The Southwest Corner of Western Australia was made for road trips, and they are fantastic here. You’ll find camping and rest areas in beautiful spots, such as lakes, beaches, and forests. There’s no better feeling than discovering free camping and rest areas to take a break during your drive. The following are a few I’ve stayed at.
Now that the Covid-19 restrictions have lifted, more and more campers have hit the road, and with fuel prices sky-high, they expect more bang for their buck in other areas like accommodation.
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If you plan on travelling around Australia, the best way to get around is by van. You get to see more, and you will find hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.
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Want to Go Off-Grid?
Bluetti and EcoFlow Power Stations are your go-to for power when you’re out on the road. Lights, cameras, devices, whatever you need power for, you can take it with you and go wherever you want in your exploration of Australia.
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All prices and times were accurate when this information was written or updated; however, please verify the details on the websites before your visit.
Contents
- 1 Handy Apps
- 2 Handy Hints
- 3 General Information
- 4 Camping and Rest Areas in the Southwest of Western Australia
- 4.1 Albany
- 4.2 Camp Kennedy
- 4.3 Cosy’s Corner Camping Ground, Albany
- 4.4 Fitzgerald River Rest Area (Jacup Highway Park)
- 4.5 Lake Grace
- 4.6 Jam Patch Camping Ground, Lake Grace
- 4.7 Lake Ewlyamartup, Katanning
- 4.8 Merredin Tourist Park, Merredin
- 4.9 Munrillup Rest Area, Cranbrook
- 4.10 Starvation Bay Camping Ground, Jerdacuttup
- 5 The Farm Gate Art Trail Hopetoun – Ravensthorpe
- 6 Conclusion
- 7 Links
- 8 Travel Resources
- 9 Did You Like This Post? Then Pin It!
Handy Apps
WikiCamps
Circumstances do change regularly, so a good app to download is WikiCamps.
This app will not only let you know where paid and free camping spots are, but also rest areas, dump points, drinking water, toilets and a whole lot more. The reviews on each site are invaluable in planning whether you can stay or not.
You will only have to pay a one-off payment of less than AUD$10, and you will save yourself a great deal of hassle on your trip.
AllTrails
Another excellent app for hikers is AllTrails. This will provide you with all the necessary information, including the track’s distance, elevation, level of difficulty, estimated completion time, and more.
It has trails from all over the world, is free, and is especially great if you have a dog and need to know if a track is dog-friendly before you set out.
PetrolSpy
A must-have app when your on the road in Australia or New Zealand is PetrolSpy. By searching the area you’re in or heading to, you can find the cheapest fuel, whether it is diesel or unleaded. This app is free.
Handy Hints
Fuel
If you plan to make long trips between fuel stops, I highly recommend investing in Jerry cans to carry extra fuel. This is extremely invaluable crossing the Nullarbor, as fuel can be over .80 cents a litre more on this road than just before you hit it, let alone the cities. When travelling east to west, Nundroo is consistently cheaper than anywhere else on this route, and the next stop to find reasonably priced fuel will be Norseman in Western Australia.
Wi-Fi and Subscription Services
Wi-fi can sometimes be a bit hit-and-miss. Due to the state’s remoteness, it is beneficial to have one person with Telstra and another with Optus. This won’t guarantee that you will have access to Wi-Fi, but it will increase your chances of doing so. You can also try Starlink.
If you have a subscription TV service, download some movies and TV shows for when you’re out of range. Amazon Prime and Disney+ are two services that can be downloaded onto your device. As long as you don’t have an Apple device, Netflix can also be downloaded to a laptop.
Power Stations
If you are in a camper of any sort, then a good battery and solar system are essential to keep all your devices powered up. Power stations and solar are great for being on the road. They’re reliable, with a power station to meet all your needs, keeping you connected while you explore. To find the right fit for you, click on the Bluetti Australia or EcoFlow Australia links.
Bluetti Australia Power Stations
- 1,800W AC Output / 2,700W Power Lifting Mode
- AC180 : 1,152Wh Larger Capacity
- 9 Output Ports for Multiple Devices
- Flexible 4 Recharging Ways (AC/Solar/Car/Generator)
- Smart Control & Monitor with BLUETTI App
- 0-80% Recharging in 45 minutes with 1,440W AC Input
- Eco-friendly/Clean/Quiet/Cost-effective
- And more…
Click here for more information on the Bluetti AC180 or explore their other products.
Power Banks
Do you want to keep your laptop and mobile devices charged? Then maybe the X20/288W Power Bank is for you. Compatible with 90% of laptops, this allows you to blog on the road with ease.
For more information, click the link below and don’t forget to use the code AFFX20 at checkout for an additional 10% off.
For more information on why you should try a Bluetti Power Station, read my blog, Embracing Sustainable Power: 7 Essential Reasons Why Bluetti Power Stations are a Game Changer for Everyone.
EcoFlow Australia Power Stations
- Expandable 1-5 kWh capacity with DELTA 3 Extra Battery, DELTA Pro 3 Extra Battery, DELTA 2 Extra Battery, or DELTA 2 Max Extra Battery
- 1800W AC output, with 2400W (3600W surge) using X-Boost technology
- 4 fast recharging methods: AC, Solar, 800W Alternator Charger, and Multi-charging
- 5-year warranty
Click here for more information on the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station or explore their other products.
General Information
By far, Western Australia is the biggest state in Australia. From the hot and humid north to the cold and windy south, the hot and dry outback to the bustling metropolitan city of Perth, Western Australia, has it all, and camping is the way to go.
If you want to see all areas at their best, consider visiting by the seasons, as the north is wet in summer but warm and sunny in winter. In the southwest of Western Australia, summer is the best time to visit, with warm days and less rain to spoil your visit.
The following are the camping and rest areas I’ve used on my travels, and I hope that you find them useful. They are also all pet-friendly.
Camping and Rest Areas in the Southwest of Western Australia
All of the following camping and rest areas we have stayed at, even for just one night. They are an excellent alternative to paying for a caravan park, as you may not be near a town where you are exploring. I hope you find them as useful as we did.
The Southwest corner of Western Australia holds not only the most National Parks (not pet-friendly) but beautiful beaches that line the southern and western coasts up to Perth.
If you are travelling with your dog, you need to plan your trip around these National Parks and the attractions within. We didn’t get around to exploring much of the southwest corner of Western Australia due to the numerous national parks.
Albany
The biggest town in the Southwest corner is Albany. Not only do you have tourist attractions, but also all the major shops in case you run out of supplies.
Albany is the best town for RVs. Not only do you have all major supermarkets, including Aldi, but it also has dump points, potable water and free hot showers.
The Laundromat we used was Dog Rock Laundro Bar. It’s in the Dog Rock Boulevard Shopping Centre, off Middleton Road, next to Dog Rock.
The washers and dryers take cards, not coins, and cost just over $10 for a wash and dry in under an hour. Now that’s economical and quick.
The best Fish and Chips we found were at 155 Albany Highway, across from Officeworks. Albany Fish and Chips not only have great prices, but also great taste and fantastic customer service.
Many attractions will keep you in this area, such as the National ANZAC Centre, street art, The Brig, the Amity and Albany Convict Gaol Museum.
At the top of Mt. Clarence, you will have views across Albany and also the Memorial to the ANZACs, who set off from this area in 1914.
Where It Is
Albany is 482 km west of Esperance and 418 km southeast of Perth.
The National ANZAC Centre is located at 67 Forts Road, Mt Clarence.
The Brig Amity can be reached from Amity Quays and Albany Convict Gaol is on 267 Stirling Terrace.
Albany Fish and Chips is at 155 Albany Highway, and Dog Rock Laundro is at 324 Middleton Road.
The free showers are at the Women’s Rest Centre, 176 Stirling Terrace.
Camp Kennedy
Camp Kennedy is a 30-minute drive west of Albany, down Perkins Beach Road.
Toilets, showers, a large communal kitchen and grassy grounds in abundance. That is what will make your stay at Camp Kennedy comfortable and enjoyable. It also has a track to the beach.
Prices are $16 per person per night, but considering all that you have at your disposal, it’s not too bad, and you’re right on the beach.
Where It Is
Camp Kennedy is located at 359 Perkins Beach Road, Torbay. Turn left off the Lower Denmark Road about 20-minutes out of Albany.
Cosy’s Corner Camping Ground, Albany
Cosy’s Corner Campground is only about half an hour out of Albany heading west, and along the beach from Camp Kennedy.
You can stay at this campground for a week for $15 per night, accommodating 2 adults and 2 children per site.
There’s no booking ahead; it’s first come, first served. You are allotted a site by the camp host, whom you must see first.
There are toilets, a dump point, and numerous bins, but no potable water is available. The wi-fi reception isn’t great, although you can get a better signal if you go to the lookout.
There are no fires year-round, as you are in a bush area.
There is an abundance of local wildlife, particularly birdlife, at Cosy’s Corner Campground. Wrens, silvereyes, parrots, as well as Bandicoots and King skinks, call this place home.
You are just back from the beach in the bush if you are camping in tents. The caravaners are in a separate section up near the toilets.
If you are into beach activities, then this is the place for you. With small surf and good fishing, your week will fly by.
Where It Is
Cosy’s Campground is 29 km west of Albany off Cosy Corner Road. You’ll find signposts off the Lower Denmark Road directing you.
Fitzgerald River Rest Area (Jacup Highway Park)
Fitzgerald River rest area is a large free pull-off where you can rest for up to 24 hours. There are no toilets available here, so please be self-contained.
There is shade, tables and bins, all for your convenience, as well as good wi-fi reception.
This is a great camping spot off the road, with plenty of room and quiet.
Where It Is
Fitzgerald River Rest Area is 80 km west of Ravensthorpe on the South Coast Highway.
Lake Grace
Lake Grace is a small town that has excellent facilities for the nomadic traveller.
Free hot showers are available, and as before, the disabled toilet has been converted into a wet room with an open shower and space to hang your towel and clothes.
If you are low on supplies, an IGA is in town. You can find it easily by the street art on the side.
The Pioneering Women Mural features 48 women who were pioneers of the area.
Where It Is
Lake Grace is 325 km east of Perth or 247 km northeast of Albany.
Jam Patch Camping Ground, Lake Grace
On your way to the Jam Patch, you will pass by the Lake Grace North Salt Lake lookout.
This is also the first place you may come to from the Jam Patch that has bins for your rubbish.
The Jam Patch was a little gem we found while up around Lake Grace.
It’s 202 hectares of bushland north of Lake Grace, nestled amongst nature. Jam Patch is named after the Jam Tree that grows here.
There is a toilet, but no bins or potable water.
There are three nature trails, all of which feature information boards that detail the region’s flora and fauna.
There is also a shelter with information boards that document the area’s history, including the Tennis Club and its local flora and fauna.
Where It Is
The Jam Patch is 19 km north of Lake Grace or 334 km southeast of Perth.
Lake Ewlyamartup, Katanning
Lake Ewlyamartup is a quiet spot during the week. It is also a popular day area for locals, so choose your time wisely.
As you are near water, mosquitoes could be a problem, but that is the only problem here.
It is so quiet and peaceful that you can relax listening to birdsong.
There are toilets, but no potable water is available. Shady areas, sheltered picnic tables, and walking tracks are available for free use, whether you stay for the day or overnight. The only downside is that you can only stay 24 hours, but make sure to do so, as the sunsets are incredible.
Where It Is
Lake Ewlyamartup is located 19 km east of Katanning on Langaweira Road and is well-signposted from the main highway.
Merredin Tourist Park, Merredin
Merredin Tourist Park is a great, quiet spot with cabins, powered and unpowered sites, and all the necessary facilities.
It’s a nice place to relax from driving and is about halfway between Perth and Kalgoorlie.
Where It Is
The Tourist Park’s entrance is off the main highway at 2 Oak Street, Merredin.
It is a 333 km drive west of Kalgoorlie and a 260 km drive east of Perth.
Munrillup Rest Area, Cranbrook
Munrillup rest area accommodates camping from tents to caravans, although the space is limited.
There are tables and bins for rubbish, and the wi-fi reception is okay.
Where It Is
Munrillup rest area is a free pull-off on the Great Southern Highway, 8 minutes north of Cranbrook.
Cranbrook is also a good place to see some street art.
Starvation Bay Camping Ground, Jerdacuttup
Starvation Bay is the place to come to if you want to be on the beach, get together with friends or fish.
The road into Starvation Bay is a long, dirt road, but it is in good condition. However, take care if there has been a lot of rain, as it can be slippery.
On this road alone, we have seen the most wildlife in Western Australia.
From a Shingleback on the road to Kangaroos hopping through the bush and an Emu crossing the road, this was quite an eventful 20 hours.
You can get away from others at this camp spot, as it’s amongst the bush behind the beach. There are also many tracks with direct access to the beach.
Another great point is that you’ll find some of the best sunrises and sunsets in the southwest corner of Western Australia from this camping spot.
There are toilets, as well as bins and a dump point, available here. You need to bring your drinking water, and there are no powered sites, but that allows you to enjoy the tranquillity of this spot.
At $16 per night, it’s a reasonable rate, and you can book online by clicking here.
The Wi-Fi reception here is inconsistent, so please book in advance any maybe download anything you have to before you arrive. All camping is allowed from tents to big rigs.
There are many spots to camp with lots of trails taking you around this area.
Where It Is
Starvation Bay is 153 km west of Esperance or just under 50 km east of Hopetoun.
The Farm Gate Art Trail Hopetoun – Ravensthorpe
There are a few quirky additions to the roadside when you are camping in the southwest corner of Western Australia.
When driving around the Hopetoun-Ravensthorpe area, we came upon the Farm Gate Art Trail.
These sculptures at farm gates now number 32 locations, and we saw a few of them driving on the highway.
You can find a map of all the locations here. Following the trail is a fun activity for the whole family if you’re in the area.
Where It Is
The Farm Art Trail is located between Hopetoun and Ravensthorpe, with some sections extending north, west, and east of Ravensthorpe.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this blog on camping and rest areas in the Southwest corner, and get to experience them when you travel to Western Australia. There is a lot to see in this part of the state, including many National Parks, and it is well worth the visit.
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Links
If you’d like to read more of my blogs about Australia, you can find them on the following links: Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art. Alternatively, if you’re interested in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or Photography, you can click on their respective links.
Travel Resources
- Flights & Accommodation—You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Tripadvisor, and WayAway, which offers 5% cashback.
- Car Hire—In Australia, you can use Apex Car Rentals Australia, Budget Car Rentals Australia, or Avis Car Rentals Australia.
- Camper & RV Rentals—Want a quieter pace exploring Australia and New Zealand in your own accommodation? Jucy Rentals and Star RV Rentals will give you an unforgettable travelling experience.
- Train & Bus Tickets UK & Europe—Use Trainline to plan and book your rail and bus travel in the UK and Europe.
- Travel Insurance is the number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master, and Insubuy provide insurance coverage during your travels.
- Attractions—buy before you leave home with these great sites: Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
- Visa Applications—apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
- SIM cards—Try Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store, which solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
- Power Stations—Bluetti Australia and EcoFlow Australia Power Stations are your choices for sustainable, eco-friendly power on the go or at home.
- If you’re interested in learning more, try my Travel Links and Resources page.
Did You Like This Post? Then Pin It!
I’ve never done a road trip in a country big and empty enough to need this level of planning. It seems so different. And next to England, I love the place names in Australia, though for different reasons. They’re just so straightforward. I mean, don’t you immediately want to pack extra food supplies before heading to Starvation Bay? lol
It certainly is a lot different to England, Teja. A lot of planning and supplies are needed for a road trip in Australia, especially when you’re not on the East Coast, but it is worth it in the end.
Just the kind of thing I would like to do! Thanks for all this info – now I just have to get to the Southwest corner of Western Australia, LOL!
Thanks, Alma. You’re closer than most in South Africa, and I hope you get to visit one day.
This is a fantastic resource! I’d love to visit Albany. Love the info on the free hot showers!
Thanks, Dotti, it’s a great find when you find free things like showers on the road.
So much great information. thank you. Saving for our trip.
Thanks, Laureen. I hope you have a great time.
I travelled through that area between Perth and Albany. I loved the wheatbelt and the silo art. The coast had some stunning scenery too.
It is a beautiful area in Australia, especially when the canola fields are in colour.