The best camping near Francois Peron National Park

Located on Western Australia’s Peron Peninsula, 726 kilometres north of Perth and 335 kilometres from Carnarvon by road, the Francois Peron National Park contains some of the state’s most dramatic coastal scenery–and that’s really saying something. The red cliffs and sands contrast with the turquoise sea, looking as though the desert is tumbling right into the ocean. Visitors can drive four-wheel-drive vehicles along the sand (in certain areas), soak in an artesian hot tub in the Peron Heritage Precinct, and hike to Skipjack Point. A handful of coastal camping areas provide peaceful bases in the park.

• Best for water sports enthusiasts: Launch your canoe, kayak, or SUP board from Big Lagoon Camping Area.
• Best for beach lovers: Camp right on the beach at Herald Bight.
• Best for fishing: Catch whiting, bream, and kingfish at Bottle Bay.

1. There’s no booking system for the five camping areas within the park: Big Lagoon, Herald Bight, Bottle Bay, Gregories, and South Gregories. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. The busiest times in the park and its camping areas are winter and during WA school holidays. During these times, arrive early in the day to ensure a good camping spot. At other times, you should be able to take your changes given the park’s remote nature.
3. Although you don’t need to book in advance, you do need to pay a fee to camp in the park. Pay in cash at the collection box at the park’s entrance.

Winter and the WA school holidays are the busiest time of year in the park. The Peron Peninsula is quite far north in the state, so it experiences a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Most travellers will find the months between April and October the most comfortable time to camp in the park and to enjoy the outdoor activities.

• Campfires are not allowed within the park. Bring your own gas barbecue facilities or use those at the campsites.
• The road to the park’s Peron Heritage Precinct is unsealed but suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles. Past this area, the roads are only suitable for four-wheel-drives with narrow, often sandy tracks.
• Wear protective footwear in the sea to protect yourself against poisonous stonefish and cone shells.
• Don’t swim at Skipjack Point or Cape Peron as the currents are strong and hazardous.
• Bring plenty of water with you as the park offers none, not even at the campsites. 
• The campsites and picnic areas are equipped with gas barbecues and pit toilets.