If you’ve just crossed the Nullarbor from South Australia, welcome to the “State of Excitement.” Western Australia (WA) is so vast that it effectively has two different climates happening at once. You are either heading north to the Gorges or south to the Tall Timbers.
Because of the sheer scale and remoteness, WA is the true test of your rig. In 2026, the rules for booking and biosecurity have tightened, so here is the “No-Nonsense” intel you need to stay on the right side of the rangers.
- Monthly Block Releases: Bookings now open at 10am (AWST) on the first Tuesday of each month for blocks six months in advance.
- The “Queue” is Real: Expect to be placed in a digital waiting room. Ensure your internet is stable—this is where your Starlink for Caravans Australia setup pays for itself.
- Other Parks: Most of WA still uses the standard 180-day rolling window, but more Gascoyne sites (like Francois Peron) have moved to the online system. No more “showing up and hoping” for the best spots.
2. Biosecurity: The "Island" Mentality
- The Honey Ban: Unlike other states, private honey is strictly prohibited. Even a sealed jar of Kangaroo Island honey will be confiscated.
- Fresh Produce: No fresh fruit or veg (with very few exceptions like peeled onions or carrots). If you’ve just restocked in SA, eat it or bin it before the checkpoint.
- Clean Your Rig: They aren’t just looking for fruit; they’re looking for dirt. Ensure your van’s undercarriage is free of mud and weed seeds from the eastern states.
3. Climate: Chasing the Dry or the Wildflowers
- The North (May–August): This is “The Dry.” Perfect for the Kimberley and the Pilbara. If you head up here in January, you’ll be dealing with cyclones and closed roads.
- The South (September–November): Wildflower season. The trek from Perth to Esperance is world-class during these months.
- The “WA Fly”: From September to March, the inland flies are relentless. Don’t be too proud to wear a head net; you’ll see every local wearing one.
4. Tech: Staying Connected in the "Big Empty"
- Starlink Mini Mount: Perfect for the coastal run. You can pull into a rest area, click the dish into place, and have high-speed weather updates in minutes.
- Apps for Finding Campsites: Wikicamps is the “Bible” here. It’s essential for finding dump points near me when you’re 500km from the nearest major town.
5. Best Dog-Friendly Camps (Beyond the National Parks)
- Sandy Cape Recreation Park: A fantastic spot north of Jurien Bay. It’s a bit of a bumpy track, so check your caravan sway control before heading in.
- Ellendale Pool: Near Geraldton, this stunning waterhole allows dogs on leads and offers incredible ochre cliffs as a backdrop. Mary Pool: The legendary Kimberley free camp. It’s a massive, flat area right by the river where pups can stretch their legs after a long day on the Great Northern Highway.
6. Logistics: Fuel and Water
- Big Lap Budget: Fuel prices in places like Exmouth or Broome can be 50c to $1 higher per litre than in Perth. Factor this into your 2026 planning.
- Water: Many free camping Australia spots in WA have zero water. You must be 100% self-contained, meaning you carry enough fresh water for your stay and take all your “grey” and “black” water with you.
PRO TIP
Western Australia is the ultimate endurance test for your setup. With stretches of road exceeding 500km and relentless coastal winds, your rig’s wheel bearings, tires, and hitch assembly are under constant stress. A mechanical failure in the Kimberley or the Pilbara isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a massive logistical challenge. Before you commit to the “Big Empty,” visit Caravan and Camper Repairs for a comprehensive service. Ensuring your seals are tight and your suspension is tuned for the corrugations is the best insurance you can have for a stress-free WA adventure.
