Have you booked a break for this year? If the answer is no, it’s time to look east, toward the hilly horizon, where the air is a little crisper and the pace of life slows. For those seeking a soul-soothing escape without a hefty price tag, the Perth Hills region is packed with campgrounds and wallet friendly motels. Whether you are pitching a tent under a canopy of jarrah trees, parking up the caravan for a weekend of trails, or seeking the simple comforts of basing yourself at a central motel, the Perth Hills offer a diverse choice of budget-friendly stays.
Here’s our guide to the best camping, caravanning, and budget-conscious retreats in Perth’s big backyard – the Perth Hills.
MUNDARING
Nowhere captures the spirit of a classic family getaway quite like Lake Leschenaultia in our Mundaring region. This former railway dam is a popular recreation spot where the camping is as easy as it gets. The sites for tents, camper trailers and caravans are nestled amongst shady trees. Cean, modern facilities all just a stone’s throw from the calm, sapphire lake that’s perfect for a paddle or a lap on the mountain bike trails. Wake to the sound of kookaburras and begin your morning routine with a walk around the lake.
For those who prefer their nature with a side of world class trails, the Perth Hills Discovery Centre Campground at Mundaring Weir offers a unique opportunity to sleep within Beelu National Park. This bushland spot of 12 tent sites is intimate, well-maintained, and a great base for hikers and bikers tackling sections of the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail respectively. It’s a “back to basics” experience that prioritises the environment, making it a favourite for stargazers and wildlife spotters. An undercover camp kitchen includes a fridge, power points and electric BBQs.
If you’d rather have a solid roof over your head and a cold pint within reach, how about the Mundaring Weir Hotel? Steeped in history, this grand old dame offers budget-friendly rooms that include open fireplaces. The pub is famous for live music, providing a lively atmosphere that contrasts with the quiet stillness of the nearby dam.
On the fringes of Mundaring, the Travellers Rest Motel offers a modern, no-frills approach to accommodation. It’s spotlessly clean, comfortable, and perfectly positioned for those who want to spend their days exploring villages around Mundaring without breaking the bank.
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KALAMUNDA
The Kalamunda region’s accommodation options have plenty of versatility. For the caravanning crowd who want resort-style amenity, Banksia Tourist Park is a standout. Located right on the Kalamunda region’s border, the lush, leafy sanctuary caters to everything from big motorhomes to small tents. The newly built chalets are stunning, sleep up to five people and are wheelchair accessible. The park is known for its friendly vibe and excellent facilities (including a big pool, games room and playground), making it a perfect base for exploring the Bickley Valley wine region and beyond.
Similarly, Discovery Parks Perth Airport offers a handy Forrestfield foothills location for those arriving from afar. If you prefer to leave the camping gear at home, modern cabins ticks all the boxes. Powered sites are aplenty, plus there’s a cool pool, gym and kitchen amenities, serving as a perfect launchpad for a weekend of fruit picking and cafe hopping in the Perth Hills.
Set on sprawling green grounds, Advent Park Campground & Caravan Park is a popular choice for groups and families who seek a peaceful, community-focused environment. It feels worlds away from the city, being just a short drive from the Kalamunda town centre. As well as 35 powered sites, there’s plenty of wide-open spaces for kicking a ball, plus basketball and volleyball courts.
ARMADALE
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Found in the foothills of Armadale, the Heritage Country Motel delivers old-school hospitality with the convenience of a central location. Found in the Pioneer Village precinct of Armadale, it offers a motel-style experience that is easy on the wallet. It’s an ideal spot for those who want to explore Armadale, being withing walking distance of cafes, pubs and the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre. Or why not take a scenic drive up to Araluen Botanic Park, which is a must-visit during the tulip season (August-September) or for a summer picnic.
Hillside Garden Village is a favourite for long-stay travellers and budget-conscious holidaymakers alike. As the name suggests, the park is positioned on the hillside, offering lovely views and a sense of privacy from the powered sites. Right on the doorstep of the Armadale Hills, they even have an active social club to join.
SERPENTINE JARRAHDALE
Venture a little further into the southern corner of the Perth Hills, for a stay at Tasman Holiday Parks Serpentine Falls. Located just minutes from the thundering Serpentine Falls, this park is on the doorstep of amazing hiking trails and historical Jarrahdale. Offering everything from powered sites to well-appointed, modern chalets, plus a shaded pool, guests can kick back and explore at their own pace. The proximity to the Serpentine National Park means a break will be filled with waterfalls, hikes, wildlife and picnics.
GIDGEGANNUP
Looking for total serenity? Gidgegannup’s Lakeview Lodge offers a different pace. While it leans more toward the “lodge” experience, the private rooms remain a value option for those seeking a peaceful country escape. Close to Lake Susanah and surrounded by bushland, it’s a place to disconnect from the digital world. Whether you’re planning a trip to the local bakery or exploring the nearby Noble Falls, it’s a great stop on a budget-friendly stay in the Perth Hills.
Head to the Perth Hills for camping, caravanning, and budget-conscious retreats, in nature.