26 Aug Camping In Avon Valley National Park

Its a treat to have such a lovely campground so close to the city. Highly recommend camping in Avon Valley National Park. It offers great camping in a stunning scenic location. If you need a night or weekend away Avon Valley National Park is a short drive from the Perth CBD. Its a great option for a nature fix or for some RNR by a campfire.

Getting there.

AVNP is just a short 1.20min drive East of Perth CBD. 

I noticed Google maps directs you to the northern side of the Park if you just search “Avon Valley National Park”. If you are camping you will need to access the park entrance off Quarry Rd. Which is via Toodyay Rd on the South East side, so if Google Maps directs you through Gidgegannup along Toodyay Rd, you are going the right way.

AVNP is quite large and is separated by the Avon River. Due to the terrain there is no river access or vehicle crossing so you need to take the correct entrance to access the campgrounds. The Avon River separates the north and south of the park, with no bridge crossing. 

Access through the park is along an unsealed road, 2wd access however if you have a low or small car watch for potholes and just take care when driving. The majority of the road is in good condition and easily accessed. 

Campgrounds in Avon Valley NP

There are 4 campgrounds. Bald Hill, Drummonds, Valley and The Homestead. There is also an additional site called Cec Barrows for large group bookings only (schools / scout groups etc). If you need to book, call the Shire HERE.

You cannot book prior to arriving, it’s a first come first serve basis.

Hot tip: if you are unsure if you are going to get a spot, take an envelope for payment from the info station and drop it in the honesty box on your way out of the park. That way if it’s full you don’t lose your money. If a ranger comes around they can either take your payment or you can show proof you have intentions to drop payment on the way out. 

The campgrounds are quite a drive into the park 10-14km along an unsealed road, so be prepared for a 20min drive through the park to the campsite. 

All the campgrounds have an undercover area with picnic tables, fire rings and long drop toilets. 

Bald Hill:

Bald Hill offers a large open area with no designated campsites under the canopy of gumtrees. Just pull up anywhere that is free, if it’s busy, respect others and don’t camp too close. There are fire rings and picnic tables dotted around the area. There is a chance you may get a site that doesn’t have a fire ring.

This is an open area so there is not much privacy between sites. Suitable for larger groups due to the open camping area. Suitable for caravans, camper trailers, vans and tents.

Has a stunning view of the Avon Valley which is a very short walk from the camping area. 

Drummonds:

Offering 3 designated cleared campsites however each site caters for multiple tents and cars, plus an additional small open camping area. This campground would hold approx 8 cars. It’s a smaller camping area and offers a little bit of bush to provide privacy between sites. Tent only camping. Has stunning Valley Views.

The Homestead:

Offers approx 7 sites. It has undesignated cleared areas so you can just camp wherever you can find a spot. Has about 2 cleared sites that offer some bush or privacy. Suitable for caravans, camper trailers, vans and tents. Nestled lower in the park this doesn’t have any valley views however has lovely views of the bush.

Valley:

Another small campground with open areas to camp. Suitable for caravans, camper trailers, tents etc. Nestled amongst the bush, its lower in the park so doesn’t offer amazing valley views, however is closer to the river for the tranquility of the water. The train line does run relatively close to this campsite so you will get the occasional freight train noise from time to time. 

Facilities and fees

National Park entrance fee $15 per vehicle. 

Camping Fees: $11 pn / pp – Children $3 / Concession $8

Long drop toilets, picnic tables, fire rings.

No dogs permitted in this national park.

See and Do

Best time of year to visit is Autumn and Spring. 

There is not a hell of a lot to do in this park. That’s the draw card. Great for relaxing by a fire (when fires are permitted) lots of lovely scenic views, flowers, birds and wildlife. 

Very scenic with views over the Avon Valley. If you visit in winter you may be lucky enough to see and experience the amazing Valley Fog if the weather is favourable. 

If you enjoy hiking, there is a hiking trail called Bald Head Loop starting from Bald Hill. It’s a challenging 8.5km trail. Be sure to have “All Trails app” for navigation as the path is quite unclear and overgrown. 

On your way to the park you can visit Noble Falls and/or lunch at the Noble Falls Tavern. 

Wildflowers will also be abundant late winter and Spring.  

Final thoughts

Camping in Avon Valley National Park is a great weekend destination if you are looking for a camp close to Perth. With epic Valley Views you don’t really get anywhere else like it surrounding Perth. The bushland is a combination of dry northern bushland, thick sections and granite outcrops dotting the hillside.

I would not visit during the summer months as it will be too warm and there is no river access to cool off. A stunning location for a weekend away from Perth however just a hop skip and a jump away from civilization. Being in close proximity to Perth City this is a great location if this is your first camping experience or if you are camping with kids. The camping offers great relaxation amongst some lovely scenery.

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