While the lack of overnight stop opportunities at rest areas on the Pacific Highway on the east coast has caused plenty of angst in recent weeks, at least one council over in the west is taking a much more welcoming approach.
Six rest stops near Jurien Bay and Cervantes have become declared free nature-based camping sites.
The Shire of Dandaragan recently endorsed the plan to help reduce driver fatigue and encourage travellers to stay longer in the area.
“Endorsing overnight rest stops allows self-contained travellers to arrive late and then potentially spend the next day enjoying our Shire, which encourages increased spending in small businesses and is a boost for our local economies,” said the shire’s Chief Executive Officer, Tony Nottle.
Three former picnic spots – Hakea, Banksia and Smokebush reserves – are now 24-hour rest stops, while a further three sites – Drummonds, Wandoo and Tuarts reserves – are available as free camps for up to 72 hours.
The free campsites can only be used by fully self-contained campers with at least 20 litres of fresh water and holding capacity for waste water and a portable toilet cassette. All waste must be taken off site.
Fantastic to hear! It wasn’t until we bought our motorhome recently did we become aware that “the mainland” is so far behind Tasmania when it comes to free camping. Keep up the push for more & more free camping areas it’s a huge benefit to the towns that we get to stay at & are welcomed by.
Great, I know where I will be headed in WA, finally someone talking sense.
Wonderful news, always needing some where to stop in this area to redt up. We used to like Sandy Cape until it was messed with.
Pity Denmark wouldn’t follow the lead of these shires
Google to see. A bonus for self contained motorhomes and Caravans.
Hope there will be more!
We certainly need more.Unfortunately people disregard the rules and cause problems with litter and soiling.That is backpackers , tents and campertrailers.
We have a camper trailer with porta potty and 2 x 20 litre buckets with lids for grey water. I call that self contained.
Looking forward to stopping up that way. We are on the move next month.
It’s interesting and not before time that this shire reversed it decision to now allow free campers and reopen those rest areas they previously closed. Perhaps they finally got the message that most were avoiding the towns there and spending money elsewhere… Us for one!! A great decision and one that will benefit businesses in town.
In 2012 Cervantes shire enforced their no camping rules and aggressively policed it with rangers moving people on as late as 9.00pm at night. Word soon spread via the many camping sites on Facebook and social media. We were travelling the west coast that year and people continually told us stories about Cervantes. So we went to the Pinnacles through the day and kept driving. Good to see the change in rules and I’m sure the surrounding towns will benefit enormously.
A very small contribution in such a large State …. My ears are hearing from most with whom I have spoken that WA is almost a “No Go Zone” for Grey Nomads …… over priced and under provided
Thanks…… we really need somewhere to stop on the drive north.
great news, and about time, get on board all the other shires
Exactly what does fully self contained mean? Is it the ability to capture and retain grey water as well as the obvious black water storage?
yes it does , grey and black water fully contained on your van caravan or M/home etc
Lots of Eastern States travellers have told us that they will not return to WA because because it is to expensive. With so many previous free spots now charging fees, and with time limits, it is getting harder for us pensioners. We are quite prepared to pay a small fee, but some of the fees are unjustified, Having to move on all the time because of time limits, is not only tiring, but costly, because you have to keep travelling, therefore have to use more petrol..I have always found that grey nomads look after the environment, but can’t say the same about the locals who come out to these spots for the weekends, they are by far the worst offenders for leaving chaos.
Great to see WA National Parks spending Millions on their Sth Western campsites replacing or setting up new camps ie New toilets, Free BBQ’s/Cooktops, Camp Kitchens with wash up facilities, Spaced camp areas Not like Most Van Parks, Rubbish Collection at Most and Camp Hosts to keep an eye on the operation.
With Fees at $10/N/Adult, $2.20/Child from 6 to 15 yrs age, Concession $6.60/N/person it is some of the BEST CAMPSITES we have stayed in across Australia the others being VIC, NSW and SA in Order of Preference, I am afraid Qld’s Northern Area doesn’t Rate a mention as I hail from up there and they don’t “Have a Patch”on WA National Park Campsites.
I have yet to Experience what they are like up in NW WA above Geraldton but will find out in a few months.
Cheers Kev.
Congrats n thank you WA for a commonsense solution.
I was just enjoying one of your free camps We spent over $220.00 in the area, petrol, food, lotto, shopping etc.
We had a super time and the area benefited
Well done
Hello.
I’m not sure that this discussion is still open –
We are renting a motorhome for a month October/November and wondering if the free camping still applies in areas of Cervantes and in the South West?
The Cervantes Holiday Park rate is $51 a night which seems a lot for a powered site and we will be arriving quite late in the evening.
Hey Chris,i agree 100%.It feels like they have up the cost for the covid period.You will find at least one free area.
Great to hear it’s good for everyone traveller and communities a like