8 best camping spots along the coast

It’s all about slowing down, switching off your devices, and appreciating the simple things in life. And the region offers plenty of excellent campsites where you can switch off and soak it all in. Whether it’s by the Blackwood River, bush camping on the coast, or somewhere with all the comforts of a caravan park, here are some of the region’s best camp spots to get back to nature.

The beachside hamlet of Yallingup, voted by Australian Traveller as Australia’s top town a few years ago, offers two options for campers.

A large caravan park, The Tasman Holiday Parks – Yallingup Caves, is right beside all the facilities you need in Yallingup.

It’s a quick walk across the road to the iconic Caves House Hotel or the general store, and you can cut through the stunning gardens for a 500m walk to the main beach. The spectacular Ngilgi Cave is not far, and it’s just a short drive to many of the region’s renowned wineries and breweries.

The Tasman Holiday Parks – Yallingup Beach is a family-owned and run holiday park, and about as close as you can get to the Indian Ocean. There is a range of options with powered and unpowered sites, and the picturesque communal barbecue area makes the ultimate picnic, particularly when accompanied by local produce and wine.

The Prevelly Caravan Park was the original establishment in Prevelly. English-born Australian soldier, Geoffrey Edwards, established the park in the 1950s when he and his family purchased the oceanside plot 10km west of Margaret River. He named it Preveli as a memorial to the Preveli monastery, where monks provided a haven for him during the Battle of Crete in WWII.  He carved a small settlement, clearing a plot with the help of a local building crew.

The park still continues today and is as picturesque as it ever was.  It is one of the premier beachside camping destinations in the Margaret River Region, and offers all kinds of camping options, from unpowered sites to chalets and cabins.

Up the road is Gracetown Caravan Park, a perfect spot for kids and adults alike, close to Gracetown beach. Set in a natural and shady bush setting, the caravan park is fortunate to receive frequent visits from wildlife such as kangaroos and possums and offers plenty of on-site entertainment – for those afternoons and evenings not spent at the beach, that is.

Sometimes it’s nice to switch up the water scenery, and in the Margaret River Region’s beautiful Blackwood Valley, there are plenty of options to do so.

Try camping on the banks of the Blackwood River at Sues or Alexandra Bridge, where you can launch a boat and head up -or downstream, paddleboard, kayak, fish, or engage in the other plenty of water activities the river has to offer. 

There are 21 beautiful shady sites at Alexandra Bridge, all of which are managed by the Augusta Margaret River Shire, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Further upstream, Sues Bridge offers 25 sites, an undercover camp kitchen, gas barbecues, toilets, cold water taps, dishwashing sinks and picnic tables. Of the 25 individual booking camp sites, nine are suitable for regular-sized camper trailers or caravans. The other 16 can accommodate tents and regular-sized campervans in an adjacent parking space.

Also set on the banks of the Blackwood River where it meets Scott River, just across from Molloy Island, Molloy Hideaway Holiday Park is a laid-back spot surrounded by natural bushland. Only 15km from Augusta, it’s a great place to slow down and enjoy the outdoors with the family. Wake up to birdsong, have breakfast by the river, or throw in a fishing line right from your campsite.

Speaking of rivers, Riverview Tourist Park is situated just by the Margaret River, offering a peaceful retreat right on the riverbank. You can swim, paddle, kayak, or simply relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, with the sounds of chirping birds filling the air. A large range of cabins are available, and free gas barbecues are located at the camp kitchen and the riverfront, along with gazebos and seating for large groups. Caravan and campervan bays are available.

The magical Boranup Forest is a natural bushland of towering Karri trees, some of which are up to 60m tall. In the heart of the forest is a small but stunning and shady campsite nestled beneath the peppermint trees with limited availability. From here, it’s only a short drive to the Boranup lookout via a gravel track.

There are limited facilities here, too, with only a long-drop toilet and fire rings. Fires are permitted but only in the fire rings during permitted times of the year. During the summer months, total fire bans are enforced to prevent bushfires.

The Flinders Bay Holiday Park is positioned right on the beachfront, and still close enough to town to nip in for supplies. During whale season, you can watch humpback whales cruising past this old whaling settlement, not far from where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet at Cape Leeuwin. 

The sites are private, shady and grassed, offering a relaxing retreat for the whole family. Dogs are welcome on leads, and there are barbecues, three amenity blocks, a fish cleaning area, and direct access to the Flinders Bay boat ramp, foreshore, and playground.