Adventure

Western Australia is a dream come true for any camping and caravanning enthusiast, with a plethora of destination options that accommodate every type of camping and caravanning style. When it comes to trips with families, many places are within an easy drive of Perth, making a weekend away an achievable option.

NAMBUNG NATIONAL PARK

Home to the famous Pinnacles Desert, 2 hours’ drive north of Perth, Nambung National Park is one of Western Australia’s most unique natural attractions that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Thousands of huge limestone pillars rise from the shifting yellow sands, creating an interesting and fun scenery to play hide and seek in.

Nambung National Park also features secluded white sandy beaches perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Hangover Bay is one the best known with picnic tables, gas barbecues and a boat launch and you may even spot a bottlenose dolphin or sealion swimming offshore.

MONKEY MIA

Monkey Mia is the ultimate caravan-friendly destination for everyone in the family to experience wildlife close-up. Famous for its wild dolphin experience, you can see dugongs, sharks, rays, turtles and a variety of fish in the water. Outside the water, you can come across pelicans, emus and western grasswrens. You can also enjoy some nice walks across the rusty red sand dunes teeming with birds. Monkey Mia Resort has most of the facilities and services you and your family are likely to need.

NINGALOO REEF

The Ningaloo Reef is one of the largest coral reefs in the world, stretching over 230km. These stunning, pristine waters feature a huge diversity of marine life ready to be enjoyed by all age groups. Oyster Stacks, accessible from the town of Exmouth, is an ideal site for families to enjoy the reef. Unlike other areas which require swimming through some currents, the coral reef and its prolific fish life can be viewed just steps from the shore in calm, shallow water.

CAMEL RIDES ON CABLE BEACH

One of Western Australia’s most iconic experiences, no family caravan trip in WA is complete without hopping on the back of a friendly yet docile camel. Located in Broome, the whole family can enjoy a stroll down the pristine sands of Cable Beach while atop a camel, enjoying what is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Australia.

JURIEN BAY

Jurien Bay is an easy two-hour drive north of Perth, making it an ideal family caravan trip destination. The caravan park backs onto the beach with easy access to a kid’s playground, beachside café, and the jetty. Jurien Bay has stunning beaches complete with pure white sand and clear blue water. Enjoy swimming, surfing, and fishing within walking distance of the park. Just north of Jurien, you can find Green Head which has a beautiful, protected bay named Dynamite Bay. This is also well worth exploring, offering calm water for swimming and snorkelling.

QUALITY OFF-ROAD CARAVANS BY PMX CAMPERS

PMX Campers provide the best off-road camper trailers and caravans in Western Australia. We’d love you to have a look at our range of camper trailers and caravans to suit any budget. We offer caravan and camping options to help everyday families, outdoor enthusiasts, and off-road fans make the most of each and every journey. Explore our range today.

West Australia is the ultimate road trip state in Australia. One of the best road trips in Western Australia is the drive along the gorgeous coral-rich Indian Ocean coast. From the majestic Pinnacles to the glistening turquoise waters of the Ningaloo Reef, the road trip from Perth to Exmouth packs countless highlights and is ideal for travellers who prefer their adventures from the comfort of their caravan. Below we explore the highlights of this trip step by step.

TIPS BEFORE YOU GO

The Perth to Exmouth drive is 1270 km. For a trip that includes stops at the major attractions, you should expect to spend a minimum of 6 days for the journey, but you can make this trip last as long as you want. Driving distances are long and spending the majority of your time driving isn’t the best way to enjoy it.

The preferred time for many people to do this trip is usually between April to June. This is when the strong southerly winds ease up and the sweltering heat turns to temperate sunny days. If you prefer windier days, October to January is ideal. This period is also likely to be less busy with other road trippers and holidaymakers.

Most of the trip can be completed in a regular caravan, but you’ll need an off-road caravan to access some national parks and off-road attractions. The region is home to long stretches of road, so make sure you take regular breaks. Be cautious when overtaking road trains and watch out for wildlife at dawn and dusk.

PERTH TO GERALDTON

The strip from Perth to Geraldton along the Indian Ocean Drive offers lots of sightseeing opportunities. The highlights include Yanchep National Park where you can see Koalas, the Pinnacles, the sand dunes around Lancelin, countless stunning beaches along the turquoise coast and Lake Thetis. If you just stop off at just one place along the way, make sure it’s the Pinnacles. Rising out of the yellow sand, these limestone formations make for a truly spectacular and unique landscape.

GERALDTON TO KALBARRI

This leg of the trip features some great places to stop in to enjoy both history and beautiful sights, including Geraldton, Oakabella homestead, Northampton, Horrocks Beach and Hutt River. The Pink Lake on the Hutt Lagoon near Port Gregory is one unmissable sight. The scenery changes drastically as you get closer to Kalbarri, and the red plunging coastal cliffs are truly breath-taking to behold.

KALBARRI TO MONKEY MIA TO CARNARVORN

Monkey Mia is a bit of a detour from the journey to Exmouth but one that’s well worth it if you’ve got plenty of time and want to enjoy the paradise that is the Shark Bay Heritage area. Here, there’s plenty of gorgeous landscapes and opportunities for up-close experiences with wildlife including dolphins. From Shark Bay to Carnarvon, there are great overnight spots to stop including the Wooramel River Retreat, which features amazing camping sites along the riverbanks.

CARNARVON TO EXMOUTH

Once past Carnarvon, you can opt to take a trip to the Blowholes and the strip of coastline from Quobba Station to the Red Bluff and Gnaraloo Station. The Carnarvon Blowholes are a natural phenomenon and shoot water through cracks in the granite rocks making a massive roar in the process. Other highlights on this leg of the journey include Coral Bay along the Ningaloo Reef, where snorkelling and diving experiences are amazing. Once you arrive in the final destination of Exmouth, you are at the gateway to Cape Range National Park and much of the sensational Ningaloo Reef. One key popular highlight of Exmouth is swimming with whale sharks. In general, Exmouth is a great base to explore the surrounding area and offers plenty of conveniences.

This article was originally published by Caravan & Camping Western Australia and has been reposted with permission.

You can wonder at the wildflowers as they bloom in the North from June and then follow them down to the South until November… or you can wait for them to come to you!

Either way, make sure you check out WA’s wildflowers in what is looking to be a blooming wonderful wildflower season in 2021.

WA is renowned for its spectacular flourishes of native colour with more than 12,000 species of wildflowers. This makes it the largest collection in the world, and it is an amazing sight to behold, especially considering that more than 60% of Western Australian wildflowers are not found anywhere else in the world!

Read on for a guide on when to expect the wildflowers to bloom in various regions around WA.

AUSTRALIA’S NORTH WEST  JUNE – SEPTEMBER

Wildflowers and flowering trees can be seen in The Kimberley throughout the dry season and although it doesn’t display the same grand colours as The Pilbara, it is still very special with immensely adaptive flora that copes with intense rainfall and very dry conditions.

The Pilbara comes alive from July to September with vibrant flowers contrasting with the dusty red earth and golden spinifex grass.

There are over half a million square kilometres of diverse landscapes and the wildflowers show the same amazing range. You can find the iconic Sturt’s desert pea, fluffy Mulla Mulla, the majestic Ashburton pea, or any number of the 65 species of Acacia (wattle) that can be seen throughout the region.

For the local Indigenous people, the plants and flowers of the Pilbara are still used today for food, medicine, and ceremonial use.

Karijini National Park is home to a great range of wildflower species and is a great place to visit and marvel at over 500 species of native flora, including some rare species.

AUSTRALIA’S CORAL COAST  LATE JULY – EARLY OCTOBER

The rural sandplains and bushlands of Australia’s Coral Coast burst with colour from late July to early October.

This region is renowned for the bold blankets of brilliant wildflowers that colour the outback landscape like a patchwork quilt. There are unique individual species in this region that can also be found.

There are lots of great hotspots to visit such as Nambung National Park, Lesueur National Park, Coalseam Conservation Park, Pindar and Mullewa, Kalbarri National Park, Shark Bay World Heritage Area, and Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area.

AUSTRALIA’S GOLDEN OUTBACK  JULY – OCTOBER

The Gascoyne and Murchison are well-known for carpets of everlastings and they should begin to flourish for a bumper wildflower season in July. Mulla Mulla, acacias, and other bush flowers are already in bloom.

From mid-August, the flowers then start to bloom right across the Wheatbelt, with its beautiful orchids, everlastings, and countless other species. In Spring the landscapes are abuzz with colour and there are so many self-drive trails to explore.

The Northern Wheatbelt and Wildflower Country is known for everlastings, verticordias, the wreath flower, pom poms, and orchid species such as ant, donkey, fairy, pink candy orchids. Central and North-East Wheatbelt has massive outcrops and nature reserves with everlastings and orchid species. In the Southern Wheatbelt, you can see hakea, grevillea and countless types of orchids such as the rare queen of Sheba orchid, as well as other extensive wildflower displays well into September.

PERTH REGION  SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER

Within the Perth region, you can explore the beauty of the native wildflowers in a few nature hotspots. There are several sites around Perth and surrounds that blossom with colour from September to November.

Kings Park, National Parks, botanical gardens, and local nature reserves and bushland might just surprise you with the colours that erupt in the springtime.

AUSTRALIA’S SOUTH WEST  AUGUST – NOVEMBER

The South West is known for having ecologically significant wildflowers as it is a Biodiversity Hotspot.

Remember when we said WA has 12,000 wildflower species? Well, 8,000 of those can be found in the South West! Witness the explosion of colour set against the stunning natural scenery of the region from August to November.

Almost 80% of the plant species in the region can’t be found anywhere else on Earth and there are some great National Parks and Trails to view an abundance of wildflowers in the springtime.

With Banksia, Dryandras, Acacia, Hovea, Sticky Tailflower, Heaths and Hibbertias, Wattles, an abundance of native orchids, and countless more flora species… there is so much to explore and there are some great top spots to find them.

FINAL TIPS

Take nothing but photos. Picking wildflowers can be devastating to populations of some species and a photo will last longer. You’ll also avoid a $2000 fine.

Stick to the paths where possible. If you do venture off-track then be mindful of your feet and be careful not to tread on any precious wildflowers.

Clean your shoes. Clean and disinfect your shoes when walking between sites to avoid carrying seeds and any pests or diseases.

Respect private property. Please do not enter private property or farmland, no matter how pretty!

We all know caravans are perfect for an extended holiday that includes all sorts of outdoor activities, from fishing to kayaking, hiking to climbing. But caravanning isn’t limited to adrenaline rushes and fresh air adventures. You can also take a more leisurely pace and really dive into everything Western Australia’s amazing distilleries have to offer. If you’re thirsty for a tasty drink and ready for an awesome day of distilleries, here are a few you can’t miss.

GREAT SOUTHERN DISTILLING – ALBANY

Located in the port city 418 kilometres southeast of Perth, Albany’s beloved local distillery is in a prime position overlooking Princess Royal Harbour. If you love waterfront views and whisky, this is the place to be. While Great Southern Distilling has grown over years, this remains the flagship location and the distillery’s famous home where Limeburners Single Malt Whisky is made.

It’s easily accessible from local campgrounds and beaches, with tastings and bottle sales to keep your caravan holiday going strong. The cellar door opened in 2007 and has since welcomed thousands of visitors. Great Southern Distilling is open seven days a week with behind-the-scenes distillery tours available too.

WEST WINDS GIN – MARGARET RIVER

Depending on your caravan trip itinerary, you can make West Winds Gin your first stop. Located 280 kilometres south of Perth, you can make it to Margaret River in three hours. The distillery is on North Jindong Road, about 30 minutes’ drive outside of the quaint town centre. It’s not far from Busselton Jetty either, so wherever you are camping or stopping in the area, you can stop and enjoy West Winds Gin.

The award-winning premium artisan gins are made from native botanicals and include Margaret River Sea Water. The distillery has been open in the region since 2014, and the cellar door has quickly become a hot spot for locals and visitors alike. You can also take master classes to try your hand at gin distilling.

HOOCHERY RUM DISTILLERY – KUNUNURRA

Another cool distillery to put on your caravan travel bucket list is Hoochery Rum in the very far north of the state. The Kununurra distillery has a rich history in the region, with incredibly fertile soils in the Ord River Valley. It will take a while to get there, as it’s over 3,200 kilometres or a 33-hour drive, but if you’re headed this way and love rum, you won’t want to miss it.

Hoochery Distillery was founded by farmer Raymond ‘Spike’ Dessert III in the 1990s. The remote Kimberley outback operation was Raymond’s way of diversifying his farming operations, and he created WA’s longest operating legal distillery. There’s a cellar door, distillery tour, and café to round out your visit.

MORE WA DISTILLERIES & WINERIES

There are plenty more distilleries and wineries scattered throughout regional Western Australia. A few other fan favourites include Copperhead Road Distillery in Greenough and Illegal Tender Rum Co. in Springfield. There is a variety of distilleries and wineries in the Perth/Peel region so you can stop on your way out to your grand Australian caravan adventure too.

The best hybrid caravans open up a world of opportunities to travel around Western Australia and view the state’s amazing destinations, including Cape Le Grand. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway or family adventure, with crystal clear beaches and stunning wildlife. Whether you’re going solo, in a small group, or with your extended family for a big reunion, Cape Le Grand belongs on your travel bucket list. Here’s what you need to know about caravanning to this gorgeous corner of WA.

DESERT & BEACH IN ONE PLACE

One of the biggest draws to Cape Le Grand is the combination of desert and beach. You can see both sides of Western Australia by caravanning to this awe-inspiring national park. It’s 631 kilometres southeast of Perth and 56 kilometres east of Esperance. The 78,580-acre park covers ancient land that’s remained above sea level for 200 million years. Because it hasn’t glaciated, the parklands are home to a range of primitive relict species. On one side you have the rich red sand interiors and rocky formations, and on the other, there’s turquoise water for swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, and much more.

The southwest corner is arguably the most spectacular with huge granite and gneiss peaks contrasting with the picturesque coastal plains. Many Australian animals call this park home, and visitors often see western grey kangaroos and pygmy possums. Colourful wildflower fields make it an even more gorgeous backdrop.

BEAUTIFUL COASTAL LOCATION

Cape Le Grand became a national park in 1966 and was named after a ship officer on the L’Espérance. There are several driving routes you can take to and from Esperance that showcase the red sand interiors, just remember to follow Merivale and Cape Le Grand Roads.

If you’re driving down from Perth along State Route 40 and National Route 1, you can always make a pit stop at Wave Rock. This is your chance to check out the natural rock formation that looks like a huge breaking wave. You can stay the night and continue the five-hour drive in the morning, and then see the real ocean waves at the breath-taking Cape Le Grand Beach.

AMAZING ACTIVITIES

There’s a lot you can see and do in Cape Le Grand. Some of our favourite suggestions include hiking through the rocky landscape or relaxing on the white-sand beaches. Frenchman Peak is a great coastal climb to try if you have the energy. It’s 262 metres to the top but well worth it when you see the stunning panoramic views of the Recherche Archipelago. If you prefer something a little calmer, considering walking along the Le Grand Coastal Trail to see some of the park’s best coastal sections from Le Grand Beach to Rossiter Bay. As long as you have a great trailer for camping, you and your family or friends can sleep comfortably after taking in all the wonderful desert and beach views at the Cape Le Grand Beach or Lucky Bay campgrounds. These camping facilities have picnic tables, gas barbecues, toilets, and running water for family-friendly camping.

So you’ve got the best off-road family caravan and are looking for the best beaches and tourist attractions for your next trip. Don’t miss out on Derby, one of only three Kimberley towns with over 2,000 residents. From eye-opening Aboriginal history to Australia’s highest tides, Derby definitely delivers. If you’re ready to explore back roads and get lost in this beautiful part of the world, then Derby is a great starting point for memorable travels.

WELCOME TO DERBY

Derby is situated about 2,375 kilometres from Perth in the northern part of the state. If you head northeast from Perth, it will take around 25 hours, but you can split the trip up along National Highway 95 and National Highway 1. Nestled on the edge of King Sound, Derby has 11m high tides and the Fitzroy River’s outflow. Known for the annual Derby Boab Festival and surrounded by mangrove swamps and mudflats, Derby has a dedicated visitor’s centre where you can book tours and learn more about the local area.

Before you head out for caravan day trips from Derby, make sure you stop at the Boab Prison Tree. This magnificent tree is thought to be upwards of 1,500 years old and is more than 14m in diameter. Known as Kunumudj, this site is culturally significant for the Nyikina people.

DEVONIAN REEFS

One of the must-see sights near Derby is the Devonian Reefs. This Australian protected area is about 180km or over 2.5 hours’ drive from Derby, making it a great day trip the entire family can enjoy. The Balili Conservation Park or Devonian Reef Conservation Park highlights the region’s amazing history. This land was once covered by a limestone reef and shallow sea during the Devonian Period at least 360 million years ago. The reef’s extinction led to the amazing landforms that make this a bucket list destination.

FITZROY RIVER FISHING

Another fun caravan day trip from Derby is the Fitzroy River. It runs south of Derby throughout the Kimberley and is the last major habitat for the endangered sawfish. Check out Willare Bridge where Barra gather in the river’s deep pools. You could also catch Cherabin, but they are more challenging to hook in the river’s fast water flow and steep banks. 4WD vehicles can handle the river’s rugged conditions, but always remember to check the weather and tide conditions to ensure it’s safe. Don’t forget to watch out for saltwater crocodiles too.

HORIZONTAL WATERFALLS

Often called one of the greatest wonders of the natural world, the Horizontal Falls are a sight to behold. The tidal flows on the coast create waterfalls with the ebb and flow of each tide. Located on the Buccaneer Archipelago, these unbelievable waterfalls are nestled within Talbot Bay in the coastal McLarty Ranges. Water rushes horizontally through a 300-metre gap between two gorges, bringing this unique natural wonder to life. Helicopter tours give you the best vantage point to check out the beloved “Horries” throughout the Lalang-garram/ Horizontal Falls Marine Park. You can book tours from Derby or Broome if you head up that way.

Western Australia has an amazing array of both coastal and inland camping and some truly beautiful roads along the way. One important road in the Kimberley region is the Gibb River Road, where many adventure off-road campers travel every year. If you haven’t seen the amazing natural beauty along Gibb River Road, then definitely put this one on your next caravan trip itinerary.

HISTORICAL TRAIL

Gibb River Road is a former cattle route running 660 kilometres east to west across the Kimberley. In 1948, an Air Beef Scheme started operations between Wyndham and Glenroy Station with an airstrip, abattoir, and freezing works built to support the beef industry. Not only were meat products airfreighted twice daily to the coast for shipping to southern cities, but the Commonwealth Government granted the construction of a new road in 1949. The road to Derby was part of a system often referred to as the Beef Roads Scheme.

The project’s southern section became known as the Derby-Gibb River Road, which was used for transporting live cattle after its completion in 1956. Previously controlled by the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley, Main Roads Western Australia took over the road in 1996 and upgraded the entire highway.

UNIQUE LOCATION

The Gibb River Road may be used for more than just beef transport today, as it’s a beautiful pathway to some of regional Australia’s most remote and captivating locations. The road runs from the town of Derby to the junction of Kununurra and Wyndham at the Great Northern Highway. This highway runs further south of Gibb River Road, but together these are the two major routes that cover the Kimberley.

CARAVAN TRAVEL

A 4WD vehicle is always recommended for the Gibb River Road, as there are many heavily corrugated sections, and the risk of flooding is high during the wet season. The best off-road caravan is your safest choice when travelling along Gibb River Road. While it was upgraded in the mid-2000s with formed gravel, this two-lane road is still remote and rugged for the most part, especially if you’re used to city or coast highway driving. A few short sections have been bitumenised, but overall, you can expect an exciting, if a bit bumpy, journey.

GIBB RIVER ROAD ITINERARY

When preparing to travel Gibb River Road, prioritise a routine maintenance check for your off-road caravan. This way, you can ensure a smooth ride along one of the Kimberley’s most inspiring scenic routes. You should also think about everything you want to see and do, and budget your time accordingly. This is also an opportunity to acknowledge the Aboriginal history along the route, including the Worrorra of Dambimangari, the Wunambal Gaambera of Uunguu, and the Ngarinyin of Wilinggin.

If you’re starting in Perth, it takes about 25 hours and 2,375 kilometres to reach the start of the Gibb River Road in Derby. If you want to travel up and through the outback to reach the road’s Wyndham starting point, you should expect around 32 hours and 2,800 kilometres. Just remember to check the weather conditions, especially during the wet season when flooding is likely. Most caravan travellers budget at least one or two weeks to cover everything Gibb River Road has to offer, including the Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge, Charnley River Station, Windjana Gorge National Park, Bell Gorge, and Tunnel Creek National Park.

Travelling by caravan allows you to truly immerse yourself in everything Western Australia has to offer. Some of WA’s top caravan destinations have access to incredible fishing, and you could reel in an awesome catch before continuing along in your luxury off-road caravan. Here are five must-see fishing sights to add to your itinerary on your next caravan trip.

MARGARET RIVER

Margaret River has more than just world-class wines, but also amazing fishing opportunities. Situated 277 miles south of Perth, you can make it to the river in just a few hours, especially when behind the wheel of a safe and reliable folding camper trailer. This is a hotspot for snapper, as well as tailor, abalone, and crayfish. Sugarloaf Rock is one of the best areas to try and accessible by all 4WD vehicles, but make sure it’s calm outside. Otherwise, try Yallingup, Torpedo Rocks, or Smiths Beach nearby.

FITZROY RIVER

They may be on opposite ends of the state, but both the Margaret and Fitzroy Rivers are in demand for memorable caravan trips and fishing experiences. You’ll have to embrace the camping lifestyle for a few days to reach the Fitzroy River from Perth, as it runs through the West Kimberley with 20 tributaries and a catchment area spanning 93,829 kilometres. It drains into the Canning Basin and Timor Sea, and water levels rise significantly during the wet season. You can camp and hook Barramundi at the same time, or test your luck at salmon, catties, and mud crabs. Keep in mind the Fitzroy River is a protected area for endangered sawfish, so if you hook one you must release it straight away.

SHARK BAY

Would an all-out Australian fishing adventure be complete without a visit to Shark Bay? We don’t think so. After winding along the stunning scenery of WA’s rugged highways in one of the best hybrid caravans, arrive in the Gascoyne region for an unforgettable day of Shark Bay fishing. It’s about 832 kilometres from Perth, so you could do it in a day if you’re in a hurry, or take your time travelling through farming and wildflower country. It’s a worthwhile trip once you’re casting a line in Shark Bay, where 320 fish varieties live among a wide range of reptiles and birds. Flathead, Grass Emperor, and Pink Snapper are a few great options to fish for.

Montebello Island Finally, make sure you add Montebello Island to your list of must-try fishing spots for your next caravan trip. It’s a bit of a journey, but nothing an Australian adventurer caravan can’t handle. Montebello means “beautiful mountain” in Italian and there’s certainly no shortage of gorgeous elevation throughout this archipelago of 174 tiny islands. Located 130 kilometres off the coast of Pilbara in the far northwest part of the state, this is a great spot to finish off your caravan fishing trip. Find the best place for caravan camping in Karratha and charter a boat to get you out to this crayfish, marlin, and Spanish mackerel hotspot.