Best van-friendly national parks in southern WA

As the country's most vast state, Western Australia offers many natural attractions for exploring. The southern part of the state will consistently take your breath away. There is so much to see, from pristine white sandy beaches to luscious woodlands full of native birds - and there is a good chance you'll have these places all to yourself, apart from a few kangaroos.

It's easy to be overwhelmed, especially when looking for accessible spots with a caravan, which is why we're sharing three of the best van-friendly national parks in southern WA. Learn about the parks, what they offer, and details on the camping available for your adventure.

1. Cape Le Grand National Park, Esperance

Squeaky sand, turquoise water, and sun-basking kangaroos.

Why you should go and what to do

Easily the most renowned park in southern WA, Cape Le Grand National Park is a dreamy paradise. Situated in the Goldfields-Esperance region, this scenic coastland is perfect for beach lovers and trail walkers. Spend your days lounging on the perfect white sand beaches where the water shines in turquoise hues. You can hang out with the local kangaroos, swim, snorkel, kayak, fish, and more in the park.

The Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail is a beautiful 17km walk through the lively bushland that crosses onto the beach and has plenty of "omg" coastal viewpoints for those looking to stretch their legs. Climb up Frenchman's Peak for the park's best views, but heads up, this is a steep 3km return hike for experienced hikers.

Hellfire and Lucky Bay are the famous, must-see beaches, but there are plenty more to explore. If your campervan is 4x4, take it for a wild ride through the dunes catching remarkable sunrises and sunsets.

When to go

In all honesty, there is rarely a wrong time to visit Cape Le Grande, thanks to its Mediterranean-like climate. If you're looking for quieter times, avoid Christmas and school holidays. Spring is magnificent, with wildflowers blooming in every direction. The summer is hot, but the days are long, with sunrise before 5 am and sunset after 7 pm. Expect more humid days in winter, with the chance of rain and thunderstorms more common in July and August. The nights are much cooler as well.

Where to camp

This NP is about a 40-minute drive from the town of Esperance. It costs between $8 to $15 to enter and has epic options for parking up your caravan. Le Grand Beach and Lucky Bay are the two main campgrounds. They each have gas BBQs, picnic tables, toilets, and water. Each costs $15 per adult per night and $3 per child over the age of 5. All rubbish must leave with you. Wake up with fresh coffee from the Lucky Bean van at Lucky Bay, but with fair warning; this spot is better for 4x4 drive vehicles. Otherwise, Le Grand Beach is super accessible for all vehicles.

Tip: Due to the popularity of this National Park, it's best to pre-book your camp spots.

2. Nambung National Park

Otherworldly rock formations, desert discoveries, and beaches to boot.

Why you should go and what to do

Feel like you're on another planet with a road trip out to Nambung National Park. Located two hours north of Perth via the Coral Coast, this seaside desert phenomenon is worth a few days of exploring. Stretching across 193 sq km, you will find the beaches and the Pinnacles Desert. Hangover Bay and Kangaroo Point are must-sees on the coastline. You'll discover dunes with flora that blooms in gorgeous colours in springtime. We highly recommend getting into the water for a swim and snorkel thanks to the protected Jurien Bay Marine Park, where dolphins and humpback whales visit throughout the year. Boating and fishing are popular outings, plus windsurfing and surfing are possible here!

The desert section has the modern Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre, where you can learn about the centuries of rock formations and the region's national heritage. An easy walk to the Pinnacles Lookout Point is a great way to see these otherworldly rocks that seem to grow out of the ground.

When to go

Nambung is open all year long - in the heat of the summer temperatures, it may get uncomfortable in the middle of the day. August to October is a favourite time due to the wildflower blooms, and the weather is milder than the rest of the year. Staying for a desert sunset is a must, but the park closes at 9 pm.

Where to camp

While you can't camp in this National Park, you can park near it. Pop into Cervantes, a small town north of the park with a few camping options, including the RAC Cervantes Holiday Park, with an on-site pool, a playground, a game room, and more. If you want to stay near Jurien Bay, Sandy Cape Recreation Park is your place. Accessible for all types of vehicles, this campground has all the basics (cold showers only/no power) and backs onto the bay's turquoise waters. Pay around $20 per night and bring your own water.

Pay $15 per vehicle to enter Nambung National Park.

3. Stirling Range National Park

Rugged mountains, cool weather, and endless bushwalks.

Why you should go and what to do

Head for the mountains if you'd like to escape to lush, green ranges. It's the only mountain range in the southern WA region. Over 1,500 species thrive in this unique environment. Stirling Range National Park is another excellent option for your caravan trip if you enjoy cliff faces, bushwalking, and lively woodlands. It's also a great place to escape the hotter months with shady campgrounds and more chances for cloudy days.

Bushwalking is the main attraction in this park. Steep trails are typical, so always check the difficulty level and the weather before setting out. You'll need layers and possibly rain gear for exploring this park. But if you aren't a fan of hiking, you can stay in your campervan and cruise the Stirling Range Drive, a 42km scenic drive with stopping points for epic lookouts featuring the rugged ranges. Check out Bluff Knoll, Mt Trio, and Mt Magog, each offering sweeping views of the region.

When to go

This is another park that is wonderful to visit all year round. Snow is sometimes on the radar, which is rare for the southern WA region. You can expect winter to be the coldest with temps hanging around freezing level. Spring is full of color and wildflower blooms, and autumn is perfect if you are looking for milder weather. Both seasons are less busy with tourists.

Where to camp

Choose from three camping locations in Stirling Range National Park. Moingup Spring is a basic campground surrounded by native bush in the middle of the park for $15 a night per person ($3 for kiddos). Stirling Range Retreat, Mt Trio Bush Camping, and Caravan Park are situated on the park's northern side. The expansive retreat sits near Bluff Knoll and has swimming pools, a play area for the young ones, and a big camp kitchen for $16 (non-powered) and $36 (powered) a night. Toast marshmallows and warm up around the log fire at Mt Trio, a large bush campground amongst a working farm, for $16 per adult per night ($10 per child).

Start setting your course for a cararvan journey you won't forget across the southern region of WA.

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