Roaming Down Under

Mukinbudin Caravan Park

Basic but good value cabin accommodation in a small WA wheat belt town

Visiting small out-of-the-way towns can sometimes lead to pleasant surprises. This happened to me in Mukinbudin, near the fringes of Western Australia's wheat belt, where I found some relatively cheap but unexpectedly good accommodation in the town's caravan park.

Cabins, Mukinbudin Caravan Park, Mukinbudin, Western Australia

Cabins, Mukinbudin Caravan Park

I'm referring to the small budget railway cabins, of which the park has four. They are not self contained - you need to make use of the shared ablutions block - but they provide basic comfort and reasonable space for two people. Comfortable beds, a small fridge, TV, a veranda to sit on, all kept clean and inviting, with standard caravan park facilities to make use of.

When I first stayed there in 2009 it cost $25 per night which I though it was a bargain. The price has since risen considerably ($45 for two when I last looked), but similar basic cabins in more popular places can be double that, or more.

When I arrived in Mukinbudin (referred to locally as Mucka, or Muka), my expectations were admittedly not high. Other caravan park accommodation I've used or seen in WA's wheat belt tended to be either expensive and okay, or reasonably priced but unpleasant. One caravan park I stayed in at Merredin claimed to be the cleanest and best in WA ... but it's ablution block was anything but, and the door wouldn't even shut properly on the van I used. So when I arrived in Mukinbudin, away from well travelled routes, finding somewhere to sleep which was both decent and relatively cheap came as a pleasant surprise.

Mukinbudin railway station, Western Australia

As in most WA towns, Mukinbudin no longer has trains

So what is the catch? That's what I wondered, but after my stay all I could think of is that Mukinbudin is a bit out of the way for most travellers, and consequently doesn't get many passing through. There were only two other parties staying in the park when I visited, though to be fair it was in winter. Lower prices might lure those who might not otherwise have thought of staying there.

From what I've heard, Mukinbudin has strong community spirit, and my small experience of this neat and tidy town supports that. There are some interesting rock formations and nature reserves in the area, making it a good spot to visit if you're keen to explore the less travelled places. Especially in the wildflower season! Having reasonably priced but cabin accommodation is a reward for those who do.

More information

Mukinbudin Caravan Park
Mukinbudin places of interest