Caravanning and camping support a huge industry in Australia: at any time, there are thousands of people staying at parks and sites. During winter, travellers invariably move north to Queensland, the Northern Territory or the Kimberley. In summer, the drift is toward the southern beach resorts and national parks. During school holidays, booking ahead is recommended.

Broome’s climate makes it a popular destination year-round and it has eight large caravan parks in and around town. Cable Beach Caravan Park
(08 9192 2066) and Roebuck Bay Caravan Park (08 9192 1366) both border stunning coastline. Campers seeking quieter surrounds should try the Broome Bird Observatory (08 9193 5600). Bookings are essential year-round.

Information - 08 9192 1176

This remote former gold port borders a beautiful bay, and the adjacent headlands have magnificent views. Especially popular among a good range of caravan parks are the Esperance Seafront (08 9071 1251), just a short stroll from town along the beach, and Bathers Paradise (08 9071 1014), in a tranquil setting north-east of town. There is superb bush camping in Cape Le Grand National Park, notably at Lucky Bay, home to a large kangaroo colony.

Information -  08 9083 1554

A modern town built to support the Ord River irrigation scheme, Kununurra makes a fine base for exploring the eastern Kimberley. Two caravan parks with good facilities border Lake Kununurra, Discovery Holiday Parks (08 9168 1031) and Kimberleyland Holiday Park (08 9168 1280 or 1800 681 280). Hidden Valley Tourist Park (08 9168 1790) has tranquil sites next to Mirima National Park, a landscape of striped sandstone formations often described as a mini Bungle Bungles. 

Information - 08 9168 1177

Warm, dry weather, good services and beautiful surroundings, including spectacular Katherine Gorge, make this a great place for an extended stay. Katherine Big4 Low Level Caravan Park (08 8972 3962 or 1800 501 984) occupies a pleasant riverside setting. From the shady sites at Riverview Tourist Village (08 8972 1011) you can stroll to Katherine Hot Springs. Nitmiluk National Park (08 8972 1886) has campgrounds at the gorge and Leilyn (Edith Falls) and bush camps along the river and major trails.

Information - 08 8972 2650

Tourist hub of the Red Centre, the Alice offers a wealth of camping options. The Wintersun Cabin and Caravan Park (08 8952 4080) and the MacDonnell Range Holiday Park (08 8952 6111 or 1800 808 373), just north and south of town, respectively, provide good facilities and easy access to the city’s attractions. Peaceful bush camps can be found at Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge and other spots in West MacDonnell National Park (08 8956 7799). 

Information - 08 8952 5800 or 1800 645 199