South Australia - Rest Stops and Free Camps in general
Wirroff said
08:15 PM Dec 6, 2013
In our current travels through SA (on our way to WA), we have found it very frustrating that very few rest stops and/or free camps offer toilet facilities in SA. We were going to go around the Eyre Peninisula but there are (I think...) only 2 or 3 rest stops along the whole coastline that have toilets. I also have to make the comment on a number of towns and one springs to mind immediately; Port Augusta. This towns proudly displays a RV Friendly town and fails on almost every count. There are no rest stops with toilets, no free camps, one filthy dump point and a 'Motorhome Only' park which is a bit of gravel at the back of a sports club where they want to charge you $7 a night to park on this dirt with no facilities or toilets etc. We really have had the feeling that SA doesn't welcome RVer's at all as it has been almost impossible to traverse it without having to go into a CP for facilities. We ARE in a self-contained motorhome but my wife likes to have a toilet nearby but it doesn't seem to be catered for. We see hundreds of road signs in SA proclaiming 'Tired Drivers Die - Rest Stop' and then offer no facilities. Has anyone else come across this in SA? We missed out on the Eyre because of this fact and are currently writing this in Kimba (North of the Peninisula) as it's one of the very few towns that offers a rest stop with a toilet!
SHAME ON YOU SOUTH AUSTRALIA!
jules47 said
09:59 PM Dec 6, 2013
Check out Solo Steve's blog - he has recently done the Eyre Peninsula - we also have recently come down the centre from Alice Springs, and admit there are not a lot of toilet facilities available at rest stops in SA -we use our toilet on board, so this doesn't really worry us. Some of the motorhome only stops are pretty basic.
Wirroff said
08:07 AM Dec 7, 2013
Hi Jules, my wife does use our on-board toilet at times but not for 'number two's'.......the lack of facilities has made me not want to visit SA again!
sandsmere said
08:49 AM Dec 7, 2013
Point Lowly , Port Gibbon , Stuart Park at Whyalla , Cleve Showground , Arno Bay , Tumby Bay , Lincoln NP all on the East side of the Eyre Peninsular
are all free or low cost campgrounds with toilet facilities .
We are still at Port Lincoln , so can't comment on the west side yet .
Also plenty of places around the Barossa Valley , Mt. Remarkable , Clare , Flinders Ranges areas .
Agree with you about Port Augusta . Not a great place at all .
Wirroff said
09:09 AM Dec 7, 2013
Thanks for the info mate. A problem we do encounter in SA is that often, the campsites, when they do have facilities, are down dirt roads and our bus doesn't take too kindly to dirt roads!
Santa said
11:33 AM Dec 7, 2013
S.A. is a sad state of affairs when it comes to road side facilities for travelers.
Have often commenting when crossing the border back into SA its like stepping back in time, what few facilities that do exist are poorly maintained, most stops have no facilities and are filthy.
We have even taken the matter up with our local MP, you guessed it, another mirror job, he'll look into it.
dundreamin said
12:01 PM Dec 7, 2013
I live in SA so have travelled around most of the state except the far west coast and I'm not impressed either. I travel solo (apart from my best mate - 4 legged) and have often wanted to pull off the road for a break but some places there's nothing until you get to the next town. On a recent trip through VIC I absolutely loved it. Mostly had no trouble finding places to park my rather large RV, plenty of roadside stops and loos if I needed one. I also came across plenty of places to play ball with my dog off leash for some excercise (her, not me) and some beautiful free camping areas. Can't wait to head off full time and explore the other states more fully.
Wirroff said
07:44 PM Dec 7, 2013
I'd just like to mention that today (Sat 7th) we went to look at Pildappa Rock near Minnipa on a recommendation from another website and the CAW6 book. Well what a disappointment! We had to travel 36kms (18kms each way) on what I can only describe as one of the worst roads I have come across! I was ready for a dirt road as the guides had told me that, but not for how long! The road was hard shale and my poor bus had it's tyres, suspension and steering shot to bits! Be afraid, be very afraid....
When we finally got there, the place was in a sorry state. One small long drop toilet and BBQ's (admittedly gas) that weren't working. We left almost straight away and happened to pass a car and van on the way out who asked us directions. Within 10 minutes, they had also followed us out!
I'm not saying the rock didn't look interesting as it did, but the site was poor and VERY bad roads to get to it. We have ended up at a roadside stop in Minnipa where there are another 5 campers and a toilet at last!
WollyandPete said
08:24 PM Dec 7, 2013
Wiroff, I am surprised at your disappontment with Pildappa Rock having stayed there for a couple of nights 6 weeks ago. The road in was quite acceptable and the long drop was good, I did not check the bbq though. I did not check the other toilet around the other side of the rock either, maybe that was the bad one! With SA not having facilities like the eastern states I agree.
Pete
Wirroff said
04:59 PM Dec 13, 2013
Well, we made it to Norseman across the Nullarbor and I have another observation about SA rest stops. Not ONCE on the Nullarbor in SA are there toilets at rest stops. However, as soon as you cross the border into WA, there are many (basic long-drops but toilets all the same!).
That is an appalling state of affairs!
SHAME ON YOU S.A.
Gerty Dancer said
05:19 PM Dec 13, 2013
We agree with you Wirroff. How nice it was coming back into NSW from SA on the Barrier Highway. The first rest-stop you come to in NSW is brilliant! Spotlessly clean toilets and BBQ, shade trees, and a kids playground.
Not all NSW rest stops are that good,but its a great welcome from the state of few facilities back to civilization!
-- Edited by Gerty Dancer on Saturday 14th of December 2013 04:53:41 PM
wandwill said
12:33 PM Dec 14, 2013
We are currently staying at Point Lowry, SA, clean toilets, cold water shower, cleaned daily, and only $5.00 per van per night, money goes back into the camping ground, have met the Ranger and his dog, both lovely, also Lipson Cove, has toilet, $10.00 per van, lovely scenery
wandwill said
01:16 PM Jan 5, 2014
We stayed at Point Lowly, cost is $5.00 pn but clean toilets, cold shower, beautiful scenery, can stay for 14 days
oldboar said
04:39 PM Jan 5, 2014
Having read most of your posts, Wirroff, I'm seriously starting to wonder if you aren't on a whine tour. If you need a loo at every stop, perhaps caravan parks or motels may be the way for you to go.
Darrell
Gerty Dancer said
04:49 PM Jan 5, 2014
Oldboar, not everybody has a toilet on board, neither do we. Having never been to SA, we hadn't realised how much we would need one.
Santa said
05:02 PM Jan 5, 2014
Wirroff has a valid point, we live in SA and have to travel hundreds of kilometers in any direction before crossing a border, the SA govt has chosen not to provide much at all in the way of facilities for highway travelers, toilets and refuse bins are sadly lacking and consequently rest area's become unhygienic blots on the landscape littered with rubbish and human waste.
We are fortunate and have a toilet on board so no big deal, it is embarrassing as a South Australian to witness the condition of our rest areas when what we have experienced in other states is so much better.
Still no reply from local MP Rowan Ramsey.
-- Edited by Santa on Sunday 5th of January 2014 05:05:37 PM
Santa said
11:03 AM Jan 9, 2014
An update.
I received a reply from Rowan Ramsey's assistant this morning, they are aware of the problems re roadside rest area's in SA, steps are being taken to address the problem, will be interesting to see exactly what has been done next time we head north.
Copy of Email.
Hello Jon
Thankyou very much for contacting Rowan with your concerns regarding Roadside stops. I sincerely apologise you are only just receiving a response to your inquiry. I work part time for Rowan and due to some leave have been away from the office.
I will discuss your concerns with him. He is well aware of the issue as this has been a matter which has been raised during the year particularly by people travelling down the Stuart highway from Alice Springs through to Port Augusta.
You will be pleased to know that Rowan recently made a joint announcement with Warren Truss regarding the improvement of some roadside stops Glendambo, Stuart Highway and the Eyre Highway. (a copy of this Media release is available on his website www.rowanramsey.com.au)
I will bring the forum from the Grey Nomads website to his attention so he is aware of the particular issues being experienced by those using roadside facilities particularly in our electorate.
Again thankyou so much for bringing this to his attention
With regards
Gen
pambaz said
03:51 PM Jan 9, 2014
In 2011 we did our half lap in our pop top van. We didn't have shower or toilet in the van only an Aquacube and porta pottie. We found SA the worst with no facilities at free camps.
How do people travel in vans and MH all the time without these facilities I don't know. You need to stop every so often for rests and food breaks and when you pull into a rest stop there are no toilets. What do the truckies do??
When we came home we looked for a van with its own facilities. We have done the whole lap now and find it much easier to pull over.
We have gone back to SA on the way to WA. and found it not one bit improved. Kimba would be the best "free" camp we have come across and were very happy to put several dollars in for our nights stay. Also we had a great meal at the pub and bought some groceries. We don't expect everything free and are happy to pay 5-6 dollars a night.
If other states can do it so can SA. Surely other motorists other than RVs would appreciate toilets too. We have not been to Point Lowy but I do believe its a good one.
jules47 said
07:11 PM Jan 9, 2014
Kimba - indeed a great stop! Lots of others as well - but to be self contained with toilet and shower is the best thing I think.
I think the original poster on this thread is self contained also - so why not use your own facilities - you pay for them in the purchase price of your vehicle!!!
Wirroff said
10:44 AM Jan 10, 2014
We are self-contained and do use our facilities. I suppose my OP should have really commented on the lack of ANY facility in road side stops/rest areas in SA. This includes a lack of toilets but often, more obviously, a lack of bins or indeed anywhere to sit!
I stick by my original comments; Simply not good enough SA, not good enough!
Santa said
11:49 AM Jan 10, 2014
Wirroff wrote:
We are self-contained and do use our facilities. I suppose my OP should have really commented on the lack of ANY facility in road side stops/rest areas in SA. This includes a lack of toilets but often, more obviously, a lack of bins or indeed anywhere to sit!
I stick by my original comments; Simply not good enough SA, not good enough!
OK, we get the message, what have you done about it other than have a bit of a whinge on this forum?
Wirroff said
12:32 PM Jan 10, 2014
Now I'm confused Santa, as a couple of posts ago, you were agreeing with us!
Santa said
12:51 PM Jan 10, 2014
Wirroff wrote:
Now I'm confused Santa, as a couple of posts ago, you were agreeing with us!
I agree with your remarks about the sad state of affairs in SA Wirroff, I'm just wondering if anyone else has taken the time to contact the member for Grey
Talking about the situation in a forum situation achieves nothing other than perhaps making us feel better, alerting the local member is a positive action and eventually may get something done.
Seems the SA govt has already taken some action (see my post below) may not be much but at least its a start.
-- Edited by Santa on Friday 10th of January 2014 02:33:01 PM
Gerty Dancer said
02:25 PM Jan 10, 2014
Santa I tried to open that link, it takes us back to this same page. And I agree with you!
Santa said
02:34 PM Jan 10, 2014
Sorry about that Gerty, try now.
graham (chickenman) said
08:17 AM Mar 21, 2014
Port a gutter
Santa said
10:50 AM Mar 21, 2014
graham (chickenman) wrote:
Port a gutter
Port Augusta is certainly not a town I would contemplate freecamping within 20km of.
For safety reasons use the caravan parks if you need to stat in PA.
Hittheroad said
09:39 PM Sep 30, 2014
Maitland Yorke Peninsula SA caravan park $15 night power etc. Most caravan powered sites on the Yorke Peninsula were anything from $26 to $33. So was great just to pay $15 and charge up for a day. Leave the caravan charging and take only the ute down uncharted roads... Maitland is half way down the Peninsular.
Santa said
08:02 AM Oct 1, 2014
Hittheroad wrote:
Maitland Yorke Peninsula SA caravan park $15 night power etc. Most caravan powered sites on the Yorke Peninsula were anything from $26 to $33. So was great just to pay $15 and charge up for a day. Leave the caravan charging and take only the ute down uncharted roads... Maitland is half way down the Peninsular.
Maitland is a pleasant enough place, however it's in the middle of the peninsula with not much to see or do in the immediate area.
The CP's in the coastal towns (Ardrossan, Moonta, Yorketown etc) are a bit more expensive but much more scenic with more attractions, what you save on park fees you will probably spend on fuel traveling to more interesting spots.
I'm a Moonta resident and belong to a sporting club in Maitland so know the area pretty well.
berbank said
10:04 AM Oct 13, 2014
,?
-- Edited by berbank on Monday 13th of October 2014 10:05:26 AM
In our current travels through SA (on our way to WA), we have found it very frustrating that very few rest stops and/or free camps offer toilet facilities in SA. We were going to go around the Eyre Peninisula but there are (I think...) only 2 or 3 rest stops along the whole coastline that have toilets. I also have to make the comment on a number of towns and one springs to mind immediately; Port Augusta. This towns proudly displays a RV Friendly town and fails on almost every count. There are no rest stops with toilets, no free camps, one filthy dump point and a 'Motorhome Only' park which is a bit of gravel at the back of a sports club where they want to charge you $7 a night to park on this dirt with no facilities or toilets etc. We really have had the feeling that SA doesn't welcome RVer's at all as it has been almost impossible to traverse it without having to go into a CP for facilities. We ARE in a self-contained motorhome but my wife likes to have a toilet nearby but it doesn't seem to be catered for. We see hundreds of road signs in SA proclaiming 'Tired Drivers Die - Rest Stop' and then offer no facilities. Has anyone else come across this in SA? We missed out on the Eyre because of this fact and are currently writing this in Kimba (North of the Peninisula) as it's one of the very few towns that offers a rest stop with a toilet!
SHAME ON YOU SOUTH AUSTRALIA!
Hi Jules, my wife does use our on-board toilet at times but not for 'number two's'.......the lack of facilities has made me not want to visit SA again!
Point Lowly , Port Gibbon , Stuart Park at Whyalla , Cleve Showground , Arno Bay , Tumby Bay , Lincoln NP all on the East side of the Eyre Peninsular
are all free or low cost campgrounds with toilet facilities .
We are still at Port Lincoln , so can't comment on the west side yet .
Also plenty of places around the Barossa Valley , Mt. Remarkable , Clare , Flinders Ranges areas .
Agree with you about Port Augusta . Not a great place at all .
Thanks for the info mate. A problem we do encounter in SA is that often, the campsites, when they do have facilities, are down dirt roads and our bus doesn't take too kindly to dirt roads!
S.A. is a sad state of affairs when it comes to road side facilities for travelers.
Have often commenting when crossing the border back into SA its like stepping back in time, what few facilities that do exist are poorly maintained, most stops have no facilities and are filthy.
We have even taken the matter up with our local MP, you guessed it, another mirror job, he'll look into it.
I'd just like to mention that today (Sat 7th) we went to look at Pildappa Rock near Minnipa on a recommendation from another website and the CAW6 book. Well what a disappointment! We had to travel 36kms (18kms each way) on what I can only describe as one of the worst roads I have come across! I was ready for a dirt road as the guides had told me that, but not for how long! The road was hard shale and my poor bus had it's tyres, suspension and steering shot to bits! Be afraid, be very afraid....
When we finally got there, the place was in a sorry state. One small long drop toilet and BBQ's (admittedly gas) that weren't working. We left almost straight away and happened to pass a car and van on the way out who asked us directions. Within 10 minutes, they had also followed us out!
I'm not saying the rock didn't look interesting as it did, but the site was poor and VERY bad roads to get to it. We have ended up at a roadside stop in Minnipa where there are another 5 campers and a toilet at last!
Pete
Well, we made it to Norseman across the Nullarbor and I have another observation about SA rest stops. Not ONCE on the Nullarbor in SA are there toilets at rest stops. However, as soon as you cross the border into WA, there are many (basic long-drops but toilets all the same!).
That is an appalling state of affairs!
SHAME ON YOU S.A.
We agree with you Wirroff. How nice it was coming back into NSW from SA on the Barrier Highway. The first rest-stop you come to in NSW is brilliant! Spotlessly clean toilets and BBQ, shade trees, and a kids playground.
Not all NSW rest stops are that good,but its a great welcome from the state of few facilities back to civilization!
-- Edited by Gerty Dancer on Saturday 14th of December 2013 04:53:41 PM
We are currently staying at Point Lowry, SA, clean toilets, cold water shower, cleaned daily, and only $5.00 per van per night, money goes back into the camping ground, have met the Ranger and his dog, both lovely, also Lipson Cove, has toilet, $10.00 per van, lovely scenery
We stayed at Point Lowly, cost is $5.00 pn but clean toilets, cold shower, beautiful scenery, can stay for 14 days
Darrell
Wirroff has a valid point, we live in SA and have to travel hundreds of kilometers in any direction before crossing a border, the SA govt has chosen not to provide much at all in the way of facilities for highway travelers, toilets and refuse bins are sadly lacking and consequently rest area's become unhygienic blots on the landscape littered with rubbish and human waste.
We are fortunate and have a toilet on board so no big deal, it is embarrassing as a South Australian to witness the condition of our rest areas when what we have experienced in other states is so much better.
Still no reply from local MP Rowan Ramsey.
-- Edited by Santa on Sunday 5th of January 2014 05:05:37 PM
An update.
I received a reply from Rowan Ramsey's assistant this morning, they are aware of the problems re roadside rest area's in SA, steps are being taken to address the problem, will be interesting to see exactly what has been done next time we head north.
Copy of Email.
Hello Jon
Thankyou very much for contacting Rowan with your concerns regarding Roadside stops. I sincerely apologise you are only just receiving a response to your inquiry. I work part time for Rowan and due to some leave have been away from the office.
I will discuss your concerns with him. He is well aware of the issue as this has been a matter which has been raised during the year particularly by people travelling down the Stuart highway from Alice Springs through to Port Augusta.
You will be pleased to know that Rowan recently made a joint announcement with Warren Truss regarding the improvement of some roadside stops Glendambo, Stuart Highway and the Eyre Highway. (a copy of this Media release is available on his website www.rowanramsey.com.au)
I will bring the forum from the Grey Nomads website to his attention so he is aware of the particular issues being experienced by those using roadside facilities particularly in our electorate.
Again thankyou so much for bringing this to his attention
With regards
Gen
In 2011 we did our half lap in our pop top van. We didn't have shower or toilet in the van only an Aquacube and porta pottie. We found SA the worst with no facilities at free camps.
How do people travel in vans and MH all the time without these facilities I don't know. You need to stop every so often for rests and food breaks and when you pull into a rest stop there are no toilets. What do the truckies do??
When we came home we looked for a van with its own facilities. We have done the whole lap now and find it much easier to pull over.
We have gone back to SA on the way to WA. and found it not one bit improved. Kimba would be the best "free" camp we have come across and were very happy to put several dollars in for our nights stay. Also we had a great meal at the pub and bought some groceries. We don't expect everything free and are happy to pay 5-6 dollars a night.
If other states can do it so can SA. Surely other motorists other than RVs would appreciate toilets too. We have not been to Point Lowy but I do believe its a good one.
I think the original poster on this thread is self contained also - so why not use your own facilities - you pay for them in the purchase price of your vehicle!!!
We are self-contained and do use our facilities. I suppose my OP should have really commented on the lack of ANY facility in road side stops/rest areas in SA. This includes a lack of toilets but often, more obviously, a lack of bins or indeed anywhere to sit!
I stick by my original comments; Simply not good enough SA, not good enough!
OK, we get the message, what have you done about it other than have a bit of a whinge on this forum?
Now I'm confused Santa, as a couple of posts ago, you were agreeing with us!
I agree with your remarks about the sad state of affairs in SA Wirroff, I'm just wondering if anyone else has taken the time to contact the member for Grey
http://www.rowanramsey.com.au/
Talking about the situation in a forum situation achieves nothing other than perhaps making us feel better, alerting the local member is a positive action and eventually may get something done.
Seems the SA govt has already taken some action (see my post below) may not be much but at least its a start.
-- Edited by Santa on Friday 10th of January 2014 02:33:01 PM
Sorry about that Gerty, try now.
Port a gutter
Port Augusta is certainly not a town I would contemplate freecamping within 20km of.
For safety reasons use the caravan parks if you need to stat in PA.
Maitland is a pleasant enough place, however it's in the middle of the peninsula with not much to see or do in the immediate area.
The CP's in the coastal towns (Ardrossan, Moonta, Yorketown etc) are a bit more expensive but much more scenic with more attractions, what you save on park fees you will probably spend on fuel traveling to more interesting spots.
I'm a Moonta resident and belong to a sporting club in Maitland so know the area pretty well.
,?
-- Edited by berbank on Monday 13th of October 2014 10:05:26 AM