mills

Stringers (123km South)

Another stunning Lane Pool Reserve camp site is Stringers. This is located closer to the Murray River, and has a number of individual sites spread around. Swimming, Canoeing, Kayaking and fishing are popular from here (but you need a fresh water license).

• Cost: $11 per adult per night, $7 per concession and $3 per child between 6 and 15. National park entry fees also apply.
• Amenities: Picnic tables and Toilets
• Style of camping permitted: Tents only
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Online booking is required on the DPAW website

A short walk from Stringers camp ground is this amazing scene

Martins Tank (128km South)

Martins tank is a lovely, and different camp ground just south of Mandurah and roughly 3km from Preston Beach. Perched right next to Martins Tank Lake, and having received a major upgrade a few years ago through the Royalties for Regions funding is a very enjoyable place to stay. Pop down to Preston beach during the day, knowing you only have a few minutes drive back to camp!

• Cost: $11 per adult per night, $7 per concession and $3 per child between 6 and 15).
• Amenities: Gas BBQ’s and kitchen area (with a gas burner for pots, dishwashing sinks and preparation area) along with picnic tables, benches, 2 communal fire pits and toilets
• Style of camping permitted: All types
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season and only in the communal fire pits
• How to book: Online booking is required on the DPAW website

Armoin (130km South East)

An hour and a half south east from Perth lies Armoin, another beautiful private property that has been offering camping for a significant amount of time. It’s just off the Albany highway, and offers 9 camping bays suitable for a range of setups. This has fantastic reviews, and is raved about by many. The Crossman river is a short downhill walk from the campsites, where you can swim, canoe and relax.

• Cost: $20 per bay per night for up to 2 adults and 2 children. $15 per bay for concessions and $5 per bay for toilet hire if needed
• Amenities: BBQ, pot belly fireplace, dump point and kids park. BYO water, toilet (or hire one) and supplies.
• Style of camping permitted: All types
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Ring 0437 906 510 or email armoin@bigpond.com

Lake Preston Lime (130km South)

Imagine a private property next to Lake Preston, with oodles of green grass to camp on, and a big airplane in their backyard! Sound pretty good?! Lake Preston Lime is only newly advertised, and looks absolutely stunning. With a couple of dogs on site, lots of turkeys, geese, chickens, peacocks, alpacas, pigs and sheep and a short walk to the lake its raved about by many.

• Cost: Donation box
• Amenities: Toilet and cold shower
• Style of camping permitted: Self contained caravans only
• Pet Friendly: Yes, on a leash
• Fires permitted: No
• How to book: Ring 0417 778 849 or 0427 774 687

Logue Brook Dam (136km South)

If you’ve not seen the turquoise colour water of the dams south of Perth, you’ve been missing out. Logue Brook dam is a brilliant camping location which is hugely popular for water skiing. You can camp in the Lake Brockman Tourist Park or the Logue Brook Camp Ground, both not far away from each other, or the water.

• Cost: $30 – $40 per night for two adults, depending on powered/unpowered sites
• Amenities: Powered sites (as required), kids playground, toilets, showers, rubbish bins, boat ramp, BBQ’s
• Style of camping permitted: All types
• Pet Friendly: Yes, on a leash
• Fires permitted: In season
• How to book: Ring 9733 5402

Pumphreys Bridge (150km South East)

One of the first, completely free camp near Perth that we stayed at is Pumphreys Bridge, at the Lion’s Park. Choose between camping near the river, or back towards the oval. Some areas are quite close to the road, but its a fantastic place for a weekend away. With lots of shade, and plenty of room to spread out you’ll find a nice spot all year round.

For more information, check out Pumphreys Bridge.

• Cost: Free
• Amenities: Toilets
• Style of camping permitted: Any style with plenty of room
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: First in, best dressed

Right near the river at Pumphreys Bridge

Belvidere (155km South)

One of our favourite little spots for a weekend away is Belvidere, just north of Bunbury and right next to the Leschenault Estuary. A short drive by car to the beach, and tucked away in the Tuart forest means its a great location. Wake up with the Kookaburras and Kangaroos every morning; the kids will love it.

If you have a 4WD, you can drive on the beach, and in salmon season its a brilliant place to wet a line.

• Cost: $11 per adult per night, $7 for concession and $3 per child between 5 and 15)
• Amenities: Picnic tables, Toilets
• Style of camping permitted: All types
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season, and firewood is often provided
• How to book: No booking possible. First in, best dressed.

Belvidere Camp site

The amazing Belvidere Beach

Brunswick Junction (173km South)

Just under 2 hours away from Perth lies a place many 4WD owners know about; Brunswick Junction. Popular for those who like to take their 4WD’s off the bitumen road, this is a brilliant location to visit year round. In winter and spring expect a lot of mud to be around, and many of the 4WD tracks are not suitable for unexperienced drivers and those without the right recovery gear, clearance and tyres.

Beela road is the starting point for your adventures, but be prepared to look around as its a big area. You can camp next to a number of little creeks, or in the pine forest. Keep it clean, or it will get locked up.

• Cost: Free
• Amenities: None
• Style of camping permitted: Any, but a 4WD is advisable.
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: No bookings; just find a spot and look after it.

Camped in amongst the 4WD tracks at Brunswick

Honeymoon Pool (193km South)

One of the more popular campsites in the South West is Honeymoon Pool. At just over 2 hours away from the big smoke, this stunning camp ground banks onto the Collie River, and is truly incredible to wake up to. Swimming and kayaking is popular, although it does get freezing in the cooler months!

• Cost: $15 per adult per night, $9 concession and $3 for children between 6 and 15)
• Amenities: Picnic tables, toilets and BBQ.
• Style of camping permitted: Tents only
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Online booking is required on the DPAW website

Potters Gorge (194km South)

Not far from Honeymoon Pool is Potters Gorge, perched right next to the big Wellington Dam. This is a big camp ground that has received a significant upgrade a few years back boasting a whopping 64 campsites. It’s a short walk to the dam, with a boat ramp nearby, day use area and provision for water skiing and fresh water fishing.

For more information, check out Potters Gorge.

• Cost: $15 per adult, $9 concession and $3 per adult between 6 and 15
• Amenities: Toilets, Camp Kitchens with BBQ’s, benches, Cold water for dishwashing and a dump site. There’s also a great bike pump track and numerous walk trails.
• Style of camping permitted: All, but read the site descriptions as some are not too big
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season and in the designated fire pits
• How to book: Online booking is required on the DPAW website

Quiet nights at Potters Gorge on Wellington Dam

Watching the sun rise over Wellington Dam

Westways Wildflowers (199km North)

The wildflower season in Western Australia is huge, with thousands of people flocking north to see the incredible everlastings and individual species. Westways Wildflowers is the perfect place to kick this off, located just over 2 hours north of Perth near Coomberdale.

This is a private property, with a 15km 4WD circuit that you can self drive, to see the huge number of wildflowers that are on the property. The flowers are not the giant blooms of everlastings, but rather the individual, native species that you have to hunt for.

The lovely owners have been harvesting wildflowers, preserving them and sending them overseas for many years and have a very intriguing setup. They are also more than happy to share their knowledge and explain a little about the property and flowers that you’ll see.

• Cost: $10 per vehicle, per night and $10 per adult to have access to the 4WD circuit (which you can do as many times as you want). You don’t have to pay for the 4WD circuit if you don’t want to do it.
• Amenities: Toilets and showers near the homestead, or nothing if you bush camp.
• Style of camping permitted: All types
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Ring 9651 8060

Cooking dinner on the fire at Westways Wildflowers

15km of wildflower hunting

Stockton Lake (209km South East)

2 hours south of Perth lies another fantastic freshwater Lake, with great camping opportunities. This was originally an open cut mine, and has since turned into one of the most wonderfully coloured water bodies you’ll ever see.

• Cost: $11 per adult per night, $7 per concession and $3 for kids between 5 and 15
• Amenities: Toilets, rubbish bins and boat ramp
• Style of camping permitted: All types
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: No bookings; first in best dressed.

Nambung Station Stay (211km North West)

Inland from the beautiful Cervantes and Jurien Bay region lies Nambung Station Stay, a very special place in its own right. With private tours to their very own section of the Pinnacles, beautiful paddock camping and some amazing animals this is a fantastic place to spend a weekend, or longer. Day trips to Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Sandy Cape and Green head are well worth it.

• Cost: $15 per person per night, $10 extra for power and $5 per night for kids.
• Amenities: Toilets, showers, kitchen, undercover area, animals (and you can feed them)
• Style of camping permitted:
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season, in the communal pit
• How to book: Ring 9652 4048 or email enquiry@nambungstation.com

Enjoying a long weekend at Nambung Station

Feeding the animals at Nambung Station

Wellington Dam (212km South)

If undesignated campsites and no facilities away from the crowds is more your thing, ditch Potters Gorge and camp elsewhere around the Wellington Dam. Most sites are 4WD accessible only, and accessed from the south or east side of the Dam. There are some pretty gnarly tracks, so choose wisely and take your rubbish with you; leave no trace.

• Cost: Free camping
• Amenities: None
• Style of camping permitted: Any, providing you can get in and out
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: No bookings possible, but a huge amount of room if you are prepared to look around

Camping on the banks of the Wellington Dam

Could you ask for a nicer back drop?

Yourdamung Road Retreat (221km South East)

Another private property not far from Collie is Yourdamung Road Retreat. Set up for camping, events and holiday retreats, this place has it all, including a bar, dam and jetty!

• Cost: TBC
• Amenities: Bar, Restaurant, event facilities, dam, toilets, showers, powered sites,
• Style of camping permitted: All styles
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Ring 0408 224 562

Loveland Farm Stay (224km North West)

If you like Kangaroos, Loveland Farm Stay is the place to go. Each stay includes feeding and interacting with the orphaned Kangaroos. This is a wildlife sanctuary that has provision for campers wanting a break away from the city. Located inland of Jurien Bay and Cervantes, its the perfect base for a great weekend away.

• Cost: $12 per adult per night
• Amenities: None. BYO toilet (or dig a hole), water and supplies
• Style of camping permitted: All types
• Pet Friendly: None
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: On Hipcamp, here.

Glen Mervyn Dam (225km South East)

Another freshwater dam popular for camping and water skiing is Glen Mervyn, roughly 2 and a half hours south east of Perth. Fishing and swimming here is popular, with the incredible turquoise water providing quite the backdrop.

• Cost: Completely free
• Amenities: Toilets, picnic tables and a boat ramp
• Style of camping permitted: Any types
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: No
• How to book: No bookings possible. First in, best dressed.

Beaufort River Retreat (232km South East)

Just over 2 and a half hours away from Perth lies the Beaufort River Retreat, another great Hipcamp property on 10 acres of land. With a huge frontage onto the Beaufort River, plenty of swans and other wildlife and lots of choice for camping, you are guaranteed to have a good time.

• Cost: $10 per adult, per night
• Amenities: Nill. BYO toilet, water and supplies
• Style of camping permitted: All types
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: No
• How to book: Online off Hipcamp, here.

Sandy Cape (237km North East)

If ever there was a camp site close to Perth that you should have heard of, its Sandy Cape. This is a shire run camp ground that has been going for many years, with an absolutely massive area to camp in. With around 5km of coastline to choose from, and lots of space further inland there is room for a huge number of campers, and its often very busy.

The beaches here are second to none, with great reef for fishing and diving, a couple of islands off the shore and lots of different campsites. Choose from the main, gravel camp site just back from the beach, or head north or south for water front camping (4WD required). This is constantly being upgraded, with more and more facilities and room to camp.

Enjoying the beach at Sandy Cape

Beach front camping at Sandy Cape

For more information, have a look at Sandy Cape.

• Cost: $20 per camp site, per night
• Amenities: Toilets and rubbish bins in the main camp ground. Nil elsewhere.
• Style of camping permitted: All types, although if venturing north or south you need a 4WD
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Bookings not possible.

Beach front camping at Sandy Cape

Wrights bridge (242km South)

The Nannup and Balingup area is one of our favourite areas in WA. Located just over 2 and a half hours south of Perth, you’ll find Wrights bridge, another great DPAW site on the banks of the Blackwood River. With 15 campsites tucked away in the bush, its a great place to base yourself for the weekend. If you’ve not been to the Golden Valley Tree Farm, and driven the road between Nannup and Balingup, do so!

• Cost: $11 per adult per night, $7 per concession and $3 per child per night (between 6 and 15)
• Amenities: Toilets and picnic tables
• Style of camping permitted: Any
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Bookings are not possible.

Exploring the Golden Valley Tree farm, not far from Wrights Bridge

Lewana Campsites (246km South)

One of the more picturesque campsites in WA is Lewana Cottages, also in between Balingup and Nannup. This is an ex forestry workers estate, and has a number of cottages that you can stay in too.

• Cost: $20 per adult per night
• Amenities: Toilets, showers, rubbish bins, BBQ’s, drinking water
• Style of camping permitted: All types
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Ring 0425 025 735 or email contactus@lewanacottages.com

Canebrake Pool (250km South West)

Inland of Margaret River lies Canebrake Pool, a spectacular camp site under the Marri and Jarrah Tree’s. With 9 campsites, and centrally located in the South West you can’t go wrong.

• Cost: $11 per adult per night, $7 per concession and $3 per child between 6 and 15
• Amenities: Toilets and fire rings
• Style of camping permitted: All styles
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: No bookings possible; first in best dressed.

Wedge Tailed Eagle Retreat (260km South East)

One of the first private properties we camped on, when Youcamp first came out was Wedge Tailed Eagle Retreat. Roughly 2 hours south east of Perth and not far from Arthur River, this is a big paddock with plenty of space to camp, backing onto the stunning Blackwood River.

Silvia is an amazing host, who runs a few sheep and has a couple of nice dams with Yabbies in them. This is best visited in Winter and Spring, when the grass is green, the water levels are up and you can have a cracking fire.

To find out more, check out Wedge Tailed Eagle Retreat.

• Cost: $15 per adult per night, and $5 for kids. Firewood is included in this
• Amenities: Flushing toilets and hot showers, on the side of the homestead
• Style of camping permitted: Any
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Message Silvia here.

Kayaking at Wedge Tailed Eagle Retreat

Private camping in a giant paddock

Linga Longa Bike Park (260km South)

3 hours south of Perth lies an insane mountain bike park, on private property that has been set up for camping too. With a huge variety of mountain bike tracks, its own private dam and lots of room for camping in a stunning part of the world you can’t go wrong here.

• Cost: $15 per adult per night. Kids over 5 are $10 per night and under 5 are free
• Amenities: Toilets, showers, Cafe and lots of mountain bike tracks
• Style of camping permitted: Any
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season and only in designated locations
• How to book: email admin@lingalongabikepark.com

Sues Bridge (265km South)

Smack bang in the middle of the South West lies Sues Bridge, a popular camp site on the banks of the Blackwood River. Generators are not permitted here, making it a peaceful above for all to kick back and enjoy.

• Cost: $11 per adult, per night. $7 concession and $3 per child between 6 and 15
• Amenities: Kitchens, BBQ’s, rainwater tanks, dishwashing sinks, picnic tables and Toilets
• Style of camping permitted: Any
• Pet Friendly: Yes, on a leash at all times
• Fires permitted: In season
• How to book: No bookings possible.

Nannup Caravan Park (266km South)

We usually steer clear of Caravan Parks, but there are a few exceptions. Nannup Caravan Park is a beautiful park, in an even better town. We’ve stayed here a few times in winter and spring and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. There’s lots to do in the area, and its amazing just to kick back around a camp fire for the weekend.

Backing onto the Blackwood River, with nice grassy sites and plenty of room to explore, this place is a real winner. You can walk into town in under 2 minutes, and enjoy the quiet and gentle pace of Nannup.

• Cost: $29 per night for 2 adults unpowered, and $39 for power.
• Amenities: Toilets, showers, laundry facilities, fire pit hire (free) and the usual caravan park facilities.
• Style of camping permitted: Any
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season and in a fire pit (hire one from them for free, or bring your own, but it must be up off the ground)
• How to book: Online, here, or call 9756 1211

The beautiful Nannup Caravan Park

The beautiful river flowing through Nannup

Olive Hill Farm (270km South East)

There is more camping in Margaret River than you can poke a stick at, if you know where to look. Olive Hill Farm is a hugely rated camp site just 15 minutes away, on private property and nestled amongst the beautiful Olive trees.

• Cost: $20 for two adults per night, with kids $3 extra
• Amenities: Drinking water, rubbish bins. No toilets or showers – BYO
• Style of camping permitted: Camper trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, Buses. You need your own toilet
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: No
• How to book: Call 0448 095 428

Workmans Pool (273km South)

Not far from the Nannup town centre is Workmans Pool, a small camping area right next to the St John Brook and stunning pools. Picturesque would be an understatement, with the usual DPAW touches you’ve learned to appreciate.

• Cost: $11 per adult per night, $7 concession and $3 per child between 6 and 15.
• Amenities: Toilet and Picnic table
• Style of camping permitted: All, except large rigs (Buses, motorhomes etc)
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted:
• How to book: No bookings taken. First in best dressed

Barrabup (273km South)

Another stunning location for camping near Nannup is Barrabup Pool, also perched next to the St John Brook and pools. With some interesting saw milling history and the stunning bushland all around you, its well and truly worth a weekend away.

• Cost: $11 per adult per night, $7 concession and $3 per child between 6 and 15.
• Amenities: Toilet and Picnic table
• Style of camping permitted: Tents, Camper Trailers and Caravans
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted:
• How to book: No bookings taken. First in best dressed

Glenbrook (281km South West)

Just 5 minutes drive from Margaret River is another brilliant private property, set up for camping. Jason has been running the Glenbrook estate for a number of years now, and does a great job. The property backs onto a huge area of natural bushland, and has been made into a wildlife sanctuary. There are a couple of horses and a friendly Donkey who wanders around the camp site.

If you want to camp, but don’t want to be a metre away from your neighbour, this is far nicer than a Caravan Park!

• Cost: $15 per adult per night, or $25 for two adults.
• Amenities: Flushing toilets, hot showers, a camp kitchen and BBQ
• Style of camping permitted: All types.
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted: No
• How to book: Ring Jason on 0448 681 868

Kicking back at Glenbrook in Margaret River

The local Donkey is always a hit

Our camp setup at Glenbrook in Margaret River

Alexandra Bridge (293km South)

3 hours drive from Perth lies Alexandra Bridge, a hugely popular campsite on the banks of the Blackwood River. This is possum country, and popular for those with boats as you can launch here, and head both up and down the river. With 21 camp sites, there’s room for quite a few to enjoy.

• Cost: $10 per person, per night
• Amenities: Toilets, BBQ’s, solar hot showers, boat ramp
• Style of camping permitted: All types
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: No bookings available. First serve basis.

Blackwood River at Alexandra Bridge

Camped at Alexandra Bridge

Warner Glen (296km South West)

Another camp site just 20 minutes drive from Margaret River is Warner Glen. Perched on an intersection of the Blackwood River, and amongst a beautiful forest, this place is popular for swimming, kayaking, fishing and kicking back in the bush.

• Cost: $11 per adult per night, $7 concession and $3 per child between 6 and 15
• Amenities: Toilet and day use area
• Style of camping permitted: Campervans, Camper trailers, Tents and Caravans
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Bookings not possible. First service basis

Warner Glen at the Blackwood River lookout

Contos (299km South West)

One of the biggest camp grounds (116 sites) in the South West is Conto’s, which is split into 5 individual camp grounds. Located a few kilometres back from the coastline, this is a popular camp site for those wanting to explore the region. Some camp sites are under the peppermint trees, and others are on compacted limestone. This had a 1.1 million dollar upgrade a few year ago.

• Cost: $15 per adult, $9 concession, $3 for kids between 6 and 15
• Amenities: Toilets, BBQ’s, picnic tables, rubbish bins
• Style of camping permitted: All
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Online booking is required on the DPAW website

Camping under the Peppermint trees at Contos

Fontys Pool (302km South)

In terms of Camping in WA, Fonty’s Pool has a massive reputation. It’s a Caravan Park, but certainly not your average one. I remember looking at photos and thinking there’s no way this place can be real, but it is! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, and would highly recommend it. Built around one of the most spectacular natural pools you’ll ever see (that is continuously being refreshed).

For more information, check out Fonty’s Pool.

• Cost: $30 to $52 per night, depending on the season and powered/unpowered. It goes up if you have more people (or kids)
• Amenities: Beautiful toilets and showers, Kids playground, Fonty’s Pool, Kitchen area and BBQs
• Style of camping permitted: All types
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season and in a fire pit (which can be hired)
• How to book: Online here, or ring 9771 2105 or email office@fontyspool.com.au

Incredible evenings at Fonty’s Pool

Jarrahdene (304km South West)

Alright, so we cheated by 4km, but what’s that between friends? Jarrahdene is another DPAW camp site, located almost in the middle of Hamelin Bay and Margaret River, and its fantastic.

You can kick back under the beautiful trees, or enjoy the fantastic amenities in one of the newest Parks and Wildlife campsites. There are some unbelievable Margaret River 4WD tracks, along with world class surfing, wineries, eateries and beaches.

For more information, check out Jarrahdene.

• Cost: $15 per adult per night, $9 concession and $3 for children between 6 and 15
• Amenities: Toilets, Kitchens, BBQ’s
• Style of camping permitted: All types
• Pet Friendly: No
• Fires permitted: Yes, in season
• How to book: Online at the DPAW website

$11 bucks a night is well worth it for Jarrahdene

Exploring the amazing beaches in the region with our 4WD

Enjoy the amazing camping near Perth

If you’ve gotten to the end of this in one sitting, well done! We hope this post shows that you don’t have to drive huge distances away from Perth to get to amazing places. Pair them with the right season, weather and friends, and you’ll make incredible memories. We certainly live in a stunning part of the world, and love nothing more than sharing it all with you. Please leave no trace, and keep these great places open for everyone to enjoy.

How many of these have you been to?