free camping on Eyre Highway

Heaps! Its a wide open land. SA end we have found the odd grqavel pit or extra large parking spot. Near Penong we just drove into a patch of bush (plenty of choice). Towards the Cliff area we have camped near the cliffs, but maybe not with young lads on board - if you turn into the road to Cook (heading North) just a little way there is a clump of trees - well camped in and quite secluded. Once in WA any number of spots you can pull of the road - either large parking bays with a long drop toilet, or as you get past Mildura, you will find heaps of places to stop. I started writing them down, but just tooooo many good spots. Enjoy the trip and your Christmas in this great State.

Your time frame looks very realistic.

You can pull off to the side in many places, but for security we do not normally stay any where alone.

Between Ceduna and Nullabor, you will find quite few places on the side of the road, and at Nullabor he does not charge very much to stay overnight, and that will give you loos and showers.

From Nullabor to Eucla, you find many people camping near the coast, none have any facilities, and you will need to keep the "precious's away from the cliff edges, magic views, and by 400pm, people are starting to settledown for the night.

At Eucla he does not charge much to camp, and has pay showers and toilets.

The next settlement, which is about an hour away from Eucla, has a pay camp site, does not charge much and the showers are preety poor quality. Also just towards Perth on the l/h side is another free camping area, should have water in the tank, but no showers or toilets.

Between there and Norseman, there are at least two more water tank areas, and they at least should provide company, which means security.

After Norseman there are many spots to pull in, but try not to use the truck ones, as they come and go through all the night.

Fuel is not a problem, except for the price. Try not to fill at Nullabor he is a theif, others are dear, but the time you hit Norseman, the prices will start to come down.

Just outside Ceduna, about an hours drive, is the town of windmills, he is the last of the cheaper fuels, cannot remember its name, but you cannot miss it.

Be aware that the trucks can do silly things, like overtaking with in sufficent clearance, so if you see two trucks side by side coming at you, get off the road if you can do safely.

Do not travel at night, the roos, emus and camels are a pain.

Try to settle down for the night, giving yourself plenty of daylight, we always try to be set up by 500pm.

Have a safe and enjoyable trip. Be aware that in WA the speed limit towing is 100 kpm, the police if they catch you are unforgiving.

Regards

Col Tigwell

Before you get to the Nullabor there is a large granite rock 16km North of Wudinna (sighnposted) which has free camping and is a worthwhile place to check out

Hi Cathy

Approx 80 klms west of Nullabor you will come across 3 signposts together Camel Wombat and Kangaroo...on left side of road , also on right side of road if travelling east....in between these signs there is a track on the North side of road leading into a national park , if you travel 14ks inland on this track you will come across Koonalda Homestead , it is deserted but this is an excellent camping spot with a few facilities , no charge , you can also pay a visit to Koonalda Caves which is just a little further on from the homestead...we camped here on about the 5th of this mth .....Cheers Dave

Charges at Nullabor used to be $14 with power, so could be less for you guys.

Eucla if I recall is about the same.

Regards

Col

Just on the east side of the dog fence at Yalata there is a track to the north. Turn hard right up the east side of the fence for about one K and you will find quiet camp sites.

A few years ago now Australian Geo published a Nullabor Map. If you can get a copy of that it shows lots of points of interest along the way, it is well worth chasing.

Ceduna is an uderated spot on the map. We had a great few days there last year. Stayed at a CP south of town on Decres Bay. It has access to the beach, not a lot of grass but good amenities.

Near Cocklebiddy Roadhouse is the Eyre Bird Observatory you can stay at the observatory. Whilst I have not stayed there I have heard it is worth more than one night. The turn off is 17km east of the roadhouse towards the coast. You should contact them first, sorry have lost the number. Also Cocklebiddy cave is worth a look. Turn off is to the north 10km west of roadhouse.

Generally most of the big roadside rest areas have a track leading out the back, if yo follow the track you usually find a spot ot camp. Or just pull in where you see others camped. Lots of Grey Nomads with caravans, they pull up early and grab the good spots. Just join them and you should be fine.

Duncs

Cathy,

The Big4 caravan park at Ceduna is great. The wife and I have not long returned from a 3 month trip and found that one to be one of the best in our travels.

While in Ceduna call in to the Information Centre and pick up a map of the Nullarboor, it includes all free camping spots across the Nullaboor, as well as all of the touristy sites.

Wave Rock is worth a look, and has good camping facilities.

Good luck, and safe travels.

Geoff.

Cathy,
Fraser Range Station is 100k east of Norseman and a really good place to stay just off the road. Not free, but they have camping sites, BBQ etc.

If you're travelling through to Hyden from Norseman which is an excellent trip, aim for the Breakaways campsite about half way between Hyden and Norseman. There is a map/guide that you'd be able to pick up from the Visitors Centre in Norseman and it's well worth exploring the sites they have set up along the way.

Mundrabilla has the cheapest fuel - its a SAFF station, and also they are in Ceduna. Shell in Norseman town is cheaper fuel than the roadhouses, but the Fuel Price section of this site is a good guide to whats what.

I found an interesting deviation was to drive to Whyalla then across the middle of the Eyre Peninsula via Cleve to Streaky Bay. Bit more scenic than the highway direct from Port Augusta to Ceduna, but further of course. There's an old warship at Whyalla the boys would love to do the tour around.

Don't forget to rotate the kids through the front seat to break things up a bit for the journey. Parents can rotate from driving to the keeping the peace seat in the middle at the back.

Enjoy your travels.

Tim

There have been some unnecessarily judgemental, and might I say "holier than thou" responses made here.

Why judge someone because they like to have a few sherbets on their holiday?

Comments such as, and I paraphrase, "if you can't go two weeks without a drink you have a problem" are simply outrageous.