3 tips for visiting Perth’s national parks in a campervan

Explore the best of Perth with these tips from Motorhome Republic

Perth is one of the most exciting places in Australia to hire a campervan and take an adventurous family road trip. As the capital of Western Australia, Perth is the main jumping off point to discover the state’s vast and varied landscape and experience a truly unique environment. The national parks are chock full of exotic wildlife, natural wonders, and staggering beauty, offering unlimited opportunities to make cherished memories with your travelling companions. So where do you even begin with so much ground to cover?! That’s why we’re here. Keep the following three tips in mind when planning your campervan hire Perth road trip.

 

 

Pick the right time for your Perth campervan hire road trip

When is best to go on a Perth campervan hire trip?

Most family Perth campervan hire trips are booked during school holidays, so it is important to know when those are and plan accordingly. These vary slightly each year, but generally there are breaks in April, July, September, and mid-December through to the end of January (Christmas/summer holidays). Outside of these times will offer more availability for motorhome hire and campground space.

How do I decide which season to take a Perth campervan trip?

Camper hire Perth trips are fantastic no matter what time of year, but there are seasonal differences.

• If you have your heart set on seeing wildlife or doing a particular activity, this will help you narrow down your choice. Swimming with the whale sharks, for example, is a seasonal activity (usually late March to late July) that does not have a lot of wiggle room.
• Remember, there will be stark climate and weather differences depending on how far you drive. The further north you go, the hotter it gets – which can be to your benefit outside of summer. Longer trips will see even more variation. For example, starting in Perth and dropping off the camper rental in the Gold Coast will see you travelling through several different weather conditions. Plan accordingly!

 

 

Here are the pros and cons of each season of campervan rental in Perth:

Summer (December - February)

Pros

Many families take holidays at this time of year when the kids are out of school and the beaches are at their best. Most attractions are open and water sports are in full swing. You can pack light and enjoy the extended daylight hours.

Cons

The summer heat can be stifling (exceeding temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius some days) which can be extra exhausting when travelling in a Perth campervan hire, even though most are equipped with air conditioning. The land is very dry which poses the chance of wildfires in certain areas. Christmas and New Year are the most popular and expensive times of year to travel. Campsites, restaurants and entertainment venues tend to be crowded, so booking in advance is essential.

Fall (March - May)

Pros

Weatherwise, this is a great time for campervan rental Perth. The days are still warm but not so extreme, so you can fully enjoy your time outdoors.

Cons

Campervan hire Perth prices and availability will reflect the demand over school holiday weeks in April. The land is still quite dry and trees are bare. The nights and mornings can get quite cool at this time of year so you will need to pack clothes for all weather possibilities.

 

 

Winter (June - August)

Pros

Perth winters can bring bright and sunny days despite cooler temperatures and the occasional rainfall, which is perfect for exploring. Hikers and nature lovers can enjoy the beautiful green surroundings without large crowds and oppressive heat.

Cons

You never know what the weather will do and winter can bring very cool temperatures (it can get as low as 5 degrees Celsius) and plenty of rain. This means you’ll need to equip your Perth campervan rental with more gear for warmth and protection from the elements. You may not get to experience certain attractions or see them at their best. Again, the school holiday break in July is the most popular time to book in winter.

 

 

Spring (September - November)

Pros

Spring is a beautiful time to book campervan hire Perth. Warmer temperatures and blooming wildflowers add an extra element of excitement to any family road trip, and many attractions open their doors in anticipation of an influx of visitors. The sea begins to warm up, waterfalls are rushing, and the land is usually still green from winter rain.

Cons

Spring weather can be unpredictable, ranging from rain and cool temperatures to the occasional extremely hot day. Spring is the most popular time for booking during school holidays at the end of September to beginning of October, so prices and availability reflect the demand.

 

 

Choose your Perth campervan hire road trip destination wisely

How far are the National Parks from Perth?

Due to its extraordinary size, Western Australia is home to a multitude of incredible national parks stretching from the bottom of the continent all the way to the tippity top, reaching as far east as the borders of the Northern Territory and South Australia in the Outback. The average family campervan trip from Perth is one to two weeks, and as you might have guessed, the driving distance from Perth can be tremendous so it is important to map out what is doable with the time you have and the company you keep.

What is a realistic road trip from Perth?

Western Australia’s vast landscape is separated by regions. If you like to witness the wonderful view of the sweeping Avon valley plains or check out the world-class wineries at Perth's Swan Valley, below are helpful details on the parks in and around Perth’s metropolitan area. While you can cover a lot of ground in that time, it’s important to consider how much time out of your holiday are you and your family willing to spend driving.

 

 

Destination Perth National Parks and Campgrounds (20 - 90 minutes away)

There are several national parks within an hour’s drive of the city of Perth, but not all of them allow for motorhome camping. Below is a list of national parks that offer camping, as well as information about the campgrounds and associated fees. Please note that most national park campgrounds near Perth operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Avon Valley National Park (Unsealed roads)

Distance from Perth: 80 kilometres east

Standard park entry fees: $12 per vehicle. Camping fees are separate.

Pets: Not allowed

Camping available: 4 campgrounds

• Valley Campground

Camping fees: $11 per adult, $3 per child

Sites: Unpowered

 

 

• Homestead Campground

Camping fees: $11 per adult, $3 per child

Sites: Unpowered

• Drummonds Campground

Camping fees: $11 per adult, $3 per child

Sites: Unpowered

• Bald Hill Campground

Camping fees: $11 per adult, $3 per child

Sites: Unpowered

• Walyunga National Park

Distance from Perth: 42 kilometres northeast

Standard park entry fees: $15 per vehicle. Camping fees are separate.

Pets: Not allowed

Camping available: 1 campground

• Walyunga Campground

Camping fees: $11 per adult, $3 per child

Sites: Unpowered

 

 

• Yalgorup National Park

Distance from Perth: 120 kilometres south

Standard park entry fees: None. Camping fees are separate.

Pets: Not allowed

Camping available: 1 campground

• Martins Tank Campground

Camping fees: $11 per adult, $3 per child

Sites: Unpowered

• Yanchep National Park

Distance from Perth: 1 hour

Standard park entry fees: $15 per vehicle. Camping fees are separate.

Pets: Not allowed

Camping available: 1 campground

• Henry White Oval Campground

Camping fees: $15 per adult, $3 per child

Sites: Unpowered

 

 

South West (2 - 10 hours one way)

A Perth campervan hire is a fantastic way to explore the South West region of WA. This region has something to offer all throughout the year, with plenty of activities, wineries, breweries, and restaurants to you keep you entertained. Drive about 4 hours in your Perth campervan hire to enjoy the tourist splendours of Busselton, Dunsborough, and Margaret River or carry on further to explore Denmark and Albany. Incredible national parks like Leeuwin-Naturaliste, Fitzgerald River, and West Cape Howe dot the region, offering stunning scenery. A couple of great motorhome camping options include:

• Hamelin Bay Holiday Park in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

Park entry fee: None

Pets: Not allowed

Camping fees: Seasonal rates

Sites: Mix of powered and unpowered

• Warner Glen Campground in Blackwood River National Park (pet-friendly)

Park entry fee: None

Pets: Allowed (This is one of few campervan hire Perth pet friendly parks!)

Camping fees: $11 per adult, $3 per child

Sites: Unpowered

 

 

Coral Coast (2 to 13 hours one way)

Step aside Brisbane, Sydney and Cairns - some of the most gorgeous national parks in Australia are located along the Coral Coast. This popular Perth campervan hire road trip requires several hours of driving (it takes roughly 8.5 hours to get to Shark Bay in one go), but there are plenty of exciting places to stop and camp along the way to break up the Indian Ocean drive. Ningaloo Marine Park, Jurien Bay, and Monkey Mia are just a few of the stunning highlights in this region, characterised by jawdroppingly beautiful coastlines, azure blue waters and fascinating wildlife. This is a trip often taken in fall and winter for warmer weather and marine life tours. The following campgrounds will give you a front row seat to the most beautiful beaches you could imagine.

• Big Lagoon Campground in Francois Peron National Park

(*Best suited for 4WD campervan hire Perth)

Park entry fee: $15 per vehicle entry

Pets: Not allowed

Camping fees: $11 per adult, $3 per child

Sites: Unpowered

• Osprey Bay Campground in Cape Range National Park

Park entry fee: $15 per vehicle entry

Pets: Not allowed

Camping fees: $11 per adult, $3 per child

Sites: Unpowered

 

 

Golden Outback (2 to 15 hours one way)

The largest region in Western Australia, the Golden Outback has much to offer intrepid travellers, including crisp white sand beaches and magnificent rock formations. Some parts are reasonably close to Perth, while much of it is quite remote or even inaccessible. Campgrounds worthy of a long drive from Perth include:

• Lucky Bay Campground in Le Grand National Park

Park entry fee: $15 per vehicle entry

Pets: Not allowed

Camping fees: $15 per adult, $3 per child

Sites: Unpowered

• Temple Gorge Campground in Kennedy Range National Park

Park entry fee: None

Pets: Not allowed

Camping fees: $11 per adult, $3 per child

Sites: Unpowered

 

 

North West (15 – 33 hours one way)

A drive to the North West region in a Perth campervan hire would require days of driving and oodles of patience. But those who are willing will reap multiple rewards, including tropical weather and exotic wildlife. Broome and Kununurra are sensational highlights of a northern expedition. It’s a journey not for the faint of heart, but an adventure to the following campgrounds would make it all worthwhile:

• Dales Campground in Karijini National Park

Park entry fee: $15 per vehicle entry

Pets: Not allowed

Camping fees: $11 per adult, $3 per child

Sites: Unpowered

• Walardi Campground in Purnululu National Park

Park entry fee: $15 per vehicle entry

Pets: Not allowed

Camping fees: $11 per adult, $3 per child

Sites: Unpowered

 

 

Choose the right Perth camper rental and get everything you need before you go

What Perth campervan hire should I choose for my family trip?

Rent a campervan hire in Perth that’s fit-for-purpose and comfortable. Whether you’re camping just outside of Perth CBD or driving across the country and dropping your motorhome hire in Melbourne, there’s a camper perfect for your family.

• If you intend to explore the road less travelled, consider 4WD campervan hire Perth. There are several beachside and interior campsites only accessible to 4WD vehicles, so avoid any disappointment by having the right setup from the get-go.

• If you have any special requirements, such as bringing a pet along or large sporting equipment, make this clear when enquiring about vehicles in the Perth branch facilities.

• A general rule of thumb, whether you opt for luxury campervan hire Perth or cheap campervan hire Perth, is booking a motorhome to accommodate one additional passenger to your group. For example, if you are travelling with four people, rent a 5-berth motorhome. This allows for more breathing space which will be much appreciated once on the road.

Do I need experience driving a motorhome?

• From 2-person campervans to 6-berth motorhomes, the campervans of today are very user-friendly and handle exceptionally well, so you don’t need to worry about any special training or licenses to drive them.

• When you pick up your Perth camper rental, the campervan hire depot will provide you with detailed information about your vehicle and how to maintain it during your travels - including dealing with wastewater and hooking up to powered campsites.

• Practice driving around the parking lot to get a feel for driving the Perth motorhome hire, and avoid any mishaps by planning your next stop well in advance. You shouldn’t have to worry about finding parking space in rural WA, but it’s best to map out where you will park in built-up areas.

 

 

What should I bring on my Perth family campervan trip?

• Plan out all of your activities so you know exactly what gear is required. Will you be snorkelling in the South Coast? Biking? Hiking? Bring fewer clothes than you think you’ll need and more practical supplies than you think you’ll use. There are some towns and outposts where you can load up on camping materials, but you’ll have better prices and better options if you think ahead and get it in Perth prior to your departure. Pack in softshell suitcases for optimal manoeuvring. And don’t forget head torches!

• Don’t just plan for your campervan rentals destination. Think about everything you will need on the road and at campsites with few services. Will you bring camping chairs to sit outside? Do you have dish soap to wash up after meals?

• Australia’s heat can be stifling. Always have a substantial supply of water in case of emergencies, and replenish it whenever you get the chance. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and protective clothing no matter what time of year. It’s also worth bringing window shades to keep the campervan cool while out exploring.

• You may also want to get some groceries from Belmont Forum Shopping Centre for your supplies if ever you want to have a family picnic let's say at Kings Park.

Renting a campervan from Perth offers the perfect opportunity to explore parks and wildlife such as the famous Perth Central Caravan Park with your family. With exciting destinations in every direction, a road trip can be a one-off experience of a lifetime or the start of an annual tradition. What will it be for you? Start planning today and prepapre an adventure exploring Western Australia!