Tips for Perth Camper Trailers and Caravans

4WD To Mitchell Falls: WA’s Best-Kept Secret

If you haven’t heard of Mitchell Falls, you need to put it on your travel bucket list. Especially if you follow the Grey Nomads’ Guide to Caravanning in WA, you can truly make the most of a trip to WA’s best-kept secret. Here’s everything you need to know about Mitchell Falls and why it belongs on your dream caravan trip.

Remote Location Only Accessible by 4WD

Not every vehicle can make it all the way to Mitchell Falls. Located inside Mitchell River National Park, this remote destination is only accessible by 4WD. It’s over 3,000km from Perth, so you need about 35-40 hours at least if you’re driving straight there. Even so, it’s worth every minute of driving, and whether you cut through the outback or hug the coast, once you get to the falls near the most northern part of the state, you’ll see why.

Perfect Timing for Best Waterfall Flow

When planning a caravan trip to Mitchell Falls Camping Ground, keep in mind the wet and dry season. Water can dry up in this natural red rock masterpiece during April to August. Then the wet season from October to March delivers rainfall that makes these falls super impressive. Just like other waterfalls in the far north, the wet season rains supply the flow that diminishes throughout the dry season.

For the best waterfall views and overall experience, time your trip right. The last few months of the year give you a good mix of early rainfall to supplement the flow whilst ensuring safe admittance into the park and access to the trails.

Beautiful Flora and Fauna

As of 2020, the park covers over 1,150 square km of the Mitchell Plateau. Arguably the best trail for viewing Mitchell Falls is Punamii-Unpuu Trail, which gives you an amazing vantage point over the jaw-dropping gorge. For a multi-day adventure in your 4WD, head along Kalumburu and Gibbs River Roads.

There are also aerial tour options if you want to explore the falls from both the ground and the sky. It’s amazing to see the only place in mainland Australia where no native species have gone extinct. There are more than 220 birds, 86 amphibians and reptiles, and 50 mammal species that live in the park surrounding Mitchell Falls. Keep your eyes peeled for saltwater crocodiles, king brown snakes, rock wallabies, and flatback turtles, among many other Aussie animals.

History and Future Plans for Mitchell River Park

4WD off road caravans are a great way to see everything Mitchell Falls and Mitchell River Park have to offer. This truly is a slice of Australian history, with the Mitchell Plateau (Ngauwudu) wildlife and scenery remaining unchanged for nearly 50,000 years. The Wunambal people have called this land home for thousands of years. While there are plans for a massive Kimberley National Park nearby, changes to the park system have not been finalised. The area is protected, so you can rest assured your Mitchell Falls caravan travel plans can go ahead provided the weather holds out and the trail conditions are safe.

History And Natural Wonder in The Dampier Peninsula

If you’re wondering where to go on your next family caravan trip, don’t overlook Dampier Peninsula. History and natural wonder abound in this rugged, remote region. Whether you want an unforgettable outdoor adventure or prefer to relax and see Australia’s northwest in all its beauty, the Dampier Peninsula truly delivers.

Many of our PMX customers have taken their new off-road caravan or camper trailer to the Dampier, and we’ve seen and heard amazing things about this part of the world. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning for unforgettable caravan travels to the Dampier Peninsula.

Historical Significance

Dampier Peninsula is in far north Western Australia, above Broome and Roebuck Bay. The peninsula is significant for its Aboriginal heritage, including the communities of Beagle Bay, Bobieding, Djarindjin, Ardyaloon (One Arm Point), and Ngardalargin. The Bardi, Nyunyul, and Jabirr Jabirr (Djaberadjabera) peoples are the traditional owners of this land, and you will see their inspiring influence throughout your trip.

In addition to the Indigenous history spanning 30,000 years, the area is also known for its expansive collection of ancient rock art. The Dampier Peninsula has the largest petroglyph collection in the world, with over 700 archaeological sites and images depicting humans, animals, and symbols.

Natural Beauty

It’s impossible to deny the breathtaking beauty of the Dampier Peninsula. With King Sound to the east and the Indian Ocean to the west and north, every you look, there’s something to admire. Named after legendary explorer, mariner, and visitor William Dampier, the peninsula is known for Cape Leveque at the very top, with rugged rocks overlooking remote sandy beaches.

The 400 square kilometre archipelago has a stunning array of islands and reefs. The Burrup Peninsula is one of the main features, showcasing the rich red earth of the Pilbara with the ocean’s turquoise blue waters. White coral sand completes the natural scenery that almost seems too good to be true.

Must-See Sights

When visiting the Dampier Peninsula, we strongly advise going to see Pender Bay. It’s north of Beagle Bay and has a 4WD-only track called Middle Lagoon Road, where camping and cultural activities come to life. There’s something for every traveller, including a mix of unpowered sites, safari tents, and cabins. Something else to put on the Dampier Peninsula itinerary is Lombadina, where you can tour the Community’s historic bush timber church. Kayaking, fishing, and mud crab hunting is also popular in Thomas Bay.

Travel Tips If there’s one thing you keep in mind when travelling to the Dampier Peninsula in a 4WD caravan, it’s to have an open mind. You can get lost up here in the best way, taking a break from the stress of everyday life to truly appreciate everything north-western Australia has to offer. The Peninsula is about 2,395 km or 25 hours away from Perth, and it really deserves a few days, if not a full week, of your attention. As long as you’re safe behind the wheel of the best 4×4 caravan, you can truly make the most of the renowned history and beauty across the Dampier Peninsula.

What The Gibb River Road Means For WA

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.

From Desert to Ocean: A Caravan Trip to Cape Le Grand

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.

Caravanning The Distilleries of Western Australia

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.

WA’s Top Caravan Experiences for Families

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.

Getting the Best Road Insurance for Your Caravan

Owning a caravan gives you the freedom to travel and stay in numerous places across the country on your own terms. But buying your own caravan can be a big investment and it’s well-advised to protect it with insurance. Depending on the caravan insurance policy, it may provide cover for a variety of different situations ranging from accidents on the road or damage sustained while parked at home. Below we take a look at some of the options when it comes to insurance for your caravan and what to look for.

Types of Caravan Insurance

Caravan insurance is a stand-alone financial product that is typically used to provide cover for your caravan while it is travelling on the road, when it is on-site at a caravan park, and when it is not being used for a certain period of time. Some insurers also offer cover for a trailer, camper trailer or horse float under a caravan insurance policy.

The two main types of caravan insurance policies are comprehensive and third party. The first option covers damage or loss of the caravan and property inside it, as well as to other people’s property. Third party policies only cover damage to other people or someone else’s property where you are at fault. Either policy can also cover other incidents as an add-on expense depending on the insurer.

What Can Caravan Insurance Cover?

As mentioned, coverage will vary depending on the policy and level of cover you choose, but in general, it may provide some financial protection for loss or damage to your caravan caused by or arising from:

Accidental damage
Theft or attempted theft
Fire
Storm and flood
Earthquake
Vandalism or a malicious act by a third party
Emergency repairs, accommodation, and transport.
Food spoilage
Storage
Towing
Contents up to a certain amount.

It typically won’t cover wear and tear, vermin, faulty design, pre-existing damage or any damage sustained by intentional misuse.

Tips When Looking for Caravan Insurance

Spend a decent amount of time shopping around widely for different insurance policies. Read the small print to compare features and don’t be afraid to tell an agent you’re shopping around. Ensure you get appropriate insurance for how you plan to use your caravan. The appropriate level of coverage will differ depending on whether you are covering a touring (or travelling), on-site or off-road caravan.

Before you take out caravan insurance, read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) of each policy thoroughly so you understand the terms and conditions involved, including benefits and exclusions, and any excesses that apply.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Caravan Insurance

Cheaper rarely means better when it comes to insurance. The cost of your caravan insurance will depend on a range of factors, including:

Level of cover and extras: Comprehensive cover will usually carry a higher premium. If you choose to take out any optional extras, this will also add to your premium.
Excess: The excess is the amount you agree to pay out-of-pocket when making a claim. If you choose a higher excess, this will tend to lower your premium.
Sum insured: Agreed value is a fixed sum insured that you and your insurer choose for your caravan, whereas market value is based on the amount your caravan is worth at the time of the claim. Agreed value policies tend to carry a higher premium.

If you are buying caravan insurance from the same provider you use for other insurance policies, such as your car insurance, it could be worth checking to see if you are entitled to a multi-policy discount.

How to Bring Your Pet on A Caravan Trip

One of the biggest benefits of travelling the country in a caravan or motorhome is the ability to take our beloved pets with us. However, there are some restrictions on where you’ll be able to take your pet, so it’s worth taking the time to do some research and planning. Here are some tips on what to look for as well as other ways to prepare so everyone in the family can have an enjoyable trip on the road.

Look for Pet-Friendly Parks

Apart from ensuring that you have your pets microchip details updated, taking their paperwork along with you, and making sure your pet is up to date with their vaccinations, you should also spend some time researching pet-friendly caravan parks along the route you’re planning. Once you’ve found some pet-friendly parks in the locations you want to stay, it’s a good idea to get in touch with them to discuss their specific pet policies as these can vary from park to park. For example, some places won’t let pets inside cabins, so you need to be sure you’re comfortable leaving them outside if need be.

Once you find suitable places to stay overnight, be sure to do the right thing and follow their rules. Irresponsible dog owners who don’t pick up after them or fail to control them can cause pet-friendly parks to reconsider their policy, which is detrimental to those of us who love to travel with our pets.

Other Things to Look for Along the Route

When planning your holiday route, you should also make a list of vets in each major town you’ll be passing through in case of an emergency. Research some common issues that you might face in certain areas such as heat exhaustion or tick paralysis and their symptoms. Bring a printed medical record for your furry friend along with you just in case.

Other things you want to look out for are pet-friendly beaches and parks. It’s important to remember that many national parks, hiking trails and other local attractions are not pet friendly. Look up some local kennels or pet sitting services in the areas you plan to travel where you may not be able to take your furry friend along for the adventure.

Take Regular Breaks

Once travelling, regular breaks are just as important to your pet as they are for human travellers. Small dogs tend to need more breaks when travelling than larger dogs, although it depends on their temperament and age, of course. Stop at least every two to three hours to let your pup stretch their legs, have a bathroom break and a drink of water, and get refreshed for the next leg of the trip. When travelling, you should always ensure your pet is restrained inside the car using either a cargo barrier behind the back seat, a travel crate, or a seat belt harness. If you are planning a long trip, it is worthwhile taking them on shorter journeys beforehand to see how they handle it, and if you need to take any extra blankets, toys or other accessories you hadn’t considered.

What to Watch Out For With A Second Hand Caravan

When it comes to buying second-hand anything, it’s always a bit of a gamble. While the product might be considerably cheaper than its brand-new counterpart, there’s many risks involved (of which we’ll discuss in this article.)

Whether you’re upgrading your current caravan or looking to make your first purchase, you might be tempted to buy a used caravan. But before you sign on the dotted line, here’s some things you might want to look out for when it comes to checking potential candidates for your secondhand caravan.

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Grey Nomads’ Guide to Caravanning in WA

With so many beautiful sights to see and enjoy in Western Australia, it would be a shame to stay in the one place after retirement. That’s why so many ‘Grey Nomads’ take to the road in their own caravans and camper trailers after they decide to leave the 9-5 life behind.

With international travel suspended for the foreseeable future, it’s not a bad idea to travel domestically and take on an open-road adventure for the time being. If you’re ready to explore Australia’s treasures on four wheels, we’ve got some great tips for you.