Located within spectacular forest landscapes, Shannon Horse Camp is one of the most remote and scenic equine-friendly campsites along the Warren Blackwood Stock Route. Surrounded by towering Karri forest and close to the historic Shannon townsite, the campsite provides riders and horses with a peaceful overnight stop while travelling through the southern wilderness areas of the Southern Forests & Valleys region.
Positioned within Shannon National Park, the campsite offers riders the opportunity to experience the region’s rich natural environment, forestry history, and unique South West landscapes while enjoying a dedicated equestrian camping area designed for long-distance trail users.
Shannon Horse Camp forms an important overnight stop before riders continue toward the more remote coastal sections of the Warren Blackwood Stock Route.
Location
Shannon Horse Camp is located within Shannon National Park, accessed via Lower Shannon Road near the South Western Highway.
Facilities
Shannon Horse Camp includes:
- Horse yards
- Picnic table
- Designated horse camping area
- Trail signage and route information
Please note:
- Camping and accommodation facilities within Shannon National Park must be booked separately through DBCA/Parks and Wildlife Service campground booking systems where applicable.
- Riders must be self-sufficient and carry appropriate supplies and equipment while travelling through this remote section of the trail.
Trail users are asked to respect the national park environment, campsite facilities, and surrounding natural landscapes during their stay.
Trail Distances
- Distance from Egerton-Warburton Camp (Quinninup): approximately 38km
- Distance to Steve’s Road Stopover: approximately 26km
Shannon Horse Camp provides riders with an opportunity to experience one of the most picturesque and remote sections of the Warren Blackwood Stock Route before continuing toward the coastal end of the trail.
Phone Signal & Safety
Mobile phone coverage within Shannon National Park may be limited or unreliable depending on location and service provider. Riders should not rely solely on mobile reception while travelling this section of the route.
Before travelling, riders are strongly encouraged to:
- Carry maps and navigation tools
- Inform someone of their travel plans and expected arrival times
- Carry emergency and first aid equipment
- Carry sufficient food and water supplies
- Carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) where possible
- Ensure horses are adequately prepared for remote long-distance trail conditions
Water, Fire & Emergency Information
Water availability within Shannon Horse Camp may vary seasonally and riders are encouraged to carry additional water supplies for both themselves and their horses.
Campfires are only permitted in accordance with DBCA regulations, campground rules, and current fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban requirements. Riders should check park alerts and fire conditions before travelling and never leave fires unattended.
In an emergency:
- Dial 000 if mobile coverage is available
- Activate your PLB if required
- Follow all emergency services and DBCA instructions where applicable
Trail and park conditions may change due to weather, maintenance works, bushfire risk, or environmental conditions. Riders should always check current trail alerts, national park notices, and closures before commencing their journey.
Bookings
No bookings are required specifically for the WBSR horse yards; however, any camping or accommodation within Shannon National Park must be booked separately through the relevant DBCA campground booking system where applicable.
Trail users are encouraged to plan ahead and check seasonal access conditions before travelling through this remote section of the Warren Blackwood Stock Route.
Family Information
‘We always said that the coast was a great place to break in boys, dogs and horses. Because if a horse is a bit too flighty, put him to climbing some of these sand-hills and some of the wastelands of sand. Climbing those taught them a lot of things. And they become very quiet.’
Jim Muir
Horses were an integral part of the cattle drives to the coast, particularly in the early days. On most trips there would be three riders on horses – one in front of the cattle, one behind and one floating between the two making sure the cattle didn’t wander off into the bush. Sometimes, the drovers would also bring a horse-drawn spring cart or buggy loaded with supplies for the trip.
As it took up to five days to get to the coast, there were several overnight stops along the way. The horses were hobbled or tied to a tree overnight if there were no yards. They were given nosebags or buckets of chaff and oats.
In the later years, the horses and cattle were trucked as close to the coasl as possible and then the horses were loaded up with swags and food for the last stretch of the journey.
The return journey was easier as the cattle were left on the coast.
‘Well, horses knew the way very well. They knew it so well that when we were coming home, when we got the motor-trucks, we’d just leave the horses for the last two days, turn them loose and they’d be home the next night. They’d gallop all the way home on their own.’