National Parks in Perth - Campervan Guide

Which are the best National Parks to visit around Perth?

Perth is the perfect base for a motorhome adventure, nestled close to several beautiful national parks. From its doorstep, Perth invites you to delve into Western Australia's breathtaking landscapes. Be it trekking the untamed outback, birdwatching along the coast, or immersing yourself in crystalline waters at a serene beach, Perth has you covered.

Some of the best national parks to visit around Perth include:

Karijini - Karijini offers a symphony of gorges and cascading waterfalls. Take the time to explore the rugged beauty of the bush on foot, and discover the deep gorges and chasms, such as Hancock Gorge, Weano Gorge, and Dales Gorge. These colourful rock layers reveal the story of the Earth's geological history. Some popular attractions within the park include the cascading Fortescue Falls, the serene Fern Pool, the picturesque Circular Pool, and the refreshing Kermits Pool.

Nambung - The park is famous for its unique and otherworldly landscape, featuring the Pinnacles Desert, where thousands of limestone formations called the Pinnacles rise from the sands like remnants of an ancient civilization long forgotten. These natural sculptures, created by wind and water erosion over millennia, form an awe-inspiring backdrop that draws visitors from around the globe.

Leeuwin-Naturaliste - Stretching over 120 kilometres, this captivating coastal nature reserve encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, including rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, limestone caves, and lush forests. One of the park's highlights is its extensive network of limestone caves, such as the Jewel Cave, Lake Cave, and Mammoth Cave. These subterranean marvels feature stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique formations, making them popular attractions for guided tours.

Cape Le Grand - Renowned for its idyllic shores, particularly the celebrated Lucky Bay, Hellfire Bay, and Thistle Cove, this park invites you to bask in the sun and swim in its azure waters. The park boasts a network of walking trails that lead visitors through diverse landscapes, from coastal heathlands to towering granite outcrops like Frenchman Peak and Mount Le Grand. Relish a day on the powdery sands and wander through the rugged coastal pathways.

How much is campervan entry to national parks around Perth? Are any permits required?

Entry fees apply at over 30 national parks peppered throughout WA. Each charges a single-entry fee of $15 per vehicle.

If you plan on visiting multiple parks, invest in the $60 Holiday Pass to get unlimited entry to all WA parks in a four-week period. Long-term or frequent explorers could grab the $120 Annual Pass instead.

Travellers can purchase a park pass online through the WA Department of Parks and Wildlife Service (DPAW) website or various outlets around the state. Single-entry tickets are usually purchased on-site at an electronic kiosk.

Some additional attractions—think caves, river cruises, and wildlife tours—require an additional fee, paid on-site or via the DPAW website.

Many WA national parks have ow-cost campgrounds set amid enchanting natural surroundings.

The most popular campsites are booked online through DPAW. More remote spots are cash-on-arrival only, paid to an on-site camp host or a self-registration box. Change often isn’t available.

DPAW offers park passes and campsite discounts for children and concession holders. In addition, WA residents are entitled to a discount on holiday and park passes.

Popular National Parks in Perth

Karijini National Park, 911 km southwest

An outback oasis of sun-scorched gorgeous and ice-cold swimming holes, this magnificent national park is a highlight of WA. From picture-perfect falls to cragged slot canyons and dramatic orange chasms, Karijini has got it all.