Halls Creek, set amidst the rugged beauty of Western Australia’s Kimberley region, is a paradise for nature lovers and campers seeking solitude and adventure. With its striking landscapes, hidden waterholes, and rich cultural history, the area surrounding Halls Creek offers a range of camping experiences that cater to every type of adventurer. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful bush setting, a spot by a cool waterhole, or a base to explore the region’s natural wonders, here’s your guide to the best camping spots near Halls Creek.
1. Purnululu National Park: Camp Under the Bungle Bungles
For an unforgettable camping experience, Purnululu National Park is a must-visit. Home to the famous Bungle Bungle Range, this World Heritage-listed park offers breathtaking landscapes and two great campgrounds for visitors: Walardi and Kurrajong. Both campgrounds are equipped with basic facilities, including toilets, picnic tables, and non-drinking water, making them ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the park’s natural beauty.
Waking up to the view of the beehive-shaped Bungle Bungle domes is an experience like no other. Spend your days hiking through Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm, and enjoy the serenity of the Kimberley’s star-filled night skies.
What we love: The opportunity to camp in one of Australia’s most iconic landscapes, surrounded by the unique beauty of the Bungle Bungles.
Good to know: The campgrounds are only open during the dry season (April to November), and it’s best to book in advance during peak times.
Location: Purnululu National Park, WA 6770
Image © Tourism Western Australia
2. Wolfe Creek Crater Campground: A Cosmic Camping Experience
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, camping at Wolfe Creek Crater is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Known as the second-largest meteorite crater in the world, Wolfe Creek Crater offers a simple, unpowered campground where you can set up camp right next to this awe-inspiring natural wonder. The crater itself is an incredible sight, measuring 880 metres in diameter and 60 metres deep, with a rim that offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscape.
The campground is basic, with no facilities other than pit toilets, so campers need to be self-sufficient. However, the sense of isolation and the vast, open night skies make it a perfect spot for stargazing.
What we love: The remote location and the chance to camp next to one of the world’s most significant meteorite craters.
Good to know: The crater is located about 150 kilometres south of Halls Creek, and a 4WD vehicle is recommended to tackle the rough road.
Location: Wolfe Creek Crater, Tanami Road, WA 6770
3. Caroline Pool: A Tranquil Waterhole Escape
For a peaceful and scenic camping experience close to Halls Creek, head to Caroline Pool, a natural waterhole surrounded by red rock cliffs and bushland. Located just 15 kilometres from Halls Creek, this spot is a popular local swimming hole, especially after the wet season when the pool is at its fullest. The camping area is unmarked and offers no formal facilities, but it provides a beautiful and serene spot to set up camp by the water’s edge.
Caroline Pool is ideal for a weekend escape or a day trip for those looking to swim, picnic, and enjoy the tranquillity of the Kimberley bush.
What we love: The peaceful setting and the chance to camp by a natural waterhole, perfect for swimming and cooling off after a hot day.
Good to know: Caroline Pool is best visited after the wet season (April to May), when the water levels are highest.
Location: Caroline Pool, Halls Creek, WA 6770
4. Palm Springs: An Oasis in the Outback
If you’re seeking a true outback oasis, Palm Springs offers a stunning camping spot surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees. Located just off the Duncan Road, about 45 kilometres from Halls Creek, Palm Springs is a permanent spring that has provided water to travellers for centuries. The area around the spring is ideal for camping, with plenty of shade and space to set up a tent or a swag.
This remote spot is perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers, with a variety of bird species often spotted around the spring. It’s also a great place to stop and rest if you’re exploring The Duncan Road by 4WD.
What we love: The serene oasis setting and the abundance of birdlife that make Palm Springs a peaceful camping spot.
Good to know: Palm Springs is a remote location with no facilities, so campers need to be self-sufficient and bring everything they need.
Location: Duncan Road, Halls Creek, WA 6770
5. Sawpit Gorge: A Hidden Gem for Adventure Seekers
For those looking for a more adventurous camping experience, Sawpit Gorge is a hidden gem located along the Duncan Road, about 80 kilometres from Halls Creek. This picturesque gorge offers deep rock pools perfect for swimming, surrounded by towering red cliffs and beautiful bushland. The camping area is unmarked and offers no formal facilities, but it provides a secluded and scenic spot for campers seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Sawpit Gorge is a great destination for 4WD enthusiasts looking to explore the rugged countryside, and it’s perfect for a refreshing dip after a long day of driving.
What we love: The rugged beauty of Sawpit Gorge and the sense of adventure that comes with camping in this remote, off-the-beaten-path location.
Good to know: The track to Sawpit Gorge can be rough, so a 4WD vehicle is recommended. Be sure to bring all your supplies, as there are no facilities at the site.
Location: Duncan Road, Halls Creek, WA 6770
6. Mimbi Caves Campground: A Cultural Experience
For a unique camping experience that combines natural beauty with Indigenous culture, the Mimbi Caves Campground is a fantastic option. Located about 90 kilometres from Halls Creek, Mimbi Caves is part of the ancient Devonian Reef, and the caves are one of the most significant Indigenous cultural sites in the region.
The campground is simple but provides basic facilities such as toilets and showers. Visitors can join guided tours of the caves led by local Indigenous custodians, who share stories of the land, Dreamtime legends, and the cultural significance of the area. Camping here offers a truly special experience that blends adventure with learning about Indigenous heritage.
What we love: The chance to camp in a culturally significant location and explore the stunning Mimbi Caves with knowledgeable local guides.
Good to know: The campground is remote, and tours of the caves must be booked in advance to ensure availability.
Location: Mimbi Caves, Fitzroy Crossing Road, WA 6770
Image © Tourism Western Australia
7. Old Halls Creek: Camp by History
For history buffs, camping near the historic site of Old Halls Creek offers a chance to explore the remnants of the original settlement that was established during Western Australia’s first gold rush in 1885. Located just 15 kilometres from the modern town of Halls Creek, this ghost town features the remains of old stone buildings, mining equipment, and historic markers.
While the camping area is unmarked and basic, the historical significance of the site makes it a fascinating place to set up camp. Spend your days exploring the ruins and imagining life during the gold rush, then enjoy a peaceful night under the stars.
What we love: The unique combination of history and camping, offering a glimpse into the early days of Halls Creek and the Kimberley gold rush.
Good to know: There are no formal facilities at the site, so campers need to be self-sufficient and prepared for a basic camping experience.
Location: Old Halls Creek, WA 6770
Final Thoughts
Halls Creek and its surrounding region offer some of the most remote and beautiful camping spots in the Kimberley. Whether you’re camping under the towering domes of the Bungle Bungles, cooling off at a hidden gorge, or learning about Indigenous culture at Mimbi Caves, there’s a camping experience for every type of nature lover. So pack your gear, hit the road, and explore the incredible landscapes and rich history that make Halls Creek a true camping paradise.