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Why you should put Western Australia on your road trip itinerary
Western Australia is vast, and its natural beauty is unmatched. The state is known for its long stretches of untouched beaches, world-class surf spots, towering forests, and expansive deserts. But what makes WA truly stand out are its national parks. Each of the national parks in Western Australia offers a unique blend of experiences, from snorkelling in crystal-clear waters to hiking through ancient landscapes. But that is just the beginning of the reasons to travel around Australia in a motorhome. Here are a few other reasons why WA is a perfect addition to your campervan rental travel itinerary:
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Indigenous Culture: The region is steeped in rich Indigenous culture, offering travellers a chance to learn about the world's oldest living cultures through guided tours and immersive art experiences.
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Fewer Crowds: The isolation of many of WA's attractions means you can often enjoy these incredible sights without the city crowds, making it feel like you have these pristine environments all to yourself.
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Unique Attractions: Whether it’s the lesser-known spots like the wildflowers in Badgingarra National Parks or the night skies in Purnululu National Park, which are among the clearest in the world for stargazing – there are endless views and experiences in WA’s national parks that are hard to find anywhere else, making your campervan road trip truly unique.
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Adventure Galore: For those seeking adventure, there's no shortage of opportunities to explore, whether it's the underwater wonders of Ningaloo Reef in Cape Range National Park or the stunning cliff views of Kalbarri National Park.
What’s the best way to explore national parks in Western Australia?
The answer is clear: by campervan. A campervan isn't just a mode of transport; it's your ticket to freedom and flexibility on the open road (and in WA, there are plenty.) Imagine waking up to a new view every morning, from beachfront vistas to forest canopies, all from the comfort of your home on wheels. A campervan hire in WA allows you to tailor your journey to your pace and preferences, ensuring you don't miss any of WA's hidden gems.
Why is a campervan the best choice for exploring WA? For starters, it solves the puzzle of accommodation and transport, two of the biggest challenges when planning a road trip and deciding how to travel around Australia. With a campervan, you have the flexibility to change your itinerary on the fly, stay longer in places that capture your heart, and explore remote areas that are often unreachable by traditional means of travel. Moreover, travelling by campervan lets you carry all the comforts of home, including kitchen facilities, bedding, and even your surfboard or hiking gear (as room allows). This means you're always ready for an adventure, whether it's a spontaneous decision to chase waterfalls or find the perfect spot for sunset.
READ MORE: For more insights on why a campervan rental is the best way to experience Western Australia's national parks and to discover breathtaking stops on the Coral Coast or hidden gems throughout WA, check out our top Western Australia guides:
Image: Tourism Western Australia
What you need to know about exploring Western Australia’s National Parks
Before you set off on your journey through the stunning national parks of Western Australia (WA), there are a few key things to keep in mind. One important step is purchasing a Western Australia park pass, which is required for entry into many of WA's national parks. This pass not only grants you access but also supports conservation efforts and the maintenance of park facilities, ensuring these natural wonders remain pristine. Luckily, obtaining a parks pass is straightforward. You can easily purchase them online and print them at home, making for hassle-free entry to WA’s national parks. Remember, planning ahead is key to a smooth and enjoyable adventure in Western Australia’s national parks.
The best national parks in Western Australia
Western Australia is home to some of the most spectacular national parks in the country, each offering its own unique landscapes, activities, and attractions. From the deep gorges of Karijini National Park to the striped domes of Purnululu, these WA national parks are a testament to the natural beauty and diversity of the region. Whether you're after heart-pounding adventures, serene landscapes, or immersive cultural experiences, WA's national parks have something for everyone. Let's take a closer look at some of the best national parks in Western Australia.
1. Karijini National Park
Karijini National Park, located about 1,400km north of Perth, is a dramatic landscape of ancient gorges, secluded waterholes, and sheer cliffs. The park's topography is a stunning showcase of nature's sheer will, with its deep, cavernous gorges slicing through the semi-arid plateau. The sight of the sun setting against the steep ochre-red cliff walls, contrasting sharply with the white-barked gum trees, is an unforgettable spectacle. Venturing into the gorges, you'll discover a hidden world of fern-lined swimming holes, towering waterfalls, and narrow rock canyons. Karijini National Park transcends what photos can capture; its awe-inspiring beauty is best experienced in person. Despite its remote location (a 15-hour drive from Perth), the journey is well worth the effort for the unparalleled adventure that awaits in this Western Australia national park.
Where to stay: Karijini Eco Retreat.
2. Purnululu National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Purnululu National Park is famed for the Bungle Bungle Range, with its 350-million-year-old sandstone domes striped in orange and grey. Although drones are restricted within this WA national park, the park offers helicopter or light plane tours that provide breathtaking aerial views of these geological wonders. On the ground, meander through ancient creek beds and dramatic gorges that bathe in golden hues as the day ends. Purnululu's landscape is not just visually stunning but also offers a deep connection to the ancient land and its Aboriginal history. Located an 11-hour drive from Broome, this remote WA national park is a must-see for those seeking to explore the unique natural beauty and serene wilderness Western Australia is famous for.
Where to stay: Bungle Bungle Caravan Park.
3. Kalbarri National Park
Kalbarri National Park is a scenic marvel about a 6-hour drive from Perth. This Western Australia national park is a showcase of natural beauty where the Murchison River carves through red and white banded sandstone to form a spectacular 80km gorge. A highlight of this WA national park is the Kalbarri Skywalk, which features two platforms that extend over the gorge and offer breathtaking ariel views to the gorge below. The park's unique landscape is also laced with a number of bushwalking trails that descend into the gorge, revealing the vibrant colours and splendour of the area. For adventurers and nature lovers, Kalbarri National Park is a must-visit and easily one of the best national parks in Western Australia to immerse yourself in both coastal and inland experiences.
Where to stay: Kalbarri Anchorage Holiday Village.
4. Cape Le Grand National Park
An 8-hour drive east from Perth brings you to the ancient and rugged beauty of Cape Le Grand National Park. Known for its massive granite outcrops and pristine white beaches, this WA national park is a slice of paradise on Earth. The inland heathlands are alive with pygmy possums, western grey kangaroos, and a diverse array of wildflowers, including showy banksia. This Western Australia national park's beaches, with its crystal-clear waters and white sands, are perfect for swimming, surfing, fishing, and boating. Best of all, travellers can camp just steps away from the beach, falling asleep to the sound of waves. Cape Le Grand National Park is easily one of the best national parks in Western Australia for those seeking a blend of beach relaxation and bush exploration.
Where to stay: Cape Le Grand Campground.
5. Nambung National Park
Just a 2-hour and 30-minute drive from Perth, Nambung National Park is a landscape of contrasts, featuring the famous Pinnacles in WA as well as vast coastal plains, white sand dunes, and idyllic swimming beaches. This national park in WA is particularly spectacular from August to October when its wide variety of flowering plants and wattles bloom, painting the landscape in vibrant colours during the famed ‘wildflower season’. Among its many wonders is Lake Thetis, where you can walk the loop trail and boardwalk to discover stromatolites, ancient rock-like structures that are among the earliest forms of life on Earth. Nambung National Park offers a unique blend of desert landscapes, rich biodiversity, and significant geological formations, making it a fascinating stop on any WA campervan road trip.
Where to stay: Nambung Station Stay and Caravan Park.
6. Francois Peron National Park
Francois Peron National Park, a part of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, is an extraordinary blend of historical significance and natural marine wonders. Once a bustling pastoral station, it has been transformed into a conservation haven. A visit to the Peron Homestead Precinct offers a glimpse into life on a remote sheep station. What’s more, this WA national park's coastal waters teem with marine life, making it a prime spot for swimming, snorkelling, canoeing, and fishing. Launching a small boat is an option at some of the park's beaches. For those looking to immerse themselves fully, beachside camping areas provide an idyllic setting to wake up to the sound of the ocean. The north tip of Cape Peron boasts picnic tables, toilets, and beach access, while the clifftop lookouts at Skipjack Point offer chances to spot turtles, manta rays, sharks, dugongs, dolphins, and glittering schools of fish. Located about a 9-hour drive from Perth, this is easily one of the best national parks in Western Australia for nature enthusiasts and history buffs.
Where to stay: Tasman Holiday Parks Denham Seaside
Image: Tourism Western Australia
7. Cape Range National Park
Situated within the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, Cape Range National Park presents a striking contrast of rugged limestone ranges against the backdrop of the Ningaloo Marine Park's pristine waters. This park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to kangaroos, emus, echidnas, myriad birds, and black-flanked rock wallabies – and that’s all before you enter the water! Cape Range offers everything from accessible walk trails and wildlife viewing to camping, beachcombing, swimming, snorkelling, and beach fishing. A 14-hour drive from Perth, it's a sanctuary for those seeking to connect with nature's unspoiled beauty and the rich wildlife of Western Australia.
Where to stay: Yardie Homestead Caravan Park
8. Walpole-Nornalup National Park
Walpole-Nornalup National Park, a serene haven located a 5-hour drive from Perth, is known for its tranquil rivers, lush forests, and the iconic Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. Whether you're into boating, fishing, canoeing, or enjoying a peaceful picnic by the water, this WA national park has something for everyone. The Deep and Frankland Rivers offer excellent bream fishing, while the inlets provide perfect conditions for a summer canoe trip. For the more adventurous, the park's bushwalking tracks, including a section of the Bibbulmun Track and the Munda Biddi Trail for mountain bikers, offer thrilling experiences through the majestic jarrah, karri, and tingle forests. Last but certainly not least, the local Tree Top Walk, towering 40m above the ground, allows visitors to marvel at the ancient tingle forest from above. Walpole-Nornalup is an adventure and relaxation destination all in one, revealing the secrets of its ancient forests to those who wander its paths.
Where to stay: Walpole Rest Point Caravan Park
Ready to explore Western Australia with maui?
Western Australia's national parks offer a diverse range of landscapes and experiences, from the historical and marine life of Francois Peron National Park to the contrasting colours of Cape Range and the tranquil wilderness of Walpole-Nornalup. Each WA national park presents a unique adventure, promising unforgettable memories. Whether you're drawn to the underwater marvels of Ningaloo, the ancient landscapes of the Bungle Bungle Range, or the towering forests of the southwest, a maui campervan is your key to unlocking the best of Western Australia's national parks. Ready to start exploring? Book your maui motorhome today and prepare for an epic road trip through Western Australia's most breathtaking destinations.