Twin Waters Caravan Park

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Twin Waters Caravan Park on Old Coast Road, I wasn’t expecting much. The name screams “budget accommodation,” and well, it sort of is. But you know what? Sometimes the best travel experiences come from places that don’t try too hard to impress you upfront.

The thing about this spot is its location – and I mean the actual, practical location, not just the generic “great location” stuff you read everywhere. You’re literally a stone’s throw from the Peel-Harvey Estuary, which means you wake up to that distinct coastal smell (the good kind, not fishy) and the sound of water lapping nearby. The Old Coast Road itself is pretty quiet, especially in the evenings, so you’re not dealing with traffic noise like you would closer to Mandurah’s main drag. I actually found myself walking down to the water most mornings with my coffee – there’s something about that early light hitting the estuary that just works, you know? The caravan park feels more like a little community than a typical hotel setup. During my stay, I noticed the same families coming back year after year, which tells you something. The facilities are clean and well-maintained (honestly better than some 4-star places I’ve stayed), and the staff actually remember your name after a day or two. The sites are decent-sized – not cramped like some places along the coast where you’re basically sharing your morning routine with the neighbors.

What really surprised me was how well-connected this place is without feeling touristy. Dawesville is just far enough from the Mandurah crowds that you get that authentic coastal vibe, but close enough that you can duck into town for supplies or a proper restaurant meal when the camp cooking gets old. The local IGA is maybe a five-minute drive, and there’s this little fish and chips place on Tuckey Street that locals swear by – definitely worth the short trip. The park itself has that lived-in feel that comes from being family-owned for years. You’ll find little touches like hand-painted signs and established shade trees that actually provide real relief during those scorching summer afternoons. I mean, it’s not fancy – the bathroom facilities are functional rather than luxurious, and don’t expect room service or anything like that. But there’s something refreshing about a place that focuses on the basics and does them well. The 8.6 rating makes sense once you’ve been there a few days. It’s not trying to be something it’s not, and in a world of cookie-cutter accommodations, that authenticity is actually pretty valuable. Plus, for families or anyone wanting to experience proper Australian caravan culture without breaking the bank, this place delivers exactly what it promises.