Your ultimate itinerary to the North West’s wet season
It’s a common misconception that the stunning North West reaches of our state are absolutely off limits during the off-peak wet season…
But with a bit of forward planning, the wet season (October-March) becomes one of the most amazing times to visit the region, with its spectacular beauty made even more dramatic by epic lightning shows, cascading waterfalls and even adorable turtle hatchlings.
With a little bit of forward planning, the North West’s wet season is still an epic destination for a truly memorable holiday.
To make it even more enticing, Summerstar Tourist Parks are offering powered sites for $25/night and unpowered sites for $23/night at all these North West locations between now and March 31, 2024! Use codes 25SITE and 23SITE when booking directly – T&C’s apply, check out the Summerstar website for more info and read on for some of the must-hit spots in the North West:
Carnarvon
Known as the state’s food bowl, coastal Carnarvon’s subtropical climate means it’s plentiful with fruit plantations and a thriving prawn, scallop, crab and fishing industry. While the wet season means fruit production slows down, plenty of produce still thrives throughout the year – including those signature extra-sweet Carnarvon bananas, melons and papaya!
While you’re on the Fruit Loop Drive, visit the now iconic Cactus Farm for some stunning photos that’ll have everyone asking just when exactly you found your way to the Nevada desert? A Carnarvon local’s spectacular hobby garden, the first cactus was planted about 15 years ago and has become an absolute must-visit when you’re in the area.
To get an absolutely unmatched view of Carnarvon’s stunning scenery, jump aboard a tour with Coral Coast Helicopter Services – as you fly over glittering turquoise waters, try and spot migrating whales, check out the historic One Mile Jetty from above, or even the OTC Dish, a reminder of the vital role Carnarvon played in the ‘60s space race!
Of course, a visit to Carnarvon means a visit to the Blowholes. 75km north of Carnarvon’s town centre, powerful ocean swells meet sea caves to form a spectacular burst of water – sometimes 20m high! To get the most impressive display, make sure to visit on a day with high swells and an incoming high tide.
Where to stay: Capricorn Holiday Park
Situated just out of town, Capricorn Holiday Park offers a secluded spot to stay with camping and caravan sites, cabins and self-contained chalets that sleep up to six. Cool off in the swimming pool or unwind with a game of bowls, taking in the unique sight of the OTC Dish at the fascinating Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum next door! Bringing the whole family – including the furriest members? Camping and caravan sites are pet-friendly, so you can leave no pup behind!
Tom Price
Further inland (and WA’s highest town above sea level!) Tom Price is on the doorstep of Karijini National Park – one of the world’s most breathtaking national parks filled with dramatic gorges, waterfalls and lush lookouts. During the wet season, plan for high temperatures and sudden changes of plan that come with extreme weather conditions – but also stunning lightning shows and spectacular stargazing.
Jarndunmunha, also known as Mount Nameless, is also located just outside of Tom Price. Reaching a peak of 1128m above sea level, it’s the highest peak in the Pilbara region and offers amazing sweeping views across the Hamersley Ranges. If you have a 4WD, you can reach the summit without having to hike – perfect for when temperatures don’t allow for the three hour return hike.
Where to stay: Tom Price Tourist Park
Nestled at the base of Jarndunmunha, stay in one of Tom Price Tourist Park’s sweet A-frame chalets or their brand new premium holiday units. Not only do they look rather charming, like all the park’s roofed accommodation, they’re air conditioned… Very important. (As is the shaded pool!)
There are also a huge array of options for visitors who are camping and caravanning, ranging from basic unpowered sites to powered sites with your own enclosed ensuite. As with Capricorn Holiday Park, Tom Price Tourist Park’s camping and caravan sites are pet friendly!
Eighty Mile Beach
While it may be called Eighty Mile Beach, this vast stretch of sand, mudflats and mangroves is actually 220 kilometres long – or almost 137 miles! The longest uninterrupted beach in Western Australia, it’s a favourite for fishing enthusiasts, as well as a vital location for migratory birds and flatback turtle nesting, with turtle nesting season running between October and February each year.
(Turtles are endangered, and it’s extremely important to use the utmost care when watching or near turtles. Make sure to familiarise yourself with the Turtle Watcher’s Code of Conduct to ensure you don’t negatively impact any wildlife.)
Where to stay: Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park
Just about as close as you can get to the beach while keeping your feet dry, Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park boasts a whopping 150 grassed, shaded and powered camping and caravan sites, plus 50 unpowered sites – all with fresh water on tap.
A serene spot to revel in the vast, magnificent scenery, the park also has a number of self-contained, air conditioned cabins if you really want to unwind – plus a well-stocked mini mart for all your essentials!
Broome
During the dry season, Broome is a favourite for both international tourists and West Australians trying to escape the winter chill… But as the wet season approaches, the crowds thin out – leaving just you and the locals to enjoy all of its delights!
Get to know the ins and outs of the town with one of Broome and Around’s tours – whether you’re interested in the historic pearling past, the wild croc park or some of the area’s best eating and drinking.
A camel ride at sunset is an absolutely iconic experience which runs year-round – no trip to Broome is complete without jumping on the back of the friendly humpbacked horses of the northwest!
Located at the southern end of Cable Beach, red cliffs meet the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean at Gantheaume Point – not only is it a beautiful spot to explore, you’ll also find dinosaur footprints that are over 130 million years old.
Stop by Sun Pictures for a truly unique cinema experience. Established in 1916, it’s the world’s oldest picture garden!
Coconut Wells are a network of eye-catching tidal rock pools 30 minutes drive north of Broome via the Cape Leveque Road. As the story goes with almost all coastal areas in the Kimberley, the tide completely transforms the landscape here. The hundreds of little rock pools that you see most photographed are only revealed at low tide so keep this in mind when planning a trip out here. If you’re lucky enough to be there for a spring tide (over 9 metres) visit before high tide with a pool noodle to join the locals for a relaxing float as the rising water carries you through a naturally forming lagoon in the sand dunes.
The wet season also brings with it some truly powerful waterfalls – and where better to see them than from the sky? Air Kimberley will take you on an absolutely epic full-day air tour over King Sound, the Horizontal Falls, Mitchell Falls, King Cascade on the Prince Regent River and much more.
Where to stay: Broome Caravan Park
On the northern side of Broome, just ten minutes’ drive from the town centre and just five minutes’ drive from Cable Beach, you’ll find Broome Caravan Park.
Family-friendly self-contained and air conditioned chalets and cabins, plus powered and unpowered sites means there’s a type of accommodation available for everyone – including four legged friends (on sites)!
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll be able to soak up the shade under the park’s lush foliage, or while away the afternoon in the park’s resort-style pool, surrounded by tropical palm trees.
What you need to know:
You will need to plan for hot, humid days that can exceed 40°C, as well as monsoonal rain and the potential for cyclones and flash flooding – which are absolutely no joke. Driving and hiking conditions can change dramatically over very short periods of time. Make sure to plan and communicate your itinerary before you leave, check for weather updates, alerts and warnings, and use common sense.
Always follow the safety advice and if a road is closed, or appears to be dangerous, don’t risk it! Check for updates here.
As with all visits to our natural spaces, adhere to the Leave No Trace Principles: meaning don’t leave any rubbish out there, don’t pick wildflowers and try your best to look after the surrounding area. Make sure you also adhere to any fire restrictions or bans that might be in place.
Header Image Credit: Rock Pools at Gantheaume Point Broome, Tourism Western Australia
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