Six top farm stays in the West

The team at RV Solutions WA, located in Mandurah and Rockingham not far from Perth, don't just sell, repair and upgrade new and used caravans and campers; they also get out and test their products regularly...

Based on a number of recent trips with Wonderland and Olympic off-road caravans in tow, RV Solutions WA Marketing Manager Ayla Smith compiled a list of the team's favourite station and farm stays they've discovered while touring around the red dust and sandy tracks of Western Australia...

Located two and a half hours from Perth, Nambung Station is a 5000 acre working sheep and cattle farm on the cusp of the Coral Coast.

There’s plenty to see and do for kids and adults alike, with cows, sheep, donkeys and alpacas to pat and feed, seasonal wildflowers, native birds and bushwalking. It's also a good spot for groups, with plenty of space to spread out the vans, and an overflow field for busy periods. 

"The owners Brian and Gloria were so accommodating," Ayla says. "We stayed over Easter, and they were epic hosts, giving the kids rides on the buggy and flying overhead in their light plane to drop Easter eggs." 

For caravanners, there are both powered and unpowered sites, toilets and showers, a dump point and it's also dog-friendly. While inland from Cervantes and Jurien Bay, there’s plenty to explore if you feel like venturing out for a day trip.

Around 120km south of Carnarvon, you find Wooramel Station nestled under the majestic gum trees on the banks of the Wooramel River. It's well placed for a couple of nights stop-over before heading further up the Coral Coast.  

The place is well known for the naturally heated therapeutic artesian bore baths from the Birdrong aquifer, and the stunning bird life. Not too far from the homestead, you can also wander along the historic tip, featuring everything from vintage Carapark caravans, to wool carts and desolate washing machines. 

Camping facilities include powered sites and toilets and showers, while camp fires and pet dogs are allowed and there's an onsite cafe.

One hour's drive south of Broome you’ll find Barn Hill Station -- a must-visit according to Ayla.

"In our opinion, the best place we have ever camped," she says. "We booked two nights, but instantly regretted not booking more. The views particularly at sunset were incredible, even our drone shots don’t do it justice. For those that are self sufficient, we recommend booking the cliff sites for the most incredible sunset views."

Facilities include powered sites, a playground (and friendly goat), dump point, toilets and showers, boat ramp, and it's dog friendly.

There’s plenty to see and do for those with an adventurous spirit, as well as families with young kids.

"Each day at low tide we took the short walk down the stairs to the beach to explore the rock pools full of colourful coral, crabs, fish and more. If you’re up for a longer walk, ‘The Lost City’ is a fun spot to explore with parts of the cliff that have broken away from the land."

"The cafe on site will give you your morning coffee fix and is well known for their wicked homemade pizza (we recommend the Barn Hill Special), vanilla slice (get it before it sells out) and homemade icy poles (mango and lemonade)."

Also on the Coral Coast 'hit list' is Bullara Station; located around 45 minutes' drive from Coral Bay, or one hour from Exmouth.

"Renowned for a number of things including its famous beef, Friday burger night, long table dinners, scones, sausage rolls, and open air showers; this place has plenty to do and will not disappoint," Ayla says.

"The staff are incredibly friendly, and there is plenty to do during the day. We were kept busy 4WDing down the station’s Gulf Track, exploring the walking trails, and the kids enjoyed the pump track, playground, farm animals and metal art around the station."

Facilities at the dog-friendly camping areas include powered sites, camp kitchen, outdoor showers, and a dump point.

Just remember to book early for the Long Table Dinners and Burger Night as they do sell out!

A 10 minutes' drive from Margaret River, Big Valley is a perfectly-positioned, family-owned working sheep farm, nestled among some of the best wineries, breweries, and arts and crafts in the south-west region.

"A great family friendly spot, there are guinea pigs to pet, lambs to bottle feed and a fully enclosed dog exercise area," Ayla says.  

Dogs are welcome and on-site facilities include a farm shop with local produce including farm raised lamb, powered sites, showers and toilets and a dump point.

Located just out of Cowaramup, Taunton Farm is perfectly placed as a home base while you explore the south-west. A working beef and sheep farm, there’s plenty of animals around, as well as dedicated animal feeding times for the kids to get up close and involved. 

"Kids will love this spot – it’s also kitted out with a jumping pillow and playground," she says.

Facilities at this well maintained, dog-friendly park include powered sites and cabins, showers and toilets, an on-site store and a dump point.