Western Australia Accommodations And Camping

Visitors to the Margaret River area can choose to stay in a wide range of settings, from vineyards to beaches to tuart forests. Upscale options tend to be the norm—with wine comes money, and luxury accommodations abound in the Margaret River area. Those looking to splurge can contact the Margaret River Visitor Centre (☎08 9757 2911) to book a room in one of the many wonderful B&Bs, chalets, apartments, or cottages. Backpacker rooms fill up quickly from October to March; be sure to book ahead for summer weekends. From June to August, more bargain options are available. Contact DEC (☎08 9752 5555) if you want to camp in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.

• Inne Town Backpackers, 93 Bussell Hwy. (☎08 9757 3698 or 1800 244 115; www.innetown.com). Great location. Internet access $5 per hr. Laundry. Bike hire $10 per 3hr., $25 per day. Dorms $25-27; singles $60; doubles $65; triples $75. MC/V.
  
• Surfpoint Resort (☎1800 071 777; www.surfpoint.com.au), on Riedle Dr. south of Prevelley, about 500m from Gnarabup Beach. Clean, simple rooms around a small courtyard and pool; a beautiful beach escape. Internet access $6 per hr. BBQ. Dorms high season $24, low season $22; doubles $79/67; ensuite $99/85. Book ahead in summer.
• Riverview Tourist Park, 8-10 Wilmott Ave. (☎08 9757 2270; www.riverviewtouristpark.com). Camping and cabins within reasonable walking distance (800m) to town. Free Wi-Fi; well-equipped campers kitchen. Offers one of the cheapest wine tours in town, with discounted rates for guests. Powered sites for 2 $30; cabins from $60, ensuite $70-120. Higher in summer and during long weekends.
  
• Prevelly Park Beach Resort (☎08 9757 2374), turn right on Mitchell Rd. off Wallcliffe Rd. west out of Margaret River. Close to great surfing. Check in at the adjoining general store. Only BBQ equipment for campers. Linen $4.50-6.50. Sites high season $17, low season $11; basic on-site vans $90/50; 5-person cedar cabins $110/60.

Busselton, Dunsborough, And Yallingup

• Dunsborough Beach House YHA, 201-205 Geographe Bay Rd., Dunsborough (☎08 9755 3107). Excellent location on beach gives this social hostel a laid-back vibe. Manager Andy is both knowledgeable and amiable, providing guest-friendly services like daily shuttles to town for grocery shopping, in-house car hire, free rice, free herbs from the garden, and free boogie boards and snorkel gear. Internet access $4 per hr. Bike rentals $10 per day, free for quick trips. Dorms $27, YHA $24; doubles and twins $66/60. Weekly rates available. MC/V.
• Hideaway Holiday Homes, 24 Elsegood Ave., Yallingup (☎08 9755 2145). Cabins just a 10min. walk from the beach. Bathrooms, laundry, TV, and kitchen. No linen. Doubles from $60. Weekly rentals only in high season, from $500 per week. Cash only.
• Yallingup Beach Holiday Park, 1 Valley Rd. (☎1800 220 002 or 08 9755 2164), as you drive down to Yallingup Beach. Great location across from the area’s biggest surf. High-season sites for 2 $50, low-season $28; cabins for 2 $175-255/80-120. MC/V.

Augusta

• Baywatch Manor Resort YHA, 88 Blackwood Ave. (☎08 9758 1290; www.baywatchmanor.com.au). Cozy atmosphere and gorgeous, well-maintained facilities. Native jarrah-wood dining tables. Knowledgeable owners arrange whale watching trips at 10% discount. Internet access $5 per hr. Bikes ½-day $8, full-day $12. Free lockers. Dorms $24, YHA $22; doubles and twins high season $70/65, low season $60/55; ensuite doubles high season $95/88, low season $80/75. MC/V with 3% surcharge.
• Leeuwin House Backpackers (☎08 9758 1944; www.augusta-resorts.com), across Blackwood Ave from the Augusta Hotel-Motel (book through the hotel). Basic bunk rooms with standard amenities, available to book any night except M, Th, or Sa. High season $28 per bed, low season $24. AmEx/MC/V.
• Flinders Bay Caravan Park (☎08 9758 1380), 2.5km south of the visitors center. Sites for 2 Dec.-Jan. $20-22, powered $25; Feb.-Nov. $18/20.