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Discover the best free camping and RV‑friendly overnight spots across the Avon Valley. A quick guide to peaceful riverside stops, bush settings and convenient rest areas we’ve explored in the region.
Beverley
We always enjoy stopping in Beverley, especially for its beautiful nature reserve where I regularly check on the orchids. Like many small Avon Valley towns, Beverley offers a 24‑hour RV stop, and we’ve found it to be a peaceful, welcoming spot in a quiet township. You can stay for up to 72 hours, and the area is well set up with picnic tables, toilets, shelters and bins. It’s an ideal stop if you’re self‑sufficient and want to explore the Avon Valley or Beverley itself. With its gliding club and growing astrotourism scene, the town has more to offer than you might expect from a small outback community.
Northam
Katrine Crossing Campground (also known as Katrine Viveash Reserve) is a lovely free camping spot in the Avon Valley, just 10 minutes from Northam and right off the Northam–Toodyay Road. The campground itself is a simple clearing among the trees, but the setting on the banks of the Avon River makes it feel special. Facilities are great for a free site — flushing toilets, water, picnic tables and good mobile reception. Some areas are a bit tight for caravans and not all sites are level, but we still found a comfortable spot for the night.
It’s an excellent overnight stop when exploring the Avon Valley. Just keep an eye out for the turn‑off, especially in the dark — it’s easy to miss! The entrance is just before Katrine Road, if you travel from Northam.
York
If you are looking for a free camping spot near York, we recommend Gwambygine Rest Area. It is 10km, south of York, and it is very lovely. The campground is spacious and set right along the Avon River Ascent, giving it a peaceful, scenic feel.
Facilities are great for a free overnight stop — flushing toilets, picnic tables, BBQs, shelter, bins and water, and it’s pet friendly too. The only downside is that fires aren’t permitted, but with the rain during our stay, we wouldn’t have had one anyway.
There’s a 24‑hour limit, which makes it perfect for a quick stop while exploring the Avon Valley region. It’s also very easy to find, located just 11 km south of York on Great Southern Highway.
A simple, convenient and comfortable place for an overnight stay.
Dumbleyung, like many Wheatbelt towns, is steeped in history. This South Wheatbelt community is known for two standout features. One is Lake Dumbleyung. The other is the Blue Bird — the speedboat in which Donald Campbell set a new world water‑speed record on Lake Dumbleyung in 1964. To this day, he remains the only person to break both the World Land Speed Record and the World Water Speed Record in the same year.
As we drove through town, we noticed a sign in the window of the local pub offering free camping, along with free showers and toilets. It sounded like an incredibly generous deal. We assume the idea is that you buy dinner or at least a drink in return. We didn’t try it ourselves, but definitely made a mental note. If you’re passing through and need an overnight stop, it’s worth checking out.
And of course, the “Dunny” sign caught my eye — not every loo comes with its own painted artwork 😊.
Lake Dumbleyung
Lake Dumbleyung is the main attraction in the town that shares its name. It’s the largest natural inland lake in Western Australia, and its water levels shift dramatically depending on seasonal rainfall. Because the lake is so vast, its depth varies too. Some sections remain as salty flats, while others hold substantial water. In good years, the lake can reach depths of around 4.5 metres. Fittingly, the name Dumbleyung comes from the Aboriginal word dambeling, meaning “large lake”.
Today, most of Lake Dumbleyung is protected as a nature reserve, supporting local wildlife. When water levels allow, parts of the lake are also used for recreational activities. Visitors will find excellent picnic facilities, including toilets, tables, and non‑drinking water. Camping isn’t permitted, but it’s a lovely spot to stop for a picnic.
While the picnic area sits at the lower end of the driveway, a short climb leads to Pussy Cat Hill Lookout and the Donald Campbell Memorial.
From the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views across the lake and surrounding landscape.
Queerearrup Lake is a peaceful picnic and free‑camping area between Wagin and Woodanilling in the Great Southern Region of WA. It was once a favourite local spot for water‑skiing and swimming but now it is too shallow for these activities. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful lake, which turns into absolute magic during sunrise and sunset.
Camping and picnic at Queerearrup Lake
The facilities at Queerearrup Lake are excellent and include toilets, BBQs, shelters, picnic tables, non‑drinking water and bins. The main camping area is quite small and better suited to caravans, trailers or rooftop tents, as there’s not much privacy for ground tents.
We ended up finding a lovely clearing about 500 metres further along, right on the edge of the lake, and stayed there for two nights over Easter in 2026.
Being so close to the water and watching both sunrise and sunset over the salt lake felt incredibly special.
During our stay at the lake, we watched nearby farmers carrying out stubble burning. As the smoke drifted across the landscape, it created a striking effect — its soft haze was mirrored perfectly on the still surface of the lake.
Boranup Karri Forest Drive is one of Australia’s most striking forest experiences. It is part of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and Margaret River region in the South West of Western Australia. The towering karri trees, with some of them reaching 60 metres, create a serene atmosphere. Following Caves Road and the adjoining Boranup Drive is a sensory delight. Check out this short reel. Boranup Lookout is a great place for a picnic or just a rest stop and is easy to get to.
Boranup Drive itself is unsealed but well maintained and easily manageable in a 2WD.
Beyond it, however, numerous side tracks branch off into the forest, and those are strictly 4WD territory. Some are soft and sandy, others so narrow that pin stripes are unavoidable.
We had our share of adrenaline recently exploring a few of them. Our aim was to get to Boranup Hill Lookout (different from Boranup Lookout) but we had to turn back as it was getting dark and we were still nowhere near the destination. Here is a short reel about the drive.
Boranup Campground
We spent two relaxing nights at Boranup Campground in Leeuwin–Naturaliste National Park over the ANZAC Day long weekend. It’s a tiny campground with only seven sites, each spaced far enough apart to feel private. The setting in the karri forest is beautiful, and we loved having our own fire ring and table at the site. We even had a possum visiting us at night, which was fun to watch :).
The only downsides were the uneven ground (a small issue if you’re tenting 😊) and the road nearby. It was quiet at night, but once the light came up, a few cars started passing. We also checked out Jarradene Campground. It’s much larger and has great facilities with sinks, BBQs, shelters and bins. But it’s pricier, and the sites felt more open and close to the driveway. Even with its quirks, Boranup would still be our pick. The campground is managed by DBCA and needs to be booked online.
Gorge Rock Reserve is a peaceful spot with free camping and a pleasant picnic area, 20 km east of Corrigin in the Central Wheatbelt. Facilities include a clean drop toilet, shelter, non-drinking water and picnic tables.
The actual Gorge Rock sits a short distance from the campground. The rock forms part of a dam that once served as the local swimming pool, before the Olympic‑size pool was built in Corrigin. That pool was built by local farmers, was drained every year, allowing winter rain to fill it up again. Locals still fondly and proudly tell visitors stories of the old days. The information boards tell the history of the place too. You can’t swim in the dam today, but it’s a lovely place for a walk, with tracks leading around and over the rock.
Gorge Rock Reserve makes an easy, comfortable overnight stop — or a longer stay if you want to explore more of the surrounding area.
Nearby attractions
Corrigin Dog Cemetery
Corrigin Dog Cemetery is one of the Wheatbelt’s most unique roadside attractions. It honours generations of beloved working dogs and draws visitors travelling through Corrigin. You will find it just 5 km west of town.
Corrigin Wildflower Drive
Corrigin Wildflower Drive is a 4 km self‑drive loop that begins opposite the Dog Cemetery. It’s a little paradise for wildflower lovers and anyone who enjoys wandering through nature. Something is always in bloom here, no matter the season, though spring is when the whole landscape truly erupts in colour.
Less than 2 hours drive from Perth, Belvidere campground within Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park is an ideal option for a quick getaway from Perth. The campground is set among beautiful Tuart trees with lots of wildlife around.
Facilities
The campground is a medium size, equipped with two toilet blocks on different ends. The place is easily accessed with a 2WD, although the last 4 or 5 km is a dirt corrugated road. Campground is suitable for all types of vehicles and set ups. Having said that, please note that reversing in a caravan or trailer might be an issue due to poles separating the parking and tent area. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings.
A pro-tip for future visitors: the mosquitoes are quite persistent, so definitely come prepared with repellent and maybe some coils to keep them at, especially in the evenings!
Fishing, especially crabbing is a popular activity there.
There are also a few easy walking trails, varying in length. You can walk from the campground to the estuary and picnic area, along the estuary and all the way to the beach.
If your idea of leisure is a swim or a slow beachcombing wander, Belvidere Beach lies only 2.5 km away. It’s a quick five‑minute drive or a pleasant 25–30 minute walk through tuart and peppermint woodland.
Wildlife
Expect to see kangaroos hoping around the tents. They are even in much bigger numbers near the estuary, which is a fantastic spot to see these incredible marsupials grazing. You can see and, even more so, hear many parrots in the Tuart trees.
Leschenault Estuary is a haven for waterbirds, with more than 60 species recorded.
Bush birds are also abundant here, filling the mornings with cheerful birdsong.
Splendid fairywren female with an insect (above left), splendid fairywren non-breeding male (above middle), splendid fairywren female.
If you love flora, you will appreciate the beauty of magnificent tuart trees. This Eucalyptus gomphocephala can reach 40m high with a 25m branch span. A true giant with stunning, cone-budded flowers. Simply mesmerizing!
Photography
Apart from wildlife photography, Leschenault Estuary offers many opportunities to capture beautiful shots. The drone’s eye view showcases the stunning contrast of deep blues and earthy marsh tones, forming intricate patterns unseen from the ground. It’s a reminder of the hidden artistry all around us.
Where is Belvidere Campground
Belvidere Campground sits on the Leschenault Peninsula, about 20 km north of Bunbury. It’s part of the Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park.
Gawler Ranges National Park in South Australia is best known for its dramatic Organ Pipes—towering rhyolite rock formations sculpted by volcanic eruptions over 1.5 billion years ago. These ancient pillars were the reason we chose to camp in the park, even in the depths of winter.
We visited in July, a quiet and rain-soaked time of year. After entering the park from the east, we travelled westward, passing several empty campgrounds before arriving at Yandinga, where we had booked two nights. Along the way, we saw only one other vehicle, likely on its way out. It felt as though we had the entire park to ourselves.
The solitude was both peaceful and eerie. With heavy rain and grey skies, we spent our time watching puddles form around our caravan, chatting with the resident grey butcherbirds, and checking the weather forecast more often than usual. Despite the conditions, we stayed—drawn by the quiet and the promise of ancient landscapes.
Camping in Gawler Ranges is very affordable compared to Western Australia: just $22 per family per night, with park entry fees waived for campers. Facilities are basic (toilet only), campfires are permitted, and dogs are not allowed.
The Organ Pipes—Almost
Our main goal was to see the Organ Pipes, but the 4WD track leading there was flooded and impassable. With no one else around, we didn’t want to risk getting stuck.
Fortunately, we discovered smaller but similar rock formations just 1 km from our campground. We managed two short walks to Yandinga Falls before the rain returned.
Beyond the Organ Pipes: Exploring Gawler Ranges National Park
While the Organ Pipes are the park’s most iconic feature, Gawler Ranges National Park offers other fascinating glimpses into the region’s pastoral history.
Shearer’s Quarters and Shed
These historic buildings are dotted with information boards that share stories of the area’s shearing past. It’s a quiet, evocative stop that brings the outback’s working heritage to life.
Old Paney Homestead
Step into the past at this beautifully preserved homestead, now functioning like a walk-in museum. Visitors are free to explore the rooms and read the displays, which transport you back to the early days of settlement in the region.
Together, these sites offer a deeper connection to the land—not just its geological wonders, but the human stories etched into its history.
Wildlife Encounters in Gawler Ranges National Park
One of the joys of visiting Gawler Ranges National Park is the abundance of wildlife. Kangaroos are everywhere—so much so that driving requires extra caution. More than once, they bounded across the track right in front of our bonnet. Thankfully, we kept our speed low and avoided any close calls. Raptors were soaring high up in the sky. They too kept their distance, making it challenging to take a proper photo.
At Yandinga campground, the resident grey butcherbirds became our companions. Friendly and curious, they entertained us throughout our stay.
On the way to the Organ Pipes, we came across a herd of emus. Our kids, with their playful imagination, nicknamed them “negative knees”—a reference to the way emus’ knees bend backwards compared to ours. It was one of those delightful family moments that made the trip even more memorable.
Getting There
We entered the park from the north via Lake Gairdner National Park, following a dirt road in reasonable condition for the outback—though it becomes muddy when wet. After exploring the park, we exited in the south, rejoining the Eyre Highway at Minnipa.
From Coober Pedy in South Australia, we chose a shorter yet more challenging route back to Western Australia, passing through Lake Gairdner—a destination we were eager to explore. Lake Gairdner National Park lies north of the Gawler Ranges, in a truly remote corner of the outback. The unsealed gravel and sandy tracks wind through private properties, and during our journey in July we encountered only a couple of vehicles, likely belonging to local farmers.
Remoteness doesn’t intimidate us; in fact, it draws us in. We love places where silence reigns, where we can pause at will to absorb the sounds—or the absence of them—and feel deeply connected to nature.
The landscape enchanted us: red sand hills crowned with spinifex, kangaroos bouncing across the horizon. Even as the sky shifted from bright blue to darker tones, we appreciated the scenery. Each moment felt precious, and we savoured it fully.
The park’s main feature is Lake Gairdner, Australia’s third-largest salt lake. Other lakes include Lake Everard and Lake Harris, and they are all difficult to access. Our drone became our closest companion here, capturing breathtaking views and bringing back images that revealed the stark beauty of this isolated landscape.
Lake Everard (above)
Camping at Lake Gairdner NP
While travelling through Lake Gairdner National Park, we planned to stay at the free Waltumba Tank campground. However, as night fell, we couldn’t find any signs of the site after a long day on the road. Instead, we stopped at a clearing just off the track.
By morning, we realised we were not far from Lake Gairdner itself. Rising early, we caught the sunrise – that perfect hour when the world is hushed, and the day stretches ahead with promise.
The lake shimmered in the first light, its silver surface framed by the deep red earth and the vast outback horizon. The place where we had camped seemed transformed, serene and timeless.
Pondanna Ruins
As it turned out, we camped near Pondanna Ruins—historic structures in the Gawler Ranges of South Australia, close to the southern edge of Lake Gairdner. The site preserves the foundations of an 1880s shearing shed, cookhouse, and workers’ quarters.
It was fascinating to see the ruins, especially at sunrise, when the light revealed striking orange tones across the stonework. Looking down into a pit several metres deep was unsettling, with the thought lingering that escape would be impossible if someone were to fall in by accident.
Astrophotography at Lake Gairdner
The night we spent at Lake Gairdner National Park was truly magical. The sky was perfectly clear, moonless, and alive with countless stars. The Milky Way rose like a luminous river, stretching upward into infinity.
I set out toward the Pondanna ruins to take some photos, beginning with astrophotography near a lone tree halfway along the path. The silence of the night made me hesitant to continue alone, so I returned to camp and asked our older son, Ariel, to join me. Together we ventured to the ruins, sharing a special mother–son moment under the vast sky.
We were lucky enough to witness a shooting star that lingered for several seconds, a breathtaking sight. By then my camera was already packed away, but I didn’t mind—the astro shots I captured of the ruins, and the memory of that night, are treasures in themselves.
Old and modern way of travelling at Lake Gairdner
After leaving our camp at Lake Gairdner, we made our way toward the Gawler Ranges. Along the road, we came across a weathered wooden wagon and stopped to take a closer look. Standing before it, we were reminded of how different—and far more challenging—travel must have been in the past compared to the comfort and convenience we enjoy today.
In conclusion
There is no entry fee to Lake Gairdner NP. It is a remote area, with no facilities. We found the dirt road generally in a good condition. However, it might be impassable when it is wet.
Coober Pedy is the most unusual town in Australia. Its defining feature is that many of the houses are underground, making it one of the most unique communities in the world.
The town is also renowned as the Opal Capital of the World, where some of the largest and most spectacular opals continue to be mined in great quantities. As you approach Coober Pedy, the landscape itself tells the story: scattered machinery, especially blowers, and countless small hills formed by mining operations create a distinctive, almost otherworldly scene.
Opal hunting—known locally as noodling—remains a popular pastime. While once a serious pursuit, today it is largely a tourist attraction and a source of fun, especially for children. The opals found here vary enormously in shape, size, quality, and price, adding to the fascination.
Although Coober Pedy might not be beautiful in the traditional sense, it more than compensates with its attractions. The town has become a thriving tourist destination, with museums, galleries, and shops showcasing its mining heritage. In fact, nearly every second building is dedicated to opals in some form.
The name itself reflects its unusual character: Coober Pedy translates to “White Man in a Hole.”
Riba’s Campground – Coober Pedy’s only underground campsite
During our stay in Coober Pedy this July, we chose Riba’s campground—the town’s only underground campsite—for a unique experience. Pulling a caravan, however, made underground camping impractical. The subterranean area is designed for tents, which must be carried inside along with all belongings. Since our kitchen is attached to the vehicle, we had to cook and eat outside regardless.
Fortunately, Riba’s also offers above-ground sites, which turned out to be more affordable. Still, we couldn’t resist peeking into the underground section. Had we been traveling with tents, we would have seriously considered it—the constant, comfortable temperature below ground is a welcome contrast to the chilly winter nights outside.
The campground host also runs mining tours, which are are informative but not particularly engaging for young children. While our boys are older, our younger son is very energetic and would have quickly grown restless without something hands-on. Luckily, Coober Pedy offers plenty of other tours to keep families entertained.
Tom’s Opal Mine Tour – A Coober Pedy Highlight
To keep the kids entertained while learning something practical about opal mining, we booked Tom’s Opal Mine Tour in Coober Pedy. It did not disappoint. The tour was engaging and informative, with plenty of detail about mining techniques and noodling. While the children had to be patient during the explanations, their excitement grew once they had a chance to try things for themselves.
They had the chance to search for opals and then trade their finds back to the mine’s owner. The exchange was sweets or pocket money—a highlight for our younger son. Another hands-on moment came during a live demonstration. The kids helped shovel sand into the Blower, giving them a taste of the physical side of mining.
A delightful surprise awaited us at the end: complimentary tea served with scones, jam, and cream at the café. The hospitality extended to catering for allergies and dietary requirements, which was especially appreciated by our family.
Old Timers Mine Museum
Another highlight of our stay in Coober Pedy was visiting the Old Timers Mine Museum, a hand-dug opal mine dating back to 1916 that has been carefully preserved as a museum.
Visitors can embark on a self-guided underground tour, moving at their own pace through the authentic tunnels and chambers. Along the way, you’ll see natural seams of opal embedded in the rock and gain fascinating insights into both the mining process and the daily lives of the miners who once worked here.
The experience is not only educational but also genuinely fun, offering a rare chance to step back in time and feel the atmosphere of an early opal mine. And of course, the visit wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the gift shop, where opals and souvenirs are available for purchase.
Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park – out of this world experience
Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park lies just 35 km from Coober Pedy and is celebrated for its striking landscapes and rich geological heritage. With its surreal scenery, the park feels like a world apart—so much so that it has served as the backdrop for several films.
The most magical time to visit is at sunset, when the shifting light paints the hills in breathtaking colours.
We stayed even when the sun went down, waiting for the sky to illuminate with stars and Milky Way.
Coober Pedy, located in South Australia, lies roughly halfway between Alice Springs and Adelaide along the Stuart Highway. Set within a hot, arid desert, the town’s extreme climate explains why so many residents choose to live in underground homes.
Peak Charles National Park is a remote national park in Western Australia, 170 km north west of Esperance.
Getting there
We visited Peak Charles National Park at the very end of September 2025, travelling from Norseman via Lake King–Norseman Road and then Peak Charles Road. Both are classified as 4WD-only, with corrugations, potholes, and sections that become impassable when wet. Still, for a 4WD track, the drive wasn’t too challenging.
Peak Charles campground
At the base of Peak Charles, we camped for two nights in a small but welcoming campground. Facilities include toilets, picnic tables, and communal fire rings. With space for only 7–8 vehicles, the sites are compact and not suitable for large caravans.
Currently, the campground is free and non-bookable, though this may change once the access road is sealed. It can fill quickly on long weekends, but we were fortunate to find a spot on arrival.
Climbing Peak Charles
Climbing Peak Charles was at the top of our agenda when we camped at the base of this striking 651‑metre granite outcrop. The hiking trail is divided into three sections: easy, moderately difficult, and extremely hard.
We began with the easy section, where half of our group decided to stop. My older son, 13‑year‑old Ariel, and I pressed on to the lookout. This part of the trail was steep and demanding, but manageable. The final ascent to the summit, however, defies classification. It is a sheer, exposed incline that requires crab‑like crawling on hands and feet.
At that point, I chose not to continue. Ariel, determined and fearless, insisted on reaching the summit alone. I watched anxiously as he disappeared behind the rock face. Moments later, his voice rang out—he had made it to the top. Pride and relief washed over me as I waited for him to descend safely. What an achievement for our boy! Here is a short reel featuring this moment.
The track to the summit measures 3.4 km, and the round trip took us more than four hours. For those with rock climbing experience and a taste for adventure, Peak Charles offers a truly rewarding challenge.
Leaving Peak Charles National Park for Perth, we had several route options. Since we had already travelled the Hyden–Norseman Road, we didn’t want to repeat it. Heading down to Esperance would have added a long detour. Instead, we chose the shortest and least familiar option: the Lake King–Norseman Road.
Information about this road was scarce. When I contacted the local shires, the response was clear: the road is not maintained, not monitored, and towing is not advised. Despite this, we decided to take the risk after speaking with fellow campers at Peak Charles who had just driven it and reassured us it was passable.
To reach the Lake King–Norseman Road, we took a shortcut via a couple of 4WD tracks. These were narrow and dotted with potholes, but generally manageable. The most challenging section was where the track crossed what looked like a dry creek, leaving behind a deep washout. We had to take our time, work together, and carefully navigate our way through. Fortunately, our caravan is small and nimble—larger rigs would struggle here and likely wouldn’t make it.
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