If you’re chasing an easy family escape that still feels like a proper “into the bush” adventure, Logue Brook Dam at Lake Brockman Tourist Park is a brilliant option. Set in the state forest near Yarloop/Harvey, about an hour and a half south of Perth, it’s close enough for a weekend yet feels miles away from the everyday. Tall trees, crystal-clear dam water and big pink sunsets over the lake make it a pretty magical spot to unwind with the kids.
The big drawcard here is the dam itself. Logue Brook is a freshwater Playground, popular for swimming, water-skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, stand-up paddling and kayaking. On a warm day families spread out along the foreshore, with kids paddling in the shallows while boats and skiers cruise further out. If you have your own kayak, SUP or ski boat, this is the place to bring it. Fishing is another favourite – you can try your luck for trout year-round (you’ll need a freshwater fishing licence) and Marron are on the menu in season if you have the appropriate permit. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially lovely, with glassy water and birdlife all around.
Away from the water, there’s plenty to keep kids busy. The tourist park is nestled in native forest, so it’s easy to head off for short bush walks or bike rides straight from your campsite or cabin.
Families often bring bikes and scooters, and there’s a BMX pump track in the Logue Brook campground area for kids who love a bit of action. Back at the main tourist park there’s a Playground where little ones can burn off energy while you grab a coffee, and lots of open space for ball games, exploring and soaking up the fresh country air.
Lake Brockman Tourist Park offers a huge range of ways to stay, depending on how “campy” you feel like being. Traditional campers and caravanners can book powered or non-powered sites close to amenities blocks, with several camp kitchens and a laundry making longer stays easy. These sites come in different shapes and sizes, so you can usually find something to suit everything from a swag through to a big van or RV. Dogs are welcome on campsites as long as they’re on a lead and supervised, which is a big plus for families who like to travel with their four-legged members.
If you prefer a few more creature comforts, there are cabins and other accommodation options scattered through the trees. The cabins, cottage, park home, bunkhouse and ski shack all have kitchenettes and outdoor sitting areas with fire pits for chilly nights, and some options are pet-friendly – check the website or ask staff when you book.
In recent years Lake Brockman has also added glamping tents and family glamping options, so you can sleep under canvas without the effort of setting up your own tent. The adults-only glamping tents are set to take in gorgeous views over the dam, with proper beds and a private deck and BBQ, while the family tents and pop-up tents give you that “camping but easy” feel with access to shared facilities.
Logue Brook Campground, which is managed through Lake Brockman, is perfect if you like a slightly more rustic experience. These are non-powered “true camping” sites, many with lovely outlooks towards the dam. Each site includes a flat camping pad, a parking space, a picnic bench and a firepit for the cooler months, and is positioned near drop toilets and undercover BBQ shelters. Generators are allowed during set hours, which is handy if you camp with a bit of gear, and the whole campground feels very natural and peaceful. Prices are currently listed from $16 per adult and $6 per child (6–15 years) per night for Logue Brook, making it an affordable way to get away for a few days. As always, it’s worth checking the Lake Brockman website for the latest rates and any seasonal changes before you book.
One of the big perks of staying at Lake Brockman Tourist Park is having a café right on site. The café is open daily (generally 8am–5pm, with slightly different hours in winter and peak holiday periods) and serves breakfast, light lunches, snacks and, very importantly, good coffee. The balcony looks out across the forest and dam, so you can sit with a barista-made coffee or Devonshire tea and freshly baked scones while the kids tuck into a milkshake. It’s also handy for grabbing something easy on arrival day, or for a no-cooking lunch during your stay. The small shop attached stocks a range of basics, which is a lifesaver if you forget something – though it’s still best to arrive reasonably well prepared.
Facilities throughout the park are family-friendly and well set up for short or longer stays. There are multiple ablution blocks that are regularly cleaned, camp kitchens with undercover seating and BBQs, and clearly signed park rules that help keep things safe and relaxed for everyone. Do note that, as with most bush-style camping, not every area has potable tap water, so it’s wise to bring plenty of drinking water and refill as needed, and to confirm current water arrangements when you book.
Being a popular spot for boating, it’s also worth packing life jackets for children who like to swim or paddle, and ear plugs if you have light sleepers and are staying close to the main ski areas on busy weekends.
For many families, a trip to Logue Brook Dam includes a little exploring further afield. On your way home or during a longer stay, you can head out towards Preston Beach for some coastal time and, if you have a suitable vehicle, a 4WD along the beach. The Harvey region itself has lots of farm gates, country bakeries and scenic drives to enjoy, making Lake Brockman a great base for a short break in the South West.
Whether you’re pitching a tent under the pines, cosying up in a cabin, or treating yourselves to a glamping tent with dam views, Lake Brockman Tourist Park at Logue Brook Dam is a wonderful choice for families who love the outdoors. With water play, bush adventures, a café on site and plenty of space for kids to roam, it’s the kind of place where you can switch off, make memories and head home pleasantly tired and a little bit dusty – just the way a good camping trip should be.
For bookings, current pricing and accommodation details, visit Lake Brockman Tourist Park or the Logue Brook campground page, or call the park directly on (08) 9733 5402.
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Jennie McNichol is on a mission to prove there is always something fun to do in Perth. After 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie moved to Perth in 2010 and founded Buggybuddys to silence the “nothing to do” crowd. Fifteen years later, it is the city’s number one guide for families, packed with daily inspiration and a huge focus on free local activities.
As a mum of two daughters, Jennie has evolved the site right alongside her own family—growing from a toddler-focused resource into a guide that supports parents through every stage, from the early years through to the teens. A passionate advocate for the WA lifestyle, Jennie loves helping families discover the best playgrounds, hidden gems, and budget-friendly days out in the most family-friendly city in the world.
