The most beautiful campsites in Western Australia

By Leah McLennan
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Let’s face it, Western Australia has an abundance of picture-perfect spots where you can doze under a canopy of stars.

From the dramatic Kimberley region in the north to the talcum-white beaches of the South West, you’ll be spoiled for choice in this 2.6-million-square kilometre open-air playground.

 

To help you on your way, we’ve compiled a list of WA’s most beautiful camping spots that’ll have you driving to your local camping store quicker than you can say ‘eureka’.

 

You can also follow along on the map below.

 

1. Osprey Bay Campground

Ningaloo Reef

 

Forget paying top dollar to sit around at the nearby exclusive safari camp: your own slice of paradise awaits at Osprey Bay for just $11 a night. Locals call this place ‘the aquarium’ and we promise you – it lives up to its nickname.

 

Situated above a rock-shelf shoreline, this campsite couldn’t boast a dreamier view: turquoise waters lapping at squeaky-clean sand. While away the time snorkelling, swimming, kayaking – or snoozing in the hammock. If you visit between late March and late June, you have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks.

 

Site facilities are basic – bush toilets and picnic tables. There’s no water or showers, so make sure you’re well stocked (and washed) before you arrive.

 

Cost: $11 adult per night, $3 child per night.

Osprey Bay

A slice of paradise awaits at Osprey Bay.

2. Dales Campground

Karijini National Park

 

With over 6000 square kilometres of natural real estate, the Pilbara’s Karijini National Park really knows how to make the adventure seeker blush: a medley of gorges, massive mountains rising out of flat valleys and 2500-million-year-old rocks.

 

Situated 1200 kilometres from Perth, the park is about as remote as you can get – it won’t suit those who can’t live without mobile phone coverage. Dales Campground is one of two locations in the park where you can stay overnight. Site facilities are basic – bush toilets, barbecue sites and a small kiosk at the visitor’s centre.

 

From the campground you can walk to Dales gorge, where you can swim in the Fern Pool, stand under Fortescue Falls or hike to Circular Pool. Visit the park over the cooler months (between June and September).

 

Cost: $11 adult per night, $3 child per night.

3. Kooljaman at Cape Leveque

Dampier Peninsula

 

Kooljaman at Cape Leveque is the oceanic host with the most! Situated on the Dampier Peninsula, 220 kilometres north of Broome and accessed via the partially unsealed Cape Leveque Road, Kooljaman is one of those magical WA coastal spots where red rock meets turquoise water.

 

Set up camp beneath a wooden shelter with palm-frond walls, ditch the shoes and watch the swoon-worthy stretches of sand and turquoise water as you poke the campfire.

 

With no mobile reception there’s no possibility of scrolling social media – instead spend your days swimming, fishing or reading a good book.

 

Cost: $50 unpowered campsites, $120 camping beach shelter.

Kooljaman at Cape Leveque

Kooljaman at Cape Leveque is your ocean host with the most.

4. Lucky Bay Campground

Cape Le Grand National Park

 

Within 45 minutes’ drive of Esperance, Cape Le Grand National Park oozes white sandy beaches voted the best in Australia. You’ve probably seen those Tourism Australia photos of chilled out kangaroos that pose with tourists on the beach at Lucky Bay. Now you know where to get your own selfie with a roo.

 

The Cape Le Grand Campground has shared kitchen facilities, barbecues, picnic tables, solar-heated showers and flushing loos. Spend your days swimming, fishing or hiking.

 

The park’s rolling heathlands are home to pygmy possums and an array of wildflowers. Top tip – don’t miss the great coffee van on the beach over the peak Christmas season.

 

Cost: $15 adult per night, $3 child per night.

lucky bay campsite

An aerial view of lucky bay campsite.

5. Elachbutting Rock Campsite, near Westonia

The Wheatbelt

 

Situated four hours east of Perth, the bewitching Elachbutting Rock is a tad smaller than the more well-known Wave Rock near Hyden but it’s still super impressive – and well worth the drive. Plus Elachbutting has the added intrigue of a 30-metre tunnel, Monty’s Pass (which was caused by one helluva rock slide).

 

Plan your visit during wildflower season (mid-July to late October) and you’ll get to see the brilliant wildflowers – as well as the beauty of this multi-coloured granite rock.

 

Campsite facilities at the rock are basic – barbecues, fire pits, picnic tables and a bush loo. And best yet? It’s all for free.

 

Cost: Free

Camp in the shadow of Elachbutting Rock

Camp in the shadow of Elachbutting Rock.

6. Mitchell Falls Campground

Mitchell River National Park

 

Situated 560 kilometres from Kununurra, getting to the Mitchell Plateau takes time, a 4WD and dedication. It’s an adventure in its own right, and it’s well worth the effort. The thundering Mitchell Falls are among the most photographed attractions of the rugged Kimberley region.

 

This is no-frills camping suited to the most adventurous of travellers – there are bush toilets, but no showers. The four-tiered falls are a six-kilometre walk from the huge Mitchell Falls camping area, which is separated into a generator and a quiet area.

 

In the Kimberley, prime travel time is from June to August where temperatures hover around 30°C and there’s not a cloud in the sky.

 

Cost: $11 adult per night, $3 child per night.

Mitchell Falls campground puts you right among the action

Mitchell Falls campground puts you right among the action.

7. Hamelin Station

Near Shark Bay

On the doorstep of Shark Bay World Heritage area, Hamelin Station offers a taste of Aussie history, stunning landscapes and distinctive adventures.

 

Conveniently located on World Heritage Drive (the only road into and out of Shark Bay, nearby you can investigate the ancient stromatolites at Hamelin Bay or take a day trip to Denham and see the Monkey Mia dolphins.

 

At the Station, a 202,000-hectare property set on 32 kilometres of Shark Bay coastline, you can sleep in the comfy shearers quarters or pitch a tent (all sites have fire pits and are separated by nature corridors).

 

Camping facilities are top-notch and include camp kitchens with gas burners and barbecues, modern showers and laundry facilities (also includes disabled facilities).

 

Cost: $14 adult for camping, $6 children, Station Stay accommodation range $80-$180

Stromatolites at Hamelin Pool, south east of Denham

Take a short drive from Hamelin Station to see the stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. Photo: Tourism Western Australia.

8. Conto Campground

Near Margaret River

You’ll find this gem just outside Margaret River, a region known globally for its wine and beaches, all tucked away in Australia’s south-west corner.

 

Conto Campground is not far from the stunning Conto Springs Beach, a popular place to take a dip in the ocean, bodyboard, surf or just slap on the sunscreen and relax. From here you can also walk a portion of the 135-kilometre Cape to Cape track that runs between the lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin.

 

With 116 campsites nestled among the coastal peppermint woodland, the campground had an upgrade in 2015. There are several different areas you can camp in and they all have different facilities. Some of the areas have washing up areas, barbecues and each camp area has long-drop toilets.

 

Cost: $15 adult per night, $3 child per night.

Sunset at Conto Campground

Sunset at Conto Campground.

Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
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Wonil Hotel Perth combines riverside living with a sense of purpose

    By Kirsty Petrides
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    Perched on the banks of Perth’s Swan River, the Wonil Hotel Perth pairs contemporary rooms and sweeping waterfront views with a sense of purpose that sets it apart.

    In a rare model for the hospitality world, Wonil Hotel Perth operates as a not-for-profit hotel, directing 100% of its net revenue toward medical and scientific research across Western Australia’s five major universities. So while guests enjoy the calm of riverside living, their stay also quietly contributes to the future of science, innovation and health in Australia. And it’s a refreshing stand-out in Perth’s hotel scene.

    Location

    an aerial view of Swan River, Perth

    The peaceful riverside hotel is set on the banks of the Swan River.

    Wonil Hotel Perth is located in the inner-city suburb of Crawley, a peaceful riverside locale about 10 minutes from Perth’s CBD. It’s positioned steps from Matilda Bay Reserve, where walking trails hug the shoreline and black swans glide along the water. From here, it’s a short drive or bike ride to Kings Park, Elizabeth Quay and the city’s arts and culture precincts. Though close to the action, the setting feels removed – quiet, leafy and surrounded by nature.

    Style and character

    the reception area at Wonil Hotel Perth

    The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a picturesque view of Matilda Bay.

    Named after the Noongar word for peppermint tree, of which there are many shading the riverbanks outside, Wonil Hotel Perth is the first Australian property in Accor’s Handwritten Collection. The overall style is minimal without being sterile – warm wood finishes, tactile furnishings and clever lighting create a relaxed, understated space that melts into its natural surroundings.

    The lobby is stunning, spacious and filled with inviting leather couches, well-stocked bookshelves and Indigenous art and sculpture work. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors open out onto a sheltered outdoor deck filled with tables and chairs overlooking the river. During the day this serves as the world’s most picturesque coworking space, but come 5pm, it’s where you’ll find most guests milling around, cocktails in hand.

    Facilities

    the library nook at Wonil Hotel Perth

    Spend time reading books in the cosy library nook.

    Wonil Hotel Perth leans toward a pared-back offering, focusing on what guests actually need. While there’s no on-site fitness centre, hotel staff can provide access to the nearby University of WA gym and pool. But why would you, when the hotel is in prime location for an outdoor workout. Walk along the trails that meander through Matilda Bay Reserve, run along the riverfront to the iconic Kings Park, or even tackle the nearby Kokoda Trail – a steep 150-step ascent designed to simulate the exhaustion and effort of the original Kokoda Track soldiers in WWII.

    The hotel includes West Kitchen & Bar, a small but well-curated restaurant, plus free Wi-Fi, meeting rooms and secure paid parking. Limited parking is available on-site with an advanced booking.

    Rooms

    the premier king room with river view at Wonil Hotel Perth

    Each room is sleek and spacious with views over the Swan River.

    The hotel’s 66 rooms range from Standard to Executive and Premium, many with balconies and uninterrupted views over the Swan River, and some with interconnecting options for families or groups. My room was a Deluxe King with a balcony and river view.

    the bathroom at Wonil Hotel Perth

    Bathrooms are luxe and spacious.

    The space somehow manages to be both modernly sleek and warmly inviting – textured grey walls illuminated by warm sconce lights, an exposed concrete ceiling offset by rich timber accents, and a black wrought iron balcony met with earthy-hued, upholstered leather furnishings. The spacious king bed, roomy shower with luxe Mr Smith toiletries, and complimentary coffee add a special touch.

    Food and drink

    the outdoor terrace at Wonil Hotel Perth

    Gather for sunset drinks on the outdoor terrace.

    West Kitchen & Bar offers a truly local experience. When it comes to the drinks, you won’t find anything – wine, beer, spirits – from outside WA. Even the soda water hails from the west. The wine list sees big WA makers like Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix and Voyager dance alongside smaller producers like Ironcloud, Singlefile and LS Merchants; with beers from local legends Gage Roads, Little Creatures, Beerfarm and Eagle Bay Brewing.

    The dinner menu features seafood, steak and small plates designed for sharing, showcasing local producers. Standouts are the Rottnest kingfish with ruby grapefruit, the barramundi with Tuscan cabbage and the Harvey beef tri tip with smoked bone marrow butter and red wine jus. For dessert, a unique take on a classic – spiced red wine pannacotta, served with poached pear and fresh honeycomb.

    Come morning, the hotel offers a curated selection of buffet breakfast options including seasonal fruits, homemade granola, pastries and sourdough. Plus, guests also get a choice of one item from the à la carte breakfast menu – the tomato bruschetta with balsamic, basil, feta and poached eggs on rye was exceptional.

    Does Wonil Hotel Perth have access for guests with disabilities?

    There are accessible rooms to accommodate guests with accessibility needs.

    Is Wonil Hotel Perth it family-friendly?

    Yes – the interconnecting rooms make family stays appealing, and the vast grassland and river foreshore of Matilda Bay Reserve are a beautiful spot for kids to run, splash and play in nature.

    Best for: Couples, families, business travellers

    Address: 21 Hackett Drive, Crawley