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7 Best Locations for Free Camping Kalbarri in 2024!
Are you looking for free camping Kalbarri?
A unique and budget-friendly way to experience the beauty of Kalbarri could be free camping! Free camping spots in Kalbarri offer stunning scenery and an opportunity to get up close to nature without breaking the bank. Whether it’s by the beach or in the bush, there are plenty of great free camping spots in Kalbarri to explore.
I am a Western Australian local of 35 years, with 20 of those years working in the tourism industry, and I also love to camp, so I am here to guide you on the best Kalbarri free camping sites, so you can plan your next adventure with ease!
Free Camping Kalbarri – What Are The Rules
Unfortunately, free camping is not allowed in the Shire of Northampton (where Kalbarri is located). This includes national parks, car parks, coastal areas, or remnant bushland. Camping in the Shire of Northampton includes sleeping in a tent or vehicle. Camping is only permitted in designated areas, and on private land with the landowner’s consent.
Unauthorized camping causes irreparable harm to the environment and increases wildfire risk in remote areas, posing a significant danger to the community.
There are several other rules to observe if you camp in the area:
- Campfires are only permitted at designated campsites, and there is a prohibited burning period each year. Check the dates on the Public Notices at the Shire of Northampton.
- To help keep the environment safe and pristine, keep off any dunes.
- Use designated footpaths and walking trails.
- Bring along reusable cups and water bottles.
- Dispose of rubbish thoughtfully.
- Don’t use the bush like a toilet, it is best if you take your own chemical toilet with you.
🏕️🏕️🏕️NOT WHERE YOU WERE LOOKING FOR? Check out my other guides: Free Camping Busselton, Free Camping Albany, Free Camping Esperance and Free Camping Margaret River so you can free camp your way around WA! 🏕️🏕️🏕️
Free Camping Near Kalbarri
If you’re looking for free places to camp in Western Australia, plenty of options are available if you start to consider roadside rest areas. Bigger rest stops often allow you to stay for up to 24 hours, just make sure not to set up camp and stay any longer than that.
The rules are simple – you can camp at a caravan park or campground, or you may camp elsewhere under the following rules:
- Stay for up to 24 hours in your caravan, car, or RV at any roadside rest area.
- Stay for up to 24 hours in a road reserve if you need to rest in an emergency
- On land that is set aside for camping
- On unallocated land or in an unmanaged reserve
- Within 28 days, you can camp on land with the permission of the landowner for up to 3 days
If you are in a situation where it is unsafe to move your caravan/vehicle, taking a short rest break is permissible – as long as you aren’t obstructing the road or putting other drivers at risk. If you’re feeling too exhausted or inebriated to drive, it is perfectly acceptable to stop and take a break as long as you don’t cause disruption on the roadways or put other drivers at risk.
The laws regarding camping and caravans were made to deter vagrancy and disruptive crowds from congregating in certain areas while protecting local communities from disturbance.
As long as you are respectful, quiet, and tidy when camping or caravanning, chances are you won’t run into any problems. Just make sure to pick your spots carefully and not cause any disruption or leave anything behind and you should be ok.
Free Camping In Kalbarri – Sites Within 150km Of Kalbarri
If you are heading from Perth to Kalbarri and looking for free camping in the surrounding areas of Kalbarri, there are a few options available. Here is my list of best options within 150km or so of Kalbarri:
1.Galena Bridge Camp Area North
🌏DISTANCE TO KALBARRI: 79km | ⏰TIME LIMIT: 24 hours | 🐶PETS ALLOWED: Yes | 🚻TOILET: Yes | 🚿SHOWER: No | 🚐ACCESS: 2WD, Caravans |📍LOCATION: North West Coastal Highway, Ajana WA | Google Maps
Galena Bridge Campground offers a peaceful camping experience in the remarkable Kalbarri National Park, and is the closest free camp to Kalbarri. This riverside campsite is suitable for self-contained campers and features wheelchair-accessible facilities, picnic tables, open fire pits, and an onsite dump spot.
Guests can enjoy swimming in the river or fishing from the banks. The area also provides excellent opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting.
Be sure to arrive early as the area can get busy during peak times. With its stunning views of the Murchison River, Galena Bridge Campground is an ideal spot for a peaceful night under the stars.
2.Galena Bridge Camp Area South
🌏DISTANCE TO KALBARRI: 79km | ⏰TIME LIMIT: 24 hours | 🐶PETS ALLOWED: Yes | 🚻TOILET: Yes | 🚿SHOWER: No | 🚐ACCESS: 2WD, Caravans |📍LOCATION: North West Coastal Highway, Ajana WA | Google Maps
Galena Bridge Campground South is another popular riverside camping spot in the Kalbarri National Park. This family-friendly campsite offers a peaceful atmosphere, with more facilities than its northern counterpart.
The area includes 2 toilet blocks, plenty of waste bins, and open fire pits for cooking. Picnic tables provide an excellent spot for eating al fresco. There is also plenty of shade available, making the area suitable for larger rigs.
Take a leisurely bush walk, enjoy a refreshing dip in the Murchison River, or just sit back and watch all the birdlife. Galena Bridge Campground South is an ideal place to rest up for the night. Be sure to come early as the area can get busy during peak times.
3.Ajana Roadside Stop/Russels Roadside Clearing
🌏DISTANCE TO KALBARRI: 60km | ⏰TIME LIMIT: 24 hours | 🐶PETS ALLOWED: Yes | 🚻TOILET: No | 🚿SHOWER: No | 🚐ACCESS: 2WD, Caravans, Big Rigs |📍LOCATION: North West Coastal Highway, Nerren Nerren WA | Google Maps
The Ajana Roadside Stop/Russels Roadside Clearing is a great spot for an overnight stay when traveling from Kalbarri to the North West Coastal Highway. This campground is situated 60km south of Kalbarri, so it’s perfect for those looking for a short stopover trip before reaching their final destination.
It offers plenty of space for campervans and caravans, bins you can use to discard rubbish, and plenty of mosquitoes! Unfortunately, there are no showers, tables or other amenities on offer here, but if you’re looking for a quick place to rest your head or grab some rest before reaching your final destination, this spot could be a great option.
The 4G Telstra coverage here is very good, so if you need to make any calls or access the internet, this campground has you covered. There’s also plenty of shade provided by the trees, so it’s a great spot for an overnight stay!
4.NW Coastal Highway Rest Stop
🌏DISTANCE TO KALBARRI: 116km | ⏰TIME LIMIT: 24 hours | 🐶PETS ALLOWED: Yes | 🚻TOILET: No | 🚿SHOWER: No | 🚐ACCESS: 2WD, RVs, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Big Rigs |📍LOCATION: North West Coastal Highway, Eurardy WA | Google Maps
The NW Coastal Highway Rest Stop offers travelers a convenient and peaceful 24-hour spot for an overnight stay. Situated 116km northeast of Kalbarri, this rest stop is perfect for travelers who are self-contained and looking for a quick overnight stay.
The rest area provides plenty of room to stretch out and a variety of small trees to find your own spot. The main area is quite spacious, providing travelers with more than enough space to park their vehicles and enjoy the surrounding wilderness.
There are lots of tracks running off and parallel to the road leading to many little areas for you to explore or even spend the night. Additionally, there is plenty of firewood on the ground that you can take advantage of if you want to light a campfire.
The rest stop also provides an excellent opportunity for travelers with pets as it offers plenty of space for your furry friends to roam freely while keeping them away from the main road and its sound. Additionally, the trees provide ample shade and some protection from the wind.
Another important thing to mention about this rest stop is that the mobile reception can be quite weak at times, so if you’re looking for a spot where you can stay connected, you might want to look elsewhere. However, if you’re looking for a peaceful and quiet spot to get away from it all, this is the place for you.
5.Eudardy Rest Area
🌏DISTANCE TO KALBARRI: 120km | ⏰TIME LIMIT: 24 hours | 🐶PETS ALLOWED: Yes | 🚻TOILET: No | 🚿SHOWER: No | 🚐ACCESS: 2WD, RVs, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Big Rigs |📍LOCATION: North West Coastal Highway, Eudardy WA | Google Maps
The Eudardy Rest Area is the perfect spot to take a break from your road trip and enjoy a peaceful night tucked away from the highway. The area is situated 120km from Kalbarri and provides ample space for 2WDs, RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs.
There are no toilet or shower facilities available however a bin is provided for your convenience. The rest area provides a great overnight spot away from busy roads and bustling towns if you’re just in need of a simple stopover.
Enjoy the serene atmosphere and take in the scenic landscapes on offer here at Eudardy Rest Area.
6.Water Tanks
🌏DISTANCE TO KALBARRI: 128km | ⏰TIME LIMIT: 24 hours | 🐶PETS ALLOWED: Yes | 🚻TOILET: No | 🚿SHOWER: No | 🚐ACCESS: 2WD, RVs, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Big Rigs |📍LOCATION: North West Coastal Highway, Eudardy WA | Google Maps
Welcome to the Water Tanks Rest Area, located 128km north of Kalbarri on the North West Coastal Highway. Here you can take a break from your travels and enjoy simple overnighter camping in pristine natural surroundings.
There is plenty of space for 2WD, RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs, and pets are welcome. There is an open large gravel area beside the road and two sheltered water tanks. Please note that water may not always be available in the tanks.
Telstra mobile service is slow and unreliable here so make sure to plan ahead if you need it! For your convenience, there are rubbish bins at the rest area.
7.Nerren Nerren Rest Area
🌏DISTANCE TO KALBARRI: 152km | ⏰TIME LIMIT: 24 hours | 🐶PETS ALLOWED: Yes | 🚻TOILET: Yes | 🚿SHOWER: No | 🚐ACCESS: 2WD, Caravans, Big Rigs |📍LOCATION: North West Coastal Highway, Nerren Nerren WA | Google Maps
Nerren Nerren Rest Area is a 24-hour Main Roads overnight rest stop for travelers who are self-contained. It is a great spot to take a break while traveling down the North West Coastal Highway. Located 45 km south of the Billabong Roadhouse, and 152km to Kalbarri, this large rest area offers plenty of space for overnight stays.
The flat tarmac area near the bins and fireplaces is suitable for smaller rigs, while the much larger area with dirt base sites surrounding is suitable for bigger rigs and caravans. Facilities at Nerren Nerren Rest Area include a dump point, composting toilets, garbage bins, BBQ facilities, and picnic tables.
The area also has reasonable Telstra reception but no Optus or TV. With fuel and food available up the road at the Billabong Roadhouse, Nerren Nerren Rest Area is an ideal spot for an overnight stopover and is very popular on that basis. So be sure to come early to secure a spot!
FAQ – Free Camping In Kalbarri
Can You Free Camp In Kalbarri?
The closest free camp to Kalbarri is the Galena Bridge Rest Area, North and South, which is located 79km from Kalbarri.
Can You Camp On The Beach At Kalbarri?
You can camp on the beach at Lucky Bay, located 30 minutes south of Kalbarri.
Where Are The Best Free Camps Near Kalbarri?
The best free camps near Kalbarri are Galena Bridge Rest Area and Nerren Nerren Rest Area.
Is There A Time Limit On Free Camping At Kalbarri?
All of the free camps in Kalbarri have a 24-hour time limit, as they are overnight Rest Areas managed by Main Roads.
Are There Showers Available At Kalbarri Free Camps?
No, there are no showers available at the free camps near Kalbarri.
Are There Toilets At Free Camps In Kalbarri?
Yes, some of the free camps have toilets available.
Do I Need A Permit To Camp At Kalbarri?
No, you do not need a permit to camp at Kalbarri, however it is always best to check with the local authorities for specific rules and regulations.
Are Pets Allowed At Free Camps In Kalbarri?
Yes, pets are allowed at most free camps in Kalbarri as they are all overnight Rest Areas managed by Main Roads.
Summing Up: Kalbarri Free Camping
Kalbarri is an amazing area to explore and experience the unique beauty of Western Australia. With a range of free camps located within close proximity, there are plenty of options for travelers who are looking for a budget-friendly place to stay for an overnighter.
Facilities vary from site to site, and while some have composting toilets and bins available, most do not offer showers.
It’s important to remember that free camping is only allowed at designated areas and it’s always best to check with the local authorities for specific rules and regulations, if you’re not sure, before setting up camp.
With all of that in mind, come on down to Kalbarri and enjoy a night under the stars!
Read More About Free Camping:
Australia Travel Planning Guide
🚑Should I buy Australian travel insurance?
100% YES! — Australia has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens and permanent residents. Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I like SafetyWing – their Nomad Insurance starts at just $1.50 USD a day!
🚗Should I rent a car in Australia?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Australia! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, and even if you’re staying in a major city, you’ll want to rent a car. If you are visiting Margaret River, it will be even more important that you hire a car, you’ll need it to be able to get around and see all the great attractions and wineries!
🏨What’s the best way to book my Australian accommodation?
My go-to for Australian hotels is Booking.com. Pretty much all registered accommodation use Booking.com (but not necessarily any of the other major booking platforms), and even most of the holiday homes and caravan parks use Booking.com too!
If you’re planning a trip to Australia where you will stay at multiple locations, it’s super handy to have all your accommodation listed in one place, and accommodation owners like Booking.com because it’s easy to contact the guests using the messaging platform if the guest has an international phone number.
I sincerely hope you enjoy your visit to Margaret River!
