Western Australia is the ultimate camping state. One third of the Australian continent, WA has an extraordinary diversity of landscapes — tropical Kimberley gorges, ancient Pilbara ranges, vast Nullarbor coast, pristine South West forests and the magnificent coral reefs of Ningaloo. Getting there takes commitment but those who make the effort are rewarded with some of the world’s finest wilderness camping. Here are the 15 best.
1. Karijini National Park
In the ancient Pilbara ranges 1400km north of Perth, Karijini protects some of the world’s most spectacular gorge country. Four major gorge systems — Dales, Weano, Hancock and Joffre — offer everything from easy walks to serious canyoning through cold green pools. The Dales Gorge and Circular Pool camping areas have good facilities. Sites from $15 per adult per night. The drive into the gorge at sunset, when the ancient banded iron formations glow red and purple, is one of Australia’s most extraordinary natural experiences. Visit April to October — Pilbara summers are extremely hot.
2. Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Reef
The Ningaloo Reef stretches 260km along the WA coast — the world’s largest fringing reef and one of the few places on earth where whale sharks aggregate predictably each year. The Cape Range National Park camping areas at Osprey Bay, Turquoise Bay and Oyster Stacks put you within swimming distance of world-class snorkelling. Sites from $15 per adult per night. Whale shark season runs March to July. Manta ray aggregations occur year-round. The gorges of Cape Range are excellent for walking. Book well ahead — Ningaloo camping books out months in advance during whale shark season.
3. El Questro Wilderness Park
In the East Kimberley near Kununurra, El Questro covers 700,000 acres of spectacular gorge, river and savannah country. The Emma Gorge camping area is the most popular — the gorge itself with its thermal pool is one of the Kimberley’s highlights. Zebedee Springs thermal pools are nearby and extraordinary at dawn. The Kimberley is best visited May to October — wet season road closures cut off access from November to April. Multiple gorges, walks and helicopter experiences are available from the station. A full week minimum is needed to begin to appreciate El Questro properly.
4. Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles)
The beehive-shaped sandstone towers of the Bungle Bungles are one of Australia’s most iconic landscapes. The Kurrajong camping area sits at the base of the range with basic facilities. The walk through Cathedral Gorge — a natural amphitheatre in a narrow slot canyon — is unmissable. The striped domes are best seen in the early morning light. Access requires a high-clearance 4WD on the 53km dirt road from the Great Northern Highway. Helicopter flights over the range are available from Turkey Creek. Visit April to September only — roads close in wet season.
5. Fitzgerald River National Park
On WA’s south coast between Esperance and Albany, Fitzgerald River protects one of the world’s most significant plant diversity hotspots — over 1800 plant species, 22 of which are found nowhere else. The St Mary Inlet and Quaalup camping areas have basic facilities at $15 per adult per night. Southern right whales use the sheltered inlets for calving June to October. The heath wildflowers in spring (August to November) are extraordinary. This is a genuine biodiversity treasure largely unknown outside WA.
6. Cape Le Grand National Park
East of Esperance, Cape Le Grand offers some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Lucky Bay — consistently rated one of Australia’s top beaches — has a campground right behind it. Kangaroos use the beach at Lucky Bay daily and are supremely photogenic. Sites from $15 per adult per night. The coastal walk from Le Grand Beach to Rossiter Bay is outstanding. The stark white sand, turquoise water and massive granite headlands create a landscape of extraordinary beauty. Book Lucky Bay well ahead — extremely popular year-round.
7. Stirling Range National Park
The Stirling Range rises abruptly from the flat WA wheatbelt — the only significant mountain range in southern WA. Bluff Knoll at 1099m is the highest point in southern WA and a challenging but rewarding day walk. The Moingup Spring camping area has good facilities at $15 per adult per night. Spring wildflower season (August to October) is extraordinary — the Stirlings are a global hotspot for Proteaceae including banksias, hakeas and the iconic mountain bells. Cloud often hangs around the peaks creating an atmospheric and moody landscape.
8. D’Entrecasteaux National Park
South of Pemberton on the south coast, D’Entrecasteaux protects a wild and windswept coast of beach ridges, freshwater lakes and coastal heath. The Lake Jasper camping area offers vehicle access to one of WA’s largest freshwater lakes. Sites are basic and low-cost. The Black Point area offers spectacular clifftop views over the Southern Ocean. The coastal heath wildflowers in spring rival the Stirlings. Very few visitors reach this part of the WA south coast — genuine solitude is available even in peak season.
9. Kalbarri National Park
On the mid-west coast 590km north of Perth, Kalbarri protects spectacular river gorges carved by the Murchison River and dramatic coastal cliffs. The Nature’s Window and Z Bend are iconic WA landscapes. Camping is available at the Murchison River Gorge with basic facilities. The new Skywalk lookout provides vertigo-inducing views over the gorge system. Wildflower season (July to November) is spectacular in the surrounding mallee. The drive from Perth via the wildflower routes of the mid-west makes this a classic WA road trip destination.
10. Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater
In the Great Sandy Desert south of Halls Creek, Wolfe Creek is the world’s second-largest meteorite crater — 880 metres across and 60 metres deep. Free camping is available adjacent to the crater with basic facilities. The walk to the crater rim delivers a perspective on the scale that photographs cannot convey. The surrounding desert spinifex and bloodwood landscape is remote and beautiful. 4WD essential — the Tanami Road from Alice Springs passes nearby. A genuine outback adventure that few Australians ever make.
11. Walpole-Nornalup National Park
In WA’s Great Southern region near Walpole, this park protects the Valley of the Giants — towering tingle trees (Eucalyptus jacksonii) that are among the world’s largest eucalypts, some exceeding 400 years old and 60 metres tall. The Tree Top Walk through the canopy at 40 metres is a unique experience. Peaceful Bay camping area on the coast has good facilities at $15 per adult per night. The Nornalup Inlet and the wild coast nearby provide excellent fishing and kayaking.
12. Francois Peron National Park
At the tip of the Peron Peninsula in Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Francois Peron is an extraordinary remote desert meeting the sea. The Big Lagoon and Gregories campgrounds are 4WD access only with basic facilities. Dugong, dolphins, tiger sharks and manta rays all inhabit the shallow turquoise waters. Tyre deflation to 18-20psi is essential for beach and track travel — a portable compressor is mandatory. The red sand dunes, vivid blue water and absolute remoteness make this one of WA’s most spectacular camping experiences.
13. Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park
Stretching between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin in WA’s South West, this park protects the magnificent Margaret River coast. Multiple campgrounds from Gracetown to Hamelin Bay offer ocean views and excellent surf beach access. Sites from $15 per adult per night. The Margaret River Mouth camping area is right above one of Australia’s best surf breaks. The 135km Cape to Cape walking track runs the length of the park — one of WA’s great multi-day walks. Humpback whale migration passes close to the capes in September and October.
14. Rudall River National Park
One of Australia’s most remote national parks, Rudall River (Karlamilyi) covers 1.6 million hectares of the Western Desert. The Rudall River itself is one of the few permanent water sources in the Western Desert — a wildlife magnet. Free camping is available throughout the park for self-sufficient, properly equipped parties. 4WD with multiple spare tyres and fuel for 1000km essential. This is for experienced outback adventurers only — no facilities, no assistance and limited satellite coverage. The reward is absolute wilderness in one of Australia’s least-visited wild places.
15. Murujuga (Burrup Peninsula)
Near Karratha in WA’s Pilbara, the Burrup Peninsula protects the world’s largest and oldest collection of rock art — millions of petroglyphs carved by Ngarda-Ngarli people over tens of thousands of years, including some of the world’s oldest images of the human face. The Deep Gorge camping area provides access to this extraordinary cultural landscape. The setting — ancient red rocks meeting turquoise mangroves and the Indian Ocean — is beautiful. This is one of Australia’s most significant cultural sites and deserves respectful and thoughtful engagement.
Tips for Camping in Western Australia
- Book DBCA (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions) campgrounds through parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au
- Purchase a WA National Parks Pass for extended visits — pays for itself quickly
- WA distances are extreme — always carry far more fuel, water and food than you think you need
- The Kimberley is accessible dry season only (April to October) — wet season road closures are absolute
- Tyre deflation for beach and outback track driving is essential — carry a quality portable compressor
- EPIRB or PLB registration is essential for all remote WA travel
- Respect Aboriginal cultural heritage sites — do not remove or touch rock art or artefacts
Western Australia demands commitment — the distances are immense and the preparation required is serious. But there is no other state in Australia, and few places on earth, that offer the combination of wilderness scale, geological wonder, marine life abundance and cultural depth that WA delivers to those willing to make the journey. Plan carefully, prepare thoroughly and go.