The inland towns in WA are mostly ok Briche (non mining and not main tourist areas), if you have not been in WA before do it while you can.
There are still some free camps around and definitely down south and across the top of WA towards Katherine. About a year ago I free camped all the way from Darwin via Katherine to Broome and my first caravan park was at the Roebuck Road House just outside of Broome.
Despite what some say, WA is no better or worse than some of the eastern states as far as cp prices go. Please read Yeoeleven's blog as he did a thorough trip in the South West using mainly free or low cost camps, his blog is below his signature and on his profile.
I would say while you are in reasonable health and able to do it, do it now.
Barrie, don't hurry down south too quick at the moment, the weather is atrocious, hopefully September will be a bit better but you still can get some heavy showers, a bit unpredictable to they way it was years ago. I would try to stay at Carnarvon and above until at least mid September if possible.
PS: Avoid CP's during school and public holidays in WA along the coast if possible, higher prices and a lot booked out.
-- Edited by Duh on Friday 30th of August 2013 11:12:32 PM
briche said
05:52 AM Aug 31, 2013
Just been reading some posts about costs in WA. We are intending to go to there next year for a two years. The first year will be across the Nullarbor and then down into the south west and then up under Perth. The second year will be above Perth and up to Broome and beyond. That is a very loose plan at this stage.
From what I read it appears that the first year should be not so bad for costs, etc especially as we free camp a lot but if the comments are anything to go by we might be up for a lot more $ in the second year as we travel up the west coast.
Therefore what are people's thoughts about travel in WA. I realise that things are going to change as the mining boom slows down but I really don't know much about WA so I would appreciate your thoughts and comments as we will be starting to do the planning thing in the next few months.
I realise this may grow into a large post as comments are put up but being forewarned is forearmed. If you feel happier to PM your comments that would be good as well.
Thank you one and all in advance.
briche
barrie said
05:55 AM Aug 31, 2013
My view is that your first year will be more costly as ther are few free camps down south, we have just done both and are heading back down now
pambaz said
10:29 AM Aug 31, 2013
WA is a beautiful state and not to be missed. We have been twice and plan to go back again next year to do the Gibb River Road.this year we concentrated on the south west and its beautiful. The first time we spent 3 months doing WA and still missed a lot hence the trip back this year.
In the south west we mainly stayed in CP's and National Parks. It isn't anymore expensive than the eastern states especially in peak times which you will run into. Some parks are a bit high in price but you will know what you want and afford.
Just book early. National parks are usually pretty good and they have the camp hosts. We found the further north we went the more expensive it became and that's because it's seasonal and the distance.
As you travel further north you have many free camps to choose from as the distances become very long between towns. Lots of caravans on the road and the main roads in WA are very good.
I so envy you doing it in 2 yrs. but do it while you can .
Don't miss Kalbarri and Karijinni National park.
We found Broome very expensive and very crowded but still enjoyed it.
Loved the Nullabor but after three times we are a bit over it. Lots of great free camps along there.
Just remember its hot and very wet up north in the summer.
Have a wonderful time
Pam
-- Edited by pambaz on Saturday 31st of August 2013 11:26:44 AM
GaryKelly said
03:52 PM Aug 31, 2013
When in doubt, ask Vic.
barrie said
04:04 PM Aug 31, 2013
Vic what does the word HURRY mean .lol
Duh said
04:21 PM Aug 31, 2013
Briche, this is a short trip I did in my Outlander using my rear end tent in January 2013, it is not the only one I did down there but may give you some idea;
Left Perth on 22nd January , arrived Denmark late afternoon and stayed at the Rivermouth caravan park, despite being school holidays the owner gave me an unpowered site for one person for $15 for the night.
Next day stayed at a rellies overnight for free and the next day went onto Shelley Beach (near Cosy Corner, off Denmark Lower Road). Had a look at Cosy Corner first and it was packed solid, assume because of the free camping. There is a charge for Shelley Beach but the Rangers were on strike for higher pay, so my overnighter there didnt cost me a cent. The next day being the Australia Day weekend, a hang glider club arrived to camp over the long weekend to use the surrounding hills which have a couple of launch pads on top. There is only one long drop unisex toilet for everyone to use and coupled with the noisy crowd decided to move on.
By passed Albany (have been there a number of times) my next overnight stop was a free camp just off the highway near the Palling River, no toilets etc but a lovely spot right on the river. The next day drove down to Bremer Bay and enquired at Bremer Bay Caravan Park who wanted $40 a night for a one person tent site (without power) being school holidays. (as a matter of interest a fellow solo tenter I bumped into said that an Albany CP wanted to charge him $42 for an unpowered tent site due to the school holiday prices which like me he declined).
After stocking up at the local IGA and a free luke warm (not cold) shower at the Bremer Bay Beach ablution block I drove into Fitzgerald National Park and stayed at Quaalup Homestead ( http://www.whalesandwildflowers.com.au/quaaluphomestead.htm ), where I had a shady non powered camping spot for $12 for the night. A very nice bushwalk including some flowering shrubs and a real gravesite at the edge of the track was had also. Tank drinking water only and bore hot showers/ toilets etc. Road in is mostly gravel with some corrugations in parts.
Next day I travelled on and after a visit to Hopetoun, drove on and stayed at the free camp at the Munglinup Roadhouse, brick ablution flush toilets which are free, but a small $2 donation for the local fire brigade at the Roadhouse gives you a key for the shower in the same block, which has nice hot showers for those who want one.
Next day I drove to Esperance and stayed at the Bushlands Caravan Park (recommended by Yeoeleven) for $12.50 a non powered tent site for two nights. Drinking water is tank only nice hot showers (bore water) and a great campers kitchen including all the usual kitchen appliances and TV .
While there I was offered a cabin with ensuite for $50 per night for 6 nights with 7th night free (average $43 a night) so booked that for my return as I was going to camp at Cape Le Grand for a couple of days, I had an annual WA National Park pass so the cost for two nights was $6 per night pensioner rate. I managed to get a good spot (first in, first served, limited spaces) near the toilets and showers. "
After two nights, I left the Cape Le Grand campsite and drove to Lucky Bay Campsite to take some photos and visit Captain Flinders monument after having breakfast at the beach picnic area. I also visited Thistle Cove (this is where the "Whistling Rock" is located, a rock shaped like a wave facing the ocean which gives off the sounds of the breaking waves and wind similar to a shell) and also Hellfire Bay and Frenchmans peak before returning to Esperance.
On my return to the Bushlands caravan park and my cabin for the next week (whoopee, fridge, microwave, convection oven etc and sharing with two resident lake lizards who were reluctant to leave, I generally took in the local scene, including visiting the local beaches and the town jetty where the resident sea lion shades himself on the beach under the jetty, and on the day I visited the jetty the Lions Club had a stall and were giving out free sausage rolls complete with onions and sauce/mustard etc. Being a Sunday, there was a local market going on also in the grounds near the Tourist Bureau. The Pink Lake had only patches that were pink, I was told by a local that it was because of salt pan mining that was going on at the lake which had changed things somewhat.
I also decided to visit the town cinema and saw Zero Dark Thirty, about the search for and death of Osama Bin Laden, a very good movie. The Bushland Caravan Park is in a large area what they call Pink Lakes and while there they had a large bush fire which burnt out one home and did other damage in the area generally. The local fire brigade did an excellent job of containing the fire and saving a number of homes. Due to the wind direction the caravan park was not threatened and we did not have to evacuate before the fire was brought under control.
One family who had to evacuate their rural property were given an onsite caravan next to my cabin which had a small fence around it, to house them and their five dogs they had to bring from the property. Several horses on the property could not be moved in time so gates were left open for them to escape if the fire reached their home. Fortunately for them, other than fences and power lines being destroyed, the fire vollies were able to save their home and shed and they returned the next day when given the all clear.
When it was time to leave my cabin and resident lizards, I decided to take a route home via Ravensthorpe, Lake King, Hyden (Wave Rock area) , Corrigin, York etc and other than checking out some free camps along the way, arrived back in Perth the same night, a distance of 700 kms. A very satisfying getaway, despite school holidays being on in the earlier part of my trip.
Barrie...."HURRY".......Apologies for "swearing" LOL !
herbie said
07:52 PM Aug 31, 2013
WA is a great state,well worth the visit but be fore warned you probably will never want to leave it once you experience it...Yep up north it can get expensive in certain places but no more than in QLD.
And there are some magic free/low cost camp overs.
The main h/ ways are better than all the other states (condition wise )
My advice to anyone heading that way is to cover an area slowly and just enjoy what WA has to offer.
I also recon the coast line in WA is about the best you will find any where in Oz.
We have done from Ceduna to Darwin and in the nine months only had to stay in c/van parks a few times due to the low/free camps along the way,some times these low cost camps (around Denham World Heritage area )
are right on the coast and for a few $ you have million dollar views ...Not many other states offer you that kind of value.
Duh said
09:21 PM Aug 31, 2013
Thanks Bryan,
Parry's Beach is a favourite of mine and fishermen, low cost council park;
-- Edited by Duh on Saturday 31st of August 2013 09:22:09 PM
-- Edited by Duh on Saturday 31st of August 2013 09:28:39 PM
Although I've travelled WA quite a lot, it's always been rushing from one fishing spot to another and not seeing a lot. Fishing is still my passion but I'm determined to slow down and actually SEE the beautiful countryside I'm driving through.
yeoeleven said
10:10 AM Sep 1, 2013
Vic,
thanks your posts have just taken me back to relive my times in WA especially those in your company. The photos bring it all back, I had a great time and recommend anyone who can to visit the places Vic mentioned jn the south of WA. John
Duh said
05:47 PM Sep 1, 2013
It was a good time John, I still chuckle when I remember that young Korean girl at Cosy Corner who had a black belt in one of the martial arts showing us her moves, that was so funny.
Hope it is ok to post one of your pic's of Parrys Beach from when you were there of one of the friendly Tiger snakes.
Briche, see John's blog link under his sig, also tells the story of the snake at Parry's beach toilet/shower block...
Thank you one and all for your input into our plans. Your comments will be factored into our preparation so we are able to enjoy the journey like you guys did.
We will keep you with our plans as we get closer to heading off
Brian and Cheryl
Dunmowin said
05:08 AM Sep 3, 2013
Brian & Cheryl, Our plans for WA are much the same as yours, we are just 12 months ahead. We arrived in WA just before Easter this year, and plan to spend most of the rest of the year in the South West of WA. We spent time in Kalgoorlie, a month in Esperance, before heading to Perth so I could fly home in time for mothers day. Back to Denmark where we spent two months, and now in Mundijong for another two months. We find positions where we can either house sit or get free rent/power/water in return for a few chores, weeding, mowing etc. While in an area, we are then able to expand our travels, leaving the van in a secure environment, and really explore the area. When we leave our current abode we are heading back towards Esperance for work (paid) with CBH for the 2013 grain harvest. Next year, our plan it to travel north, do the Gibb River Road in May or June, before heading towards Darwin for their winter (we have had two southern winters since being on the road, want a warm one next).
It is a good lifestyle, if that is what you want to do. You must realise that you cannot drive everyday. and by doing what we do, at least you save on fuel and accommodation costs, for a little work in return. If you want any more info, don't hesitate to PM
Mark said
05:45 AM Sep 3, 2013
Completely in agreement with you Dunmowin.
A great life to be had and as I was told when we started travelling, "don't be greedy" it's amazing what you can get out of a small job for free.
The inland towns in WA are mostly ok Briche (non mining and not main tourist areas), if you have not been in WA before do it while you can.
There are still some free camps around and definitely down south and across the top of WA towards Katherine. About a year ago I free camped all the way from Darwin via Katherine to Broome and my first caravan park was at the Roebuck Road House just outside of Broome.
Despite what some say, WA is no better or worse than some of the eastern states as far as cp prices go. Please read Yeoeleven's blog as he did a thorough trip in the South West using mainly free or low cost camps, his blog is below his signature and on his profile.
I would say while you are in reasonable health and able to do it, do it now.
Barrie, don't hurry down south too quick at the moment, the weather is atrocious, hopefully September will be a bit better but you still can get some heavy showers, a bit unpredictable to they way it was years ago. I would try to stay at Carnarvon and above until at least mid September if possible.
PS: Avoid CP's during school and public holidays in WA along the coast if possible, higher prices and a lot booked out.
-- Edited by Duh on Friday 30th of August 2013 11:12:32 PM
Just been reading some posts about costs in WA. We are intending to go to there next year for a two years. The first year will be across the Nullarbor and then down into the south west and then up under Perth. The second year will be above Perth and up to Broome and beyond. That is a very loose plan at this stage.
From what I read it appears that the first year should be not so bad for costs, etc especially as we free camp a lot but if the comments are anything to go by we might be up for a lot more $ in the second year as we travel up the west coast.
Therefore what are people's thoughts about travel in WA. I realise that things are going to change as the mining boom slows down but I really don't know much about WA so I would appreciate your thoughts and comments as we will be starting to do the planning thing in the next few months.
I realise this may grow into a large post as comments are put up but being forewarned is forearmed. If you feel happier to PM your comments that would be good as well.
Thank you one and all in advance.
briche
In the south west we mainly stayed in CP's and National Parks. It isn't anymore expensive than the eastern states especially in peak times which you will run into. Some parks are a bit high in price but you will know what you want and afford.
Just book early. National parks are usually pretty good and they have the camp hosts. We found the further north we went the more expensive it became and that's because it's seasonal and the distance.
As you travel further north you have many free camps to choose from as the distances become very long between towns. Lots of caravans on the road and the main roads in WA are very good.
I so envy you doing it in 2 yrs. but do it while you can .
Don't miss Kalbarri and Karijinni National park.
We found Broome very expensive and very crowded but still enjoyed it.
Loved the Nullabor but after three times we are a bit over it. Lots of great free camps along there.
Just remember its hot and very wet up north in the summer.
Have a wonderful time
Pam
-- Edited by pambaz on Saturday 31st of August 2013 11:26:44 AM
Briche, this is a short trip I did in my Outlander using my rear end tent in January 2013, it is not the only one I did down there but may give you some idea;
Left Perth on 22nd January , arrived Denmark late afternoon and stayed at the Rivermouth caravan park, despite being school holidays the owner gave me an unpowered site for one person for $15 for the night.
Next day stayed at a rellies overnight for free and the next day went onto Shelley Beach (near Cosy Corner, off Denmark Lower Road). Had a look at Cosy Corner first and it was packed solid, assume because of the free camping. There is a charge for Shelley Beach but the Rangers were on strike for higher pay, so my overnighter there didnt cost me a cent. The next day being the Australia Day weekend, a hang glider club arrived to camp over the long weekend to use the surrounding hills which have a couple of launch pads on top. There is only one long drop unisex toilet for everyone to use and coupled with the noisy crowd decided to move on.
By passed Albany (have been there a number of times) my next overnight stop was a free camp just off the highway near the Palling River, no toilets etc but a lovely spot right on the river. The next day drove down to Bremer Bay and enquired at Bremer Bay Caravan Park who wanted $40 a night for a one person tent site (without power) being school holidays. (as a matter of interest a fellow solo tenter I bumped into said that an Albany CP wanted to charge him $42 for an unpowered tent site due to the school holiday prices which like me he declined).
After stocking up at the local IGA and a free luke warm (not cold) shower at the Bremer Bay Beach ablution block I drove into Fitzgerald National Park and stayed at Quaalup Homestead ( http://www.whalesandwildflowers.com.au/quaaluphomestead.htm ), where I had a shady non powered camping spot for $12 for the night. A very nice bushwalk including some flowering shrubs and a real gravesite at the edge of the track was had also. Tank drinking water only and bore hot showers/ toilets etc. Road in is mostly gravel with some corrugations in parts.
Next day I travelled on and after a visit to Hopetoun, drove on and stayed at the free camp at the Munglinup Roadhouse, brick ablution flush toilets which are free, but a small $2 donation for the local fire brigade at the Roadhouse gives you a key for the shower in the same block, which has nice hot showers for those who want one.
Next day I drove to Esperance and stayed at the Bushlands Caravan Park (recommended by Yeoeleven) for $12.50 a non powered tent site for two nights. Drinking water is tank only nice hot showers (bore water) and a great campers kitchen including all the usual kitchen appliances and TV .
While there I was offered a cabin with ensuite for $50 per night for 6 nights with 7th night free (average $43 a night) so booked that for my return as I was going to camp at Cape Le Grand for a couple of days, I had an annual WA National Park pass so the cost for two nights was $6 per night pensioner rate. I managed to get a good spot (first in, first served, limited spaces) near the toilets and showers. "
After two nights, I left the Cape Le Grand campsite and drove to Lucky Bay Campsite to take some photos and visit Captain Flinders monument after having breakfast at the beach picnic area. I also visited Thistle Cove (this is where the "Whistling Rock" is located, a rock shaped like a wave facing the ocean which gives off the sounds of the breaking waves and wind similar to a shell) and also Hellfire Bay and Frenchmans peak before returning to Esperance.
On my return to the Bushlands caravan park and my cabin for the next week (whoopee, fridge, microwave, convection oven etc and sharing with two resident lake lizards who were reluctant to leave, I generally took in the local scene, including visiting the local beaches and the town jetty where the resident sea lion shades himself on the beach under the jetty, and on the day I visited the jetty the Lions Club had a stall and were giving out free sausage rolls complete with onions and sauce/mustard etc. Being a Sunday, there was a local market going on also in the grounds near the Tourist Bureau. The Pink Lake had only patches that were pink, I was told by a local that it was because of salt pan mining that was going on at the lake which had changed things somewhat.
I also decided to visit the town cinema and saw Zero Dark Thirty, about the search for and death of Osama Bin Laden, a very good movie. The Bushland Caravan Park is in a large area what they call Pink Lakes and while there they had a large bush fire which burnt out one home and did other damage in the area generally. The local fire brigade did an excellent job of containing the fire and saving a number of homes. Due to the wind direction the caravan park was not threatened and we did not have to evacuate before the fire was brought under control.
One family who had to evacuate their rural property were given an onsite caravan next to my cabin which had a small fence around it, to house them and their five dogs they had to bring from the property. Several horses on the property could not be moved in time so gates were left open for them to escape if the fire reached their home. Fortunately for them, other than fences and power lines being destroyed, the fire vollies were able to save their home and shed and they returned the next day when given the all clear.
When it was time to leave my cabin and resident lizards, I decided to take a route home via Ravensthorpe, Lake King, Hyden (Wave Rock area) , Corrigin, York etc and other than checking out some free camps along the way, arrived back in Perth the same night, a distance of 700 kms. A very satisfying getaway, despite school holidays being on in the earlier part of my trip.
......................................................................................................................
-- Edited by Duh on Saturday 31st of August 2013 04:25:49 PM
Like Shultz Gary....."I know nothing"
Barrie...."HURRY".......Apologies for "swearing" LOL !
WA is a great state,well worth the visit but be fore warned you probably will never want to leave it once you experience it...Yep up north it can get expensive in certain places but no more than in QLD.
And there are some magic free/low cost camp overs.
The main h/ ways are better than all the other states (condition wise )
My advice to anyone heading that way is to cover an area slowly and just enjoy what WA has to offer.
I also recon the coast line in WA is about the best you will find any where in Oz.
We have done from Ceduna to Darwin and in the nine months only had to stay in c/van parks a few times due to the low/free camps along the way,some times these low cost camps (around Denham World Heritage area )
are right on the coast and for a few $ you have million dollar views ...Not many other states offer you that kind of value.
Parry's Beach is a favourite of mine and fishermen, low cost council park;
-- Edited by Duh on Saturday 31st of August 2013 09:22:09 PM
-- Edited by Duh on Saturday 31st of August 2013 09:28:39 PM
Although I've travelled WA quite a lot, it's always been rushing from one fishing spot to another and not seeing a lot. Fishing is still my passion but I'm determined to slow down and actually SEE the beautiful countryside I'm driving through.
Vic,
thanks your posts have just taken me back to relive my times in WA especially those in your company. The photos bring it all back, I had a great time and recommend anyone who can to visit the places Vic mentioned jn the south of WA. John
It was a good time John, I still chuckle when I remember that young Korean girl at Cosy Corner who had a black belt in one of the martial arts showing us her moves, that was so funny.
Hope it is ok to post one of your pic's of Parrys Beach from when you were there of one of the friendly Tiger snakes.
Briche, see John's blog link under his sig, also tells the story of the snake at Parry's beach toilet/shower block...
Thank you one and all for your input into our plans. Your comments will be factored into our preparation so we are able to enjoy the journey like you guys did.
We will keep you with our plans as we get closer to heading off
Brian and Cheryl
Brian & Cheryl, Our plans for WA are much the same as yours, we are just 12 months ahead. We arrived in WA just before Easter this year, and plan to spend most of the rest of the year in the South West of WA. We spent time in Kalgoorlie, a month in Esperance, before heading to Perth so I could fly home in time for mothers day. Back to Denmark where we spent two months, and now in Mundijong for another two months. We find positions where we can either house sit or get free rent/power/water in return for a few chores, weeding, mowing etc. While in an area, we are then able to expand our travels, leaving the van in a secure environment, and really explore the area. When we leave our current abode we are heading back towards Esperance for work (paid) with CBH for the 2013 grain harvest. Next year, our plan it to travel north, do the Gibb River Road in May or June, before heading towards Darwin for their winter (we have had two southern winters since being on the road, want a warm one next).
It is a good lifestyle, if that is what you want to do. You must realise that you cannot drive everyday. and by doing what we do, at least you save on fuel and accommodation costs, for a little work in return. If you want any more info, don't hesitate to PM
Completely in agreement with you Dunmowin.
A great life to be had and as I was told when we started travelling, "don't be greedy" it's amazing what you can get out of a small job for free.
Happy travels
Mark