Australia So Much to See

South Australia

Free camping and low cost camping places we have enjoyed in South Australia

South Australian Rest Areas on main routes can be obtained from RAA App.  There is no mention of any time limits on staying.    

Murray River. There are numerous opportunities to stay free, or low cost in National Parks, along the Murray River. 

Lyrup Flats section of the Murray River National Park. Between Renmark and Berri; turn south east towards the river ten kilometres from Renmark and eight kilometres from Berri and take three kilometre dirt track across the Flats, passing honesty box self registration on the way in.  $5 per car honesty box camping.  Pit toilets in the park but no near where we camped alongside the river.  Stayed 2009

Haslam on the west coast of the Eyre Peninsula 45 kilometres north west of Streaky Bay. Honesty box camping $5 per night.  Parking area right by beach and jetty.  Lovely location.  Toilets, barbecue and water.  Shower and free electricity were removed due to not enough funds going in to the honesty box.  10 days limit. Stayed 2005  Update: Camping area is now behind the parking area by the jetty where we stayed.  This parking is now day area only. 

On the Coorong near the south coast of South Australia.  Cross to Narrung Peninsula by ferry and near the ferry landing is a lovely green and flat free campground on Lake Alexandrina (near Coorong and mouth of Murray) and is a lovely location..  Flat grassy area, water, picnic shed, flush toilets.  Fishing from small jetty.  Free.    Stayed 2006

21 Kilometres north of Quorn, dirt road access.  Free camping in various spots along the creek line.  Some suitable for caravans.  Pit toilets at day area car park near entrance.  A couple of older toilets within the camping area, bins.  Wallabies and kangaroos are plentiful.  Walks along the creekline. Stayed 2009

On north side of town, accessed by Tower Road past the water tower.  1.5 kilometres of dirt track to the river.  Steep banks and vegetation prevented access to the water at this point.  Quiet although close to town.  No amenities.  Stayed 2009

Wide bend on the river.  Three kilometres east of Berri via Riverview Road.  Free campground but need to register with Caretaker (a volunteer camper).  Maximum stay one month.  Flush toilets, non-potable water.  Picnic area (also used by day visitors).  Close to Berri but quiet.  Shady, fairly full.  Visited 2009  Update June 2014 now $5 per night

Two camping bays each with pit toilet.  Delightful spot by a beach and island where sea birds breed.   Very large rigs may have difficultly turning around in the bays.  A delightful free campsite, particularly for nature lovers.  Can swim in the bay and fish nearby.  Coastline walks.  Stayed 2005  Fees have been implemented $10 honesty box.

Pit toilet.  Pleasant location amongst trees at the base of the hill which is the highest point in the Eyre Peninsula. Walk trails not marked.  Free when we stayed 2005. 

28 kilometres south east of Burra on the Robertstown Road.  Turn west dirt road access two kilometres.  Lovely big area along creek line, with large trees, picnic tables, 44 gallon drums for rubbish, and two pit toilets; one at each end of camp.  Honesty box had been removed when we were there, but i am unsure if fees apply now.  A quiet and pleasant bush camp. Stayed 2006

In the Flinders Ranges accessed from Horrocks Pass to the east of Port Augusta and west of Wilmington.  Turn off is forty kilometres from Port Augusta and three kilometres from Wilmington.  Rough track of seven kilometres to the small parking area.  Not level.  No amenities.  Lovely views across the Spencer Gulf.  Free. Stayed 2006

After being closed to camping and overnight stopping in June 2015, from 1st May 2017 overnight stays were frilled or period of six months.  Since that time it appears 24 camping has been allowed

There are four sections for camping; including the two levels below us in the photos hereunder from the higher level where we stayed.  Amenities block with toilets and cold shower is on this higher level.  Camping as also allowed on part of the parking area for the boat ramp, the other side of the small marina.  Covered area with seating adjoining amenities block.  Children's play area.  Access is by the good wide sealed Port Bonython Road of 24 kilometres, which leaves the Lincoln Highway heading east, twelve kilometres north of Whyalla.  Reserve is past the Port Bonython SANTOS gas processing plant.  $10 per night for two adults, honesty box.  Fourteen day limit. There is a dump point at the junction of Sida Cove Road 400 metres north of the camping reserve.   Stayed 2017