Degrey River Rest was a chance for us to pull over and have a break.
This free camp is about one hour north of Port Headland and just over three hours south of Eight Mile Beach.
What we have noticed with most free camps in the upper part of Western Australia, is they are well thought out.
They all generally have several undercover seating areas. Along with BBQ’s, long drop toilets and rubbish bins which are frequently cleaned and lined with new bags.
Pulling in to this very large camping area we noticed it had two sections. The top area which will fit many large rig’s.
Walking down to the river we noticed a couple of people were camping in there buses and motorhome. Therefore you can park close to the river with a big rig.
On the way down, we noticed that it’s a little sandy. Where as, the main large camping area is dirt/gravel.
Down To The River
Main Camp Area
You’ll find toilets and a couple of dump points as well as bins around the place.
Also, you can use the large undercover seating area which had a nice bit of shade.
From Fitzroy Crossing we headed to Ngumban cliff. This free camp has spectacular views. It’s suitable for any vehicle type as you drive up this firm dirt road.
camp on the cliff
Road up
View
Parking up at the top of the cliff, you get a fabulous view. It felt like an American movie, looking over the range. Eagles flying above checking us out.
Undercover Seating
Toilets & Shade
That View
As well as the toilets this camp has a dump point. Undercover seating is available. Pull up for a break in the daytime or camping over night.
Parking is at the top of the hill but a little further down on the right is another spot for smaller rigs.
Dampier is home to the Red Dog Statue from the famous Aussie movie of the same name.
As we were passing Dampier I wanted to check it out.
Dampier Red Dog Statue
The Transit Caravan Park was the cheapest park in the area, so we chose to stay there. It turned out to be in a great location, right opposite the water.
Some may think it’s not the best view or the best park but for that area it was.
Dampier Transit Caravan park
The park is small but friendly. We were behind two other vans but still had glimpses of the water.
You have a choice of 4 electric BBQ’s one of which looks like it has a place to heat pans.
Robe River Rest is a 24hr free camp by the river. It’s about 1hr 50min south of Karratha.
You might see cows and pelicans by the water as we did.
This is a tar sealed camp site with a couple of pump action toilets. You will also find a couple of dump points.
Dump Point
Lots Of Room
A couple of fire/BBQ’s are here as are a few benches and some undercover areas.
Seating
Toilets
Robe River Rest is just past a bridge on the main NW Coastal Highway.
We stopped here for a coffee as we were heading to Nanutarra Roadhouse for the night. With that in mind I’m not sure what the traffic is like after dark.
Robe River looks like a great spot that will fit any size rig. Robe River is also known as Yarraloola Rest Area, It’s definitely worth a look.
Traveling the North West Coastal Highway between Carnarvon and karratha is the Nanutarra Roadhouse.
As temperatures were rising during the day, we decided to stay the night here. Air-conditioning was definitely need and we could connect to power.
The Caravan Park
The cashier in the service station gave us a map of the small but neat parking area. He also gave us the code for the toilet/showers.
The two showers and toilets in the ladies were older but clean.
Out Side The Roadhouse
I had my first proper shower other than the caravan in over three months. It was great! powerful and hot.
You will also find a couple of washing machines outside if needed.
Toilets & Laundry
The parking spots are gravel and have a bit of greenery by some parking areas. We arrived to find 5 vans already parked up, by night almost all the powered sights were taken.
Caravan Parking
Most people, like us, wanted to use their air-con. Amazingly, the roadhouse is totally self sufficient and so runs on generators.
On the day of our stay they were having a problem with the generators. Unfortunately that meant we didn’t have air-con for quite a while during the day.
Lyndon rest area east was the first stop after leaving the cattle station job.
Stopping for a break and checking out the large tar sealed area. It’s by a dry river much like Minilya free camp. Don’t get this camp confused with Lyndon rest area “West”
You have toilets here and a dump point. Fire-pit type BBQ are around the place and would be lovely in the winter months.
We arrived around 10.30am and were the only ones there. This camp is about a one and half hour drive to Coral Bay. Set beside the highway between Carnarvon and Exmouth.
Whether you are looking to spend the night or stop for a break it’s a great spot.
Although we had some savings left we thought it best to look for work. We still wanted to have some savings in the bank.
Larry applied for cattle station positions online at The Job Shop and on Gumtree. Receiving multiple phone calls for different jobs in various places.
Larry chose a job that included water technician/bore runner and mechanic.
Chicken Mechanic
Stations Road Train
Larry Doing The Bore Run
Larry had always wanted to work on a cattle station therefore this job had given him the chance.
880,000 Acre Cattle Station
For three months we lived on a 880,000 acres cattle station. Which runs 10,500 head of cattle.
Driving to the mail box took 10 minutes. Although we only had to do this once a week as that’s how often we got mail delivered.
The nearest town was 140km away, a long way to drive if you forget something.
Part of Larry’s job was to make sure the cattle had water. He drove around 250km on each bore run.
Checking water, pumps and pipelines.
Cows On The Bore Run
Working Till Sunset
Amazing What You Find
As well as checking the water supply to the cattle, if he noticed dead cattle or roos he had the task of removing them. Not a pretty job.
Likewise, neither was the mud and manure he got to stand in, to clean out the troughs 😉
As he is the kind of guy that likes to get in and do what ever is needed, he’s happy. A bit of muck never hurt anyone and he has some good yet gross stories to tell.
The Homestead
This was an older cattle station and it had an amazing homestead!
Unfortunately it was dilapidated so no one could live in it.
One day, hopefully they will restore it to its former glory. Walking around inside was like stepping back in time.
Homestead
The Old Oven
Original Light Switch
Apart from the homestead, the red dust was another main feature. Both classic Australian and I love it!
Ring Bell To Announce Your Arrival
Old Phone point?
Living On The Station
Parking our van on the cattle station.. We chose a spot to set up so we could see the sunset each night.
Moreover parking in a place we could hook up to power, which is a luxury we like.
The Sunsets
Water, was bore water. We would fill a few large containers from a station water tank (this was slightly better filtered water) then we would manually fill our fresh water tanks.
A new 70,000 litre a day reverse osmosis plant was being installed when we were there. As the bore runner and water technician, Larry had a great interest.
During his time working on Hayman Island he had worked on something on a larger scale. This was a lot smaller then the 1,000,000 litre a day plant he had last worked with.
I love that we had animals literally at our door. Cows, chickens, sheep, emu and goanna regularly wandered by.
The chicken hung around more than the others. I think we become friends. I feel it may only wanted me for my food though 😉
Beep Beep …
Nosy Cow
Many variety of birds can be found in trees and troughs. From eagles to tiny bright green flocks of birds. The property also has horse’s, pigs and goats.
There was so much land around us yet all the animals that pass (and I mean all) seem to poop outside the van. Thankful its only the chicken that shared its droppings on our mat. Hmmm… Maybe weren’t friends after all 🙁
Our Main Visitor
People Watching Over Coffee
Mustering Time
A lot of different work went on at mustering time. Mustering cattle to the yards, tagging, welding, changing horse shoes, checking for pregnant cows, the list goes on.
Once mustering ended and the jackaroos and jillaroos had gone, Larry was happy to have had a few new experiences.
New tanks and fences were being installed so more contractors turned up for a short time. They stayed in the cattle station dongers.
I had a few little jobs to do whilst the mustering and the contractors were there. During their stay I had the opportunity to help out a little. Making beds, cleaning, gardening and a bit of cooking.
Not as out and about on the station as Larry but good to be doing something 😀
After three and a bit months it was time to get back on the road. We loved our time on the cattle station and would work on other station’s and farms in the future.
Larry Had a call from our old jobs on Hayman Island in the Whitsundays. Asking if he would return in a management position. We decided to head back for a year to top up the savings a bit more.
Heading back to Queenslandwe had the opportunity to check out new free camps along the way. Travelling up Western Australia toNT and across back to Queensland.
We came up with these Water Saving Tips and trick as we often free camp and park off grid. With that in mind we have to consider saving water.
Our Fresh Water Set Up
We had an extra 80 litre water-tank fitted when we bought our van. Consequently we have a total of 160 litres when full. This can, if we are frugal, last us 2 weeks.
As I normally say, this is not for everyone, everyone is different!
Some tips might be good for the hard core water savers amongst us.
Washing up:
Depending on what pans and plates are used you can save heaps of water. Consider some of these ideas.
1. Cook one pot meals to cut down on pans.
2. Cook on a Camp Fire or BBQ.
Photo: Camp Cooking Saves Pots
Photo: BBQ To Save Washing Pans
3. Use paper plates and bowls for some meals. If they are sitll usable kids can draw or make things from them. You can also put them in to the fire at night or bag them up and take them with you.
4. Wipe plates down with a damp paper towel after eating. Get rid of the bulk food. That way it’s easier to wash when you do wash-up. This also stops food bits going down the drain and smelling.
5. If possible, do just one wash at night or in the morning. One wash will save more water then lots of washes.
6. If you have cooked in a pan or used a large bowl, use this as your sink. Uses less water then your sink and cleans the pan at same time.
Photo: Us A Pan To Put Your Wash Water In
Shower
One of the biggest water consumers is the shower.
7. When you need a shower wet yourself down then turn off the water. Soap up and apply shampoo. Once your all soaped up, wash off.
8. Use an all in one shampoo and conditioner, saves rinsing twice.
9. Have a good wash in the sink instead. The old flannel comes in very handy. Taking care of your face, your pits and your important bits.
Wash Face, Pits & Important Bits
10. Don’t have water on full if you don’t need to or buy a water saving shower head.
11. Save the cold water that first comes out of the shower in a jug/container. Use this for cooking or put it back in your tank. You could also use it for your toilet or spray bottle (see toilet tips below)
12. Dry Shampoo is great! It works on my light hair very well. Only a little spray on the roots of greasy hair. You’re then set for a few more days.
Photo: Dry Shampoo Saves Heaps Of Water
Toilet – Water Saving Tips
13. Don’t flush if you’re only having a pee. Use a spray bottle with water and Thetford Aqua Rinse. Just spray and walk away.
Photo: Spray & Walk Away
14. Cleaning the inside of your toilet. Water saving here can be achieved with baby wipes. Add a couple of drops of tea tree oil or other antibacterial oil. Always dispose of in the bin not the toilet.
However much water saving you want to achieve, you still have to clean your hands!
15. Get a pump soap dispenser not a bar of soap. Soap up and scrub away. Turn the tap on very low and rinse off.
Photo: Tropicana Caravan Park Sarina – Qld
16. Wipe hands with wet wipes. Put some tea tree oil or similar antibacterial oil on them. We also carry some in the car for when we empty the cassette toilet.
17. Hand sanitiser is also an option in some circumstances.
Laundry – Water Saving Tips
18. Wash in the sink or in a bucket outside with a plunger.
Photo: DIY Washing Machine
Photo: manual washing machine
20. You can also buy a manual washing machine, as above.
21. Use wool wash laundry liquid to wash your clothes. You do not need to rinse your clothes as you do with normal liquids or powder.
This is something I didn’t think would work, but it does 😀
Photo: Wool Wash
Cleaning:
22. Wet wipes are great for wiping down everything from surfaces, bathrooms to faces. Keep them in a plastic container to keep them fresh.
Photo: Wet wipes and Tea Tree Oil
Bonus tip: Drink beer not water 😉
Photo: Cheers To Water Saving
Do you have any more water saving tips? share them in the comments below.
We loved crossing the Nullarbor, many people don’t. I think it’s all part of the adventure. Everybody waves back at each other here, It’s like your all part of the same club. Didn’t matter if you were a car or a caravan people still waved.
We have previously written about each place at length. Having been asked recently about where we camped, we have made this post. It combines those 7 camps in one place.
Many people say the Nullarbor is between Ceduna, SA and Norseman, WA. If you are heading across think about stopping at one of these.
Click on an individual Orange camp title for full details, photos and google map location.
We decided to stop here and fill our tanks before we crossed the Nullarbor. A friendly park that caters well for those that like to fish. Room for boats and vans.
They have a few fish cleaning tables if you need one. Close to town and the ocean for catching Blue Swimmer Crabs. A great camp kitchen and good amenities.
Photo: Ceduna Jetty
Photo: Ceduna Big 4
Photo: Fillet Your Fish – Ceduna Big 4
Nullarbor Links Golf Course is close by. The 1st and 2nd hole’s are here. The start of the 18-hole, par 72 golf course. This spans 1365 Kilometres with one hole in each participating town or roadhouse. Read our full post On Ceduna Big 4 here
This free camp has a large area big enough for any rig. On the other side of the fence is the remains of the old school. Built in 1933 for it’s 9 pupils and there teacher Miss Norton.
Photo: Camp Near The Old School Ruins
Photo: Cohen School 1933
It’s on the Eyre highway but we didn’t hear any traffic at night.
You will find this camp outside the gates of the “Head of Bight whale Centre”. If your heading to or from the Nullarbor you pass this.
The camp is next to an old empty hut. Surrounded on three sides by a fence. The ground is dirt and gravel and is large enough for any size van.
Photo: Whitewell Tank Camp
Photo: Heading Back On To The Air Highway
Photo: The Camp At The Head of Bight Sunset
The Head Of Bite camp is a basic camp but has stunning sunsets and sunrises and is a fantastic location outside the Whale Centre . Here is our full post on this camp.
There are lots of dirt tracks to drive all size vehicle down, you just have to pick your spot. Lots of low-lying green vegetation sprawls out between the tracks making it look quite lush.
Photo: Stunning View From Your Camp
Photo: Larry Strolling To The Water From Our Camp
Photo: Heaps Of Room For Any Size Rig To Park Looking Over The Water
We parked looking over the ocean with an amazing view. If you are here at the right time of the year you can see Humpbacks whales from your van.
We stopped here as the Cocklebiddy roadhouse was not to far away. We knew the next morning we could fill up with fuel, before continuing west. Our full post on this large free camp is here.
This is a small basic camp. The area has some bins plus a table and bench. Depending on the way people park their vans you could fit in about four large rigs. On WikiCamps it is named Afghan Rock.
Photo: Afghan Rock Rest Stop
Only a five minute drive from the rest area is Balladonia Roadhouse/motel. It is the fist stop east of Norseman.
Photos: Balladonia Road House Museum
Photo: Balladonia road house museum Nullarbor
We pulled up for fuel and grabbed a coffee. Have a look around the free museum they have. Pulse check out the life-size replica of some NASA debris that sits on the roof. More information on the Afghan Rock Rest Stop Here.
We decided not to stop at Norseman as it was to busy a place for us. We drove an hour past it to Salmon Gums.
For $15pn you can camp and have use of the toilets and showers, microwave and sink. They have a washing machine and the usual book exchange, also a fire-pit and outdoor seating. For $20 you can hook up to power and water, Bargain!
Photo: Salmon Gums Caravan Park
Photo: A Small Neat Park
As the name suggests, the money from the park goes back in to the Salmon Gums community. I love that! Park next to beautiful little gardens with well maintained flowers and succulents.
The pub isn’t far away although It can be a bit sporadic in it’s opening times.
To finish up, we passed roadhouses on the way that you can park and hook up to power if you need to. Obviously you can also refuel. But, do be careful as sometime you do hear about places having no fuel. Trucks might break down etc. You’ll have plenty of places to grab a coffee and some food.
The wind is definitely a factor when crossing. Fuel consumption increased more than we thought. Top up when you can or carry some extra as we do.
We are so happy to be able to offer you a $30 Discount Code for Caravan RV Camping spend over $500 and use the code “FULLTIME“ at the checkout to receive your discount.
Head to Adventure Awaits for this Laminated map to track your travels
