Main Roads Rest Areas in Queensland specify which rest areas can be used for overnight stops (maximum 20 hours), which cannot,
and which are heavy haulage only rest areas on this Brochure. Do not stop in dedicated heavy haulage rest areas, nor in heavy
haulage bays in dual purpose rest areas.
National and State Parks with camping are listed in the link. Some may require
booking. Queensland national parks do not charge an entry fee and camping fees are low cost. Camping fees from 1 July 2017 for
camping permits in national parks and other protected areas, forest reserves, state forests and recreation areas are $6.35 per person
per night, or $25.40 per family per night. Check for updates.
Main Roads Rest Areas in South Australia do not have a time limits. In most cases they do not have toilets. Some larger
rest areas, particularly along the Eyre Highway through the Eyre Peninsula, are suitable for overnight stops. Do not stop in
dedicated heavy haulage rest areas, nor in heavy haulage bays in dual purpose rest areas.
National and State Parks with
camping are listed in the link. Most require booking. Queensland national parks do not charge an entry fee and camping fees
are low cost. Park entry fees apply for some parks. Camping fees are in most cases $12 - $15 per site per night. Check for updates.
In additional to books and camping websites, there are numerous Facebook pages and groups collecting information about low cost and
free camping sites.
The most popular resource is Wikicamps app. for mobile devices, providing broad ranging information contributed
by all users. Use your judgement when using any database where the lists have been compiled without checking with the controlling
authorities.
How to find other spots to stop for the night. This is our preference - to find a nice quiet spot. Only
if we can't find one, do we revert to using publications such as those above.
Other options can include National
and State parks and reserves campgrounds. Larger roadside rest areas may be suitable to stop overnight, particularly if
they have tracks and trees to shield you from the road.
Main Roads Rest Areas in Tasmania are not listed. With many much better free and low cost campsites in Tasmania, we did
not consider roadside rest areas for overnight stays.
National and State Parks with camping are listed in the link. Sites
costs vary from free varying up to $20 for two, according to facilities offered. A park pass is needed.
Above left: Free campground alongside a large pool on the Wilson River at Noccundra in Queensland
Above centre: Donation
campground along Wallam Creek, Bollon, Queensland
Above right: Painted grain silos at Thallon in Queensland, from the Recreation ground
camping, $5.50 for power otherwise free.
Above left: Amongst the trees in a large Eyre Highway rest area, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
Above centre: Point Lowly
low cost campground, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
Above right: Moorook Recreation Grounds Riverfront camping, alongside the Murray
River, South Australia
Main Roads Rest Areas in Victoria do not specify time limits. From the Victorian Rest Areas Strategy: Provide opportunities
for sleep, not just a break from driving.
National and State Parks with camping are listed in the link. No
park entry fees apply in Victoria, but campsites that charge camping fees may be expensive and these must be booked on line.
Above left: Cosy Corner North, one of a number of coastal free camps north of St Helens, Tasmania
Above centre: Friendly
Beaches, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania. Free camping in private bays close to beach
Above right: Camped at Ted's Beach on
beautiful Lake Pedder, now free
Below left: Riana Pioneer Park, Tasmania. Powered sites and amenities, community run and low
cost
Below centre: Low cost private bush campsites at Black River, Peggs Beach Conservation Area, near Stanley, Tasmania.
Below right: Free bush camping at Penstock Lagoon near Waddamana in central Tasmania
Above left: Sawpit free campground in the Mount Clay forest near Narrawong, Victoria
Above centre: Fee free Campground
across pink Lake Crosbie in the Murray-Sunset National Park, Victoria
Above right: Like so many Victorian small rural towns and communities,
the tiny town of Walpeup (population 158) has a fully serviced small caravan park charging $10 per powered site for two, or $9 unpowered,
plus $3 for showers.
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