You’re going to have to travel to the top end of Western Australia for these five natural wonders. With four of them in the Kimberley and one in the Red Pilbara region, let us know if you’ve already been here. I’d love to go back again.
Here’s a recap of all of them:
Plus we list nearby camps for you and there’s more information on each of the links below…
Purnululu National Park
Better known as the Bungle Bungles – definitely four-wheel drive only, and do consider ditching your caravan for a rooftop or tent. The tight roads and plentiful water crossings are very tough on vehicles, but so worth it.
Walking through the beehive domes of Purnululu National Park, spectacular chasms and gorges just took my breath away. 4WD only
Camp: Walardi or Kurrajong Campgrounds in the National Park
Manning Gorge
Manning Gorge – You’ll find this on the Gibb River Road. It was a real highlight for us. Four wheel drive only.
Most walks you just swim at the waterfall, here the hike STARTS and ENDS with a swim, ferrying your gear across.
Camp: Manning Gorge Camp Area, via Mount Barnett Roadhouse
Karijini National Park
Karijini National Park is a magical location in the Pilbara region of WA. It is two-wheel drive accessible; however, there are some four-wheel drive sections.
Up there in my top 2 national parks for a reason! It is super remote, but those Pilbara colours, minecraft cliffs and waterfalls swims are like a magnet…
Camp: Dales Campground, Karijini Eco Resort or free camps outside the national park
Tunnel Creek
Tunnel Creek is located before you get into the four-wheel drive section of the Gibb River Road. It is also accessible from Fitzroy Crossing in the south.
Yes, I was a bit scared but SO glad we ventured into the crocodile inhabited cave (Dimalurru), even though we forgot our headtorches!
Camp: Windjana Gorge Bandilingan, RAAF Boab Quarry (free camp) or at Fitzroy Crossing caravan parks
Horizontal Falls
Horizontal Falls is only accessible by air or boat. You can do an overnight trip. We opted for the degustation boat trip. Fantastic.
A dream come true for me. We first heard of it when we planned our lap – no wonder David Attenborough calls it “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”!
Camp: do an overnighter, or launch off from Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, camps at the Dampier Peninsula, Broome and Derby
If you are exploring the Kimberley and Pilbara region, I would definitely include these highlights in. Remember that these areas are remote and you need to take all precautions with water, fuel and communication – even extra tyres! Be dingo safe and croc wise. Leave no trace as you travel.
Download the CAMPS Australia Wide App for iPhone/iPad or Android
FAQ
When’s the best time to road trip Western Australia?
All year round! April to October is the sweet spot for the north (Pilbara, Kimberley, Ningaloo) is warm and dry. The south is cooler but stunning in wildflower season (Aug–Oct). However, you can enjoy summer swims in the south if you are “doing the lap”.
How long do I need for a WA roadtrip?
Two weeks in a region gets you a taste. Three to four weeks lets you actually enjoy it. We took over a month to travel between Kununurra to Broome, down the coast diverting in at Karijini, and then coastal hotspots, Perth, Margaret River and along the South! You need so much more. But if you don’t have the time, choose a region and focus on it. Or if you’re from the east, make sure you spend the majority of your trip in WA. It is so worth it. You can come back and do NT and SA more thoroughly next time around.
Do I need a 4WD?
Not for everything. The big highways and most national park entries are sealed. You’ll want a 4WD for places like Karijini’s deeper gorges, Bungle Bungles Purnululu and the Gibb River Road.
Where can I free camp in WA?
Plenty of spots. Rest areas, station stays, national parks and Crown land all offer free or low-cost camping. The CAMPS App and guides list verified sites with reviews from real travellers.
Is Karijini National Park worth the detour?
Absolutely. It’s one of the most jaw-dropping spots in the country. Red gorges, swimming holes, waterfalls. Allow 3 to 5 days minimum.
What’s the most underrated stop?
Kalbarri. It often gets skipped for the bigger names, but the coastal cliffs, Kalbarri Skywalk, Nature’s Window and the Murchison River gorges are spectacular. Our family loved exploring the coastal tracks, looking for sea creatures.
Do I need permits for WA national parks?
Yes for most. Grab a Holiday Parks Pass (4-week or annual) if you’re hitting more than three parks. It pays for itself fast.
Is it safe to travel solo around WA?
Yes, plenty of people do it. Tell someone your route, carry extra water and fuel, and download offline maps in your CAMPS App. Phone reception drops out for long stretches.
