Camper Champ

Western Australia boasts a wealth of mesmerising national parks. While none lie within Broome's city limits, several parks are just a short drive away and absolutely worth exploring.

Here are some of the best national parks to visit around Broome:

Cape Leveque: Approximately 200 km north of Broome, Cape Leveque captivates visitors with its striking red cliffs, pristine white sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. This remote wilderness offers fishing, swimming, snorkelling, and camping adventures for those seeking an off-the-beaten-track experiences.

Windjana Gorge: Situated about 357 km from Broome, Windjana Gorge National Park is a rugged and captivating wilderness area renowned for its dramatic gorges, thriving wildlife, and ancient Aboriginal rock art.

Tunnel Creek: Roughly 392 km from Broome, Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park hosts a fascinating limestone cave system, carved out by an underground creek. Join a guided tour to explore the caves and encounter bats, freshwater crocodiles, and other intriguing wildlife.

Purnululu: Around 830–880 km from Broome (depending on route), Purnululu National Park is home to the iconic Bungle Bungle Range, an awe-inspiring collection of sandstone formations adorned with orange and black bands. Hiking, camping, and scenic helicopter flights over the range make for unforgettable experiences.

Karijini: Located around 930 km from Broome by road, Karijini National Park spans a vast and rugged landscape characterised by its breathtaking gorges, waterfalls, and swimming holes. Immerse yourself in this stunning region by hiking, swimming, and camping while admiring the diverse native flora and fauna.

Over 30 WA national parks require a single-entry fee of $17 per vehicle ($10 concession).

If you’re visiting more than four fee-paying parks, you’re better off getting a $70 Holiday Pass, which grants unlimited entry into all national parks for four weeks. The $130 annual pass is only worth it for long-term travellers.

Grab your park pass online at the WA DBCA (WA Naturally) website or in person at a registered kiosk. Most single-entry tickets are paid via an on-site machine, using cash or card.

DBCA operates a plethora of picture-perfect campgrounds in national parks throughout the state. Camping fees vary by campground and amenities, and you’ll need to book the more popular campsites online through the Park Stay WA website. Most campgrounds in Cape Range National Park book out months in advance. Get in early or check for last-minute cancellations (or stay outside the national park).

Many remote campgrounds must be paid with cash on arrival, either through a self-registration box or a campground host. Bring the correct change.

Kids and concession card holders get discounts on park passes and campgrounds. WA residents receive a discount on the park pass only.

An outback oasis of sun-scorched gorgeous and ice-cold swimming holes, this magnificent national park is a highlight of WA. From picture-perfect falls to cragged slot canyons and dramatic orange chasms, Karijini has got it all.

World Heritage-listed Purnululu is well worth the rough 4WD-only roads for its cragged canyons and dome-shaped spires. The Insta-famous Echidna Chasm offers a mind-bending photo op when the sun’s rays pierce through cracks around midday.

Grab a 4WD to cruise through the corrugated, creek crossing-strewn tracks to Windjana Gorge, where jaw-dropping nature walks await. Further down the dusty, bumpy road lies Tunnel Creek, a cave-exploring playground with a crisp underground river.