May 21st, 2014 Published by: Aaron Schubert

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Camping near PerthCamping Near Perth

A great sunset over one of WA's beaches

Camping is a lot of fun, but one of the down sides is thatyou often have to drive way out of the city to find anywheregood. However, Perth has plenty of camp sites that are undera 3 hours drive, meaning that you can easily get away with aweekend without having to pack everything and the kitchensink. Regardless of what you want to do, there are a lot of placesthat you can spend a few days to relax! I know a lot of peoplewant to know more about Camping Near Perth, which is wherethis post comes in. If you have any locations that you would liketo share please leave a comment below, and I will add them!

Camping on the Coast near Perth

The beach at Wilbinga

WilbingaWilbinga is probably the closest camping spot to Perth, onthe beach. You can get there in less than 40 minutes, andthere is a variety of camping spots ranging from right onthe beach, behind a few dunes or off some of the tracks.There are a number of camping spots that are enclosed byrocky formations that stick out, meaning you will never havefour wheel drives going passed on the beach. You can get toWilbinga from Two Rocks (on Durrs track) or off Indian Oceandrive. The beaches along this part of the coast can be verysoft at times, so be prepared to let your tyres down more thanyou might normally. For more information, see my post onWilbinga.

GuildertonGuilderton, or Moore River is a very popular camping location.There is a Caravan Park which you can camp at, and I wouldn'tadvise camping outside of this in the area, or you risk a finefrom the ranger. Moore River has some good fishing, bothin the river and where the river meets the ocean. There isplenty of four wheel driving on the beach and through varioustracks too. Guilderton gets very busy during peak times; it’snot the best place to go for some peace and quiet! To drive toGuilderton, it only takes about an hour. Of course, if you wantyou can drive from Wilbinga along the beach.

The beach south of Ledge Point

Ledge PointLedge Point is a small town just south of Lancelin. As withGuilderton, you cannot legally camp outside of the Ledge Pointcaravan park without risking a fine from the ranger. You candrive south from Lancelin and get near Ledge Point, but theyhave blocked it off with rocks right near Ledge Point. LedgePoint has some good fishing, plenty of four wheel driving andis well known for the many shipwrecks that you can dive on. Ifyou want to know more, have a read of Ledge Point.

Enjoying the Lancelin Sand Dunes

LancelinLancelin is one of the more popular places to visit if youown a four wheel drive. Again, you can only camp at one ofthe Caravan Parks. Gone are the days where you could camplegally along the beach towards Wedge Island; it's all beenbanned. To find out more, read my post on Lancelin andLancelin Sand Dunes.

May 21st, 2014 Published by: Aaron Schubert

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Looking over towards Wedge Island

Wedge IslandThere have been a number of changes to this great location.Please read Changes to Wedge Island for more information.In essence though, you are no longer allowed to camp in thearea. Wedge Island is a great place just north of Lancelin. Justrecently the inland track has been closed by the defense force.You are allowed to drive to Wedge Island on the beach whenthe firing range is not in action, but otherwise you must takethe track from the new Indian Ocean Drive. Wedge Island hasa number of shacks that were built by residents from Lancelin,who visit them on weekends to relax. It has great fishing andsnorkelling, and a lot of people take their boats there. Off roadmotorbikes used to be allowed at Wedge Island, but have beenbanned due to the high number of serious accidents involvingthem. The ranger now issues on the spot fines if you are drivingone around! To find out more, have a look at Wedge Island

GreyGrey is similar to Wedge Island in many ways. Again, thereare many shacks that have been built, which people live infrom time to time. To get to Grey, you simply drive north ofWedge Island along the beach or the inland tracks. Please note,camping is not technically permitted here; its only those whohave shacks that are allowed to stay in the area.

The famous Pinnacles at Cervantes

CervantesCervantes is a great little coastal town, which is well known forits Stromatolites and Pinnacles. You are restricted to camping

at the Caravan Park here though, as beach camping has beenbanned.

Sandy Cape with the Hilux

Sandy CapeThis is one of my favourite destinations, run by a caretakerright on the beach. The fishing is fantastic, the beaches aregreat and there are plenty of 4WD tracks in the area.

Martin's Tank

Martin's TankMartin's Tank is located near Preston Beach, some 110kmsouth of Perth. It is right on the bank of Lake Yalgorup (whichhas varying water levels depending on the seasons). It hasa camp kitchen, gas BBQ's, dining & picnic tables, and 30individual camp sites. 9 of these will suit caravans or campertrailers, and 4 sites are set up for 'group' camping. Campfires are permitted in season, and generators are allowed too(except in the small tent sites). The area is popular for bushwalks, bird viewing, easy access to Preston beach and be sureto check out the Thrombolites.

A local at Belvidere

BelvidereIf you are looking for a quiet camp site not too far away fromPerth that has it all, I'd highly recommend Belvidere. This islocated in between Leschenault Inlet and Belvidere Beach, andis located in the trees. Fire wood is provided (and fires areallowed in between 6PM and 10AM during the fire season).You can drive onto Belvidere Beach, or head north to BuffalloBeach, and even continue further on to Binningup. There aretwo sets of toilets, a number of different sized sites that wouldsuit caravans and the camp sites are well spread apart. Pets

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are not permitted. The wildlife is great here, ranging fromkangaroos through to a whole range of birds.

The CutThe cut is located right on the Leschenault Peninsular, wherethe inlet meets the ocean. Access to the cut is only via boat orwalking (and I believe you can bike ride there too!). There aretoilets, picnic and BBQ facilities. Bird watching, fishing andcrabbing are popular here.

Snorkelling at White Hills

White HillsWhite Hills is a beach located south of Perth, just passed theMandurah Cut. From Perth, it takes around an hour to get tothe beach. You are not allowed to camp too close to any townships, or in the dunes, but a lot of people still camp there.White Hills has some good fishing and diving, and is a verypopular destination for a day trip.

Camping Inland near Perth

Avon Valley National ParkAvon Valley National Park has a number of camping spotsthroughout it. The Avon Valley has a number of four wheeldrive tracks, which are fun to play around in. You can camp atBald Hill, Drummonds, the Valley or the Homestead.

Walyunga National ParkWalyunga National Park is like a cross between Serpentine andDwellingup; its well worth a stay for a few nights, or just a daytrip!

Farmstay in JarrahdaleIf you are looking for a cheap camp site very close to Perth, thismight be it. For only $10 per night (and children are free) youcan stay on a private property just out of Jarrahdale, enjoyingthe seclusion amongst the Jarrah trees. To find out more aboutthis property, click here.

A water crossing at Mundaring

Mundaring Powerlines TrackThe Mundaring Powerlines Track is located about 45 minuteseast of Perth, and takes about 5 hours to complete. People willcamp on (or slightly off) the track from time to time. It is notreally the ideal camping location though, because people gothrough the track at all times of the day (night runs are notuncommon on the weekend). However, if you want to spenda few days on the track then it is worth camping over. See theMundaring Powerlines Track for more information

Boshack Outback campIf you are looking for pristine bushland, freshwater springsonly 90 minutes from Perth, this is the place! This is a realworking farm with cattle and its own lake. To find out moreinformation, click here.

WaroonaWaroona Dam is a popular place to camp, and it is only a goodhour’s drive from Perth. You have to pay to camp around theDam, but it is worth it. The dam is primarily used for waterskiing, so if you have a boat it is a great place to go. However,be prepared to be woken at the crack of dawn to a V8 ski boatwarming up! The dam is fresh water, and is great to swim in.Waroona Dam is also very popular for fishing – fresh waterfish are regularly caught, ranging from Red Fin Perch throughto trout.

Logue Brook Dam

Wedge Tailed Eagle RetreatLocated just out of Boyup Brook is a quiet farmstay that willtake you into another world. The farm is home to a hugevariety of animals that you can get up and close to. Fishing isgreat in the Blackwood river, and you can catch yabbies in thelocal dam. Camping fees are $20 per night. To find out moreinformation, click here.

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Logue Brook DamLogue Brook Dam is very similar to Waroona, but it takes a bitlonger to get there. A lot of people camp around Logue BrookDam and water ski all day long. It is quite a nice dam, and iswell worth a look.

Island Pool is great for swimming

DwellingupDwellingup is one of my favourite camping locations nearPerth. In fact, it’s only an hour’s drive from the city.Dwellingup has become that popular today that you have tobook most of the sites (which is handy given that it is packedover any long weekend!). There are quite a few campinggrounds within the national park, and you pay a small fee tostay there. Most camp sites have a drop toilet, and are withina few hundred metres of the river. Dwellingup is well knownfor canoeing down the rapids, four wheel driving, DownhillMountain biking, tyre swings into the water, hiking trails, freshwater fishing and some good swimming. The temperaturechanges considerably in Dwellingup – in winter it is very cold,and in summer very hot. To find out more, read the post I wroteon Dwellingup.

The camping locations in Dwellingup are Baden Powell,Charlies Flat, Chuditch, Tony's Bend, Stringers, Yarragil andthe Captain Fawcett Track.

There is plenty of mud in the wet

Harvey and Brunswick JunctionThe area in between Harvey and Brunswick Junction has ahuge number of four wheel drive tracks, and plenty of placesto camp. In many ways, this area is like Dwellingup, exceptnot as many people visit and there is a much greater varietyof camping locations. There is a fair bit of private propertyaround the place though, so you need to be careful where youare driving. The Brunswick Junction area is great for camping,catching Marron, four wheel driving and motorbike riding. Ifyou want somewhere that is a bit quieter than Dwellingup,then it’s a good place to visit. Take a look at BrunswickJunction for more information.

Honeymoon Pool early in the morning

Honeymoon PoolIf you are after a peaceful camping location not too far awayfrom Perth, Honeymoone Pool is it. Honeymoon Pool is one ofthe better camping locations; it’s quiet, right next to the riverand is the perfect weekend getaway. The nearest four wheeldriving tracks are near Brunswick Junction, which makes it theperfect base camp.

Nannup Lavender FarmThis farm is another of the south west's hidden gems, and isset up as an adult only camp ground. The scenery is stunning,being close to Carlotta Creek Valley and the Munda Biddi Trail.The birds are alive here, and for $20 per night you can haveyour own piece of paradise. To find out more, click here.

Potters GorgePotters Gorge is a gorgeous camp site located right nextto Wellington Dam. The area is open, with no individuallymarked camp sites. Fires are permitted (in season) andswimming, bush walking and kayaking are popular.

Stockton LakeStockton Lake is an old open cut mine that has been filled withwater, to form an artificial lake. The camp site has toilets, butno individually designated camp grounds.

CongelinCongelin is another DEC camp site located in Dryandra, nearWilliams and Narrogin. This place is popular for wildflowersand the viewing of animals. Bandicoots, wallabies, boodies,bilbies and rufus hare wallabies breed here in a compoundthat protects them from predators. There are fire pits, toilets,room for Caravans or camper trailers but no drinking water isprovided.

Westways WildflowersIf you are into wildflowers, there is no better place to seethem than on this private farm stay. The farm consists of 1900hectares of active farm land, and at only 200km north of Perthit is readily accessible. Camping is available at a designatedcampsite, which has benches, shade and a dry toilet. To findout more, click here.

Lake NavarinoLake Navarino is primarily known for its water skiing lake, butis also popular for mountain biking, hiking, horse riding and

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fishing. It is located on private property in between Dwellingupand Waroona, and is pet friendly too.

I know that I have only covered a small portion of the placesfor Camping Near Perth. I would love to hear more about yourfavourite spots; please leave a comment below.

Related posts:

Hi, I was sent the link to your website by my missus,, HINTHINT.. it’s very helpful, can you tell me are the campsites inand around bush animal friendly as we like to go campingwith our dogs too. and could you also give directions to themundaring powerlines track, that looks prety cool, i have a2000 prado v6 and would like to test out it’s capability.. thanksalot.

I don’t personally take my dog to these camping sites. Somewill tolerate it, some will not and some will even get you finedby the ranger. It’s best to give the local shire a call before doingit, just to be safe. As for directions to Mundaring PowerlinesTrack, see this link – that should get you there. Have fun!

I am keen on camping on the beach but do not have a 4×4. Arethere any spots north of Perth that you know of where I canpark my car close by and camp on the beach?

The closest place to Perth you would be able to camp near thebeach would be Sandy Cape, but it’s a decent drive up there.Wilbinga would be too far to walk – the tracks go for miles.Everything in between Wilbinga (except at a caravan park atMoore River) and about 20km north of Grey is banned forcamping as far as I know.

Beware – many ‘natural bush’ type camping areas are notsuitable to take dogs due to DEC’s 1080 poisoning program.

“Western Shield involves aerial and hand baiting on almost3.5 million hectares of Department-managed land. Baitingoperations take place four times a year throughout the Statefrom as far north as Karratha to Esperance in the south.Smaller nature reserves are baited more frequently. ”src http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/content/category/45/299/1631/

Thanks for the comment – I will have to check this out. Itcertainly looks like an awesome camping spot

Do you know any places south of Perth that have good campingand motorbike riding? preferably close to the beach or river?We have 4wd’s, quads and 2 wheelers.

Honestly, I can’t think of anything. The only place that springsto mind is Brunswick Junction, which is not really near Perthor a beach/river.

totally off topic but what do you cook on i am into colemandual fuel stoves that run on petrol or shellite i also have a singleburner optimus petrol stove ppl come and ask me what it isand i tell them its a stove that runs on petrol i always seemto get the camping spot to myself. aussies are very scared ofpetrol stoves but they are widely used in usa and europe. oneof the fuel stoves i use is from 1937 and still works well. Maybean equipment page should be started

Thanks for the idea – I will definitely think about it. I use anancient Coleman 2 burner gas cooker, which does just fine. I

can’t say I’ve had much to do with unleaded cookers, but theysound like a good idea.

i would like to see a pic of your ancient Coleman 2 burner gascooker. i can always find a bit of petrol but not always gas. Andgas is much more expensive out of the city. I also luv wilbingaand some other places between there and ledge point.

I found a photo of one similar to mine, albeit a bit newer andless abused! http://www.4wdingaustralia.com/photo-of-the-day/wa/camper-trailer-kitchen/. A big bottle of gas lasts formonths, even using it to cook every meal of the day. I guessthat is why they are so popular. However, I bet not too manypeople have heard of the petrol burners!

that is a good looking stove i cant believe a 9 kg bbq bottle willlast months. just use petrol 4 the convenience. Have u been tobreton bay between seabird and ledge good spot fishing

Yep, gas seems to last a long time. Of course, it does depend onhow many people you have with you and what you are cooking.I have been to Breton Bay, several times. Never fished there –must give it a go!

gday aaron just wondering about the most recent regs whenit comes to camping on the beach north of perth. where is thebest spot and relatively close without breaking any laws..great informative site too.

A lot of people camp at Wilbinga, but whether it is legal Ireally don’t know. I think it is just tolerated. Give the shire ofGingin a call to make sure! Asides from that, the closest placewould be Sandy Cape, which is north of Jurien Bay. You can nolonger camp at Wedge Island, Grey, Cervantes or Hill River.Of course, you could pay to stay at a Caravan park, but it’s notquite the same. A place I do recommend is Lucky Bay – justsouth of Kalbarri. Not just a few minutes drive though!

What do you want to do when camping? Check out Campingin WA. At this time of year you would want to go somewherethat you can have a fire – Brunswick, Dwellingup, HoneymoonPool etc.

Hi AaronWill check out that link. In regards to what we want to do, bitof fishing, 4wd, exploring. Fire definately essential this time ofyear, don’t want to be freezing my butt off.

Cheers

Lee

Was thinking of popping down to Myalup for a few days butonly have a commodore to travel in. Do some fishing andsome bloke time ( you know, to contemplate the things oflife…..NOT!!!) Is the beach far from where I can park and isthere camping aloud down there????

Myalup is a great place. The only place you can camp is at theCaravan Park which is very close to the beach. There is a carpark right next to the beach, and plenty of space to fish andrelax!

Hi,I was just wondering if you know any nice camping spotsaround Perth where I don’t need a car to get there?

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- free unoffical spot with a creek around for water supply

- budget camping spot where you pay not more then 15$/n.p.as I’m traveling alone right now and the most camp sites aresuitable for 2-3 people and thus the prices starts 30$ and up.

You want to look for the DEC campsites, however you will needa car to get to them. What transport do you have?

Hi mate looking for a spot to camp on the beach and fishingsomewhere nt to far from Perth in the next 2weeks

Unfortunately, there aren’t too many places any more that youcan camp on the beach near Perth. Wilbinga is the only placethat really comes to mind. Sandy Cape is great, but a longerdrive, and the only option south (which is a couple of k’s fromPreston Beach) is Martins Tank