With thanks to guest blogger Jennifer Adams of Places We Go.
Western Australia – our biggest state is packed with treasure. It’s a family paradise, lined with miles of pristine coastline that kids young and old will relish; wildlife that seems friendlier than in any other state; and outback gems that will turn any family into avid explorers.
One of the best ways to experience it all is on a road trip. Take the time to jump in a car or a motorhome and start your adventure. You can then combine the beach with the outback and the cities with the wine regions and pack a lot of things into your journey.
And, of course, there are plenty of BIG4 Holiday Parks to stay in along the way, which can be spotted in the many must-visit destinations of Western Australia.
Here are a few of my favourite family-friendly holiday parks in Western Australia.
Our time discovering Ningaloo Reef was hands down the best Australian experience I have ever had.
Ningaloo Marine Park, which protects 260km of fringing reef off the mid-north coast of Western Australia near the town of Exmouth, is the yearly visiting ground for migrating whale sharks. During our drive around Australia we had the chance to swim with them, and this was an experience I will never forget.
But you don’t even need to go out in a boat and swim with the whales to enjoy this incredible reef system. Many of the pristine beaches here will allow you to simply walk in from the sand, snorkel in hand, and begin exploring.
Exmouth is the perfect base to enjoy all of this World Heritage wilderness, and more. It is blessed with a warm and dry climate year round, so you aren’t governed by the seasons. And the facilities at RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park are perfect for the location.
When they are not at the beach, the kids will love the pool, which resembles a tropical oasis. Or new friends can always be made at the beach volleyball court. At night, everyone enjoys the outdoor cinema, and for smaller guests, a kids’ playground is essential.
The park has an on-site dive shop and can organise your tours to the reef to spot whale sharks and humpbacks.
Accommodation ranges from family cabins to holiday units as well as ensuite camp sites; powered and unpowered. Everything is covered.
I just love accommodation that allows you to sit back and relax with so much to do that you don’t have to leave the grounds if you don’t wish to. For a family, this holiday park is a winner.
Absolute. Beach. Frontage. These are three words every family wants to hear when booking holiday accommodation. And Western Australian beaches are at the top of the list.
At BIG4 Middleton Beach Holiday Park in the South West WA town of Albany, this is exactly what you get. Enjoy 500m of pristine beach that is suitable for swimming and a host of other beach activities such as kite surfing, fishing, and whale watching.
The park itself has a heated pool, recreation room, lounge, barbecue area, and hydro spa plus award-winning gardens.
Being just 3.2km from Albany CBD, it’s an easy drive to all its highlights, including the local farmers’ market (we stocked up on supplies there and cooked up a storm back at the BIG4 camp kitchen), Discovery Bay Tourism Experience (formerly Whale World), the National ANZAC Centre, Eyre Park playground, the Boatshed Markets, and the Old Marron Farm animal park.
Hot tip: we also met the local fisherman bringing their daily catch back to the docks and were able to grab seafood fresh out of the sea for dinner that night!
The whole family is taken care of in accommodation that ranges from a beach house that sleeps eight and chalets and spa villas to ensuite sites and powered and unpowered sites.
When you think of Margaret River, ‘wineries’ probably spring first to mind. But let me assure you, there are plenty of reasons to visit the region with kids, although the world-class wines certainly keep the adults happy.
Blessed with spectacular beaches that offer adults and kids the full sea-and-sand experience (think surfing, kite surfing, and more), the Margaret River region is also home to Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park with tall timber forests, great hiking, ancient caves, and sheltered beaches for swimming, boating, and fishing. There is also abseiling opportunities and 4WD tracks for the more adventurous.
Margaret River is a huge producer of artisan and craft food and drink. Local, passionate producers create incredible gourmet goodies, and you and the kids are spoiled for choice in discovering the region’s fine flavours such as cheeses and chocolates.
We totally recommend the Margaret River Discovery Company for ‘tours for people who don’t do tours’! We discovered the best of the area’s food, wine, and nature with owner Sean, plus some exclusive local experiences along the way. And our little daughter Charli absolutely loved it.
Want another incredible reason to visit Margaret River? Try BIG4 Taunton Farm Margaret River. This park is about much more than just accommodation – it is also bursting with appeal for kids.
This is a farm-themed holiday park right in the heart of the Margaret River region. The working farm among the vineyards features an array of animals, and kids are invited to help feed goats, pigs, cattle, sheep and a donkey each afternoon as guests meet around the farm shed and camp kitchen for drinks and a barbecue.
Take advantage of the idyllic rural location and go on one of the park’s nature walks, discovering the wildflowers and farm.
There is a huge grassed recreational area for kids to play, complete with a playground and giant jumping pillow. For the whole family there is a barn-style campers’ kitchen, free gas barbecues, and a log fire.
One and two-bedroom country cottages are perfect for families who are looking for cabin accommodation, and the park also offers drive-through campsites.
Wherever you choose to stay in Western Australia, we know you won’t be disappointed. The entire state is one of the most beautiful places on earth! Enjoy.
For more travel information and inspiration visit the Places We Go website.
Isn’t it time you enjoyed a break in the west? Book your next BIG4 break now.
