Nannup Caravan Park — The Senior Grey Nomad Guide to the Blackwood River’s Best Base Camp in 2026
Written for Australian senior travellers aged 60–80 exploring the South West by caravan or motorhome — honest answers, verified details, no brochure copy. Your hosts at Nannup Caravan Park are Julie and Wayne.
📋 Table of Contents
- Nannup and the Blackwood River: Why Grey Nomads Drive This Far
- Free Roadside Camping Near Nannup — Looks Cheap, Genuinely Hard for Seniors
- Your Two Main Options Side by Side
- Nannup Caravan Park: On the Blackwood and Right in Town
- The Blackwood River Access: What It Means for Seniors at Nannup
- What Nannup Caravan Park Doesn’t Tell You Online
- Van Life Savings Spots: Free and Low-Cost Camping Near Nannup
- Riverbend Camping Grounds: The Riverside Alternative for Grey Nomads
- Full Facilities Comparison: Nannup Caravan Park vs Riverbend vs Wrights Bridge
- Rates: All Options
- The Blackwood River and Forest Day Plan for Seniors
- Senior Checklist: Nannup and the South West Forests
- What to Do in Nannup: Your Senior Day Plan
- GPS Coordinates and Postcodes: Save Every Stop
- Frequently Asked Questions — Nannup Caravan Park for Grey Nomads
- Quick-Reference Card and Booking CTAs
1. Nannup and the Blackwood River: Why Grey Nomads Drive This Far
There is a particular kind of South West WA town that seasoned grey nomads keep to themselves — a place off the main tourist stampede, unhurried, genuinely beautiful, where the Blackwood River slides quietly past old jarrah and marri trees and the main street still has a pub, a bakery, a good second-hand shop, and people who have time to say hello. Nannup is that town. And Nannup Caravan Park, sitting right on the banks of the Blackwood just 500 metres from everything in town, is exactly the base camp it deserves.
Nannup sits at the geographic heart of WA’s South West, roughly equidistant from Busselton, Manjimup, Bridgetown, and Margaret River. That central position makes it a strategic base for a very long list of day trips: the Southern Forests, the karri country around Pemberton, the antique shops of Balingup, the wineries of the Blackwood Valley, and the swimming holes and canoe trails of the Blackwood River itself. A senior grey nomad who stays at Nannup Caravan Park for five to seven nights and plans their days carefully will see more of WA’s genuinely beautiful south west than most people manage in a fortnight of rushing between better-known towns.
This guide answers every question that matters before you commit: Is the park truly pet-friendly? Does it handle fifth-wheelers? What happens if there’s a medical emergency? How far is the nearest hospital? What are the honest problems with the budget camping alternatives? We cover all of it — because a senior traveller deserves real information, not just pretty photos of the river. For your wider circuit planning, see our full guide to grey nomad routes around Australia.
2. Free Roadside Camping Near Nannup — Looks Cheap, Genuinely Hard for Seniors
The Blackwood River National Park has two DBCA campgrounds within striking distance of Nannup — Wrights Bridge and Sues Bridge — and both look appealing on an app. Beautiful forest setting, river access, low cost per night. On paper, they seem like the sensible budget option. For a young, fit, self-sufficient camper spending a night in a tent, they are perfectly good. For a senior grey nomad who wants to spend five or six days exploring the South West from a comfortable, powered base, they are a poor and potentially frustrating choice.
- No mains power — and no exceptions. Wrights Bridge and Sues Bridge are unpowered. If you use a CPAP machine, your lithium battery will carry you for one or two nights. After that, you need to be back at a powered site. Planning your whole South West stay around battery capacity adds stress to what should be a relaxed trip.
- No dogs — national park 1080 baiting rules apply. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions bans dogs in Blackwood River National Park due to active 1080 baiting for feral predators. The signage is explicit: 1080 is lethal to domestic dogs. If you are travelling with a dog and take it into either campground, you are risking your pet’s life. There are no exceptions and no designated pet areas inside the park boundaries.
- Must pre-book online — cannot pay at the park. Both DBCA campgrounds require advance online booking and pre-payment through the Parks and Wildlife booking system. If you arrive without a booking, you cannot stay. For grey nomads who prefer to travel flexibly and decide where to stay as they go, this is a genuine logistical constraint.
- Pit toilets only — no showers, no kitchen, no laundry. Wrights Bridge has compacted earth surfaces and pit toilets. Sues Bridge is similar. For a one or two night bush experience, this is fine. For seniors managing health conditions, bladder issues, or simply wanting a hot shower after a day’s drive, these facilities are inadequate for an extended stay.
- Some sites are not suitable for caravans or camper trailers. Both campgrounds explicitly state that some sites are not suitable for caravans or camper trailers due to the forest setting. You will not know which sites are available until you book, and even then the site surface at Wrights Bridge is subject to standing water after heavy rain. Arriving with a full-length van to find the site unsuitable is the kind of experience that ruins a trip.
Wrights Bridge Campground is on the Nannup-Balingup Road, Nannup WA 6275. GPS: -33.8901, 115.8194. Sues Bridge Campground is approximately 54km from Nannup, on Sues Road, Nannup WA 6275. GPS: -33.9203, 115.4147. Both are worth visiting as day trips from Nannup Caravan Park. Neither is the right overnight base for a senior travelling in a caravan or motorhome.
3. Your Two Main Options Side by Side
| Facility / Feature | Nannup Caravan Park | DBCA Bush Campgrounds (Wrights Bridge / Sues Bridge) |
|---|---|---|
| 240V mains power (CPAP) | ✅ Yes — powered sites | ❌ No power at either campground |
| Bookings / arrival flexibility | ✅ Phone, email or walk-in | ❌ Must pre-book online — no walk-ins |
| Hot showers | ✅ Yes — 2 modern ablution blocks | ❌ None — pit toilets only |
| Dump point | ✅ On-site | ❌ None — separate trip required |
| Camp kitchen | ✅ Rustic camp kitchen + BBQs | ⚠️ BBQ only at Sues Bridge |
| Laundry | ✅ On-site laundry | ❌ None |
| Pets allowed | ✅ YES — pet-friendly (read pet policy) | ❌ NO — 1080 baiting. Dogs banned. No exceptions. |
| Suitable for caravans / fifth-wheelers | ✅ Yes — large vehicles accommodated | ⚠️ Some sites unsuitable for caravans — check before booking |
| Gas bottle refill | ✅ On-site gas refill available | ❌ None |
| Town access (shops, pharmacy, fuel) | ✅ 500m walk to Nannup town centre | ❌ Isolated — 15–50km from any services |
| Blackwood River access | ✅ Direct river frontage | ✅ Both campgrounds are on the Blackwood |
| Medical proximity | ⚠️ Nannup MPS in town. Bridgetown Hospital 41km. | ⚠️ Remote. No phone signal. 50–80km from help. |
| Senior overall rating | ✅ Recommended — best senior base in the area | ⚠️ Day trip only — not suited for senior overnight stays |
4. Nannup Caravan Park: On the Blackwood and Right in Town
Nannup Caravan Park and Riverbend Camping Grounds — run by Julie and Wayne — is what the caravan park industry used to be and, in some of the best parks, still is. It describes itself as “old-fashioned and pet-friendly” and both of those words are doing real work. Old-fashioned means it is managed by people who know their guests’ names, who care whether you are comfortable, and who have not replaced human hospitality with an app. Pet-friendly means exactly that — not “pets tolerated in one corner of the overflow area” but a park where your dog is genuinely welcome.
The main park on Brockman Street has over 95 powered and unpowered sites on the banks of the Blackwood River, with easy access for larger vehicles including fifth-wheelers. The park can accommodate everything from a single swag to a full-length fifth-wheel combination. Two modern ablution blocks are kept spotless, according to virtually every recent review. The rustic camp kitchen with its upgraded cookers and communal feel is the social centre of the park — the kind of place where you end up talking to another couple from Queensland for two hours before you meant to start cooking dinner. There is an on-site laundry, BBQs, and — something many parks no longer offer — on-site gas bottle refilling.
Address: 4 Brockman Street, Nannup WA 6275
GPS: -33.9822, 115.7645 — save to navigation app before leaving Wi-Fi
Phone: 08 9756 1211
After Hours: 0413 036 357
Email: [email protected]
Website: nannupcaravanpark.com.au
Office Hours: 7 days — 10am to 4pm weekdays, 10am to 2pm weekends. After-hours service available for late arrivals — phone ahead.
When you call, ask: your rig length and whether the site handles it, whether you need river-frontage or shaded sites, whether the pet policy covers your dog’s breed and size, and whether a cabin or tiny home is available if you want a night off the van.
The Nannup town centre is 500 metres away on foot — a flat, easy walk past the river to the main street. The town has a supermarket, bottle shop, bakery and café, hardware store, fuel, post office, and a genuinely excellent antique and second-hand shop that returning grey nomads specifically mention in reviews. The Nannup Hotel — one of those old WA country pubs that has not been ruined — does good counter meals and has the kind of beer garden that makes you extend your stay by two nights. For the bigger South West picture on living on the road through regions like this, see our guide to living in retirement on the road.
5. The Blackwood River Access: What It Means for Seniors at Nannup
The Blackwood River at Nannup is not a raging whitewater experience. It is a wide, slow, gentle river with calm pools, grassy banks, and a pace that matches exactly what most senior grey nomads are looking for in a South West WA stop. At 270 kilometres, it is Western Australia’s longest continuously flowing river, and the section through Nannup is among its most beautiful — clear water, big old trees leaning over the banks, black cockatoos in the canopy, and enough calm shallows for a swim without any current risk.
Nannup Caravan Park sits directly on the river bank. From a powered site at the main park, the water is metres away. From the Riverbend section, you are even closer — tiered grassed levels run right down to the Blackwood. For seniors who love fresh water swimming, gentle kayaking, morning birdwatching from the riverbank, or simply sitting in a camp chair watching the river go by with a cup of tea, this park delivers that experience without any driving, any walking, or any additional effort. You wake up, and the river is there.
The Blackwood River Walk and Canoe Trail runs through Nannup — a mapped multi-day paddling route along the river that is WA’s longest canoe trail. Senior grey nomads do not need to paddle the whole trail to enjoy it. The sections immediately around Nannup are calm, navigable by single kayak, and absolutely beautiful. The park can advise on canoe and kayak hire in town — a half-day paddle from the park to Barrabup Pool and back is an experience that will stay with you long after you have left Nannup behind.
6. What Nannup Caravan Park Doesn’t Tell You Online
The park’s own website is friendly and informative but skips the details that matter most to senior travellers. Here is what you actually need to know.
1. The pet policy has specific rules — read them before booking. The park is genuinely and enthusiastically pet-friendly, but there is a written pet policy on the website. Read it before you arrive. It covers things like leads, keeping dogs off furniture in any cabin accommodation, and responsible waste management. The rules are reasonable and practical — they exist so that both pet owners and non-pet owners have a good stay. Do not assume you can bring multiple large dogs and sort it out on arrival — phone ahead and discuss your specific situation with Julie or Wayne.
2. Powered sites on weekends have a two-night minimum for advance bookings. The park states clearly that powered sites on weekends must be more than one night if you want to book in advance. This means you cannot pre-book a single Friday or Saturday night powered site. If you want one night over a weekend, you take your chances on arrival. For grey nomads who tend to move every day or two, plan your Nannup weekend dates accordingly.
3. The cancellation policy is a 14-day policy with a $30 fee in all cases. Cancellations made more than 14 days prior receive a full refund less $30. Less than 14 days notice means no refund. This is standard for a small family-run park and absolutely fair — but write it in your travel diary. If your plans change in the area, 14 days is the threshold.
4. The tiny homes at Riverbend are not just for couples — they are genuinely the most comfortable accommodation option at the park. The three luxury tiny homes — Tiny House, Blue Wren Tiny House, and Gypsy Rose Tiny House — sit right on the Blackwood River bank at Riverbend. If you have been on the road for six weeks and your back is telling you that another night in the van is not a good idea, one night in a Blackwood River tiny home is one of the best investments you will make all trip.
7. Van Life Savings Spots: Free and Low-Cost Camping Near Nannup
If budget is genuinely tight or you want to break your South West circuit across different base camps, here are the verified low-cost options within range of Nannup. Save these to your van life savings spots app and download offline maps before leaving town — the forest roads around Nannup have variable Telstra coverage.
| Site Name | Cost | Address + GPS | Senior Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrights Bridge Campground (DBCA) | ~$12 per adult/night. Must pre-book online. | Nannup-Balingup Road, Nannup WA 6275. ~15km east of Nannup. GPS: -33.8926, 115.8198 | Jarrah-marri forest setting on the Blackwood. No power. Pit toilets only. No dogs (1080 baiting). Some sites not suitable for caravans — verify at booking. Good for 1–2 nights as a self-sufficient forest experience. Not suitable for CPAP users. Standing water on some sites after rain. |
| Sues Bridge Campground (DBCA) | ~$12 per adult/night. Must pre-book online. | Sues Road, Blackwood River NP, Nannup WA 6275. ~54km from Nannup. GPS: -33.9788, 115.5008 | Beautiful Blackwood River access — swimming, kayaking, picnicking. No power. Pit toilets. No dogs. More suited to caravans than Wrights Bridge. Good day-trip destination from Nannup. Too far to use as base camp for Nannup sightseeing. |
| Bridgetown Caravan Park | From ~$38/night powered | South Western Highway, Bridgetown WA 6255. 41km east of Nannup. GPS: -33.9634, 116.1355 | Good senior option if Nannup is full. Full powered sites. Closer to Bridgetown Hospital. Good for Bridgetown/Balingup exploration. Further from Nannup Blackwood River experience. Call ahead to confirm current facilities and pet rules. |
8. Riverbend Camping Grounds: The Riverside Alternative for Grey Nomads
Riverbend Camping Grounds is not a separate park — it is the second section of Nannup Caravan Park, managed by the same Julie and Wayne, booked through the same contact details. It sits approximately 500 metres from the main Brockman Street park, even closer to the Blackwood River, on tiered grassed levels that run right down to the water. If the main park is fully booked or if you specifically want the closest possible position to the river, Riverbend is the alternative to ask about when you phone.
Riverbend has 50 sites (powered and unpowered) plus a large shower block and camp kitchen. It is specifically suited to groups or clubs of 10 or more — if you are travelling in a convoy of grey nomads and want exclusive use for your group, Riverbend is designed for exactly that. For solo travellers and couples, the main Brockman Street park is the right call — Riverbend’s group orientation means it can occasionally be lively when a large booking is in.
The three luxury tiny homes — Tiny House, Blue Wren Tiny House, and Gypsy Rose Tiny House — are at Riverbend, on the river bank. Two one-bedroom cabins and two dome tents are also available. These are the park’s premium accommodation options and they book out well in advance for spring and the Nannup Flower Festival period.
Riverbend Camping Grounds
Address: off Brockman Street, Nannup WA 6275 (500m from main park)
GPS: -33.9754, 115.7694
All bookings: 08 9756 1211 | [email protected] | nannupcaravanpark.com.au
9. Full Facilities Comparison: Nannup Caravan Park vs Riverbend vs Wrights Bridge
| Facility | Nannup CP (Main Park) | Riverbend Camping Grounds | Wrights Bridge (DBCA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 240V mains power | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Hot showers | ✅ 2 modern ablution blocks | ✅ Large shower block | ❌ None — pit toilets only |
| Camp kitchen | ✅ Rustic kitchen + BBQs | ✅ Camp kitchen centrally located | ❌ No kitchen |
| Dump point | ✅ On-site | ✅ Via main park | ❌ None on-site |
| Laundry | ✅ On-site | ⚠️ Verify when booking | ❌ None |
| Pets allowed | ✅ YES — read pet policy | ✅ YES — same pet policy | ❌ NO — 1080 baiting. Fatal to dogs. |
| Gas bottle refill | ✅ On-site | ⚠️ Via main park | ❌ None |
| Blackwood River access | ✅ Direct river frontage | ✅ Tiered grass to river bank | ✅ Near river — day-use area |
| Town access | ✅ 500m to Nannup town centre | ✅ 500m to Nannup town centre | ❌ 15km from Nannup on forest road |
| Cabin / off-van accommodation | ✅ 2-bedroom cabin, on-site van, comfort tents | ✅ 3 tiny homes, 2 cabins, dome tents | ❌ No off-van option |
| Medical proximity | ⚠️ Nannup MPS in town. Bridgetown Hospital 41km. | ⚠️ Same as main park — 500m away | ⚠️ Remote — 15km from Nannup, limited phone signal |
| Senior overall rating | ✅ ★★★★ Best senior base | ✅ ★★★★ Excellent for groups | ⚠️ ★★ Self-sufficient only |
10. Rates: All Options
Rates are indicative for 2026 and subject to change. Always confirm current pricing directly with the park. Minimum 2-night booking applies for powered sites on weekends (advance bookings). Cancellation policy: $30 fee applies in all cases; full refund (less $30) for cancellations more than 14 days prior; no refund for less than 14 days notice.
| Accommodation Type | Approx. Rate (per night) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nannup CP — Powered site (2 persons) ← Senior Recommended | ~$38–$50 | Large rigs and fifth-wheelers accommodated. 2-night minimum for weekend advance bookings. Ask for river-view or shaded site when booking. |
| Nannup CP — Unpowered site (2 persons) | ~$28–$38 | 95+ unpowered sites across the park. Suitable for self-contained rigs with lithium battery for CPAP. On-site camp kitchen available. |
| Nannup CP — 2 Bedroom Cabin | ~$120–$160 | Good option for couples who need a break from van living. Also suitable when travelling with a family member who cannot manage the van. Book ahead for school holidays. |
| Riverbend — Luxury Tiny Home (river bank) | ~$160–$220 | 3 options: Tiny House, Blue Wren Tiny House, Gypsy Rose Tiny House. Right on the Blackwood River. Highly recommended for a rest-night from the van. Books out fast for spring and Flower Festival. |
| Riverbend — Powered site (group bookings) | ~$38–$50 | 50 sites. Best suited to groups of 10+. Ask about exclusive Riverbend booking for grey nomad clubs or convoys. |
| DBCA Campgrounds (Wrights Bridge / Sues Bridge) | ~$12 per adult/night | Must pre-book at parkstay.dpaw.wa.gov.au. No power. No dogs. Some sites not suitable for caravans. Day-trip use only recommended for seniors. |
To book Nannup Caravan Park: Call 08 9756 1211, email [email protected], or visit nannupcaravanpark.com.au. The office is open 7 days — 10am to 4pm weekdays, 10am to 2pm weekends. For late arrivals, call the after-hours number on 0413 036 357.
11. The Blackwood River and Forest Day Plan for Seniors
This two-day plan covers the best of what Nannup and its surroundings offer senior grey nomads, starting from your base at Nannup Caravan Park. Neither day requires more than 50 kilometres of driving.
Day One — The River and the Town
8:00am — Morning walk along the Blackwood. The flat riverside trail from the park into Nannup town centre is 500 metres of pure south west WA morning — black cockatoos in the trees, the river running clear, mist still on the water. Walking poles are useful on the grassed river sections. Allow 30 minutes return at a gentle pace.
9:00am — Nannup Bakery and main street. Nannup WA 6275. GPS: -33.9822, 115.7645. The bakery does excellent pies and pastries. This is also the moment to check the Nannup Visitor Centre (on the main street, same GPS zone) for current fire ban conditions and maps of the Blackwood River Canoe Trail before any forest day trip.
10:00am — Barrabup Pool. Approximately 15km from Nannup on the Brockman Highway. GPS: –33.9442, 115.6911 . One of the most beautiful natural swimming holes in WA’s South West — a deep, clear river pool in jarrah forest, perfect for a morning swim when temperatures have not yet peaked. Flat ground approach from the small carpark. Excellent birdwatching. Allow 1.5 hours.
12:00 noon — Return to Nannup. Lunch at the Nannup Hotel. Brockman Street, Nannup WA 6275. GPS: -33.9820, 115.7666. The pub does good counter lunches and the beer garden is exactly what a South West WA country pub should be. Air-conditioned indoors if the afternoon is warm.
Afternoon — Nannup antique shop and gallery browsing. The collection of specialty shops in Nannup’s main street is genuinely exceptional for a town of this size — antiques, collectables, local art, and craft. For grey nomads who enjoy browsing without pressure, this is a perfect slow afternoon.
Day Two — Balingup and the Northern Forest Drive
8:30am — Drive to Balingup. 36km north-east of Nannup on the Brockman Highway. GPS: -33.7845, 115.9841. Balingup is arguably the most charming small town in WA’s South West — the Golden Valley Tree Park, the Balingup Medieval Carnivale (not always running — check dates), and the iconic Small Farm (craft, produce, and specialty food). Allow a full morning.
1:00pm — Return via Mullalyup. The Brockman Highway back through Mullalyup to Nannup passes through some of the most beautiful forest country in the South West — ideal for a slow drive back with the windows open.
12. Senior Checklist: Nannup and the South West Forests
| Item | Why It Matters for Nannup | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover | Nannup has a Multi Purpose Service (limited hours and services). Bridgetown Hospital is 41km — a full hospital but not a major trauma centre. Any serious cardiac, stroke, or trauma event will require ambulance transport 80–100km to Busselton Health Campus. Ambulance cover in WA is not automatic — check your policy explicitly covers WA regional ambulance fees. | ☐ |
| PLB registered with AMSA | Mobile coverage in Nannup townsite is adequate but drops significantly on forest roads, the Munda Biddi Trail, and the Blackwood River NP campgrounds. A registered PLB is the only reliable emergency signal in no-signal areas. Register free at beacons.amsa.gov.au. Carry it on any forest day trip. | ☐ |
| 2-week minimum prescription medication supply | Nannup has a pharmacy but limited specialist medication stock. Stock up before arriving in Nannup — from Bunbury, Busselton, or Manjimup. Do not rely on being able to fill a specialist script in a small South West town. Nearest full-service pharmacy is Bridgetown (41km) or Busselton (~100km). | ☐ |
| Medicare card + medication list in waterproof pouch | Keep accessible in the vehicle at all times. If you are taken by ambulance to Bridgetown Hospital or Busselton, the medication list saves critical time. Keep a printed copy in the glovebox — not buried in a bag. | ☐ |
| CPAP lithium battery backup | Nannup CP has powered sites — but if you take a night trip to Wrights Bridge or any unpowered forest camp, your lithium battery carries you. One backup battery minimum for extended South West forest travel. | ☐ |
| SPF 50+ sunscreen and sun protection | The South West climate is deceptive — cooler temperatures and tree cover mean you underestimate UV. River swimming at Barrabup Pool and forest walks expose you for extended periods without shade above. Apply SPF 50+ before leaving the van. | ☐ |
| Full water tanks before forest day trips | DBCA campgrounds at Wrights Bridge and Sues Bridge do not provide drinking water. Fill tanks at Nannup Caravan Park before every remote day trip. The park has clean water on-site. | ☐ |
| Offline maps downloaded before leaving park | Download the Nannup, Balingup, Bridgetown, and Blackwood River National Park areas in Google Maps or Maps.me while at the park. Mobile signal drops significantly on forest roads — GPS works without signal but you need pre-loaded map tiles to navigate. | ☐ |
| Emergency numbers saved offline AND on paper in glovebox | Bridgetown Hospital: 08 9782 1222. Nannup MPS: 08 9756 1066. Nannup Police: 08 9756 1070. Park (Julie and Wayne): 08 9756 1211 / 0413 036 357. Write these on paper — phones fail at the worst moments. | ☐ |
| Dog lead, water and pet policy confirmed | Nannup Caravan Park is pet-friendly — but read the pet policy on the website before booking. Dogs are absolutely banned in Blackwood River NP due to 1080 baiting — this is life-threatening for dogs. Never take your dog to Wrights Bridge or Sues Bridge campground. Leave your dog at the park on forest day trips. | ☐ |
13. What to Do in Nannup: Your Senior Day Plan
Every attraction below is within 60km of Nannup Caravan Park. For a deeper guide to the South West circuit and how to pace a long trip through the region, see our guide to how long you can stay in a caravan park as a senior grey nomad.
| Activity | Address + GPS | Senior Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blackwood River Swimming (Nannup town reach) | Brockman Street, Nannup WA 6275. GPS: -33.9798, 115.7618 | Direct from the park. Calm, clear, shallow-entry river swimming. No surf. No crocodiles. No current risk in normal conditions. Best early morning. Good for seniors with joint pain — the cool fresh water is excellent for inflammation. |
| Barrabup Pool (river swimming) | Brockman Highway, Nannup WA 6275. ~15km west. GPS: -33.9442, 115.6911 | Spectacular deep river pool in jarrah forest. Gradual bank entry — no rocks required. Excellent birdwatching. Go before 11am on summer weekends to beat crowds. Free entry. Short flat walk from carpark. |
| Nannup main street (antiques, cafés, gallery) | Warren Road / Brockman Street, Nannup WA 6275. GPS: -33.9822, 115.7645 | 500m flat walk from the park. Antique shop highly rated by grey nomads. Cafés, bakery, post office, fuel, small supermarket all within 200m of each other. Air-conditioned options for warm afternoons. |
| Balingup Golden Valley Tree Park | South Western Highway, Balingup WA 6253. ~36km NE of Nannup. GPS: -33.7995, 115.9868 | World-class collection of northern hemisphere deciduous trees — spectacular autumn colour from April to June. Flat grassed walking throughout — extremely senior accessible. Free entry. Combine with Balingup Small Farm and craft shops in the same morning. |
| Beedelup Falls (Pemberton) | Vasse Highway, Pemberton WA 6260. ~55km SE of Nannup. GPS: -34.4184, 115.8692 | Beautiful karri forest waterfall accessible via a suspension bridge walk. Mostly flat boardwalk with some steps — walking poles recommended. Good in winter when the falls are running. Free entry. Combine with a Pemberton morning and return via Northcliffe road for scenery. |
| Nannup Visitor Centre (information, maps, air-conditioned) | Warren Road, Nannup WA 6275. GPS: -33.9795, 115.7652 | Air-conditioned. Good local history exhibits. Pick up current fire ban information, Blackwood River canoe trail maps, and local event calendars here. Staff are genuinely helpful for senior visitors. Free entry. Open daily in season. |
| Nannup Hotel beer garden | Brockman Street, Nannup WA 6275. GPS: -33.9822, 115.7645 | One of the best country pub beer gardens in WA’s South West. Counter meals. Air-conditioned interior. A genuinely good evening option — flat 500m walk from the park, well-lit street, comfortable walk home. Opens for lunch and dinner. Check current trading hours. |
14. GPS Coordinates and Postcodes: Save Every Stop
Save all of these to your van life savings spots app before leaving town. Mobile signal drops on forest roads around Nannup — these numbers saved offline, especially the hospital GPS and phone numbers, could be critical in an emergency. For wider WA free camping tips see our guide to free camping in Western Australia.
| Stop | Full Address + Postcode | GPS (copy to app) |
|---|---|---|
| Nannup Caravan Park (Main) | 4 Brockman Street, Nannup WA 6275 | –33.9822, 115.7641 |
| Riverbend Camping Grounds | off Brockman Street, Nannup WA 6275 | -33.9754, 115.7694 |
| Nannup Town Centre (shops, fuel, bakery, pharmacy) | Warren Road / Brockman Street, Nannup WA 6275 | -33.9822, 115.7645 |
| Barrabup Pool (river swimming) | Brockman Highway, Nannup WA 6275 | -33.9442, 115.6911 |
| Wrights Bridge Campground (DBCA) | Nannup-Balingup Road, Nannup WA 6275 | -33.8926, 115.8198 |
| Sues Bridge Campground (DBCA) | Sues Road, Blackwood River NP, Nannup WA 6275 | -33.9788, 115.5008 |
| Balingup (Golden Valley Tree Park / shops) | South Western Highway, Balingup WA 6253 | -33.7995, 115.9868 |
| Beedelup Falls (Pemberton) | Vasse Highway, Pemberton WA 6260 | -34.4184, 115.8692 |
| Bridgetown Caravan Park (overflow option) | South Western Highway, Bridgetown WA 6255 | -33.9634, 116.1355 |
| 🏥 Nannup Multi Purpose Service (limited — in town) | Carey Street, Nannup WA 6275. Ph: 08 9756 1066 — call ahead to confirm current hours and services. Not a 24-hour emergency hospital. | -33.9839, 115.7643 |
| 🏥 Bridgetown Hospital (nearest 24hr hospital) | 28 Peninsula Road, Bridgetown WA 6255 — 41km east of Nannup. Ph: 08 9782 1222 (24 hours) | -33.9515, 116.1384 |
| 🏥 Busselton Health Campus (full emergency department) | Mill Road, Busselton WA 6280 — ~100km north of Nannup. Ph: 08 9753 1000 (24 hours) | -33.6493, 115.3345 |
| 🚨 Emergency (ambulance, fire, police) | Call 000. Nannup Police: 08 9756 1070. Healthdirect (free nurse advice line, 24hrs): 1800 022 222 | Save to phone contacts now |
15. Frequently Asked Questions — Nannup Caravan Park for Grey Nomads
Is Nannup Caravan Park pet-friendly?
Yes — Nannup Caravan Park is genuinely and enthusiastically pet-friendly, which makes it one of the most important caravan parks in WA’s South West for grey nomads travelling with dogs. The park has a written pet policy on the website — read it before booking as it covers leads, behaviour, and specific rules for cabin accommodation. Call ahead on 08 9756 1211 to discuss your specific dog or pet and confirm arrangements. One critical warning: the Blackwood River National Park campgrounds (Wrights Bridge and Sues Bridge) have active 1080 poison baiting and dogs are strictly banned — this applies to your dog too. Leave your dog at the Nannup Caravan Park on any DBCA forest day trip.
Does Nannup Caravan Park accommodate large caravans and fifth-wheelers?
Yes. The park states clearly that it can accommodate everything from a single swag to a full-length fifth-wheeler combination. The entry off Brockman Street is straightforward. Call ahead on 08 9756 1211 with your van length and combination type — Julie and Wayne will allocate you the right site before arrival, which prevents the anxiety of arriving and discovering the site does not work for your rig.
What is the nearest hospital to Nannup Caravan Park?
There is a Nannup Multi Purpose Service on Carey Street in Nannup itself — phone 08 9756 1066 — but this is a day clinic with limited services, not a full 24-hour emergency hospital. The nearest hospital with 24-hour services is Bridgetown Hospital at 28 Peninsula Road, Bridgetown WA 6255 — phone 08 9782 1222, GPS: -33.9515, 116.1384 — approximately 41km east of Nannup on the South Western Highway, around 35 minutes by road. For major trauma or serious cardiac events, ambulance will likely transport to Busselton Health Campus (~100km north). Save both phone numbers and GPS coordinates to your phone and write them on paper in your glovebox before you arrive.
Is there a dump point at Nannup Caravan Park?
Yes — there is a dump point on-site at Nannup Caravan Park. The park also offers on-site gas bottle refilling, which is a notable convenience in a small regional town where you might otherwise need to drive to Bridgetown or Busselton for a refill.
What is the best time of year for senior grey nomads to visit Nannup?
Nannup’s South West forest climate makes it genuinely pleasant year-round, but the best months for senior travellers are September to November (spring wildflowers, warm days, light crowds) and March to May (autumn colours — particularly spectacular at Balingup’s Golden Valley Tree Park, comfortable temperatures). The Nannup Flower Festival in late August is one of the most famous events in WA’s South West — beautiful but busy, so book the park well in advance if your dates align. Summer (December to February) is warm but not extreme; winter (June to August) is cool and green and requires layers and a rain jacket but the forests are stunning.
How do I book Nannup Caravan Park?
Call 08 9756 1211 (office hours: 10am–4pm weekdays, 10am–2pm weekends), email [email protected], or book online at nannupcaravanpark.com.au. For late arrivals, the after-hours number is 0413 036 357. Note: powered sites on weekends require a minimum 2-night stay for advance bookings. The park fills for the Nannup Flower Festival (late August) and spring school holidays — book 6–8 weeks ahead for these periods. Cancellation policy: $30 fee applies in all cases; full refund (less $30) for more than 14 days notice.
Is it safe to swim in the Blackwood River at Nannup?
Yes — the Blackwood River at Nannup and at Barrabup Pool is safe for swimming under normal conditions. Unlike the NT, the South West of WA has no saltwater crocodiles. The Blackwood is slow-moving and calm at Nannup — not open surf, no strong current in normal conditions, and a gradual sandy/gravelly entry at the town reach near the park. Swim between the park and the town during the morning or early afternoon when you can see the bottom clearly. After heavy rain, the river can discolour and flow faster — use common sense and do not swim in flood conditions. The Barrabup Pool section 15km out of town is consistently clear and calm.
Is Nannup Caravan Park suitable for solo senior travellers?
Yes. Nannup Caravan Park is a small, family-run park in a quiet country town with a strong community feel. Solo women travellers specifically rate it as safe, welcoming, and well-managed. Hosts Julie and Wayne know their guests by name. The after-hours contact is always available. The town is 500 metres away on a flat, well-used path. The park has good mobile phone reception in the townsite area. And Nannup as a town is exactly the kind of unhurried, friendly country community that makes solo grey nomad travel a pleasure rather than an anxiety.
16. Quick-Reference Card — Nannup Caravan Park
| Full Name | Nannup Caravan Park and Riverbend Camping Grounds |
| Hosts | Julie and Wayne |
| Address | 4 Brockman Street, Nannup WA 6275 |
| GPS | -33.9822, 115.7641 |
| Phone | 08 9756 1211 (office hours) |
| After Hours | 0413 036 357 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | nannupcaravanpark.com.au |
| Office Hours | Mon–Fri 10am–4pm | Sat–Sun 10am–2pm | 7 days |
| Pets | ✅ YES — pet-friendly (read pet policy before booking) |
| Power | ✅ 240V mains powered sites (main park and Riverbend) |
| Sites | 95+ sites main park | 50 sites Riverbend | Fifth-wheelers accommodated |
| Dump Point | ✅ On-site |
| Gas Bottle Refill | ✅ On-site |
| Camp Kitchen | ✅ Rustic camp kitchen + BBQs (main park). Camp kitchen at Riverbend. |
| Distance to Town | 500m flat walk to Nannup main street |
| Nearest 24hr Hospital | Bridgetown Hospital — 41km. Ph: 08 9782 1222 |
| Best Months (Seniors) | Sep–Nov (spring wildflowers) and Mar–May (autumn colours, Balingup) |
| Emergency | 000 | Nannup Police: 08 9756 1070 | Healthdirect: 1800 022 222 |
Address: 4 Brockman Street, Nannup WA 6275
GPS: -33.9822, 115.7641 — save to navigation app now
Phone: 08 9756 1211 (office hours) | After hours: 0413 036 357
Email: [email protected]
Website: nannupcaravanpark.com.au
What to ask when calling: Provide your rig length and type — ask for a river-frontage powered site if available. Tell them you have a dog and ask to confirm pet policy arrangements. Ask about minimum stay rules if your visit includes a weekend. Ask about tiny home availability at Riverbend if you want a rest night off the van.
Bridgetown Hospital (save now): 28 Peninsula Road, Bridgetown WA 6255 — GPS: -33.9530, 116.1380 — Ph: 08 9782 1222 (24 hours)
→ Save this park and all GPS stops to your van life savings spots app before you leave Wi-Fi
Before you head out on forest roads around Nannup, brush up on keeping your rig secure with our guide to how caravan theft happens in Australia and how grey nomads prevent it.
Disclaimer: Nannup Caravan Park information was verified to the best of our ability as of March 2026. Rates, facilities, pet policy, cancellation terms, and park rules can change without notice. Always confirm directly with the park before arrival. GPS coordinates are provided in good faith — verify against Google Maps before relying on them. Hospital information is based on publicly available WA Country Health Service data — always call ahead to confirm current emergency service availability. This article was written for retiretovanlife.com and is intended for senior travellers. It is not a substitute for professional medical or safety advice.
Powered sites in Nannup and the South West fill fast during spring, the Flower Festival, and school holidays. If your preferred site is already gone, search remaining accommodation options below.
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