The monthly release of bookings for some of Western Australia’s most popular campgrounds will continue permanently after a successful eight-month trial.

Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions Acting Assistant Director Visitor Services Nathan Greenhill said the trial delivered exactly what it was designed to achieve, providing more people with a fairer chance to secure a campsite booking while reducing cancellations.

“Our data analysis has shown strong occupancy rates, low numbers of genuine no-shows and significantly fewer cancellations,” Mr Greenhill said.

“Cancelled campsite nights in August 2026 were almost 80 per cent lower than in August 2025, with most bookings being made for stays of less than 10 days.

“The monthly release has also reduced booking system manipulation, including visitors securing campsites for up to 28 days and then modifying their booking to retain access to sought-after campgrounds during high demand periods.”

Bookings for all Parks and Wildlife Service campgrounds on the popular Ningaloo Coast are opened in monthly blocks six months in advance on the Park Stay WA website, with releases opening at 10am on the first Tuesday of each month.

The next monthly release of bookings will open on Tuesday 6 October for stays between Thursday 1 April and Thursday 29 April 2027.

Analysis of bookings and occupancy has shown that only two per cent of booked campsite nights are not occupied. Some campsites may appear unoccupied when visitors arrive late, leave early due to long travel distances, or take campervans and rooftop tents away from the campground during the day.

Campsites impacted by Tropical Cyclone Narelle that require rebuilding, including all campgrounds in Nyinggulara National Park and 14 Mile in Nyinggulu Coastal Reserves, remain unavailable for booking.

For more information and to book, visit https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/ningaloo-coast-fairer-access-camping-faqs-august-update