Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park

Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park is the strategic “circuit breaker” for the monotonous haul between Port Hedland and Broome. If you try to push that 600km+ drive in one go with kids, you’ll regret it. This park is famous for two things: shells and Threadfin Salmon. The beach is literally paved with shells, which keeps the kids occupied for hours, while Dad wets a line for some of the best land-based fishing in WA. The Logistics: You have to tackle a 10km unsealed access road to get here. It is generally well-graded and suitable for on-road caravans if you lower your tyre pressures and take it slow, but expect dust and corrugations. The park itself is huge with powered and unpowered sites, but there is virtually no shade. You are fully exposed to the elements, and when the afternoon sea breeze kicks in, it hits hard—tie down your awning properly or you will lose it. Drinking water is available from the taps but is bore water (safe but mineral-heavy), so bring your own jerry cans if you are fussy about taste. Warning: The water looks inviting, but this is shark country. Swimming is generally not recommended; stick to the shoreline and enjoy the sunsets.