The wide open spaces and warm climate of the regions make them ideal destinations for caravan and camping holidays. The Coral Coast region has well maintained roads, making driving an easy and enjoyable option. However, some roads are not suitable for towing a caravan and there are camping restrictions in certain areas. Contact the local visitor centres for more details.
Top tips for your caravan and camping adventure in the Coral Coast
- Drive on the Left: In Australia, cars travel on the left of the road and speed is in kilometres (km) per hour. When overtaking, make sure you have a clear view of oncoming traffic and use your indicator to signal your intentions to other drivers.
- Mobile/Cell Phone Reception: It is recommended you purchase Telstra SIM car as a phone carrier, given the regional coverage is more efficient in the Coral Coast.
- Take breaks! Coral Coast has long stretches of road. Make sure you stop regularly to take a break from driving. We recommend sharing the driving where possible. The maximum speed limit is 110 kilometres per hour on the open road and 50 kilometres per hour in built-up areas. Take note of the speed limit signs along your journey.
- Pick up a ParkPass: Visitor fees apply at National Parks in the Coral Coast region and a range of passes are available to suit your holiday. Park Passes can be bought online and are also available at a range of outlets including selected visitor centres. Selected National Park camp sites can be pre-booked. This guarantees a great campsite in a range of incredible locations.
- Be prepared: Make sure your vehicle is in top condition before you set out. Food and fuel are generally available every 100 – 300 kilometres along the main highway, so be sure to plan ahead.
- Please note that Electric charge and LPG Autogas is not available in all regional areas. Some areas of Australia’s Coral Coast are remote, so if you plan to explore off-road, ensure you are well prepared with a first aid kit and a spare tyre.
If your vehicle breaks down or becomes bogged, stay with the vehicle. A car is easier to spot in the event of a search.
- Road conditions: Never drive tired – fatigue kills. Heavy rainfall can make some roads and tracks impassable, so check road conditions before departure with local shire offices or Main Roads WA. Some roads are unsealed, so beware of loose gravel and dust obscuring your vision. A reminder that if you have hired a car, most two-wheel hire cars cannot enter unsealed roads due to insurance.
- Campfires: Due to our dry landscapes, campfires are NOT permitted in any of our National Parks. Fires are ONLY allowed at Sandy Cape (Jurien Bay) and Lucky Bay (Kalbarri) in a contained fire pit. Be wary when lighting campfires, and never leave a fire unattended.
- Animals on the road: Be wary of animals on or near the road. Kangaroos are prevalent, especially in the early morning and evening. Emus are unpredictable and often travel in groups. Livestock occasionally ventures onto roads at night and can be hard to see.
- Road Trains: When travelling through the Coral Coast, you’re bound to come across road trains or extra-large trucks spanning around 60m in length. Only overtake if you can see clearly ahead, and be cautious that dust and stones can flick up on unsealed roads
- Flying a Drone: Check the Parks and Wildlife website before flying drones, as there are regulations in place to protect areas of Aboriginal significance, and areas with protected wildlife and flora.We also recommend using the CASA website or Open Sky to ensure you can fly drones in certain areas.
- Water Safety: Before entering the water, check if there is any signage warning visitors of rip tides. Pay attention particularly at Turquoise Bay, Cape Range National Park (drift snorkelling), The Blowholes, Carnarvon (king waves) and Quobba Station, Carnarvon (king waves). If you are undertaking any activity by/in the water, check the local tide charts, available at visitor centres and service stations.
- Keep an eye on the sky: It’s worth exploring the night skies whenever you can as the stars in our region, away from the city lights, are very special. It’s also recommended to keep an eye on the weather to ensure that driving and your holiday plans can be enjoyed in the safest conditions. The Bureau of Meteorology is Australia’s most reliable weather source, check it out at www.bom.gov.au
- Bushfires: Bushfires are a risk on the Coral Coast at any time of the year. If required, seek further information from Emergency Services who map out and alert where bushfires and dangers are occurring in real time.
