at that time of year, you camp low cost camp in the National Parks (Arid Park) at Esperance if you go south. Beautiful squeaky white sand and aqua blue water with plenty of walks and fishing, or just sit back and enjoy the sun. Just be aware that usually it will be quite cold in southern WA.

There are plenty of free and low cost (including National Parks in that part of WA and its a very pretty and touristy place in the warmer months. You wont have problems in April (unless theres school holidays) getting camp sites.

Margaret River and the beach areas along the coast are tourist driven and mostly expensive, but drop into the many Info Centres and they have lots you can see and do for free or a msll charge, including the canopy tree walks.

Suggest you contact the WA Tourist Commission by email and ask them to post you brochures on all the free and lower cost things to do and see - you can also view them on-line as well.

In April or thereabouts, the wealthier geriatrics move north to the coastal regions of mid and the more northern areas of WA to bask in the warmth. There are plenty of free and low cost camp areas here, but because these get crowded out by long term stayers in the winter, the State and various shires have put time limits for how long you can stay there.

But WA National Parks are pretty good and they are all on-line now (some you can book on-line in advance and others are 1st in best dressed and free). The Parks are on the coast, inland and in northern WA which is tourist driven. Many of the ranger stations in the Parks have lots of brochures of things to do and most towns also have Info Centres nowdays

Plan and research well ahead and ask a lot of questions on-line and you will see the beauties of WA on a modest budget

Should of added we are travelling with a dog and a 3 yr old kid

If you are going through The Clare Valley there is a really cheap camping spot at the Auburn footy oval. A really nice spot with shade, camp kitchen, laundry and power available. It is also right next to the rail trail that links up a lot of the wineries. It is also dog friendly. The Banrock Station wetland restoration at Kingston On Murray is worth a visit also. Rod.

I rabbited on about the National Parks - but they will be out for you as you have a dog. But still plenty of cheap or free places to stay right through the country, not just VIC and WA. Are you a user of wikicamps - that's a great way to find places and comments on it (and often photos) from users

On you way across, Through SA, at Minippa, is Pildappa Rock, a great free camp, can climb to the top easily, no facilities. One of my fave places, also on the Nullarbor, Head of Bight has a great free camp, and you can stay on the cliffs at a couple of the lookouts.

Great ideas
I found out about wikicamps a few weeks ago

Thanks