If you’re heading out into the Western Australian wilderness for your first ever camping trip then we’ve got you covered. Read through these 10 essential things to know before camping in WA, from setting up a tent to what to do if you get bitten by a snake.
1. Where can you camp in WA?
There are hundreds of incredible places to camp all over WA. You can choose from 5-star luxury caravan parks, catered campsites, basic rest stations and free camping spots. You can pitch up a tent in stunning national parks and the whitest sandy beaches, but bear in mind that you can’t camp everywhere. Generally, you need to stay at an allocated site.
There are some general rules on free camping in WA that you should be aware of if you are planning to free camp. In summary, you can camp for a limited time on land that is reserved for camping, on unallocated land or in an unmanaged reserve. As long as you are respectful and leave no trace you are unlikely to run into any issues.
2. What to expect at the campsite?
Campsites here in WA come in all shapes and sizes. Some have awesome camp kitchens, picnic areas, toilets and showers with hot water. On the other hand, some have no toilets or even running water. Research the campsite before you book to make sure it can cater to your needs. Check out the reviews of the campsite to get a feel for the place.
It’s also worth noting that campsites can have very different rules from one another. For example, some allow campfires and others strictly forbid them. Some cater to groups and others don’t. And so on.
3. How to set up your tent
Setting up a tent can be quite a challenge if you have never done it before. We strongly recommend a practice run before your trip. This way you’ll get it set up in no time at camp and can crack on with important camping activities such as chilling with a beer – bliss. As well as getting familiar with how the tent is set up, it’s always wise to set your tent up fully before your trip so you can check that nothing is missing or damaged.
Alternatively, get yourself a swag for a super easy (but super basic) set-up. Even if you’re sleeping in a swag, set it up before your trip so you can check for damage or missing parts.
4. Check your equipment
Check that all your essential camping equipment is working before you leave. As well as checking your tent, check your gas stove, lights, pumps and air beds etc. Spending a few minutes checking your gear before you leave could save you a lot of stress on your trip.
5. Prepare for all weather conditions
Western Australia has a beautiful climate overall, but temperatures during the day and night can differ enormously. Check the weather forecast before your trip so you can prepare.
On summer days, follow the Slip Slop Slap advice and slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat during the hot days. Be sure to have access to plenty of drinking water at all times. Avoid being out in the sun for long periods of time.
Even in the summer, temperatures can drop drastically at night. Bring along multiple layers so you can keep warm in your tent at night. Invest in a decent sleeping bag. If you’re a couple, double sleeping bags are awesome for sharing body heat and keeping warm.
6. What to do if it rains?
A bit of rain shouldn’t deter you from your camping trip. Throw on some waterproofs or take shelter in your tent with some backup entertainment e.g. a book or a movie pre-downloaded on your phone or iPad.
If you’re heading out during wet season, avoid camping near rivers as they can burst with very little notice washing everything away. This can be super dangerous so head for high ground during wet season.
7. Are campfires allowed?
Campfires are only permitted at certain campsites. If there is a fire ban then you cannot have a campfire, even if the campsite usually allows it. A quick Google search of the local area’s fire rules will tell you if there is a fire ban on. Don’t forget to check the rules of the campsite to see if they allow campfires.
Important: Never light a fire outside of provided fire rings. Never leave a campfire unattended.
8. Be aware of dangerous animals
Whilst the chances of an encounter with a dangerous animal are slim, it’s worth being aware of the risks and taking some simple steps to keep safe – we are in Aus after all.
- Stick to footpaths and designated camping areas.
- Wear solid, closed-toe shoes to hike in.
- Don’t leave food or rubbish outside.
- If you see a snake slowly move away, do not approach it.
In the unlikely event of a snake bite, stay calm and call an ambulance immediately. As long as the snake has moved away and you are not at risk of being bitten again, do not move. Keeping as still as possible slows the spread of venom and could save your life. Start first aid immediately, applying an immobilisation bandage and splint. Do not attempt to remove the venom as the hospital staff need to identify the type of snake that bit you. Read more advice on what to do if you are bitten by a snake.
We recommend downloading the what3words app so you can provide your exact location to the emergency services if you are hard to find or unsure where you are.
9. What is the emergency services number in WA?
Finally, in the unlikely event of a life-threatening or time-critical emergency, call the emergency services on 000 (triple zero).
10. What do I pack?
We have written the ultimate checklist for camping in Australia so go and check that out for a full list of what to pack!
With some prior planning and preparation, you’ll be set up for the best ever camping trip in WA. We’d love to hear your camping stories, camping fails and camping advice. Please share them with us at hello@waadventurer.com. Also, if there is anything you wish you knew before camping in WA for the first time please let us know and we will add it in!
