Caravans and camping
All camping and caravan use is regulated by the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Act 1995 (Act). This legislation ensures that:
- camping occurs in a safe manner
- caravan parks and camping grounds provide a sufficient level of services to their customers
- local governments can enforce health and safety standards.
Caravan parks
Under the Act, all caravan parks must be licensed by their local governments.
The park owner must renew their licence annually and ensure that their park is up to 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. Additional standards can also be imposed on the park depending on the terms of the park’s licence.
More than one (1) caravan and/or Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOW) on a property would be considered a caravan park/camping ground, and development and building approvals will be required.
Temporary accommodation and camping outside of a caravan park
It is recognised that not everyone wants to camp inside a licensed caravan park. From 1 September 2024, changes to WA’s Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Regulations 1997 enables Local Government to approve the use of a caravan and/or THOW on private land for up to two years.
Duration of Camping | Allowed Accom Types | Approval Required |
|---|
| Up to 5 nights on private land | Tent, camper trailer, caravan, THOW* | Approval required from property owner |
| Greater than 5 nights and up to 24 months on private land | Camper trailer, caravan, or THOW* | Approval required from the property owner and City of Kwinana |
| Re-applying after 24 months | Camper trailer, caravan, or THOW* | Approval required from the property owner and City of Kwinana |
*Must be capable of being towed/easily removable if required
If a property owner allows short-term camping to occur regularly on their property, they will be operating a caravan park/camping ground and need to comply with the requirements of the Act and obtain the necessary planning and building approvals.
Requirements for caravans and THOWs
Caravans and THOWs are used by many people in WA for a variety of reasons including:
- temporary housing following a natural disaster
- staying in a caravan or tiny home on wheels while building or renovating a permanent home
- for seasonal worker housing
- to support someone ageing-in-place
- for holidaymakers
- other personal circumstances.
It is important that caravans and THOWs are used in a safe and healthy manner. That’s why WA legislation generally restricts the use of caravans to licensed caravan parks, where a certain level of services and utilities must be supplied.
If a person uses a caravan or THOW outside a licensed park without approval or exemption, they risk committing an offence, regardless of whether the land is private or public
Further Information
For further information or clarification, please refer to the contact the City’s Environmental Health Services on (08) 9439 0250 or via health@kwinana.wa.gov.au or the form below:
FAQs - Temporary Accommodation
To apply for a Temporary Accomodation, fill in the form below and email it to health@kwinana.wa.gov.au and an invoice will be provided upon application.
Application Form - Temporary Accomodation