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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.   

Where have we stayed?  See free and low cost campsites we have enjoyed. 
 
 
 
 
Queensland
South Australia
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.   

Where have we stayed?  See free and low cost campsites we have enjoyed. 
 
 
 
 
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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.   

 

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Tasmania
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.    

Where have we stayed?  See free and low cost campsites we have enjoyed. 
 
 
 
 
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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
Victoria
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

Where have we stayed?  See free and low cost campsites we have enjoyed. 
 
 
 
 
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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.
 
Want to know more? Ask us
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