Our Top 2WD-Friendly National Parks in Western Australia
Western Australia is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the country, filled with rugged coastlines, towering gorges, and ancient landscapes.
Remember that our campervans can’t be taken off-road, but have no fear because you don’t need a 4WD to have an awesome time in Western Australia! There are still plenty of incredible parks you can explore via sealed or well-maintained roads.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Park pass information
- The most accessible national parks
- Top attractions & hiking trails
- Best time to visit each park
Let’s hit the road! 🚐
Park Pass Information
Entry fees apply to most Western Australia national parks, so if you’re planning to visit a few parks in one trip, buy yourself a pass!
To visit these national parks, you’ll need a WA Parks Pass, which covers entry fees for most parks. Here are your options (prices are accurate as of March 2025):
- Local Park Pass – $30 for local residents of Western Australia.
- Holiday Pass – From $30, includes options for 5 days, 14 days, or 4 weeks (great for road trips of any length).
- Annual All Parks Pass – $130 for unlimited access to all WA parks ($80 if you have a concession card).
You can purchase passes online via DBCA WA Parks Website or at park entry points.
Caring For National Parks
The money from your parks pass will be used to support Western Australia’s parks and wildlife, but there are a few things you can do to contribute to the conservation including:
- Leave no trace: Be environmentally friendly, pick up after yourself, and don’t leave food or garbage behind.
- Use the footpaths: The paths around the parks are intentionally designed to give you the best access to nearby hikes and other facilities. Going off trail can damage the local flora and vegetation.
- Dispose of your waste properly: Similar to leave no trace, this involves conscious wastewater dispersal, taking advantage of appropriate dump points, and using toilets when they are available.
- Leave what you find: You are not permitted to collect rocks, shells, flowers, or anything natural you find in Western Australia’s national parks.
- Use campfires responsibly: In national parks you can’t go around chopping down trees for firewood and you shouldn’t collect wood from other areas as you might accidentally bring pests and diseases into the park. Research proper campfire etiquette in Western Australia for more info and check the rules (there may be fire bans).
- Respect the wildlife: Be prepared to move quietly and keep your distance from the wildlife so you don’t disturb them. Do not feed the animals. Please call the Wildcare Helpline on 08 9474 9055 if you come across a sick or injured animal.
Kalbarri National Park, Tourism Western Australia
Kalbarri National Park
Location: 6 hours north of Perth
Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, lookouts
Park Pass: Required (Day pass or WA Parks Pass)
Best Time to Visit: April – October (cooler weather)
Kalbarri National Park is a must-see, offering dramatic gorges and stunning coastal cliffs. The Skywalk, an accessible, wheelchair-friendly attraction, provides breathtaking views over the Murchison River.
Top Attractions & Hikes
- Nature’s Window – An iconic rock formation framing the landscape.
- Z-Bend Lookout & Trail – A short 1.2 km return walk with stunning gorge views.
- Kalbarri Skywalk – Two stunning lookout platforms extending over the gorge.
- Coastal Cliffs – Easy-to-reach viewpoints like Red Bluff and Island Rock.
The Pinnacles Nambung National Park, Tourism Western Australia
Nambung National Park (Pinnacles Desert)
Location: 2 hours north of Perth
Facilities: Visitor centre, toilets, car park
Park Pass: Required
Best Time to Visit: Spring (August – October) for wildflowers
Home to the famous Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park offers a unique, otherworldly landscape filled with limestone formations rising from the golden sand.
Top Attractions & Hikes
- Pinnacles Drive – A scenic 4.5 km loop accessible by 2WD vehicles.
- Pinnacles Lookout – A short, easy walk to see the best formations.
- Hangover Bay – A peaceful beach nearby, perfect for a picnic.
Charles Knife Gorge, Cape Range National Park
Cape Range National Park
Location: Near Exmouth, 13 hours north of Perth
Facilities: Campgrounds, toilets, picnic areas
Park Pass: Required
Best Time to Visit: April – October
Cape Range National Park sits alongside Ningaloo Reef, offering both rugged gorges and pristine beaches.
Top Attractions & Hikes
- Turquoise Bay – One of Australia’s best beaches, great for snorkelling.
- Yardie Creek Gorge Walk – A scenic 1.5 km return hike with views over the gorge.
- Charles Knife Canyon – A dramatic landscape with lookouts accessible by 2WD.
Fitzgerald River National Park, Tourism Western Australia
Fitzgerald River National Park
Location: 5 hours southeast of Perth
Facilities: Campgrounds, toilets, picnic areas
Park Pass: Required
Best Time to Visit: Spring (August – October) for wildflowers
One of the most biodiverse places in Australia, Fitzgerald River National Park is a paradise for nature lovers.
Top Attractions & Hikes
- Point Ann – A scenic lookout where you might spot whales (June – October).
- East Mount Barren – A short but steep 2.6 km return hike with panoramic views.
- Four Mile Beach – A beautiful, accessible beach with clear waters.
Bluff Knoll Stirling Range National Park, Tourism Western Australia & @travel.withcharlie
Stirling Range National Park
Location: 4.5 hours southeast of Perth
Facilities: Campgrounds, picnic areas, toilets
Park Pass: Required
Best Time to Visit: March – November (avoid summer heat)
If you love hiking, Stirling Range National Park is the perfect destination, offering some of WA’s best mountain trails.
Top Attractions & Hikes
- Bluff Knoll – The highest peak in WA, with a 6 km return hike and stunning views.
- Mount Trio – A 3.5 km return hike with incredible wildflowers in spring.
- Stirling Range Drive – A scenic road trip through the rugged mountains.
Valley of the Giants, Walpole Nornalup National Park, Tourism Western Australia
Walpole-Nornalup National Park
Location: 4.5 hours south of Perth
Facilities: Visitor centre, toilets, picnic areas
Park Pass: Required
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Home to the famous Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, this park offers an unforgettable experience amongst giant tingle trees.
Top Attractions & Hikes
- Valley of the Giants – A 40m-high canopy walk through ancient trees.
- Circular Pool – A peaceful spot along the Franklin River with a small waterfall and picnic area.
- Conspicuous Cliff – A short walk to a beautiful beach and lookout.
Time To Plan Your WA National Park Adventure!
Western Australia’s national parks offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country, and the best part? Many of them are easily accessible by sealed roads, perfect for travellers in motorhomes or standard vehicles.
Whether you’re marvelling at the Pinnacles, hiking to Bluff Knoll’s summit, or snorkelling at Turquoise Bay, these parks promise unforgettable adventures.
Ready to start your Western Australia road trip? Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the campervans we have available at our branches!
