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Published Dec 2024
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Travel & Touring| Camping & Caravanning
6 November 2024 By: Brendan Batty
Five road trip options for off-road caravanners, from an easy intro to off-roading all the way to hardcore remote adventures.
An off-road caravan can open up a whole new world of travel adventures. For those who’ve made this big investment, using their van to its full potential can mean reaching places others can’t, which brings seclusion and also the opportunity to see some truly stunning natural wonders and untouched landscapes.
Western Australia is blessed with some of the country's best off-road destinations, and so many are accessible with an off-road caravan in tow. If you're looking for awesome places to unhitch, start with these five epic off-road caravan trips that will take you over varying terrain, from the coast to the dusty outback.
1. Quobba and Gnaraloo stations, Carnarvon
Even though it's quite a hike from Perth, exploring the connected Quobba and Gnarloo stations is the ideal shakedown trip for your new off-road caravan. The 1000km highway section to Carnarvon will get you comfortable with your trailer, and the ocean-front camping, four-wheel-drive-only access and world-class surfing, snorkelling and fishing make the trip well worth it.
Planning your trip
Both Quobba and Gnarlaoo stations are working pastoral stations farming lamb and merino sheep, with the happy coincidence that they border 140km of coastline. Because the sheep don’t really care about being close to the beach, the owners of both have set up a few campsites for people who do. From Carnarvon, there’s about 75km of bitumen, then another 70km of usually ungraded gravel road, suitable only for four-wheel drives, that takes you to Red Bluff, then another 60km of similarly rough road to Gnaraloo Station. Campers need to be self-sufficient, as there's no water available, but there are pit toilets and a dump point. Small kiosks on both stations sell simple meals, coffee and basic supplies and even have EFTPOS. Camping is around $22-$25 per person per night.
Best bits
Most people come to either surf or fish. In front of Red Bluff camp is the famous left-hand point break, Red Bluff, and further north, camping at 3 Mile gives access to a handful of waves on Gnarloo Station, including Tombstones. In season, you might also see nesting loggerhead turtles, spot migrating whales, or enjoy spectacular, no-frills camping. On your way in or out, stop at the Blowholes or snorkel in front of Quobba Camping Reserve.
When to go
The best surf is through winter, with decent shoulder seasons in autumn and spring. Whales swim past from around April to November, when loggerhead turtles replace them around October to May. Fishing can be good any time of year, depending on your target species.
Be aware
From the southern entry point at Quobba Blowholes, it's about 120km of unsealed gravel to Red Bluff. The northern access to Coral Bay is now closed, so you can't continue north past 6 Mile Gate. It's only graded about once a year, so it can be quite rough, and you should allow at least two hours to get from the Blowholes to Red Bluff with a caravan, then that again to 3 Mile Camp on Gnaraloo.
2. Gibb River Road, Kimberley
Not so long ago, the Gibb River Road was considered by many as a no-go for caravans. The road hasn't changed much, but the caravans certainly have. Measuring in at 660km end-to-end, this former cattle route is still Western Australia's most noteworthy off-road drive that takes you from the Kimberley's stunning western region through its central ranges and into its wild eastern plains (or the other way around). Along the way, you'll soak in stunning waterholes, hike past epic waterfalls, experience outback station life and even catch a barra if you're lucky.
Planning your trip
It's 700km between Derby and Kununurra, so it's possible to cross the Gibb in a day (and plenty of locals do), but there are far too many good places to stop along the way. At a minimum, you'd need four days to see some of the highlights and as much as a fortnight to feel like you've put a dent in discovering its best bits. In his book 100 Things To See In The Kimberley, author and local guide Scotty Connell uses up 25 of his 100 things on just this road.
Best bits
Don't miss Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge), Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek), Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary, Manning Gorge and Ellenbrae Station. There aren't many bad campsites along the way, but El Questro's options stand out for so many travellers.
When to go
You'll have to cross the Pentecost River 80km west of Kununurra to begin or complete the track, and it's usually too deep to cross from the beginning of the wet season (November-ish) until around May (and sometimes June), so plan your Gibb River Road trip for winter or spring.
Be aware
There are two things that mechanics at both ends of the Gibb River Road blame for most problems along its length. One can't be avoided, but the other definitely can. The Gibb is highly trafficked for an outback road, and corrugations can be gnarly, made worse with excessive speed. Take your time on the Gibb and let some air out of your car and caravan's tyres before you hit the dirt.
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5 amazing WA road trips you can only take in a four-wheel drive
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3. Lucky Bay, Kalbarri
Lucky Bay in Esperance is renowned for its snow-white beaches and turquoise waters, but the north of the state also has its own Lucky Bay.
Just 30-minutes out of Kalbarri, the beach at this Lucky Bay offers camping right in the dunes just a stone’s throw from the equally turquoise waters.
Planning your trip
Being only a half-hour drive from Kalbarri town, makes this an ideal off-road caravan adventure when you don’t feel like getting too off-grid.
You can only get to the camping area with a four-wheel drive. Just be aware of the particularly soft sand and adjust tyre pressure to around 15-20 psi.
There’s no fresh water on-site so you’ll need to bring your own. Facilities only include some communal shelters, bush toilets, industrial bins, and a dump point, so you will need to be fairly self-sufficient. Mobile generators are allowed.
The campsite is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on lead at all times.
There’s a fee of $15 a night per vehicle but the sites can’t be pre-booked. Bookings are through the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions on 9937 1140.
Best bits
The mostly calm beach is great for swimming and snorkelling with a reef running along the coast here. Explore the dunes and beach in your four-wheel drive, throw a line in, and sometimes there’s even a small wave to surf.
When to go
This is an almost all-year-round kind of trip although it’s especially good in warmer weather.
Be aware
Due to the very soft sand, it’s recommended you bring recovery boards. The track into the site has a 40km/h speed limit. Campfires are permitted from 6pm-7am but must strictly be contained in a solid firepit. Fires are not permitted when fire conditions are listed as ‘extreme’ or ‘catastrophic.’ The maximum stay is 28 days.
4. Francois Peron National Park, Gascoyne region
Shark Bay, almost as far west as you can go and still be on mainland Australia, despite its barren, desert-meets-sea landscape, is one of the world's most critical marine sanctuaries, satisfying all four World Heritage criteria. It hosts 10 per cent of the world's dugongs, has the planet's largest seagrass meadows, and you can camp right above its impossibly red beaches for just $11 per adult per night.
Planning your trip
Francois Peron National Park is about 800km north of Perth and located just north of Denham - WA's most westerly town and gateway to Monkey Mia. Access to the park is via high-clearance four-wheel drives only, and the tracks are often rutted, narrow, soft and sandy. Be aware that only Big Lagoon and the Peron Homestead are suitable for towing in an off-road caravan. You'll need to go four-wheel drive only through the rest of the park. There are only basic facilities (toilets and picnic tables) at some of the campsites, so bring everything you'll need, including enough water for your stay. Some people explore Francois Peron in a day, but a week should give you enough time to explore most of the park.
Best bits
If you've got a boat or kayak, the fishing here is fantastic and so is the snorkelling, especially if you get to glimpse a local dugong, dolphin, or even a lemon shark. Stop at Peron Homestead for a history lesson, paddle along Big and Little lagoons and hike along the cliffs at Cape Peron. Note: Cape Peron, Gregories and Bottle Bay should only be explored with your four-wheel drive, no caravan.
When to go
Around April and May each year, the days are long, the temperature perfect, and the prevailing south-westerly winds the lightest, so this is an ideal time to be in Francois Peron. Conditions linger through winter, although it's crisp at night. Through summer, strong winds make it a great time for kite surfing.
Be aware
The red, soft sandy road in and out of the national park can be extremely soft, so you'll need to lower your tyre pressures below 20psi on car and caravan, or lower if you're struggling. Some sections of road are only as wide as a vehicle, so beware of oncoming traffic and take it slow.
5. Great Central Road
The Great Central Road is one of Australia's great off-road tracks and a West Aussie shortcut to Uluru if you've got an off-road vehicle. Part of Australia's longest shortcut, the Great Central Road is the WA section of The Outback Way, and along it, you'll traverse stunning desert regions, camp in remote outback free camps and engage with Indigenous culture and art before finishing (or continuing) at Kata Tjuta and Uluru.
Planning your trip
From Leonora to Uluru, it's about 1200km of mostly unsealed, uninhabited outback road dotted with a few Indigenous communities along the way, which usually (but not always) have fuel. You'll need to be able to travel at least 500km without refuelling, and it's wise to stop in each community and make sure the next one has fuel. The road can be rough enough to cause punctures, so reduce tyre pressures and take it slow to avoid buying the most expensive tyres imaginable in Yulara, NT.
Best bits
Having an entire outback campsite to yourself is incredible, and you'll get plenty of chances to enjoy that.There's also the reward of reaching Uluru to look forward to. But along the way, check out Gilles Weather Station, Adam Gormley's Inside Australia art exhibition on Lake Ballard, the old gaol and Cobb & Co coach house, and Explorers Hall of Fame at Laverton. You can also see local Indigenous art at the Tjulyuru Cultural Centre in Warburton or Warakurna Art Gallery. If it's rained recently, the outback is often awash with Sturt Desert Pea, too.
When to go
Rain can close the road or isolate communities, so check the weather before leaving. Summer's intense heat will also be hard to handle, so stick to the cooler winter months or travel in late autumn or early spring.
Be aware
Like many of WA's long-distance outback roads, the corrugations and rough surfaces can be hazardous. Reduce the tyre pressures in your four-wheel drive and caravan and slow down.
