Francois Peron National Park 4WD Itinerary

Explore Francois Peron National Park's red sands, turquoise waters, and remote beaches with this weekend itinerary

written by Sam, from Bush and Bay

If you’re after an adventurous weekend that mixes red dirt, turquoise water and white sandy beaches, Francois Peron National Park is the ultimate destination. It’s one of those places that captures the beauty of Western Australia perfectly. It’s rugged, remote, and absolutely incredible.

This guide will walk you through the perfect 2-3 day itinerary to explore Francois Peron National Park by 4WD. From relaxing at the calm waters of Big Lagoon, to exploring the red cliffs of Cape Peron, and swimming at the quiet bay of Herald Bight. Here’s your ultimate weekend guide to one of Australia’s most breathtaking national parks.

Know Before You Go

LOCATION
Francois Peron sits just north of Denham, in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. The park is known for its striking contrasts, where deep red sand meets white beaches and turquoise water. It’s only accessible by high clearance 4WD, and that’s all part of the adventure.

THE TRACKS
Once you pass the Peron Homestead entrance, the track quickly turns into soft sand and bumpy tracks. This is where the fun begins! Before heading in, make sure you’ve brought all the recovery gear you might need for this off-road adventure, and drop your tyre pressure at the air compressor station near the homestead.

THINGS TO DO
Francois Peron has plenty to see and do, both in and out of the water. The waters around the park are full of marine life, so it’s no surprise that swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and fishing are very popular. You can even launch a small boat at some of the beaches. Out of the water, it’s a dream for 4WD enthusiasts and beachgoers.

CARAVANS AND CAMPER TRAILERS
If you’re towing a single-axle off-road caravan or camper trailer, you can only take it as far as Big Lagoon. It’s the most accessible campsite in the national park and makes a great base to explore the surroundings on day trips.

FUEL AND SUPPLIES
Stock up in Denham before heading in. There’s no fuel or shops inside the national park.

BEST TIME TO VISIT
You can visit Francois Peron National Park all year round, but for the best camping experience, aim for April to October when the weather is mild and the water is still warm.

PERMITS & CAMPING
Once you pass the Peron Homestead entrance, the track quickly turns into soft sand and bumpy tracks. This is where the fun begins! Before heading in, make sure you’ve brought all the recovery gear you might need for this off-road adventure, and drop your tyre pressure at the air compressor station near the homestead

You’ll need a valid WA Parks Pass to enter Francois Peron National Park, and camping fees apply. You can pay cash for your stay at the entrance, or with the camp host at Big Lagoon if that’s your only campground.

Note that you can’t book campsites online. It’s first in, best dressed. The earlier you arrive, the better your chances of scoring a good spot.

Camping fees
$15 per adult per night
$ 5 per child per night

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4WD Adventure Weekend in Francois Peron National Park

Day 1 - Big Lagoon

Start your weekend at Big Lagoon, about 10km from the park entrance. The drive-in already gives you a taste of what’s ahead. The red dirt track and glimpses of the stunning lagoon appearing in the distance are a beautiful welcome to Francois Peron National Park.

The day here is best spent in the water. Simply float in the shallows and enjoy the calm, or launch a SUP or kayak. When the wind drops, it’s like paddling across glass. If you’re lucky, you might spot a ray gliding beneath you, or see a small reef shark cruising by in the shallows.

If you’ve brought your fishing rod, you can cast a line in the southern part of the lagoon. The northern part is protected as a nursery area. There’s also a boat ramp available if you want to launch your boat.

As the sun begins to set, the colours of Francois Peron come alive. So grab a drink and settle in for one of the park’s signature fiery sunsets. The red sand practically glows as the light fades, and the stars come out brighter than you can imagine.

Camping at Big Lagoon

Big Lagoon is where most travellers set up camp, and for good reason. If you travel with a caravan or camper trailer, this is as far as you’ll want to tow it. The campsites are spread along the shoreline, each with unbeatable views over the water. It’s first come, first served, so arrive early if you can. Especially during peak season, weekends and school holidays.

You’ll find a day use area with BBQs near the lagoon, drop toilets and plenty of space to spread out. It’s a family-friendly area, and probably the most popular campground in the entire national park.

Day 2 - Cape Peron

Sunrise here is worth the early wake up. Climb the little hill behind camp near the water with a coffee in hand and watch the world slowly wake up. The lagoon reflects the sky like a mirror, and the two benches that sit at the top make this the perfect sunrise spot. A great start for an adventurous day!

Today’s Plan: Cape Peron, the northern tip of the park. So pack up, bring your recovery gear, and get ready for one of the most iconic 4WD drives in Western Australia. It’s only about 40km each way, but don’t let that fool you, it’ll take you a couple of hours. In Francois Peron, the drive is the adventure.

The soft sand and corrugations will keep your hands firmly on the wheel. If you haven’t already, this is the time to lower your tyre pressure to around 20 psi (or less, depending on your vehicle). Then, let the fun begin! If you’re new to sand driving, remember to keep momentum and avoid sharp turns. The track winds through stunning landscapes. From bright red sand to white salt flats.

Once you reach Cape Peron, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views over the Shark Bay Marine Park. The contrast between the red cliffs, white sand and turquoise water is unreal.

You can either drive or take a walk to the Skipjack Point lookout, where you might spot dolphins, dugongs, turtles, rays and even sharks cruising through the shallows below. It’s one of the best wildlife spotting spots in the entire park.

After soaking in the views, you can enjoy a picnic at Cape Peron or wander down to the beach before returning to camp. If you’re travelling light, Bottle Bay is a great overnight stop. This peaceful campsite is tucked behind the dunes, and a favourite for those who like their camping a little more off-grid. The facilities are basic with just drop toilets, but when the wind drops, it’s a magical place to watch the sunset. For those travelling with caravans, it’s easy enough to head back to Big Lagoon.

Day 3 - Herald Bight

On your final day, it’s time to explore the park’s quieter side, Herald Bight, located on the park’s eastern side.

The track to Herald Bight feels a little wilder than the rest. It’s less travelled, with soft and narrow sections. Keep an eye out for wildlife. Thorny devils, emus, and countless birds call this place home.

And then, just as you start to wonder if this track is ever going to end, the red sand opens up to a stretch of brilliant white beach. The contrast is breathtaking. Herald Bight is peaceful, untouched and it feels like you’ve stumbled into your own private paradise. The water is calm and shallow, perfect for swimming or just walking along the beach. It’s also a great spot to see turtles.

If you’ve brought lunch, this is the place to relax a little longer. After a few adventurous days, Herald Bight is your reward.

Peron Homestead

Before leaving the park, make one final stop at the Peron Homestead. Once a working sheep station, now a gateway to the park’s history. And, more importantly, home to the famous artisan hot tub.

After a few days of sandy tracks and salty swims, lowering yourself into the 40-degree water feels like pure luxury. It’s nature’s spa, but outback-style. Something you’ll never forget.

Looking back at your adventure at Francois Peron National Park, you’ll realise that this park isn’t just another stop on the Coral Coast. It’s an experience, and the perfect blend between challenge and relaxation. Tackling the soft, bumpy red dirt tracks, floating in beautiful turquoise water and relaxing at white sandy beaches will leave you with a smile on your face that you can’t wipe off. It’s pure Western Australian magic.

Happy travels!

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Hi there! I’m Sam, one half of Bush and Bay. A travel blog my partner Wim and I created to share our adventures around Australia. We love roadtrips, 4WDing, remote campsites, and finding hidden gems.

One of our favourite regions to explore is the Coral Coast of Western Australia. A place where red dirt meets turquoise water, and adventure is never far away. Francois Peron National Park is the perfect destination for the adventurous traveller. With rugged tracks, untouched beaches, and marine life everywhere you look, it’s a 4WD dream come true.

We’ve spent a few unforgettable days at Francois Peron National Park, tackling every track, camping at different spots, and exploring every corner of the peninsula. It’s the perfect weekend adventure for anyone who loves the outdoors and a bit of off-road fun.

I’ve put together this weekend itinerary to help you experience the best of Francois Peron National Park. Get ready to explore some of the most iconic landscapes you’ll find in Western Australia!