Western Australia is beautiful, with wondrous landscapes, and has an abundance of wildlife and sea life. With so much diversity, from beautiful beaches to the rugged wilderness of the Outback, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
If you want to explore Western Australia, there is no better way to do this than in your motorhome. You can be out on the road for as long as you want while having the comfort of home away from home and exploring the region to your heart’s content.
One aspect that many travellers wonder about is whether free motorhome parking is available in Western Australia. If you are pondering the same, continue reading this space to find the answers you are looking for.
Can I Park My Motorhome For Free In Western Australia?
While motorhomes offer a lot of conveniences, they are also significantly bigger in size than regular vehicles and need a bigger space for parking.
Similarly, if you are road-tripping across Western Australia on a limited budget and looking for places where you can park your motorhome for free and explore the place, you may be wondering if it is even possible to park your motorhomes for free.
The Western Australian government has defined the rules regarding camping and caravanning in the region. While Western Australia is camper friendly, the rules can be somewhat confusing. Camping in national parks is regulated because these are regarded as nature reserves and have a historic value.
Camping, which also includes motorhome parking, is limited to certain areas that have been clearly marked out. If you are found to violate the restrictions, you will be charged a fine.
You can park in a rest area, campgrounds, or unmanaged unallocated land. You can also stay on the allocated land for up to three days once you have permission from the land owner.
If you are too tired or need to stop due to an emergency, you can pull over on the side and ensure you are not causing obstruction and are posing a risk to others.
Free Motorhome Parking In Western Australia
Here are a few recommendations for free motorhome parking, depending on how long you plan to stay and your stay’s purpose.
Overnight parking becomes necessary if you have been on the road the entire day and want to stop and rest to recuperate, a campsite may not always be nearby.
If you are on the highway, you can park your motorhome in a roadside rest area for not more than 24 hours. You may also look for parking areas in huge supermarkets etc.
Various cities across the state offer designated spots for self-contained vehicles like motorhomes for overnight parking. Since travelling in these vehicles has become popular, the government has made allowances to accommodate the travellers.
Depending on the rules, you cannot stay more than 24-48 hours and must obtain a permit from the respective visitor centres of the cities.
You can also refer to apps like like Travellers Autobarn, CamperMate, and WikiCamps to find free parking in the vicinity.
Free Camping Spots In Western Australia
Western Australia is beautiful and vast, and there are so many places you can explore for free. While there are numerous places to consider, we have offered a few options.
Ocean Drive Bunbury
The state’s southwest region is beautifully diverse and has various campsites around Margaret River, the historic Albany, Pemberton, and the Valley of Giants.
The Ocean Drive Bunbury in the southwest is one such great place, famous for the Bunbury Dolphins. There is a free campsite in the area where you can find amenities like beach showers, bbq, picnic tables, etc. You do not need to book in advance but can park your motorhome for up to 48 hours.
Galena Bridge
The Perth to Exmouth route is a popular road trip idea for travellers. The area is rife with beautiful beaches, and if you are fond of water activities like swimming and snorkelling, you will love camping in the Coral Coast region.
One great place in the area, where you can camp for free is the Galena Bridge campsite. The place has long drop toilets, fire pits, bins, and chairs scattered in the area. The only flip side is you can stay for a maximum of 24 hours.
Mambi Island
The camping area is located along Parry Creek Road. You will find it if you travel on the Victoria Highway, around 46kms to the northwest of Kununurra. There are various sites in the area where you can park your motorhome and put up camp.
It is a great place to be if you like fishing and want a quiet getaway. Toilets and not-potable water is available, but there is no shower facility or power. Campfire is also allowed.
Betty’s Beach
The place is located between Two People’s Bay and Norman Beach, around 17kms south of Manypeaks, Albany. It is ideal if you are looking for a peaceful, secluded spot where you can rest and fish if you like. Access to the place is via dirt road, but motorhomes can go. You can stay here for a maximum of 48 hours.
Viveash Reserve, Katrine
If you are in Perth, check out the Viveash Reserve, Katrine, which is located almost 94kms away from Perth. It is a beautiful place with easy road access, where you can relax. Swimming or fishing is not allowed but watching the ducks is a bonus.
Drakesbrook Weir
Located 10km east of Waroona to Lake Moyanup, is a 24-hour free campsite at Drakesbrook Weir. Although the time span for a stay is limited, you can do plenty, including swimming, canoeing, bushwalking, etc.
Free Motorhome Parking Advice In Western Australia
Before heading out for your road trip across Western Australia, you must keep a few aspects in mind for your journey.
Wherever you travel, it is important to pick your spots carefully and not leave litter behind or cause a disturbance. If you want to park on private property, make sure that you seek the landowner’s permission beforehand.
Similarly, if you plan to camp in the wild, it is important to take a few precautions. Keep a lookout for wild animals and signs that indicate their possible presence. Keep your distance and do not leave out any food that could attract them.
If you are near an inland river, also be wary of crocodiles. Wear sturdy footwear, especially when you are walking in bushes. Knowing the rules of lighting fires is also important, particularly when you are in a national park or other free campgrounds.
Campfires are allowed in some places and prohibited in others that are prone to fires in the dry months. If in doubt, don’t do it!
Can I Park A Motorhome Anywhere In Western Australia?
Like other Australian states, you can only park your motorhome in authorised or designated spots. There are various campsites and caravan parks in different regions. You can also park in roadside rest areas for not more than 24 hours.
Moreover, if you need to stop in an emergency or rest awhile, you can park in a road reserve.
Where Can I Camp For Free In Western Australia?
There is no shortage of places in Western Australia that are easily accessible via motorhomes. You can park your motorhome and stay up to the specified duration for the particular place. You may find plenty of options along beaches, reserves, and national parks.
