Coral reefs, swimming holes, and ancient rock carvings beckon campers to the area around Karratha.
Nestled into the coast of western Australia, Karratha welcomes campers to explore unique red-rock geography, abundant outdoor recreation, and a hot desert climate. With little rain and a rural setting, the Karratha night skies come to life with stars. Campers won’t want to miss the dozens of small islands and rustic campgrounds of the Dampier Archipelago. Millstream Chichester National Park is another stunning locale that deserves a visit for its refreshing swimming holes and plenty of camping options for tents and caravans. Karratha is also situated close to Murujuga National Park, which features an incredible collection of petroglyphs dating back thousands of years.
Southeast of Karratha, Millstream Chichester National Park greets campers with unpowered campsites with gravel pitches, access to pit toilets, sheltered picnic tables, and a covered food-prep area with a wash station. Tents, camper trailers, and caravans are all welcome. After a night in the campground, get a bird’s eye view of the Chichester Range from Mount Herbert, or dip into one of the numerous swimming holes—Python Pool is a remote option, while Deep Reach Pool is a top pick for kayakers due to its larger size.
Composed of 42 small islands, the Dampier Archipelago is the place to be for coral-reef snorkelling, birdwatching, and world-renowned fishing. Pop in the speed boat at Karratha Back Beach boat ramp or hire one of the local companies to get across. Several islands welcome swags and tent campers (check out Enderby Island, Eaglehawk Island, Dolphin Island, West Lewis Island, and East Lewis Island). There are zero amenities, so be prepared to go off-the-grid and be self-sufficient.
Set on Burrup Peninsula, Murujuga National Park is about 40 minutes from Karratha. Although there is no camping, the famous and diverse collection of petroglyphs and aboriginal history makes it a must-see destination. View the rock carvings by sauntering down the Ngajari (Deep Gorge) Boardwalk which stretches 700 metres. Visit during late afternoon when the sun hits the engravings and creates shadows that bring them to life. Besides the stunning rock formations, the whole area is teeming with mammals, birds, and reptiles, making it an excellent spot for wildlife watching.
Since summers in Karratha are hot, the best time to visit is in winter. Anywhere from April until October is a safe bet for outdoor activities like bushwalking and fishing. Swimmers can still go for a splash as well, since temperatures are warm year-round. A winter visit, specifically between July and September, also brings the opportunity to view humpback whales migrating to spawning grounds. On top of that, the swimming holes in Millstream Chichester National Park are fresh and free from algae blooms, which often occur in the dry summer months.