Best national parks near Perth to explore on your road trip

But first, what’s the best way to explore the national parks near Perth

With some of WA’s best national parks within a few hours’ drive of Perth, there really is no better way to explore them than with a Britz campervan hire. 

An Australian road trip by campervan is all about flexibility and spontaneity. Take your time. Stop in the places you enjoy. Meet and chat with other campervan travellers to hear about hidden gems you might otherwise miss. And best of all, enjoy all the benefits of having a comfy bed, private bathroom, and well-stocked kitchen on board. 

The weather in Perth

When you’re planning a visit to Perth, expect summer to be hot and dry with minimal rain. In fact, Perth is the sunniest capital in Australia – so be sure to pack plenty of sun protection. Winters are generally mild, although heavy downpours and thunderstorms are not unusual.  

You can generally expect temperatures of around:

Summer: 17.5 - 30°C

Autumn:  13.5 - 26°C

Winter:      8 - 19°C

Spring:      11.5 - 23°C

It’s best to check the Perth weather forecast before you visit a national park so that you can pack appropriately. Also worth noting that much of Western Australia is bushfire prone, so checking for updates and having a bushfire plan is important.

Entry fees for national parks near Perth

Most national parks require you to pay a vehicle entry fee. These fees help to contribute to vital park management, environmental protection, and the maintenance of visitor services and facilities. If you plan to visit multiple national parks, it’s a good idea to buy a park pass to save money and time.

Camping in national parks near Perth

There’s no better way to reconnect with nature than by camping in one of the incredible national parks near Perth. There are over 100 campgrounds in parks across Western Australia. Some have facilities such as rainwater tanks, flushing toilets, and showers. However, most have very basic facilities which means no power or running water. You may like to plan to spend a few nights at nearby holiday parks so that you can charge up your camper and make use of laundry facilities etc. 

Note, camping fees apply at most campgrounds and are charged ‘per person, per night’. You can pay these online at some campgrounds, while others will need to be paid in cash at the park.  

 

The best national parks near Perth

Ready to explore the great national parks near Perth? Here are our top picks: 

Nambung National Park

Driving distance from Perth: 2 hours, 10 minutes
The unique and diverse Nambung National Park is home to the famous Pinnacles Desert. Here, thousands of limestone pillars jut out of the desert sands. Looking like something from an alien landscape, the Pinnacles were formed by eroded seashells millions of years ago. Contrasting this dry and somewhat bizarre environment is a selection of white sandy beaches. One of the best-known is Hangover Bay where you can relax with a picnic or barbecue followed by a swim or surf. 

Looking for a great campsite nearby? Head to BIG4 Ledge Point Holiday Park.

 

John Forrest National Park

Driving distance from Perth: 30 minutes

One of Australia’s oldest conservation areas, John Forrest National Park was the first national park in Western Australia. Located in the Darling ranges, just a short 30-minute drive from Perth, this park is popular for cycling, bushwalking, and wildlife spotting. You won’t have to go too far to see native birds, kangaroos, and bandicoots. Visit in spring to see colourful wildflowers covering the landscape. A must-do, while you’re here, is a walk or cycle along the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail to the historic Swan View Tunnel. There are also some spectacular waterfalls to see along the way.

Park up your camper for the night at the BIG4 Perth Midland Tourist Park.

 

Serpentine National Park

Driving distance from Perth: 50 minutes

Keen to see stunning waterfalls and abundant wildlife? Serpentine National Park, located in the Darling Scarp, is the place to go. As you explore this 4300-hectare park, you’re likely to see up to 70 different species of birds including white-tailed and black cockatoos. One of the top natural attractions in Perth, this park is known for Serpentine Falls. The best time to see the falls is in autumn and winter when the falls are at their most magnificent. An easy 500-metre trail runs beside the Serpentine River, leading to the falls.

Just a few minutes’ drive from Serpentine Falls is the Tasman Holiday Parks campground. 

 

Yalgorup National Park

Driving distance from Perth: 1 hour, 20 mins 

Spanning 12,888 hectares, Yalgorup National Park stretches along a narrow coastal strip. This park is home to a chain of 10 lakes, with Lake Clifton and Lake Preston being the two main waterways. For a unique experience, head to Lake Clifton in March and April to see living thrombolites. These rock-like formations are built by living microorganisms that resemble the earliest forms of life on earth. Another must-do, while you’re here, is the Lake Preston trail. This 2 km walk runs around the edge of the lake and has a viewing platform to see some of the waterbirds that visit the area.

 Spend a night or two at Martins Tank Campground. Note, you’ll need to book ahead. This campsite has no drinking water or power. 

 

Walyunga National Park

Driving distance from Perth: 45 minutes 

The tranquil setting of Walyunga National Park makes for a popular road trip from Perth. The Swan River runs through this park, making it a popular spot for kayaking in winter. The park also has a rich history and one of the largest known Aboriginal campsites around Perth. Walk the Aboriginal Heritage Trail to learn more about the history of this peaceful spot.

Get back to nature with a stay at Walyunga Campground. Note, you’ll need to book ahead. This campsite has no drinking water or power.

 

Yanchep National Park

Driving distance from Perth: 45 minutes 

Less than an hour’s drive from Perth, Yanchep National Park is packed full of adventure and discovery. Spend the morning spotting koalas and kangaroos along one of the park’s many walking trails. Enjoy a lunchtime treat at Chocolate Drops Kiosk or a picnic beside the lake. And if you’re keen to go exploring, wander the Ghost House Ruins or go underground into the Crystal Cave. While you’re here, you can also learn more about the history and culture of the Noongar people on an Aboriginal Experience tour.

Park your campervan up nearby at the Henry White Oval Campground. Note, you’ll need to book ahead. This campsite has no drinking water or power. 

 

Kalamunda National Park

Driving distance from Perth: 40 minutes 

If you’re keen to experience some excellent walking tracks close to Perth, head to Kalamunda National Park. Choose from a great range of trails including the 5 km Rocky Pool Walk. This loop walk leads to the picturesque Rocky Pool and offers some spectacular views.  Another top walk is the Bibbulmun Track. This track is one of the world’s great long-distance walks, stretching 1000 km all the way to Albany. Of course, we suggest opting for a smaller section – there are plenty to choose from. 

Tired feet? Put them up for the night at the Banksia Tourist Park. Located in a bush setting, this family-friendly campground has all the must-have facilities including a swimming pool, recreation room, playground, and a café-style camp kitchen. 

Check out Perth’s national parks with Britz

Relax and enjoy nature, discover unique landscapes, explore the culture and heritage that awaits in the national parks of Perth. We hope you’re inspired to add some of these awesome national parks to your travel itinerary.  

A Britz campervan hire lets you immerse yourself in the rugged beauty, take in incredible sights, and meet our amazing wildlife, all while enjoying the comfort and freedom of a campervan.

At Britz, we have a wide range of motorhomes and campervans available for hire that are perfect for your next Australian road trip. Keen to start exploring? Book your campervan online, pick it up at our handy Perth branch and get ready to hit the road!

Looking for more ideas for your next Australian road trip? Check out more of our inspirational blogs:

• Perth to Karijini National Park 

• Best national parks near Melbourne

• The best family-friendly campsites and holiday parks in Western Australia