Where to Stay on Your Road Trip Across the Nullarbor, Australia: 8 Great Camping and Rest Areas

Take a road trip across the Nullarbor, and camp at these fantastic sites like we did. Crossing the Nullarbor should be part of your bucket list as it’s one of the great long drives of the world. While you’re driving across the Nullarbor, there is no better feeling than finding free camping sites and great rest areas to take a break during your drive.

Now that the Covid-19 restrictions have lifted, more and more campers have hit the road, and with fuel prices sky-high, they expect more bang for their buck in other areas like accommodation.

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If you plan on travelling around Australia, the best way to get around is by van. You get to see more, and you will find hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.

Need A Van?

If you want to book a van, you can use Jucy Rentals and Star RV Rentals for all your travelling, exploring and accommodation needs.

Want to Go Off-Grid?

Bluetti and EcoFlow Power Stations are your go-to for power when you’re out on the road. Lights, cameras, devices, whatever you need power for, you can take it with you and go wherever you want in your exploration of Australia.

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All prices and times were accurate when this information was written or updated; however, please verify the details on the websites before your visit.

Handy Apps

WikiCamps

Circumstances do change regularly, so a good app to download is WikiCamps.

This app will not only let you know where paid and free camping spots are, but also rest areas, dump points, drinking water, toilets and a whole lot more. The reviews on each site are invaluable in planning whether you can stay or not.

You will only have to pay a one-off payment of less than AUD$10, and you will save yourself a great deal of hassle on your trip.

AllTrails

Another excellent app for hikers is AllTrails. This will provide you with all the necessary information, including the track’s distance, elevation, level of difficulty, estimated completion time, and more.

It has trails from all over the world, is free, and is especially great if you have a dog and need to know if a track is dog-friendly before you set out.

PetrolSpy

 A must-have app when you’re on the road in Australia or New Zealand is PetrolSpy. By searching the area you’re in or heading to, you can find the cheapest fuel, whether it is diesel or unleaded. This app is free.

Handy Tips

Fuel

If you plan to make long trips between fuel stops, I highly recommend investing in Jerry cans to carry extra fuel. This is incredibly invaluable, crossing the Nullarbor. Fuel can be over .80 cents a litre more on this road than just before you hit it. When travelling east to west, Nundroo is consistently cheaper than anywhere else on this route. The next stop to get reasonably priced fuel will be Norseman in Western Australia.

Wi-Fi and Subscription Services

Wi-fi can sometimes be a bit hit-and-miss. Due to the state’s remoteness, it is beneficial to have one person with Telstra and another with Optus. This won’t guarantee that you will have access to Wi-Fi, but it will increase your chances of doing so. You can also check out StarLink plans.

If you have a subscription TV service, download some movies and TV shows for when you’re out of range. Amazon Prime and Disney+ are two services that can be downloaded onto your device. As long as you don’t have an Apple device, Netflix can also be downloaded to a laptop.

Power Stations

If you are in a camper of any sort, then a good battery and solar system are essential to keep all your devices powered up. Power stations and solar are great for being on the road. They’re reliable, with a power station to meet all your needs, keeping you connected while you explore. To find the right fit for you, click on the Bluetti Australia or EcoFlow Australia links.

Bluetti Power Stations

• 1,800W AC Output / 2,700W Power Lifting Mode
• AC180 : 1,152Wh Larger Capacity
• 9 Output Ports for Multiple Devices
• Flexible 4 Recharging Ways (AC/Solar/Car/Generator)
• Smart Control & Monitor with BLUETTI App
• 0-80% Recharging in 45 minutes with 1,440W AC Input
• Eco-friendly/Clean/Quiet/Cost-effective
• And more…

Click here for more information on the Bluetti AC180 or explore their other products.

Power Banks

Do you want to keep your laptop and mobile devices charged? Then maybe the X20/288W Power Bank is for you. Compatible with 90% of laptops, this allows you to blog on the road with ease.

For more information, click the link below and don’t forget to use the code AFFX20 at checkout for an additional 10% off.

For more information on why you should try a Bluetti Power Station, read my blog, Embracing Sustainable Power: 7 Essential Reasons Why Bluetti Power Stations are a Game Changer for Everyone.

EcoFlow Power Stations

• Expandable 1-5 kWh capacity with DELTA 3 Extra Battery, DELTA Pro 3 Extra Battery, DELTA 2 Extra Battery, or DELTA 2 Max Extra Battery
• 1800W AC output, with 2400W (3600W surge) using X-Boost technology
• 4 fast recharging methods: AC, Solar, 800W Alternator Charger, and Multi-charging
• 5-year warranty

Click here for more information on the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station or explore their other products.

General Information

By far, this is the biggest state in Australia. From the hot and humid north to the cold and windy south, the hot and dry outback to the bustling metropolitan city of Perth, Western Australia, has it all, and camping is the way to go.

If you want to see all areas at their best, go by the seasons. In the north, summers are wet, but winters are warm and sunny. In the southwest, summer is the best time to visit, with warm days and less rain to spoil your visit.

The following are the camping and rest areas I’ve used on my travels, and I hope you find them useful. They are also all pet-friendly at the time I wrote this.

Road Trip Across the Nullarbor East to West Camping Sites

Old Perlubie School Site

Not technically on the Nullarbor, the Old Perlubie School Site is a large area to pull off the highway.

There are many areas to park under shade, and bins are available for disposing of your rubbish. However, please note that there are no toilets available, so please bring your own facilities. Dogs are welcome, and camping is free.

Where It Is

The Old Perlubie School Site rest area is located 25 km northwest of Poochera. It’s on the left-hand side of the road heading toward Western Australia.

Penong Caravan Park, South Australia

Before heading over to Western Australia, Penong Caravan Park in South Australia is a great place to stop.

It’s a nice, quiet spot with laundry facilities, toilets, showers, and a kitchen. The camping spots are also spacious, offering both powered and unpowered sites.

Across the road, you will find the Penong Windmill Museum; what’s more, it’s free to walk around. Penong is also home to the biggest windmill in Australia.

Where It Is

Penong Caravan Park is located at 4 Stiggants Road, Penong, directly across the road from the Windmill Museum.

Nundroo East Rest Stop for Camping

If you want to save some dollars, then another 42 minutes up the road is the Nundroo East Rest Stop.

This smaller pull-off is available to everyone, including camping in tents, although there are no toilets or bins. Always remember to take your rubbish with you.

Where It Is

The Nundroo East Rest Stop is 69 km west of Penong or 21 km east of Nundroo, located off the Highway.

The Nullarbor, South Australia and Western Australia

When you cross the Nullarbor, keep an eye out for the landing zones of the Royal Flying Doctors.

These airborne medics are ready and able to fly to your aid in remote areas, such as the Nullarbor; in fact, the National Highway serves as their landing strip.

Before crossing the Western Australian border, there are several rest areas to view the Great Australian Bight.

Along with the rest areas, you have great views of the cliffs that the Southern Ocean has eroded over time. Whales may be seen in the area, especially if you cross at the right time of year (June to October).

You will find many places to stop and see the views along this part of the Nullarbor. Make sure you take a break from the drive.

Where It Is

There are numerous stops along the stretch of road 110 km east of Border Village on the SA/WA border. There are three official scenic lookouts overlooking the Southern Ocean, offering excellent views of the coastline’s cliffs. Only the first stop doesn’t allow dogs as it’s in a National Park, and some are 4WD tracks.

Mundrabilla Roadhouse

The Mundrabilla Roadhouse is worth a mention, not for its fuel, but for the people. Despite its remote location, they offer good food at reasonable prices and feature an emu mural on the side of the building.

You also have a Nullarbor Links here. This 18-hole, 72-par golf course spans two states and is said to be the World’s longest golf course.

Where It Is

Mundrabilla Roadhouse is 78 km from Border Village.

Madura Pass Lookout or on Top of the Ridge Camping Site

At the top of the Madura Pass, you will find the entrance to the Madura Pass Lookout, or as it’s also known, the Top of the Ridge Camping site.

You can find a place to park overlooking the plains toward the Southern Ocean. From here, you can enjoy the moonrise and sunrise, weather permitting.

This free camp has no toilets, so you must be self-contained. However, there are plenty of bins available, and camping in tents is allowed, or you can use it as a rest area.

Where It Is

Madura Pass Lookout or On Top of the Ridge Camping Spot is 195 km west of Border Village or 529 km east of Norseman.

Caiguna Blowhole Camping and Rest Area

Located at the start of the 90 Mile Straight, the Caiguna blowhole is not only a good place to stop for the night, but also for a break. See the blowhole, part of a limestone cave system that “breathes” with the wind, before you start the long straight road.

Once you enter, there is a huge expansive area where you can find a nice private, shady spot well off the road.

Camping in tents is allowed, although there are no toilets and the bin is near the blowhole, at the entrance.

Where It Is

From Caiguna, it’s only 5 km west to the Blowhole, or 367 km east of Norseman.

The signage for the entrance of the Blowhole rest area is where you turn off. Going eastwards, you do get a bit of a warning that it’s approaching.

From here, you travel down the 90-mile straight and into Norseman.

Balladonia

Balladonia Roadhouse offers a range of accommodation options, including a caravan park and motel, for those seeking a restful stay. If you have a van, you may be able to stop in front of the roadhouse (between the long-haul trucks and the highway). Just ask.

Where It Is

Balladonia Roadhouse is less than 2 hours (191 km) from Norseman.

Conclusion

I hope you get to enjoy this extraordinary road, the Nullarbor, and the camping and rest areas along it. It is one of the great drives in the world that everyone should do at least once.

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Links

If you’d like to read more of my blogs about Australia, you can find them at the following links: Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art. Alternatively, if you’re interested in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or Photography, you can click on their respective links.

Travel Resources

• Flights & Accommodation—You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor, and WayAway, which offers 5% cashback.
• Car Hire— In Australia, you can use Apex Car Rentals Australia, Budget Car Rentals Australia, or Avis Car Rentals Australia.
• Camper & RV Rentals—Want a quieter pace exploring Australia and New Zealand in your own accommodation? Jucy Rentals and Star RV Rentals will give you an unforgettable experience travelling.
• Travel Insurance is the number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master, and Insubuy provide insurance coverage during your travels.
• Attractions—buy before you leave home with these great sites: Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
• House Sitting is a great way to save on accommodation, and Trusted Housesitters offers house sittings worldwide.
• Photo Editing is a great way to bring your photos to life, and you can try Luminar Neo, which I use.
• Visa Applications—apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
• Sim cards—Try Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store, which solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
• Power Stations—Bluetti and EcoFlow Power Stations are your choices for sustainable, eco-friendly power on the go or at home.

• If you’re interested in learning more, try my Travel Links and Resources page.

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