Free Camping & Rest Areas
Free Camping & Rest Areas
Find legal free camps, roadside rest areas, and low‑cost sites across Australia. Learn the rules by state, where you can stay, what facilities to expect, and how to plan safe, comfortable stops on long drives.
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- Free camping vs rest areas: Free camps are places where overnight stays are permitted without a fee (often council or state land with posted rules). Rest areas are primarily for short breaks; some allow overnight parking for fatigue management but not camping setups (no tents/awnings).
- Check signage on arrival: Local rules override anything online. Look for stay limits (e.g., 8–24 hours), vehicle types allowed, and fire restrictions.
- Facilities vary: Expect basic toilets (often long‑drop), bins, and picnic tables. Showers are uncommon—use Public Showers in nearby towns.
Rules by state (overview)
NSW
Rest areas focus on driver fatigue. Some allow overnight parking (self‑contained rigs). National parks usually require booked campgrounds.
VIC
Signed roadside areas may allow short stays; many free/low‑cost camps in state forests. Parks often require bookings.
QLD
Mixture of council‑managed free/low‑cost sites and highway rest areas. National parks generally require paid/booked sites.
WA
Long distances between towns; some 24‑hour rest areas allow overnight stops. Respect Shire rules and fire bans.
SA
Good spread of council free/low‑cost camps and highway rest areas; coastal hotspots have tighter restrictions.
TAS
Many designated campgrounds; free camping outside signed areas is limited. Always check local council guidance.
NT
Very remote stretches. Some highway rest areas allow overnight parking; carry water and plan fuel.
ACT
Limited options; use nearby NSW towns and caravan parks for overnights.
National Parks
Most parks require bookings at designated sites. Check accessibility and amenity details before you go.
Find facilities near your stop
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Route planners: common long hauls
- Hume Highway (NSW–VIC) — space rest breaks every 2 hours; towns like Goulburn, Albury, Wangaratta have better facilities.
- Pacific Highway (NSW–QLD) — coastal towns offer showers; check patrolled beaches for amenities.
- Bruce Highway (QLD) — plan fuel and water; foreshore towns have amenities blocks.
- Eyre Highway (SA–WA) — long remote stretches; use 24‑hour roadhouses where available.
- Stuart Highway (SA–NT) — carry water, confirm opening hours, avoid night driving due to wildlife.
Safety, etiquette, and accessibility
- Fatigue first: Use rest areas for short sleep breaks; don’t drive tired. If signage allows overnight parking, keep setup minimal.
- Respect limits: Observe stay limits and “self‑contained only” rules. No generators late at night; pack out all rubbish.
- Fires & bans: Only where permitted and never during fire bans. Use stoves with care.
- Accessibility: Look for sealed bays, ramped toilets, and lighting. Use Accessible Toilets filters for nearby options.
- Water & waste: Bring drinking water. Use designated dump points for cassette/grey water (often at caravan parks or council sites).
- Security: Choose visible areas with a few other travelers. Avoid isolated spots if alone; arrive before dark.
Packing checklist (quick)
- Water (10–20L per day for a couple), food, stove, rubbish bags
- Headlamp/torch, first‑aid kit, jumper leads, tyre repair/inflator
- Power bank or 12V battery, USB lights
- Toilet paper, hand sanitiser, biodegradable soap (where permitted)
- Warm layers, insect repellent, shade (awning/umbrella)
FAQs
Is free camping legal in Australia?
Yes, but only where signed/allowed by councils, state agencies, or land managers. Many areas prohibit camping outside designated sites. Always follow local signage.
Can I sleep overnight at highway rest areas?
Often you can rest or sleep in your vehicle to manage fatigue. Some rest areas explicitly allow overnight parking; others prohibit camping setups. Read the sign at each site.
How do I find showers and toilets near free camps?
Use the Toilet Finder with Public Showers and 24/7 filters to find nearby amenities blocks in towns.
What about dump points and water refills?
Look for signed dump points at council sites and caravan parks; many towns have public refill taps. Always use designated dump points and never discharge wastewater on the ground.