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Western Australia

Welcome to Western Australia (WA)! Here, you'll find some of the most stunning contrasts Australia has to offer—from the endless azure blue coastlines to the rugged red Outback and the verdant hinterlands in the south. Imagine cruising in your campervan, windows down, with the vast Indian Ocean on one side and ancient, sun-baked landscapes stretching out on the other. This part of Australia is all about freedom and discovering things at your own pace. 

Whether you want to catch some of the best surf breaks, explore secluded vineyards, or just find a quiet spot on a white sandy beach, an Australia campervan holiday road trip gets you up close and personal with it all. Besides, where else can you drive from lush forests and world-class wineries in the south to the tropical, waterfall-laden landscapes up north, all in one trip? So, whether you are planning to check out the top Perth attractions, the Margaret River caves in the south or the myriad of other impressive WA attractions like the Bungle Bungles, Nyinggulu (Ningaloo Reef), and more — WA is an incomparable setting for an epic Australia road trip.

 

Why explore WA by campervan?

Travelling through WA in a campervan is hands down the best way to sample the best things to do in Western Australia. Think about it: you have your accommodation and transport sorted in one go, and you're free to follow your whims. Fancy staying an extra day by that hidden gem of a beach? Go for it. Want to wake up to kangaroos grazing outside your window? That's likely to happen, too (especially if you park up at Lucky Bay campground for the night!)

An Australia campervan holiday in WA means you can venture off the beaten track. Ever dreamed of seeing the deep-cast shadows of the Pinnacles at sunset or felt the need to check out the wild dolphins at Monkey Mia? With a campervan, these unique experiences fit seamlessly into your daily road trip routine. Plus, it's cost-effective. You’re saving on hotels (and all the unpacking hassle that goes with it), and you can cook your meals when you're not sampling the local seafood or sipping Cabernet in Margaret River.

 

Things to do in Western Australia

There’s a whole smorgasbord of things to do in Western Australia, and having a campervan means you can taste a bit of everything. Dive into the surf culture at Margaret River, or mingle with the friendly locals and fellow travellers in Perth’s vibrant coffee spots and art scenes. Looking for something a bit wild? Head to Ningaloo Reef to swim with the whale sharks or trek through the ancient, red-dusted landscapes of the Kimberley.

And the best part? This natural beauty just scratches the surface on the things to do in Western Australia! This western state also packs a punch with its cultural festivals, outdoor concerts, and small-town markets. So, whether you're into snorkelling among coral reefs, sampling gourmet foods, or just soaking up some sun, you will not be short of things to do in Western Australia on your campervan holiday in Australia!

Alyssa Tresider
/ Categories: AU Blog

The best family-friendly campsites and holiday parks in Melbourne

Melbourne spoils you with gorgeous parklands, beaches, wildlife reserves and easy motorway links. That means you can sleep in a tent or pull up the caravan without losing the convenience of cafés, playgrounds and reliable public transport. For many travellers, Melbourne is also a popular starting point for longer Aussie road trips, with routes heading off to the Great Ocean Road, Adelaide, or up the east coast. 

If you're collecting a campervan in Melbourne, we generally recommend driving just an hour or so on that first day and spending the night at a nearby campground. It’s a great way to ease into your trip without a long drive straight off the bat.

Below you will find the top holiday parks in Melbourne for when you’re planning a family-friendly holiday in Melbourne, ordered by how close they sit to the city centre. Each entry highlights key facilities, local attractions and handy tips to help you plan your perfect adventure. There are plenty of things to do in Melbourne the whole family will enjoy! 

 

Melbourne BIG4 Holiday Park, Coburg

Only 10 km away from Melbourne CBD, Melbourne BIG4 holiday is as close as you will get to true caravan parks in Melbourne CBD without feeling closed in by skyscrapers. Trams run every few minutes on nearby Sydney Road and can quickly take you to Queen Victoria Market in about twenty minutes.

Why families love it

  • Solar heated pool area and gym

  • Adventure playground and movie room 

  • Ensuite powered sites let you hook up your van while still enjoying your own shower and toilet.

Surrounding highlights: Nearby you’ll find the iconic Melbourne Zoo, where kids can marvel at a diverse range of wildlife, as well as the picturesque Royal Park which is a perfect place for a picnic.

 

Discovery Parks Melbourne, Braybrook

Discovery Parks is a great caravan park in Melbourne that has everything you need and only around 11 km away from Melbourne CBD. 

Why families love it

  • Outdoor swimming pool

  • Jumping pillow and playground

  • Plenty of BBQ areas for outdoor dining

Surrounding highlights: Footscray’s impressive wall murals are a cool outing to see for the whole family and very nearby the park. There are currently 26 large scale murals to check out. 

 

Crystal Brook Caravan Park Melbourne, Doncaster East

Crystal Brook Caravan Park is located in a leafy pocket by Mullum Mullum Creek, around 25km out of Melbourne CBD.  It combines bushland peace with short drives to shopping and dining.

Why families love it

  • There is a swimming pool

  • Playground, table tennis and giant chess

  • Dog off leash area

Day-trip ideas: Westfield Doncaster is a short drive away for rainy-day cinema sessions. When you want to venture out, several nearby attractions such as the State Library of Victoria, and the Melbourne Museum offer fun and educational experiences for the whole family. If you want to see kangaroos in Melbourne, head to Westerfolds park and you might spot Eastern grey kangaroos in the wild. 

 

Dandenong Tourist Park, Carrum Downs

Families drawn to Mornington Peninsula beaches but wary of peak-season traffic will appreciate Dandenong Tourist Park.  Located 40 km from the city, this park is situated in a peaceful and picturesque location. 

Why families love it

  • A playground for the kids

  • Internet cafe with free wireless internet 

  • Table tennis

Nearby fun: Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre is a 20 minute drive away, has waterslides and a warm leisure pool, perfect for a cloudy afternoon. Or, drive twelve minutes to Frankston Foreshore for paddle board hire. 

 

Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park, Yarra Valley

Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park is an easy 45 km drive from the city of Melbourne. This is a great option for families because of the facilities on offer. There's a playground for the kids, fire pits to toast marshmallows and plenty of space to run around and explore. 

Why families love it

  • A beautiful rural environment 

  • Playground 

  • Pet-friendly 

Things to do nearby: The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a mostly flat, 40 km track following a former railway line through the scenic Yarra Valley, ideal for walking, cycling or horse riding between Lilydale and Warburton.

 

BIG4 Mornington Peninsula Holiday Park, Frankston South

Mornington Peninsula needs little introduction. Safe beaches, thermal pools and glass-calm kayaking water put this region high on family bucket lists. The BI4 Mornington Peninsula Holiday Park is a wonderful place to stay with the family and enjoy the peninsula, around 50 km out of Melbourne CBD.

Why families love it

  • Modular pump track and flying fox

  • Brand new adventure playground with toddler zone and obstacle course.

  • Swimming pool and tennis courts. 

Explore: Drive to Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola for sweeping views, then scoot down to Enchanted Adventure Garden where tree surfing courses and tube slides spark squeals. 

 

Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park, Healesville

If fresh mountain air and wildlife encounters top your wish list, choose the Yarra Valley. This park delivers bush camping in Melbourne Australia style, with resident sugar gliders, wombats and kookaburras. Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park has a lot of great facilities for kids too! It’s around 65 km away from Melbourne CBD.

Why families love it

  • A Pump track, games room and playground

  • Communal fire pit

  • Tennis courts and swimming pool

Things to do nearby: Healesville Sanctuary lets you immerse yourself in the world of the platypus. 

Tip: Pack jackets, even in summer. Mountain evenings cool quickly.

 

BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park, Great Ocean Road

When you crave a classic road trip, BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park makes a perfect grand finale. Though it is a fair bit outside of Melbourne city, a 2 hour drive, it deserves a spot because many Melbourne families drive here at least once a year.

Why families love it

  • Kids club, adventure playground

  • Sound and light show and heated pool

  • Spacious modern camp kitchens

Side trips
Cape Otway Lightstation, approximately forty minutes away, offers whale sightings. Walk a short section of the Great Ocean Walk then reward everyone with homemade ice cream from Dooley’s in town.

Driving advice
Break the journey at Geelong Adventure Park or Torquay’s Surf World Museum so children can stretch legs before the winding Otways section.

 

Planning your booking

Christmas, Easter and the September school holidays bring quick sell-outs. Most parks open bookings twelve months ahead so set a reminder if you travel during these windows. Outside peak dates you can often nab three-for-two night deals.

Handy packing tips

  • Pack Myki travel cards if staying within tram zones. Children under 4 travel for free.

  • Bring bikes or scooters for the holiday park roads. Most sites are level and encourage slow vehicle speeds. 

  • If you plan day trips into the city, load the cooler with picnic bits the night before. Parking costs mount quickly so aim to use park-and-ride trails or hop on a tram.

 

Making the most of your stay

Use your park as a hub rather than a final destination. Book shorter six-hour return drives so children spend more time exploring beaches, zoos and treetop walks and less time in booster seats. 

Schedule one low-key afternoon per two high-energy days. A simple hour at the camp playground often trumps another car journey and helps everyone reset. For more ideas on what to get up to, check out our post on family friendly things to do in Melbourne.

Caravan parks in Melbourne keep improving each year, adding splash pads, pump tracks and all-weather kitchens that make camping with kids easier than ever. Whether you park close to the CBD for tram rides to museums or venture farther to echoing ocean cliffs, you will discover that camping in Melbourne Australia blends city culture with wide open spaces better than almost anywhere else.

 

Book your Apollo camper

Book your Apollo Camper today and kickstart a family tradition everyone will look forward to each school holiday. Whether you're planning a quick weekend escape or a longer road trip, Apollo’s range of campervans offers comfort, flexibility and great value. With on-board heating, shower, toilet and cooking facilities, you'll have everything you need to feel at home, wherever the road takes you.

 

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Popular WA road trips & itineraries

Western Australia, located on the western third of the continent, is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the west and the Northern Territory and South Australia to the east. Internationally, direct flights into Perth connect you from many global cities, while a drive from Adelaide to Perth could take around two days, covering some epic Outback scenery. Popular road trips within the state include the Coral Coast Highway from Perth to Exmouth, packed with stunning coastal views and unique wildlife encounters, and the adventurous Gibb River Road through the heart of the Kimberley region.

 

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Great savings on your WA road trip

Looking to make your Western Australia road trip even more memorable without breaking the bank? Check out the latest specials at Apollo Camper. From seasonal discounts to long-term rental deals, we make sure you get the best value out of your adventure. Whether it's a weekend getaway or an extended Australian campervan holiday, keep more cash in your pocket for those extra experiences along the way. Start planning your journey with us today and save more as you explore the vast beauty of WA!

 

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Apollo WA campervan branches

Whether you're kicking off your Western Australia campervan holiday adventure in Perth or heading out from the rugged beauty of Broome, Apollo’s got you covered.

 

Apollo branch in Perth

Starting your Western Australia campervan holiday adventure in Perth? Apollo’s Perth branch is perfectly located, so you can easily explore Perth’s attractions and surroundings. Whether you're planning to indulge in the cultural delights of Perth’s activities, hit the surf at nearby beaches, or venture south to explore the renowned Margaret River caves and wine region, our Perth branch is an ideal kickoff point. Offering a range of campervans to fit your travel style, you can set off on your campervan holiday with ease and comfort. 

Apollo branch in Broome

Another launchpad into your Western Australia campervan holiday is from the ruggedly beautiful Broome. Apollo’s Broome branch serves as your gateway to the wild Kimberley region. Known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural history, Broome offers an array of experiences right from your campervan’s doorstep. From enjoying the famous Cable Beach sunsets to exploring the remote dusty corners of the Kimberley, the Broome branch positions you perfectly to discover some of Australia’s most iconic coastal and Outback natural wonders. 

WA Campervan Tips

Helpful tips for visiting WA

Now for some logistical tips on planning a campervan adventure through Western Australia! Below, we have put together a snapshot of essential tips to ensure a smooth Australia campervan holiday through WA. From understanding the unique climate and best travel seasons to packing smart and choosing the best local WA attractions and stays, we've got you covered with all the insider info you need.

Western Australia’s weather and climate vary dramatically from north to south. The south enjoys a Mediterranean climate, ideal for visiting from October to April, when days are sunny and warm. Heading north, you’ll find tropical weather, which is best from May to September, to avoid the extreme heat and humidity. Travel outside these times, and you’ll hit the off-season — fewer crowds but more unpredictable weather. This can mean unexpected rain in the north and cooler temperatures down south.

When packing for your Western Australia campervan holiday adventure, think practical and versatile: lightweight clothing that layers well, sturdy hiking boots, and a broad-brimmed hat for optimal sun protection are musts. Speaking of sun protection, don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses to protect against the harsh Aussie sun. Consider the diverse activities you may be adding to your itinerary — from snorkelling at Ningaloo Reef to exploring dusty Outback trails — pack gear like a good snorkel set, a durable daypack and any other activity-based gear you may use. And for those nights under the stars, a warm, compact sleeping bag is a perfect addition to allow you to cosy up and do a little stargazing.

READ MORE: For more tips on packing for your Western Australia campervan holiday, check out our list of summer campervan road trip essentials.

Here’s a quick look at some must-visit WA attractions and day trips you can enjoy while exploring Western Australia on your Australia campervan holiday:

  • Rottnest Island: Just a short ferry ride from Perth, this island is a sanctuary of stunning scenery and wildlife, including the friendly quokkas, renowned for their selfie-friendly smiling faces. When you arrive, try renting a bike for the day and explore its lighthouse, secluded beaches, and snorkelling spots.
  • Fremantle: Known affectionately as 'Freo' to locals, this vibrant port city combines rich maritime history with an eclectic arts scene. This is the perfect place to visit in Perth to go for a stroll through the Fremantle Markets, visit the historic prison, and soak up the bustling café culture.
  • The Pinnacles: Located in Nambung National Park, these intriguing limestone formations rise eerily out of the desert floor. The park also offers beautiful wildflower displays in the spring and is a fantastic spot for stargazing.
  • Margaret River: More than just a wine region, Margaret River offers adventurers limestone caves, dense forests for hiking, and some of the country's best surf breaks. The area also hosts gourmet food festivals that showcase local produce.
  • Swan Valley: A quick drive from Perth, Swan Valley is Western Australia’s oldest wine region but offers more than just vineyards. Enjoy craft breweries, distilleries, and art galleries that make it one of the best leisurely Perth activities.
  • Busselton Jetty: Experience the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere, stretching over 1.8 kilometers into the turquoise waters of Geographe Bay. The jetty also features an underwater observatory, offering views of marine life in their natural habitat.
  • Swan River: This majestic river meanders through Perth, providing numerous recreational activities. Hire a kayak, join a river cruise, or simply enjoy a picnic by its banks while watching the city life go by.
  • Wave Rock: Located near the town of Hyden, this impressive natural rock formation, resembling a tall, breaking ocean wave, is about 15 meters high and 110 meters long. It’s an ancient granite formation that has become a popular photo opportunity.
  • Broome: A tropical oasis known for its unique pearling history, stunning beaches, and the famous Cable Beach sunsets. Don't miss the chance to ride camels at dusk along the beach or visit the historic outdoor cinema.
  • Ningaloo Reef: A World Heritage site, this reef is less crowded than the Great Barrier Reef and offers exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities. Swim alongside the gentle whale sharks, manta rays, and a plethora of colourful marine life.

These destinations showcase the incredible diversity and beauty of Western Australia. Each offers unique experiences that highlight the natural and cultural richness of this vast region and would make a perfect addition to your Australia campervan holiday.

Western Australia is dotted with fantastic spots to park your campervan, ranging from bustling resort towns to tranquil, isolated beaches. For free spirits, there are numerous free camping spots offering a closer connection to nature. These are a perfect addition to any Australia campervan holiday to help save a few pennies and explore the activities and attractions in WA.

For those who love to wake up to ocean breezes, Tasman Holiday Parks Ledge Point offers serene beachfront views and is the perfect stopover just north of Perth. Alternatively, if you are heading south of Perth, Myalup Beach Caravan Park is another excellent choice for beach lovers looking for a quiet retreat. A little further north, in the heart of WA’s fishing country, Leeman Caravan Park provides easy access to boating and fishing spots, while Twin Waters Caravan Park caters to those who enjoy river and ocean activities.

For a taste of local wines and produce, staying at Discovery Parks – Swan Valley places you right in the lush, fertile region of Swan Valley. Lastly, for a family-friendly stay close to Perth’s attractions, Mandurah Caravan and Tourist Park offers plenty of activities and amenities that appeal to the whole family.

READ MORE: For more great options and tips on family-friendly campgrounds to add to your Australia campervan holiday, be sure to check out the best family-friendly campsites in Perth and campgrounds across Western Australia.

 

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