Camping Tips

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.

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.

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.

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.