Location and facilities
Martins Tank campground is located within Yalgorup National Park in the Peel region. It is 5km inland from Preston Beach. The campground has an unusual layout. Rather than being in a circle, it is spread long.
The sites vary considerably. Sites designated for tents look nice and secluded, however, they require a short walk from the parking area. Caravan sites, on the other hand, are more exposed, closer to the main track and smaller in size, but you can reverse in. So, we opted for a caravan site, as it was more convenient for us when taking things in and out of the vehicle. Each site has an individual bench and tables (except for group sites), which is very useful. There are 3 drop toilet blocks in the campground and one shared communal firepit and camp kitchen. Although if you are in a caravan site on the opposite side from the entrance, it’s a long walk. However, if you are close by, you can use all the amenities without taking your own kitchen. There is even a charging station for your devices.
Overall, it is a pleasant bush camp, nestled in the forest with a short walk to Martin’s Lake. Unfortunately, you can’t swim or launch a boat in the lake, likewise in all other lakes in the Yalgorup National Park but the beach is not far away. Lake is quite beautiful though, especially in the morning and during sunset.
Activities
Martins Tank campground is conveniently located in the heart of the Peel region. If you are into hiking and nature appreciation, you can explore the lakes of Yalgorup National Park and also visit Island Point Reserve on the shore of the Harvey Estuary. For beach lovers, Preston Beach, 5km away, offers excellent 4WD opportunities but also has a 2WD access. And if you are seeking a bit of entertainment, Mandurah is a vibrant city with a lot to offer and is less than an hour drive.
If you are happy just to stay in the campground and relax, there are nice and easy walks around with the wildflowers in season.
Pink Fairy Orchid Caladenia latifolia (above top left), Stylidium schoenoides Cow Kicks Triggerplant (above bottom left).
Costs and additional info
Dogs are not allowed as it is part of the national park. The cost to camp is $15 per person per night ($5 per child) but the entry to national park is free. It’s quite a popular camp with a friendly volunteer camp host on site (during school holidays). Bookings are essential and can be done via Parkstay. Martins Tank is 1,5 drive south from Perth and half an hour drive from famous Thrombolites of Lake Clifton.
