W.A. Trip

Helena · Guru

W.A. Trip

Gerty Dancer · Guru

Our experience of the free-camps in WA wasnt very good. They were usually very crowded, and usually filthy, littered with toilet paper etc. I'm sure there must be some that are clean, but we found very very few. Their National Parks were much better (but not always free), and if you go that way, you'll be able to get into Karijini, as its sealed all the way in, and beautiful.

As far as I can see your only options from Bunbury to NT are to follow highway 1 all the way north to Kunnanurra, or via the Nullarbor and then north on the Stuart Highway. A very long way whichever way you choose. Theres the Great Central Road that goes accross the desert but I think your rig would not like it. If somebody's been on it recently they might have more info.

Wish you luck Helena, have a wonderful trip!!

Vic · Guru

Hi Helena,

John (yeoeleven) was in that general area (Bunbury) recently and you might be able find something on his blog (shown under his signature) about free camps in the area.

As far as the NT goes, I free camped from Darwin to Broome via Katherine last year free camping all the way (using Camps 5) some great free camps along the way, saved me heaps. Also one just south of the Broome turn off intersection at Roebuck Roadhouse just before you get to the intersection from the south.

Coming across from NT, I would stay at a free camp nearest to the next town then stop in or near the town to make my mobile phone calls or texts (no reception in some free camps but someone sure to have a sattelite phone for emergencies) then while in town would get fuel, shower/toilet in fuel road house, shop at local IGA if available, have a look around too and then move on to the next free camp. Bear in mind I had done that area a number of times so didn't need to do too much sight seeing. You may have to spend a day or two in a town caravan park to have a good look around if you haven't been there before. Hope this helps.

PS: Perth and South/West areas or near Perth try to avoid school and public holidays if you can. Other than the internet, a good cheap calendar has all the holidays on it for each state on the last page.

valnrob · Guru

Hi Helena, I can't give you guys any info, but wishing you both a safe and enjoyable trip,

take care Val and Rob xx

scotia59 · Senior Member

Hi Helena,

WA has many lovely spots and I think Vic's advice to look at Yeoeleven's blog is a very good idea, he found some really nice spots.

Have a wonderful trip.

_wombat_ · Master (of Mischief)

Here's a link to yeoeleven's blog

http://yeoeleven.blogspot.com.au/

Cruising Granny · Guru

Don't do the Central Highway with your little rig. It's a made road, but from what I understand it's little more than a dirt track, not maintained, subject to seasonal washouts etc.
It's the black top via Fitzroy Crossing for you. Don't look at it as a L O N G drive. look at it as an adventure with so much to view and enjoy along the way. Even the stretch from Port Hedland to Roebuck Turntable Roadhouse is not boring. I you're into seeing what's actually around you, stop from time to time. Spot the local bird life, check out the budgies, finches, kites and whatever else you see.
Don't drive through any water unless you're confident of the depth and your vehicle's resistance to water damage.
There's a great free camp north of Hedland. It's below the highway bridge, by the De Grey River, or Cape Kerauderan (spelling) and the roadhouses along the way offer camping and powered sites. There's Mary's Pool between Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek. Nice spot with long-drop dunnies.
Take your time if you have it. Enjoy the experience and the world around you. Safe and happy travels.

villatranquilla · Guru

fantastic road north via Mt Magnet, Newman to South Headland - better road and less traffic than the coastal road

Helena · Guru

Thanks for all the info you really are a great bunch of people thanks Wombat for the blog to go on to. Can't wait to get on the road again it has been a long long year for us not use to be at home all the time. Take care everyone and thanks a heap Helena.

wendyv · Guru

The Great Central Road, although usually a reasonable dirt road (though often with corrugated sections), is definitely not for your rig.
Which part of NT are you heading for? If Alice Springs part, then maybe best to go via Port Augusta and up the Stuart. If the Top End, then go the way villa suggests. There's some interesting places to visit along that way, if you have time.

Helena · Guru

wendyv,
We will be visiting son in Bunbury and then trying to work out which would be the shortest way to get to Darwin from there whether we would need to go back the way we came or wether it would be shorter to go up to Broome etc. I guess we will work it out eventually. Thanks for your help Helena.

Delta18 · Guru

The shortest way is Great Northern Highway as Villatranquilla suggested, via Newman, (look into Karijini NP), Pt Hedland, Broome etc. Much more scenic & away from the yuppie coastal travellers and 150km shorter.

To go back to Pt Augusta then turn north is around 1000km further, 4200km compared to 5300km.

Cheers Neil

Helena · Guru

Delta Thanks for that information was wondering which was the shortest way. Helena.

Elle on Wheels · Guru

I'm sure you will find some great places and John in particular has a knack for coming ascross some beauties.

Cruising Granny · Guru

There are some nice free camping areas on the inland road via Newman. I camped by a lake, maybe Lake Austin. The Auski Roadhouse has a caravan park out the back.
There are spots in the Karajina NP, but I think you pay.
Enjoy safe and happy travels.