As we move out of Summer and into Autumn, we can start to expect some cooler mornings and nights yet still take advantage of the warm, sunny days here in Perth.
These conditions make Autumn the perfect time of year for camping and caravanning, so we’ve put together a list of great spots for you to set up camp (or park the van) throughout the Perth region, as well as a bunch of fun things to do while you’re in the area!
Mandurah & Peel
Dwellingup
Heading down south (or “douth”) is a classic weekender trip when it comes to camping, which is why Lane Poole Reserve in Dwellingup is the perfect spot to check out. There’s 8 campgrounds to choose from (for both small and large groups), some of which also have sites designed for campervans, caravans and camper trailers too. Campfires are permitted (in season) so at night you can gather round the fire and toast some marshmallows, and during the day you can focus on adventure, with plenty of walk, bike, 4WD and even horse trails to explore. For more information on these trails, stop by the Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre, where you can grab a trail map and stock up on trail supplies - there’s even shower facilities and free WiFi if you’re passing through and need to rest and recharge.
With the Murray River at your fingertips, there’s plenty of water fun to be had, from swimming, canoeing, kayaking and even fishing! Dwellingup Adventures offer a wide selection of equipment for hire including canoes, rafts, stand up paddle boards, mountain bikes and even camping equipment if you need something. There’s also plenty of self guided tours to choose from regardless of your experience level, so plan your very own adventure today!
Mandurah
Mandurah has long been a popular location for those wanting to take a short road trip down south and get away for a few days.
Mandurah Caravan & Tourist Park offers a range of caravan and camping sites, so no matter what your choice of accommodation is, they'll have the perfect spot for you. Facilities include a large under-cover camp kitchen, a BBQ, 2 fully equipped laundry facilities, a heated swimming pool, coffee and vending machine and more, not to mention a new playground, jumping pool and pedal carts for the kids to enjoy.
Another great option is Miami Holiday Park, which also offers large, shade-covered sites for campers and caravaners alike. Miami Holiday Park is situated right alongside the Harvey Estuary, meaning you’ll have direct access to 136 square km of sheltered waterways that are perfect for paddle-boarding, kayaking, crabbing and fishing, or you can even set yourself up on the estuary foreshore for an afternoon or sunset picnic.
Of course, there’s plenty to see and do in and around Mandurah to keep you busy while you’re there. If getting out on the water is your thing, then hire a boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Mandurah Boat & Bike Hire and relax while exploring the Mandurah Canals, taking in the scenery. Or if you’re after something a little faster, then hire a jet-ski from Stag Watersports Jet Ski Hire and have fun zipping around the Harvey Estuary in their freestyle circuit or book one of their Dolphin or Adrenaline tours.
For something different, why not expand your horizons with the local business, Goolamwiin, and immerse yourself in traditional Nyungar culture with a range of tours to experience, featuring Aboriginal bush tucker tasting, dreamtime storytelling, dancing and more!
Perth Hills
Lake Leschenaultia
Over in the village of Chidlow, set within the Shire of Mundaring, you’ll find Lake Leschenaultia - a beautiful recreational lake with white sandy beaches and calm waters. With free BBQ facilities, shaded lawns, and plenty of swimming and kayaking opportunities, it’s the perfect place for a classic family camping trip. There’s even a 3km walking trail around the lake, as well as a 12km mountain bike network too, so don’t forget to pack your sneakers and bike!
The Perth Hills are home to some of WA’s oldest established towns and therefore have so much history to explore! Don’t miss your chance to get out and explore one (or all four) of the available Perth Hills Heritage Trails. Whether you prefer walking or cycling, there’s a trail for you.
Now just because you’re camping or caravanning, doesn’t mean you can’t expect good food! Head to the Parkerville Tavern - a double-storey federation style pub - for a tasty lunch or dinner, or even just to stop by for a cold drink in their beer garden. They also have an outdoor wood-fired pizza oven, so don’t miss the chance to order one of their delicious pizzas while you’re there.
The Perth Hills is also home to the Bickley Valley, with beautiful rolling hills, vineyards and orchards. It’s also home to Myattsfield Vineyards, one of the most established and awarded wineries in the area. Take part in a wine tasting at their Cellar Door, where you’ll get a chance to try their local varieties such as Verdelho, Mourvedre, Touriga, Tempranillo and Durif, alongside Australian favourites such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot.
Another great place to check out in the Perth Hills is Core Cider, where you can kick back and relax in their Cider Garden (with a cold drink and some food) while looking out over the gorgeous orchard and surrounding areas. There’s also cider tastings on offer in their Harvest Room, and music and entertainment to set the vibe during their weekly Sunday Sessions.
Swan Valley
There’s so much to do and see in the Swan Valley that it’s no wonder it’s such a popular getaway destination, and being only 25 minutes away from the city makes it an easy choice for your next camping or caravanning adventure.
BIG4 Perth Midland Tourist Park, Banksia Tourist Park and Acclaim Swan Valley Tourist Park each boast a range of camping and/or caravanning sites, as well as a range of other accommodation options and on-site facilities to suit your needs. Book your spot ahead of time, so on the way there the only thing you’ll need to be focused on is the stunning, scenic views of the Swan Valley!
Once you’re set up, it’s time to get out and explore. The whole family is bound to love a visit to Caversham Wildlife Park, home to one of the largest collections of native fauna in WA, so head down and have your photo taken with koalas, wombats and kangaroos, take a camel ride, feed the farm animals or even watch a sheep shearing demonstration! Bring something to eat (for yourself, not the animals) and enjoy the available picnic areas and BBQs, or grab a bite to eat at the restaurant at Whiteman Park (only a short walk away).
Another great spot for the kids is Oasis Supa Golf and Adventure Putt, where the oversized golf ball and golf club heads make it harder to miss the ball when you’re ready to take a swing (and hopefully hit a hole in one!). The course is set out across a 1 acre property, so you’ll still get to enjoy walking on the green as you go.
When you’re ready for something to eat, head over to Elmar’s In The Valley, where you can treat yourself to world-class German food and award-winning boutique craft beer. There’s a two acre park-like Biergarten, kids’ playground, smallgoods store and gift shop on site as well, so take a peak around while you’re there!
Funk 2.0 by Funk Cider has been described as a fermentation playground, with 18 taps serving up a healthy rotation of ciders, beers and project hybrids, with a range of experimental and limited-edition flavours to sample while you’re there too. Funk 2.0 also offer up sophisticated pub food that pairs perfectly with their beverages, including cauliflower fried in cider batter with chilli and spring onions, or the sirloin served in cider jus.
Speaking of food and drinks, there are just way too many great options across the Swan Valley to choose from during a getaway - which is why they’ve created 9 Swan Valley Trails! Whether you’re into fine wines, beers, ciders or spirits, tasty sweets or fresh produce, or even art, there’s a Swan Valley Trail that’s perfect for you and your family. Choose your favourite trail, and click the trail map link included at the top of each trail page.
Perth Beaches
Lancelin
If you’re looking to head north with the caravan or camping gear, then Lancelin is the spot for you. Located at the northern point of the Perth Beaches region (and situated right next to the beach itself) Lancelin is a popular destination if you’re keen on the beach or water activities (or even if you just want to check out a new area of course!).
Lancelin is no stranger to tourists (or visiting WA residents), so if you’re looking for a spot to set up camp or park the van, Experience Lancelin Holiday Park offers a range of accommodation or site options to suit your budget and needs.
A place full of adventure, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Lancelin’s mighty sand dunes. Perth Quad offers tours through the dunes on automatic quad bikes and buggies: there’s a range of trails for all ages and skill levels, and you don’t need a driver’s licence to partake - just have fun! You can also reserve a sandboard and have a go at sandboarding down the dunes too! Take a detour on the way home and explore the Shire of Gingin, in particular the Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory, where there are a range of exhibits and activities to experience throughout the day. Of course it’s at night that things get interesting, with the observatory offering amazing stargazing and astronomy activities for you to take part in. Book your spot now!
Avon Valley
Beverley
If you’re keen to explore Perth’s north east areas, then why not take your caravanning trip to the Shire of Beverley in the Avon Valley? The Beverley Caravan Park has 19 powered sites, a campers kitchen facility, modern ablution block and an RV dump site, so you’ll have everything you need for your stay as soon as you park at your site.
The nearby Moort Wabiny Park is perfect if you’re travelling with the kids, with a basketball court, skate park, pump track and even a nature play zone! It’s on the main street in town, which means it’s right next to all amenities and shops that you might want to explore while you’re there.
But the real beauty of Beverley is the amazing range of trails available, allowing you to explore the varied landscapes and diverse flora on offer throughout this area - not to mention the sweeping views of the surrounding countryside!
If you’ve been to some of these places before, why not use this as an opportunity to explore a completely new destination, or find a new local cafe or restaurant to stop in at while you’re passing by?
It might not be Autumn yet, but even though the weather’s still hot here in Perth, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your next camping or caravanning adventure. So start planning today with Destination Perth!
