The Southwest Corner of Western Australia was made for road trips, and they are fantastic here. You’ll find camping areas in beautiful spots like lakes, the beach and in forests. There is no better feeling than finding free camping and rest areas to take a break during your drive. The following are a few I’ve stayed at.
Now that the Covid-19 restrictions have lifted, more and more campers have hit the road, and with fuel prices sky-high, they expect more bang for their buck in other areas like accommodation.
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If you are travelling around Australia, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.
Need A Car?
If you want to book a car, you can try using one of these car rental websites, EconomyBookings.com, DiscoverCars, Expedia or RentalCars.
Need Accommodation?
Try using these accommodation websites to find a comfortable place to sleep after your day exploring, Booking.com, Agoda and Expedia.
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Handy Apps
Circumstances do change regularly, so a good app to download is WikiCamps. The link for the Apple app is WikiCamps and Google WikiCamps.
This app will not only let you know where paid and free camping spots are, but also rest areas, dump points, drinking water, toilets and a whole lot more. The reviews on each site are very handy to help you plan if you can/will stay or not.
You will only have to pay a one-off payment of less than AUD$10, and you will save so much hassle on your trip.
Another app that’s a must on your road is PetrolSpy. By searching the area you’re in or heading to, you can find the cheapest fuel, whether, diesel or unleaded. This app is free.
Handy Hints
If you are making long trips between fuel stops, I would highly recommend getting Jerry cans to carry extra fuel. This is extremely invaluable crossing the Nullarbor, as fuel can be over .80 cents a litre more on this road than just before you hit it, let alone the cities. If travelling east to west, Nundroo is constantly cheaper than anywhere else on this road and the next stop to get reasonably priced fuel will be Norseman in Western Australia.
Wi-fi can sometimes be a bit hit-and-miss. Because of the remoteness of this state, it pays to have one person have Telstra and another Optus. This won’t guarantee that you will have access to wi-fi, but you will have a better chance.
If you have a subscription T.V. service, download some movies and T.V. shows so that you have something to watch when you are out of touch. Amazon Prime and Disney + are two that you are able to download onto your device.
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General Information
By far, Western Australia is the biggest state in Australia. From the hot and humid north to the cold and windy south, the hot and dry outback to the bustling metropolitan city of Perth, Western Australia, has it all, and camping is the way to go.
If you want to see all areas at their best, go by the seasons, as it’s wet in the north in summer but warm and sunny in the winter. In the southwest of Western Australia, summer is the best time to visit, with warm days and less rain to spoil your visit.
The following are the camping and rest areas I’ve used on my travels, and I hope that you find them useful. They are also all pet-friendly.
Camping & Rest Areas in the Southwest Corner of Western Australia
The Southwest corner of Western Australia holds not only the most National Parks, (not pet-friendly) but beautiful beaches that line the southern and west coasts up to Perth.
If you are travelling with your dog, you need to plan your trip around these National Parks and the attractions within. We didn’t get around a lot of the southwest corner of Western Australia, because of the National Parks.
Albany
Albany is the best town for RVs. Not only do you have all major supermarkets, including Aldi, but it also has dump points, potable water and free hot showers.
The Laundromat we used was Dog Rock Laundro Bar. It’s in the Dog Rock Boulevarde Shopping Centre, off Middleton Road, next to Dog Rock.
The washers and driers take cards, not coins, and in just over an hour and $10 for a wash and dry. Now that’s economical and quick.
The best Fish and Chips we found, was at 155 Albany Highway across from Officeworks. Albany Fish and Chips not only have great prices, but great taste and fantastic customer service.
There are also many attractions that will keep you in this area such as the National ANZAC Centre, street art and The Brig, Amity and Albany Convict Gaol Museum.
At the top of Mt. Clarence, you will have views across Albany and also the Memorial to the ANZACs, who set off from this area in 1914.
Where It Is
Albany is 482 km west of Esperance and 418 km southeast of Perth.
Albany Fish and Chips is at 155 Albany Highway and Dog Rock Laundro is at 324 Middleton Road.
Cosy’s Corner Camping Ground Albany
Cosy’s Corner Campground is only about half an hour out of Albany heading west.
You can stay at this campground for a week at $15 a night, for 2 adults and 2 children per site.
There is no booking ahead, it’s first to come, first in, and you are allotted a site from the camp host who you must see first.
There are toilets, a dump point, numerous bins but no potable water. The wi-fi reception isn’t great, although you can get a better signal if you go to the lookout.
There are no fires year round as you are in a bush area.
There is plenty of local wildlife, especially, birdlife at Cosy’s Corner Campground. Wrens, silvereyes, parrots, as well as Bandicoots and King Skink, call this place home.
You are just back from the beach in the bush if you are camping in tents. The caravaners are in a separate section up near the toilets.
If you are into beach activities, then this is the place for you. With small surf and good fishing, your week will fly by.
Where It Is
Cosy’s Campground is 29 km west of Albany off Cosy Corner Road.
Fitzgerald River Rest Area (Jacup Highway Park)
Fitzgerald River rest area is a large free pull-off that you can rest in for up to 24 hours. There are no toilets here, so you should be self-contained.
There is shade, tables and bins, all for your convenience, as well as, good wi-fi reception.
This is a great camping spot off the road, with plenty of room and quiet.
Where It Is
Fitzgerald River Rest Area is 80 km west of Ravensthorpe.
Lake Grace
Lake Grace is a small town that has great facilities for the nomad traveller.
Free hot showers are available, and as before, it’s the disabled toilet that is turned into a wet room with an open shower and room to put your towel and clothes.
If you are low on supplies, an IGA is in town. You can find it easily by the street art on the side.
The Pioneering Women Mural features 48 who were pioneers of the area.
Where It Is
Lake Grace is 325 km east of Perth or 247 km northeast of Albany.
Jam Patch Camping Ground
On your way to the Jam Patch, you will pass by the Lake Grace North Salt Lake lookout.
This is also the first place you may come to from the Jam Patch that has bins for your rubbish.
The Jam Patch was a little gem we found while up around Lake Grace.
It’s 202ha of bushland north of Lake Grace and amongst nature. Jam Patch is named after the Jam Tree that grows here.
There is a toilet, but no bins or potable water.
There are three nature trails, and all have information boards detailing the flora and fauna of the region.
There is also a shelter with information boards documenting the history of the area, including the Tennis Club and flora and fauna.
Where It Is
The Jam Patch is 19 km north of Lake Grace or 334 km southeast of Perth.
Lake Ewlyamartup
Lake Ewlyamartup is a quiet spot during the week. It is also a day area for locals so pick your time well.
As you are near water, mosquitos could be a problem, but that is the only problem here.
It is so quiet and peaceful you can relax listening to birdsong.
There are toilets but no potable water and shady areas, sheltered picnic tables and walking tracks are free to use whether you stay for the day or overnight. The only downside is you can only stay 24 hours, but make sure you do, as the sunsets are incredible.
Where It Is
Lake Ewlyamartup is only 19 km east of Katanning on Langaweira Road, and it is well-signposted from the main highway.
Merredin Tourist Park
Merredin Tourist Park is a great quiet spot with cabins, powered and unpowered sites and all facilities.
It’s a nice place to relax from driving and is about halfway between Perth and Kalgoorlie.
Where It Is
The Tourist Parks entrance is off the main highway at 2 Oak Street, Merredin.
It is a 333 km drive west of Kalgoorlie and a 260 km drive east of Perth.
Munrillup Rest Area
Munrillup rest area allows camping from tents to caravans, although this isn’t a huge space.
There are tables and bins for rubbish, and the wi-fi reception is okay.
Where It Is
Munrillup rest area is a free pull-off on the Great Southern Highway, 8 minutes north of Cranbrook.
Cranbrook is also a good place to see some street art.
Starvation Bay Camping Ground Jerdacuttup
Starvation Bay is the place to come to if you want to be on the beach, get together with friends or fish.
The road into Starvation Bay is a long dirt road, but it is good, although take care if there has been a lot of rain as it can be slippery.
On this road alone is the most wildlife we have seen in Western Australia.
From a Shingleback on the road to Kangaroos hopping through the bush and an Emu crossing the road, this was quite an eventful 20 hours.
You can get away from others at this camp spot, as it’s amongst the bush behind the beach. There are also many tracks with direct access to the beach.
Another great point is you’ll find some of the best sunrises and sunsets in the southwest corner of Western Australia from this camping spot.
There are toilets here as well as bins and a dump point. You need to bring your own drinking water, and there are no powered sites, but that lets you enjoy the tranquillity of this spot.
At $16 a night, it is reasonable, and you have to book online by clicking here.
The wi-fi reception here is hit-and-miss, so make sure you book beforehand. All camping is allowed from tents to big rigs.
There are many spots to camp with lots of tracks taking you around this area.
Where It Is
Starvation Bay is 153 km west of Esperance or just under 50 km east of Hopetoun.
The Farm Gate Art Trail Hopetoun – Ravensthorpe
There are a few quirky additions to the roadside when you are camping in the southwest corner of Western Australia.
When driving around the Hopetoun-Ravensthorpe area, we came upon the Farm Gate Art Trail.
These sculptures at farm gates now number 32 locations, and we saw a few of them driving on the highway.
You can find a map of all the locations here. Following the trail is a fun activity for the whole family if you’re in the area.
Where It Is
The Farm Art Trail is between Hopetoun and Ravensthorpe, with some north, west and east of Ravensthorpe.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this blog on camping and rest areas in the Southwest corner and get to experience them when you travel to Western Australia. There is a lot to see in this part of the state including many National Parks, and it is well worth the visit.
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Links
If you’d like to read more of my blogs on Australia, you can find them on the following links; Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art, or if you’re after New Zealand, the United Kingdom or Photography, you can click on their links.
Travel Resources
- Flights, Accommodation & Car Hire – You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Skyscanner, Hopper and WayAway, which has 5% cashback.
- Car Hire – Take to the open road with great deals from EconomyBookings.com, RentalCars.com and DiscoverCars.
- Train & Bus Tickets UK & Europe – Use Trainline to plan and book your rail and train travel in the UK and Europe.
- Travel Insurance – is your number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master and Insubuy are invaluable in keeping you insured during your travels.
- Attractions – buy before you leave home with these great sites, Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
- House Sitting – is a great way to save on accommodation and Trusted Housesitters has house sits all around the world for you to try.
- Photo Editing – is a great way to bring your photos to life and you can try Luminar Neo, which I use.
- Visa Applications – apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
- Sim cards – Try Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
If you want more, try my Travel Links and Resource page.
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I’ve never done a road trip in a country big and empty enough to need this level of planning. It seems so different. And next to England, I love the place names in Australia, though for different reasons. They’re just so straightforward. I mean, don’t you immediately want to pack extra food supplies before heading to Starvation Bay? lol
It certainly is a lot different to England, Teja. A lot of planning and supplies are needed for a road trip in Australia, especially when you’re not on the East Coast, but it is worth it in the end.
Just the kind of thing I would like to do! Thanks for all this info – now I just have to get to the Southwest corner of Western Australia, LOL!
Thanks, Alma. You’re closer than most in South Africa, and I hope you get to visit one day.
This is a fantastic resource! I’d love to visit Albany. Love the info on the free hot showers!
Thanks, Dotti, it’s a great find when you find free things like showers on the road.
So much great information. thank you. Saving for our trip.
Thanks, Laureen. I hope you have a great time.
I travelled through that area between Perth and Albany. I loved the wheatbelt and the silo art. The coast had some stunning scenery too.
It is a beautiful area in Australia, especially when the canola fields are in colour.