Explore Three of the Best National Parks in Western Australia
Nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, listen up! Western Australia is home to some of the most stunning national parks on the planet, from gorgeous coastlines to towering cliffs and unique landscapes that are begging to be explored. As a seasoned traveller and avid adventurer, I've had the privilege of exploring countless natural marvels around the world, but Western Australia remains one of my absolute favourite destinations. In this blog post, I'll be sharing my top three national parks in Western Australia that every adventurer should visit at least once. Get ready to be inspired!
Exploring Karijini National Park
Welcome to Karijini National Park – the second largest park in Western Australia, nestled in the heart of the Pilbara region. Get ready for breathtaking hikes and unique scenery that can't be found anywhere else.
Natural rainbows 📍Hamersley Gorge. Photo by @the.gregory.project
Explore Dales Gorge, Hancock Gorge, and Weano Gorge, each offering its own unforgettable experience. Swim in emerald pools and beneath red earth mountains at Fern Pool and Fortescue Falls. For the adventurous hiker, tackle the challenging hikes, cliffs, and chasms of Weano Gorge. Don't miss out on the thrilling spider walk through Hancock Gorge, leading to Kermits Pool. And for a more laid-back walk, enjoy Kalamina Gorge and Knox Gorge Lookout, offering magnificent views of the rugged valley below.
When packing for your adventure, keep in mind that temperatures can get hot during the day. Stock up on water, sunscreen, and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes to navigate the terrain.
During our stay, we camped at the Overflow for two nights near Dales Gorge, then moved to the free camp at Mt Bruce Central Bush Camp. Finally, we ended up at Tiger Eye Pool/Creek free camp, making it easy to explore Hamersley Gorge and take a Tom Price mine tour. We learned that it's best to free camp throughout the park as attractions are spread out due to its size.
Wading through📍 Hancock Gorg. Photo by @the.gregory.project
Before hitting Exmouth, make sure to stop in Tom Price for restocking, dumping, and filling up on water. Plus, it's the last Coles around, so stock up on water for your Ningaloo adventures which is much cheaper than in Exmouth.
We camped at:
🏕 Overflow (2 nights) $
🏕 Mt Bruce Central Bush Camp (1 night) free
🏕 Tiger Eye Pool/Creek (2 nights) free
Highlights:
🦎Fern Pool, Dales Gorge
🦎Fortescue Falls, Dales Gorge
🦎Kalamina Gorge
🦎Knox Gorge Lookout
🦎Hancock Gorge
🦎Oxer Lookout
🦎Hamersley Gorge and Spa Pool
Full Moon Rising, 📍Osprey Campground. Photo by @the.gregory.project
Exploring Cape Range National Park, Exmouth
Bec’s Ningaloo Reef 🪸 Whale Shark Encounter with @ningaloodiscovery
Experience the turquoise waters of Western Australia in all their glory at Cape Range National Park. Situated in the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage area, this destination is one-of-a-kind. With plenty of beautiful campgrounds to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice. But remember to pre-plan and book in advance, because this is a spot that attracts visitors from all over the world.
During your stay, don't miss out on the incredible snorkelling opportunities with the sea turtles, abundant coral reefs and friendly whale sharks. There's also nothing quite like lounging on the pristine beaches, taking in the stunning views.
We've spent a considerable amount of time at Cape Range National Park, and we can vouch for its beauty and adventure. Here are some of the highlights of our trip:
Highlights:
🐢Swimming with the Sea Turtles at Osprey Bay campground
🐢Snorkelling at Turquoise Bay
🐢Snorkelling at Oyster Stacks
🐢Swimming with the Whale Sharks with Ningaloo Discovery
We camped at:
🏕 Osprey Bay Campground (3 nights)
🏕 South Lefroy (3 nights)
🏕 Winderabandi Point (7 nights)
🏕 RAC Exmouth (7 nights)
Exploring Cape Le Grand National Park
Are you ready for a breath-taking adventure in Western Australia's south coast? Look no further than Cape Le Grand National Park. This stunning park boasts some of the world's most beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, not to mention the friendly kangaroos that call this area home.
📍Lucky Bay Campground. Photo by @from_somewhere_someday
Don't miss a chance to park your caravan at Lucky Bay campground, voted the best beach in the world. This popular destination offers top-notch amenities, including hot showers and flushing toilets (the best we've seen in any national park). But book early as spots fill up fast!
Lucky Bay isn't just for relaxing. Swim, snorkel, and fish in the pristine waters, or try bodyboarding and kayaking to really make some waves. Keep an eye out for the resident kangaroos, who stroll through the campground every day.
Feeling adventurous? Take on the challenging hike to the summit of Frenchman’s Peak for breathtaking views of the park. Sturdy shoes and plenty of water are a must, but the view from the top is worth the effort.
📍Frenchman’s peak. Photo by @murraysgoround
If you have time to explore more beaches, don't miss Hellfire Bay and Whartons Beach. Hellfire Bay's unique red sand beach is perfect for swimming and surfing.
We camped at:
🏕 Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park (7 nights)
Highlights:
🦘 Spending the day at Lucky Bay, swimming, 4x4ing, fishing, boogie boarding
🦘 Whartons Beach
🦘 Hellfire Bay
🦘 Frenchman’s peak
🦘 Lucky Bay Lookout
Conclusion:
What an adventure Western Australia's national parks have been. From the spectacular views that exist at Karijini National Park, to Cape Range's National Park beaches and sea life, to the breathtaking coastal walks at Cape Le Grand National Park - there truly is something for everyone. Whether you're a nature lover or looking for a bit of adventure, you won't be disappointed after exploring these national parks in all their beauty and wonder. So why not get out there today and unleash your inner explorer? But the question remains - which is your favourite?