Caravans & Camping

All camping and caravan use in Western Australia is regulated by the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Act 1995 (the Act). This legislation provides local government the ability to enforce minimum health and safety standards, and aims to:

  • Ensure that facilities available to campers are adequate to protect the health and safety of occupiers, with minimal impact to the surrounding environment and amenity of the area
  • Ensure that the design, layout and land used for camping is appropriate with respect to local specific risks such as bushfire and cyclones

View the Caravan Parks & Camping Grounds Act 1995

Caravan Parks

Under the Act, all caravan parks and camping grounds must be licensed by the local government in which they are located. The park owner must renew their licence annually and ensure that their park is maintained to a minimum standard and has all the buildings and services required by the Act.

Residents of caravan parks must also comply with certain standards to ensure that the park is safe and enjoyable for everyone.

The complete list of standards is set out in the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Regulations 1997 (the Regulations). Additional standards can also be imposed on the park depending on the terms of the park’s licence.

Caravans and camping equipment is generally only permitted to be used within licensed caravan parks and camping grounds.

This land use class may only be considered in the General Agriculture, Commercial, Tourist, Caravan Park, and Clubs and Institutions zones. Before applying for a caravan park licence, proponents must first obtain Development Approval from the Shire. For further information about this process, please contact the Shire’s Planning Services.

In addition, the Regulations enable the following types of accommodation to be considered under short term arrangements:

  • Camping associated with a public event
    • Permissible Accommodation Types: Tent, camper trailer or caravan
    • Approvals Required: Approval required from the Shire - use our Application for Approval to Camp (Events) form
  • Camping on private land for up to 5 nights in any 28-day period
    • Permissible Accommodation Types: Tent, camper trailer or caravan
    • Approvals Required: Approval required from the property owner
  • Camping on private land for greater than 5 nights in any 28-day period (up to 24 months)
    • Permissible Accommodation Types: Camper trailer, caravan or THOW
    • Approvals Required: Approval required from the property owner and the Shire - use our Application for Temporary Accommodation Approval form

Staying at a property outside of the above circumstances will likely be considered a caravan park or camping ground activity and development, building and public health approvals will be required.

View the Caravan Parks & Camping Grounds Regulations 1997

Temporary accommodation and camping outside of a caravan park or camping ground

Recent amendments to legislation now allow a landowner to live on their property in a caravan or Tiny House on Wheels (THOW) for up to two years, subject to approval from the Shire.

If you wish to pursue this option, you must submit an application to the Shire. Please refer to the draft Shire Policy on Temporary Accommodation for guidance on the requirements. You will need to complete and lodge the relevant application form. Once received, an officer will review the application for completeness and confirm whether your proposal meets the required standards. When your application is accepted for processing, you will be contacted to pay the applicable fee.

Using a Caravan or THOW for Short-Term Rental

Using a caravan or Tiny House on Wheels (THOW) as short-term accommodation or rental is considered a separate land use under the Shire’s Local Planning Scheme and requires further assessment and approval. Please refer to the attached information sheet for more details, and contact the Shire’s Planning Services for advice on the appropriate approval process.

Related Documents & Forms