On my recent trip to Perth, I was eager to explore the natural beauty that surrounds this vibrant city. Perth, with its stunning coastline, sprawling national parks, and diverse landscapes, offers an abundance of camping options that cater to all kinds of outdoor adventurers. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful riverside retreat, a beachside paradise, or a rugged bush experience, Perth has it all.
1. Lane Poole Reserve: A Riverside Retreat
Located about 100 kilometers south of Perth, Lane Poole Reserve is the perfect destination for a quick weekend getaway. The drive from Perth takes just over an hour, making it an ideal spot for those who want to escape the city without spending too much time on the road. I chose to take my own car, but there are also several rental options in Perth if you don’t have access to a vehicle.
Camping Experience:
Lane Poole Reserve is nestled along the banks of the Murray River and offers a variety of camping experiences, from well-equipped campsites to more secluded bush camps. I stayed at Nanga Mill Campground, which is one of the more popular sites in the reserve. It’s easy to see why—this campground is spacious, well-maintained, and surrounded by towering jarrah and marri trees that provide plenty of shade and a serene atmosphere.
The campsite itself is equipped with basic amenities, including picnic tables, fire pits, and toilets. What I loved most about Nanga Mill was its proximity to the river. After setting up my tent, I spent the afternoon swimming in the cool, clear waters of the Murray River and later, kayaking along the gentle currents. The river is perfect for a variety of water activities, and there’s nothing quite like paddling under the canopy of trees while listening to the sounds of the bush.
Activities and Nearby Attractions:
Lane Poole Reserve is a haven for outdoor activities. Apart from swimming and kayaking, there are numerous hiking trails that cater to all levels of fitness. I embarked on the King Jarrah Walk, a 18-kilometer loop that offers a mix of riverside scenery and dense forest, with the highlight being the ancient King Jarrah tree. It’s a challenging hike, but the sights along the way are worth every step.
For those interested in a shorter walk, the Island Pool Walk is a gentle 2-kilometer trail that offers stunning views of the Murray River and the surrounding bushland. The reserve is also home to a variety of wildlife, and I was fortunate enough to spot kangaroos and a variety of bird species during my stay.
My Rating:
I’d rate my camping experience at Lane Poole Reserve a solid 9/10. The combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and the peaceful ambiance made it a memorable weekend escape. The only downside was the limited availability of amenities at the more remote campsites, so be sure to come prepared with all the essentials.
2. Yanchep National Park: Coastal Wilderness
Yanchep National Park is another fantastic camping destination, located just 50 kilometers north of Perth. The drive takes about 45 minutes, making it one of the most accessible camping spots near the city. Yanchep is well-known for its diverse landscapes, including coastal dunes, wetlands, and woodlands, all of which make for a unique camping experience.
Camping Experience:
I stayed at the Henry White Oval Campground, which is the only designated camping area within Yanchep National Park. The campground is relatively small, but it’s well-maintained and offers basic facilities such as toilets, hot showers, and BBQ areas. One of the standout features of camping here is the proximity to both the bush and the beach, offering the best of both worlds.
The campground is surrounded by native vegetation, and I was able to spot kangaroos grazing nearby early in the morning. The nights were peaceful, with the sounds of the bush providing a natural lullaby. The best part was waking up to the sight of the sun rising over the dunes, casting a golden glow over the landscape.
Activities and Nearby Attractions:
Yanchep National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. During my stay, I explored several walking trails, including the Ghost House Trail, a 12.4-kilometer loop that takes you through dense bushland and past the eerie ruins of an old homestead. For a more relaxed walk, the Koala Boardwalk is a must-visit, where you can observe koalas in their natural habitat.
One of the highlights of my trip was a visit to the nearby Yanchep Lagoon. The beach is stunning, with crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand. It’s a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and simply relaxing by the sea. The calm, shallow waters make it an ideal destination for families as well.
My Rating:
I’d rate my experience at Yanchep National Park an 8.5/10. The park offers a great mix of coastal and bushland experiences, and the proximity to Perth makes it a convenient option for a quick getaway. However, the campground can get crowded during peak seasons, so it’s worth booking in advance to secure a spot.
3. Walyunga National Park: A Bushland Escape
For those seeking a more rugged, bushland experience, Walyunga National Park is an excellent choice. Located about 40 kilometers northeast of Perth, this park is nestled in the Darling Range and offers a truly immersive natural experience. The drive from Perth takes about 45 minutes, making it an easy weekend destination.
Camping Experience:
Walyunga National Park is not as developed as some of the other camping spots near Perth, but that’s part of its charm. I chose to camp at the Avon Valley Campsite, a basic bush camp located near the Avon River. There are no formal facilities here, so it’s essential to be self-sufficient and bring your own water, food, and firewood.
The campsite is surrounded by dense bushland, and the Avon River flows nearby, providing a peaceful soundtrack to my stay. The sense of isolation and connection to nature was unparalleled, and the starry night skies were simply breathtaking. It’s the perfect spot for those who want to truly disconnect and enjoy the solitude of the Australian bush.
Activities and Nearby Attractions:
Walyunga National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with several trails that offer a mix of river views, rocky outcrops, and native bushland. I tackled the Walyunga Walk, a 10-kilometer loop that takes you through the heart of the park, offering spectacular views of the valley and river below. The trail is challenging, with some steep sections, but the sense of achievement at the end is well worth it.
For those interested in water activities, the Avon River is popular for kayaking and canoeing, particularly during the winter months when the river is flowing strongly. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, and I spotted several kangaroos and even a few echidnas during my stay.
My Rating:
I’d rate my camping experience at Walyunga National Park an 8/10. The park’s rugged beauty and sense of isolation make it a great choice for experienced campers who enjoy a more primitive camping experience. However, the lack of facilities might not be suitable for everyone, so be sure to come well-prepared.
4. Sandy Cape Recreation Park: Beachside Bliss
Located about 200 kilometers north of Perth, Sandy Cape Recreation Park is a bit of a drive, but the stunning beachside setting makes it well worth the journey. The drive takes approximately two and a half hours, making it a great destination for a long weekend getaway.
Camping Experience:
Sandy Cape Recreation Park is a coastal gem, with pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise waters that stretch as far as the eye can see. The campground is right on the beach, allowing for an unparalleled camping experience where you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves. The campsites are basic, with only toilets and limited water available, so it’s important to come prepared with all your essentials.
I set up camp just a few meters from the beach, and spent my days swimming, fishing, and exploring the nearby sand dunes. The sunsets at Sandy Cape were nothing short of magical, with the sky painted in hues of orange and pink as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Activities and Nearby Attractions:
Sandy Cape is all about the beach, and there’s no shortage of activities to keep you entertained. I spent hours exploring the sand dunes, which offer incredible views of the coastline and are great fun for sandboarding. The calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and I even spotted a few dolphins playing in the surf one morning.
For those who enjoy fishing, the beach is a great spot to cast a line, and I saw several other campers reeling in their catch of the day. The nearby town of Jurien Bay is just a short drive away and offers additional amenities, including shops, restaurants, and a marina where you can book a boat tour or fishing charter.
My Rating:
I’d rate my experience at Sandy Cape Recreation Park a 9.5/10. The combination of stunning coastal scenery, endless beach activities, and the peaceful ambiance of camping right on the shore made it one of my favorite camping spots near Perth. The only downside is that it can get busy during peak times, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a good spot.
5. Moore River: A Riverside Retreat
If you’re looking for a peaceful riverside camping experience, Moore River is a fantastic option. Located about 100 kilometers north of Perth, the drive takes just over an hour, making it an easy and convenient weekend getaway.
Camping Experience:
The main camping area at Moore River is the Guilderton Caravan Park, which is situated right at the mouth of the Moore River where it meets the Indian Ocean. The campground offers a range of facilities, including powered and unpowered sites, hot showers, and BBQ areas. I chose an unpowered site close to the river, which provided a quiet and scenic spot to set up camp.
What I loved most about Moore River was the variety of landscapes to explore. The river is perfect for kayaking and canoeing, and the calm waters make it an ideal spot for families with young children. The beach is just a short walk from the campground, offering a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
Activities and Nearby Attractions:
During my stay, I spent a lot of time kayaking along the Moore River, which winds through scenic bushland and offers plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. The river is also great for stand-up paddleboarding, and I saw several other campers enjoying this activity.
The nearby town of Guilderton is worth exploring as well, with its charming coastal vibe and friendly locals. I visited the Guilderton Lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the coastline and the river below. The lighthouse is a great spot for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset.
My Rating:
I’d rate my camping experience at Moore River a 8.5/10. The combination of river and beach activities, along with the peaceful riverside setting, made it a great spot for a relaxing weekend getaway. The only downside is that the campground can get crowded during school holidays, so it’s best to book in advance if you’re planning to visit during peak times.
Perth and its surrounding areas offer an abundance of camping options, each with its unique charm and appeal. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful riverside retreat, a coastal paradise, or a rugged bush experience, there’s something for everyone. My time exploring these camping spots near Perth has left me with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of this part of Australia.
