Campervan guide - Western Australia

Western Australia by campervan

Long coastline, wildflowers, gorges, and routes that need careful distance planning.

Western Australia campervan travel guide hero photo

Western Australia is one of Australia's strongest campervan states for travellers who allow enough time. The coastline is vast, towns can be far apart, and overnight rules vary by council and park. From the wildflower season in the Wheatbelt to the coral of Ningaloo, the state works best with realistic daily distances.

Routes & suggested stages

Coral Coast: Perth → Exmouth

12-18 days. The most popular WA campervan route. Key stops: Cervantes and the Pinnacles, Geraldton, Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Coral Bay, and Ningaloo Reef. Book Ningaloo camp sites well in advance.

The Kimberley: Broome → Kununurra

14-21 days. Remote and spectacular. The Gibb River Road requires a capable 4WD. Suitable self-contained vans can access gorges like Bell Gorge and Manning Gorge between June and September only.

Perth → Margaret River → Albany

7-10 days. Cellar doors, giant karri forests, and the dramatic south coast. Margaret River has good powered sites. Bremer Bay and Esperance are the quietest highlights.

Perth day-trip loop: Swan Valley & Hills

2-3 days. A compact loop ideal for testing a new van setup before a longer trip. Good infrastructure close to the city.

Camping & free camps

WA has many legal free and low-cost camping options, but rules change by council, park, and vehicle type. Kalbarri, Cape Range National Park, Millstream-Chichester, and Purnululu (Bungle Bungles) all have campgrounds. Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions manages bookings at major parks.

Best season to go

April to October for the Kimberley and north. Wildflower season (August-October) brings out the best of the southern inland routes. December to March is too hot for most of the north and interior.

Roads & vehicle type

The Great Northern Highway is sealed to Broome. The Gibb River Road is unsealed and flood-prone in the wet season. Carry extra fuel - stations can be 300+ km apart in the north.

LPG, dump points & services

Perth has the broadest campervan hire and service options outside the east coast. LPG is available to Geraldton and Kalgoorlie, but becomes scarcer further north. For remote travel, consider a satellite communication or internet option and check power needs before you leave.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I free-camp in Western Australia?
Use marked legal sites rather than guessing. WA has many free and low-cost options listed in WikiCamps, plus Department of Biodiversity sites and shire-managed coastal areas, but rules vary by council, park, stay limit, and vehicle type.
Do I need a 4WD for the Gibb River Road?
For the full Gibb River Road, yes. It is unsealed for most of its length, with creek crossings and corrugations that are unsuitable for standard 2WD campervans. Conditions vary by season, so check current road reports and your rental contract before committing.
When is the best season for the Coral Coast and Ningaloo?
April to October is the easier planning window for many visitors. Whale shark season at Ningaloo usually runs roughly mid-March to August, and wildflowers across the inland Wheatbelt often peak August to October. December to March can bring severe heat and cyclone-season risk.
How far apart are fuel stations in remote WA?
Two to three hundred kilometres on the main routes north of Carnarvon, and up to five hundred on the inland tracks. Carry an extra jerrycan, fill up whenever you see a roadhouse open, and never plan a route that depends on one specific station being open after dark.
How many days for Perth to Broome?
Two weeks is a practical minimum, and three weeks gives the route more breathing room. Shark Bay, Coral Bay, Exmouth, and Karijini all work better with at least two nights each if your schedule allows.

Go broader

Western Australia state travel guide

General travel tips, city guides, and planning information for all visitors to Western Australia - not just campervan travellers.

Open Western Australia guide →

Emergency Contacts

000National Emergency - Fire, Police, Ambulance
112International emergency (mobile)
1800 022 222Healthdirect (24h health advice)
📍 Western Australia
Police, non-emergency: 131 444
State Emergency Service: 132 500
Poisons Information Centre: 13 11 26
Hospital: Royal Perth Hospital, (08) 9224 2244
DFES bushfire/storm. RAC: 13 17 03
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