Barradale Rest Area — Free Camping Senior Grey Nomad Guide 2026

  Barradale Rest Area — Free Camping Senior Grey Nomad Guide 2026 Barradale Rest Area is one of the most critical free overnight stops on the North West Coastal Highway…

 

Barradale Rest Area is one of the most critical free overnight stops on the North West Coastal Highway for senior grey nomads travelling between Exmouth and Karratha in Western Australia in 2026

Barradale Rest Area — Free Camping Senior Grey Nomad Guide 2026

Barradale Rest Area is one of the most critical free overnight stops on the North West Coastal Highway for senior grey nomads travelling between Exmouth and Karratha in Western Australia in 2026. Located at the former Barradale Roadhouse site — approximately 200 km north of the Minilya–Exmouth Road junction and 160 km south of Nanutarra Roadhouse — this Main Roads WA rest area occupies one of the loneliest, most remote stretches of sealed highway in the country. For grey nomads over 60, Barradale Rest Area is not a destination — it is a survival decision. The place where experienced travellers stop because pushing on would be foolish, dangerous, or both.

This guide gives you the honest, complete detail — GPS coordinates, facilities, dump points, water, mobile coverage, medical access, and genuine senior verdicts — so you can plan your Barradale stop with confidence. Whether you are heading north to the Pilbara on one of the classic grey nomad routes around Australia or making the southbound run from Karratha to Exmouth, the Barradale Rest Area requires serious preparation.

📋 Table of Contents

1. Barradale Rest Area and the North West Coastal Highway: Why Grey Nomads Stop Here

The Barradale Rest Area in 2026 exists because the alternative — driving the full distance between Exmouth and Karratha in a single session — is too far, too monotonous, and too dangerous for most grey nomads, particularly those towing heavy caravans in extreme heat. The full Exmouth-to-Karratha run via the North West Coastal Highway is approximately 600 km of remote, featureless highway with only two roadhouses (Minilya and Nanutarra) breaking the distance. Barradale sits roughly in the middle of the longest gap.

The old Barradale Roadhouse closed years ago, but the rest area at the site remains — a cleared gravel pullover with the ruins of the former roadhouse visible nearby. For seniors exploring living in a camper during retirement, this is outback Australia at its most raw. Red dirt, spinifex, termite mounds, and an empty highway stretching to every horizon. There is a stark beauty to it — but there is also genuine danger if you arrive unprepared.

✅ Senior Tip: Barradale Rest Area is the logical overnight stop for grey nomads who left Exmouth in the morning and are heading north to Karratha or Tom Price. Do not try to drive from Exmouth to Karratha in a single day during summer — fatigue, heat, and monotony are a deadly combination. Stop at Barradale, sleep, and finish the drive fresh the next morning. There is no medal for arriving exhausted.

2. Free Camping at Barradale — One of the Most Remote Stops in WA

Barradale Rest Area is as basic as free camping gets. The old roadhouse is closed and derelict. What remains is a cleared gravel area beside the highway, suitable for overnight parking. Here is the reality for seniors:

  • No toilets. There is no toilet of any kind — no pit toilet, no portaloo. You must be completely self-contained with your own onboard toilet.
  • No water. There is no potable water. The old roadhouse bore is not operational. Arrive with absolutely full tanks.
  • No dump point. The nearest dump points are in Exmouth (~360 km south) or Karratha (~360 km north).
  • No power. No 240V outlets. CPAP users need fully charged lithium batteries with enough capacity for the duration of the remote stretch.
  • No fuel. The old roadhouse does not sell fuel. The nearest fuel is Nanutarra Roadhouse (~160 km north) or Minilya Roadhouse (~200 km south).
  • No shade. The rest area is exposed scrubland. There may be a few scattered trees near the old roadhouse site, but shade is minimal to non-existent.
  • No phone signal. Telstra coverage is nil. Optus is nil. A PLB or satellite communicator is essential, not optional.
  • Nearest hospital is approximately 360 km in either direction. You are equidistant between Exmouth Hospital and Karratha Health Campus. RFDS is the realistic emergency response.
⚠️ This Is Genuine Outback — Not a Grey Nomad Campsite: Barradale Rest Area has zero facilities. Zero. No toilet, no water, no bins, no power, no phone signal, no fuel, no medical help within 160 km. If your van is not completely self-contained — toilet, water for 48+ hours in extreme heat, fully charged batteries, full fuel tank, and a registered PLB — this rest area is not suitable for you. Seniors who are not fully equipped for remote outback travel should plan their fuel and distances to avoid needing Barradale entirely.

3. Your Two Main Options Side by Side — Barradale vs Nanutarra Roadhouse

Feature Barradale Rest Area (Free) Nanutarra Roadhouse (Paid Camping)
Cost Free — no permit From ~$25–$40/night
Fuel ❌ None ✅ Diesel and unleaded (premium prices)
240V Power ❌ None ⚠️ Limited powered sites
Toilets ❌ None ✅ Basic toilets and showers
Dump Point ❌ None ⚠️ Check availability
Potable Water ❌ None ⚠️ Limited — with purchase
Meals ❌ None ✅ Basic meals and snacks
Phone Coverage ❌ Nil ⚠️ Weak Telstra — satellite phone at roadhouse
Medical Proximity ~360 km to nearest hospital in either direction ~200 km to Karratha Health Campus
Senior Recommendation ⚠️ One night max — experienced, fully equipped outback travellers only ✅ Better option — fuel, food, basic facilities

4. Barradale Rest Area: Quick Facts, Facilities, and GPS for 2026

Detail Information
Full Name Barradale Rest Area (former Barradale Roadhouse site)
Address North West Coastal Highway, Barradale, WA 6718
GPS -22.7340, 114.5750
Cost Free — no permit, no registration
Managed By Main Roads Western Australia
Stay Limit 24 hours maximum
Toilets ❌ None — must be fully self-contained
Water ❌ No potable water
Dump Point ❌ None — nearest in Exmouth or Karratha
Power ❌ No 240V
Fuel ❌ None — old roadhouse is closed
Surface Gravel and compacted earth — generally flat
Shade ❌ Minimal to none — exposed scrubland
Dogs ✅ Yes — on lead. Snakes active in warm months.
Big Rig Access ✅ Suitable for large caravans and motorhomes
Phone Coverage ❌ Telstra nil. Optus nil. PLB or satellite communicator essential.
Nearest Hospital (south) Exmouth Hospital, Lyons Street, Exmouth, WA 6707 — GPS: -21.9400, 114.1250 — 08 9949 2444 — approx. 360 km south
Nearest Hospital (north) Karratha Health Campus, Warambie Road, Karratha, WA 6714 — GPS: -20.7370, 116.8460 — 08 9185 5200 — approx. 360 km north
Nearest Fuel (north) Nanutarra Roadhouse (~160 km north)
Nearest Fuel (south) Minilya Roadhouse (~200 km south)
✅ No Permit Required: Barradale Rest Area is a gazetted Main Roads WA rest stop. No parks pass, no camping permit, no fee. Simply pull in and respect the 24-hour limit. Save the GPS (-22.7340, 114.5750) to your van life savings spots app while you have phone signal in Exmouth or Carnarvon — you will have none at Barradale.

5. Extreme Heat, Zero Signal, Maximum Distance — What Barradale Means for Seniors

Barradale Rest Area is one of the most remote, most extreme free camps covered in any guide on this website. The three challenges it presents to seniors are not theoretical — they are real, dangerous, and have caused real emergencies.

Heat

From October to March, daytime temperatures at Barradale routinely exceed 45°C. Night temperatures may not drop below 32°C. The rest area has no shade. Without powered air conditioning, the interior of your van can exceed 60°C in direct sun during the hottest hours. This is not an exaggeration — metal surfaces become burn hazards. For seniors on any medication affecting thermoregulation, camping here in summer is medically dangerous. The best months for seniors are May to August when daytime temperatures are 25–32°C.

Medical Distance

You are approximately 360 km from the nearest hospital in either direction. There is no phone signal to call 000. A PLB activation is the only reliable way to summon help — and RFDS response time from Karratha, Meekatharra, or Port Hedland to Barradale can exceed 2–3 hours. For a cardiac event, stroke, snake bite, or severe allergic reaction, this response time is life-critical. Seniors with serious medical conditions must ask themselves honestly: is one night’s free camping worth this level of risk?

Fuel Range

The distance between fuel stops (Minilya to Nanutarra) is approximately 360 km. For a vehicle towing a caravan, fuel consumption is significantly higher than solo driving. If your fuel range while towing is less than 400 km, you may not make it between fuel stops. Running out of fuel between Minilya and Nanutarra with no phone signal is a genuine survival situation. Know your fuel range. Carry jerry cans if necessary.

⚠️ Cyclone Season — Critical: From November to April, the Pilbara coast is within the Australian cyclone belt. Cyclones and tropical lows can dump extreme rainfall, causing rivers and creek crossings on the North West Coastal Highway to flood within hours. If the Bureau of Meteorology issues any cyclone or flood warning for the Pilbara or Gascoyne, do NOT travel this section of highway. Highway closures can strand travellers at Barradale for days with no services, no phone signal, and rising floodwater. Always check BOM and Main Roads WA road conditions before departing.

6. What Barradale Rest Area Doesn’t Tell You Online

Free camping apps show a pin and “free.” Here are the details that specifically matter to senior travellers:

  • The old roadhouse is derelict — do not rely on it. Some older guides and apps reference the Barradale Roadhouse. It is closed and has been for years. There is no fuel, no food, no water, and no services. The buildings are derelict. Do not enter the structures — they are unsafe.
  • Other grey nomads provide the only safety net. During peak travel season (May–September), 5–20 other vans typically stop at Barradale overnight. This community of travellers is your safety net — if you have a medical issue, a mechanical breakdown, or need help, other grey nomads are likely the only assistance available within 160 km. Introduce yourself to your neighbours when you arrive. Off-peak, you may be entirely alone.
  • Snakes are a serious risk. The scrubland around Barradale is active habitat for mulga snakes (king browns), western brown snakes, and death adders. These are among Australia’s most venomous species. Wear closed shoes at all times outside the van. Do not walk in spinifex or long grass. Check under the van and around your campsite before packing up. Keep dogs on a very short lead.
  • Stargazing is extraordinary. With zero light pollution for hundreds of kilometres in every direction, the night sky at Barradale is among the clearest in the Southern Hemisphere. The Milky Way is vivid, planetary detail is visible with binoculars, and satellite passes are constant. This is one of the genuine rewards of stopping here.
  • No bins — leave no trace. Take all waste with you. This is pristine outback country.
  • Road trains pass through the night. The North West Coastal Highway carries heavy road train traffic 24 hours a day. Noise is unavoidable. Earplugs recommended.
✅ Solo Traveller Assessment: Barradale Rest Area is the highest-risk free camp covered in this guide series. Zero phone signal, 360 km to the nearest hospital, no facilities of any kind, and extreme heat. For solo seniors — particularly those with medical conditions — this stop carries genuine danger. A PLB is essential. A satellite communicator (Garmin inReach or similar) that allows two-way messaging is strongly recommended. Consider whether the Nanutarra Roadhouse (160 km further north, with fuel, meals, and basic facilities) is a better option for you. Your safety is worth the fuel. For more on grey nomad security and safety, see our dedicated guide.

COPY PROMPT ➔ ASK AI ➔ SAVE TO FORM ➔ ADD SPOT PIN ➔ GET DIRECTIONS

📍 Interactive map — find free camps, rest areas and overnight stops. Enable location for best results.

7. Van Life Savings Spots: Free and Low-Cost Camping Near Barradale in 2026

Use the Van Life Savings Spots app to find and save free camps along this route. Try AI queries like: “Free camping between Exmouth and Karratha for self-contained caravans” or “Rest areas on North West Coastal Highway Pilbara WA” or “Roadhouse camping between Minilya and Nanutarra.”

Free Camp Cost Address / Postcode GPS Distance Senior Verdict
Barradale Rest Area Free North West Coastal Hwy, Barradale, WA 6718 -22.7340, 114.5750 On-site ⚠️ Extremely remote. Zero facilities. Experienced outback travellers only.
Lyndon River Rest Area Free North West Coastal Hwy, Lyndon, WA 6701 -23.7470, 114.1330 ~130 km south ⚠️ Also very remote. Zero facilities. Some riverbed shade.
Nanutarra Roadhouse From ~$25/night North West Coastal Hwy, Nanutarra, WA 6751 -22.3200, 115.4980 ~160 km north ✅ Fuel, meals, basic facilities. Better option for most seniors.
Minilya Roadhouse From ~$20–$35/night North West Coastal Hwy, Minilya, WA 6701 -23.3830, 114.0110 ~200 km south ✅ Fuel, basic supplies. Junction to Exmouth and Coral Bay.
⚠️ Fuel Strategy Is Life-Critical: The distance between Minilya Roadhouse (south) and Nanutarra Roadhouse (north) is approximately 360 km. Know your vehicle’s fuel range while towing. If your range is under 400 km, you must carry a jerry can. Running out of fuel at Barradale with no phone signal, no passing fuel stations, and temperatures exceeding 45°C is a genuine survival emergency. Plan this before you leave.

7b. Dump Points — Before, On-Site, and After Barradale Rest Area

🗑️ Dump Point Address / Postcode GPS Distance from Barradale Notes
Before — Exmouth Dump Point Murat Road, Exmouth, WA 6707 -21.9330, 114.1280 ~360 km south Free. 24-hour access. Empty before leaving Exmouth.
Before — Carnarvon Dump Point Babbage Island Road, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8970, 113.6620 ~530 km south Free. Use before heading north from Carnarvon.
On-site — Barradale Rest Area North West Coastal Hwy, Barradale, WA 6718 -22.7340, 114.5750 — ❌ No dump point on-site
After — Karratha Dump Point Balmoral Road, Karratha, WA 6714 -20.7350, 116.8370 ~360 km north Free. 24-hour access.

7c. Free Water Top-Up Points Near Barradale Rest Area

💧 Water Point Address / Postcode GPS Distance Notes
On-site — Barradale North West Coastal Hwy, Barradale, WA 6718 -22.7340, 114.5750 — ❌ No potable water
Before — Exmouth Murat Road, Exmouth, WA 6707 -21.9330, 114.1280 ~360 km south Fill completely before departing Exmouth.
After — Nanutarra Roadhouse North West Coastal Hwy, Nanutarra, WA 6751 -22.3200, 115.4980 ~160 km north Water with purchase. Premium prices.
After — Karratha Sharpe Avenue, Karratha, WA 6714 -20.7370, 116.8460 ~360 km north Full town water supply. Multiple caravan parks and fuel stations.
✅ Water Strategy for Seniors: Fill your tanks to maximum capacity before leaving Exmouth or Carnarvon. The distance to the next reliable water (Nanutarra Roadhouse, 160 km north of Barradale) is too far to risk anything less than full tanks. In extreme Pilbara heat, plan for 20+ litres per person per day. If you are spending one night at Barradale and then continuing to Nanutarra or Karratha the next day, you need enough water for two full days in extreme conditions. This is not negotiable.

8. Nanutarra Roadhouse — The Next Service Point for Grey Nomads

If you can push 160 km further north from Barradale, Nanutarra Roadhouse provides the essential services that Barradale completely lacks: fuel, basic meals, toilets, and limited camping facilities. For seniors, the difference between Barradale and Nanutarra is the difference between an empty outback pullover and a place with human beings, hot food, and fuel.

Address: North West Coastal Highway, Nanutarra, WA 6751
GPS: -22.3200, 115.4980
Phone: 08 9943 4006

Nanutarra is also the junction where the highway to Tom Price and the inland Pilbara branches east. If your next destination is Tom Price, Newman, or the Karijini National Park, Nanutarra is your last fuel and services before the turn.

✅ Planning Decision: If you have the fuel range and daylight, consider skipping Barradale entirely and pushing to Nanutarra Roadhouse. The extra 160 km gives you fuel, food, toilets, and the comfort of a staffed roadhouse. For seniors who do not want to camp at a zero-facility outback pullover, this is the smarter choice. For tips on planning caravan park stays across Australia, see our guide.

9. Full Facilities Comparison: Barradale vs Nanutarra vs Lyndon River

Facility Barradale Rest Area Nanutarra Roadhouse Lyndon River Rest Area
Fuel ❌ ✅ Premium prices ❌
Meals ❌ ✅ Basic ❌
Toilets ❌ ✅ Basic ❌
Power ❌ ⚠️ Limited ❌
Phone Signal ❌ Nil ⚠️ Weak — sat phone at RH ❌ Nil
Medical 360 km to hospital 200 km to Karratha 170 km to Carnarvon
Stargazing ✅ Exceptional ✅ Good ✅ Exceptional
Senior Overall ⭐ — Emergency stop only ⭐⭐⭐ — Much better for seniors ⭐⭐ — Remote drive-break

10. Rates: All Options Near Barradale

Option Rate (2026 Guide) Book How
Barradale Rest Area Free No booking — first come, first served
Nanutarra Roadhouse ← Better for Seniors From ~$25–$40/night 08 9943 4006
Minilya Roadhouse From ~$20–$35/night Check on arrival

11. Barradale to Karratha or Tom Price Day Plan for Seniors

  • 5:30 AM — Pack up camp at Barradale Rest Area. GPS: -22.7340, 114.5750. Leave at first light to maximise cool driving hours.
  • 7:30 AM — Arrive Nanutarra Roadhouse (~160 km north). GPS: -22.3200, 115.4980. Fuel up — this is critical. Breakfast. Top up water. Check road conditions.
  • Option A — Karratha / Dampier: Continue north on the North West Coastal Highway. Approximately 200 km to Karratha. Arrive ~10:00 AM. Use dump point. Fuel up. Check into caravan park. Karratha GPS: -20.7370, 116.8460.
  • Option B — Tom Price / Karijini: Turn east at Nanutarra onto the Nanutarra–Tom Price Road. Approximately 280 km to Tom Price via sealed road. Tom Price GPS: -22.6940, 117.7930. Karijini National Park is a further ~80 km east. Parks pass required.
✅ Nanutarra Junction Decision: At Nanutarra, you decide: Karratha/coast (north, 200 km) or Tom Price/Karijini (east, 280 km). Karratha has a hospital, full town services, and coastal access. Tom Price and Karijini offer spectacular gorge walking but are more remote. For seniors who need medical peace of mind, Karratha is the safer first stop. Refuel and resupply before making the inland run to Karijini.

12. Senior Checklist: Barradale Rest Area 2026

Item Why It Matters for Barradale ✓
PLB registered with AMSA Zero phone signal. PLB is your ONLY emergency communication. Free at beacons.amsa.gov.au. ☐
Satellite communicator (Garmin inReach or similar) Allows two-way messaging with family and SOS. Strongly recommended at this level of remoteness. ☐
Travel insurance with RFDS evacuation Nearest hospital 360 km. RFDS response 2–3 hours. Evacuation cover essential. ☐
Fuel tank completely full + jerry can 360 km between fuel stops (Minilya to Nanutarra). Know your towing range. Carry reserve fuel if under 400 km range. ☐
Full water tanks — maximum capacity Zero water on-site. 160 km to next water. 20+ litres per person per day in Pilbara heat. ☐
Onboard toilet — emptied and functional Zero toilet facilities. Self-contained essential. ☐
Dump point GPS saved — before and after Exmouth: -21.9330, 114.1280 | Karratha: -20.7350, 116.8370 ☐
CPAP battery for 2+ nights off-grid No power for 360+ km. Battery must last from Exmouth to Karratha or Nanutarra. ☐
Snake-aware footwear Mulga snakes, death adders present. Closed shoes always. Check under van. Short lead for dogs. ☐
BOM cyclone/flood check Nov–April: cyclone season. Highway can flood and close. Check BOM and Main Roads WA before departing. ☐
Offline maps downloaded Zero phone signal. Download for entire Pilbara region before leaving Exmouth. ☐
Emergency numbers saved offline AND on paper Exmouth Hospital: 08 9949 2444 | Karratha: 08 9185 5200 | Emergency: 000 | Nanutarra RH: 08 9943 4006 ☐

13. What to Do Near Barradale: Senior Activity Plan

There are no tourist activities at Barradale. It is a drive-break in the middle of outback Australia. The only activity available is stargazing — and it is spectacular. Your real activities begin at your next destination:

Activity Address / Postcode GPS Senior Notes
Barradale Stargazing North West Coastal Hwy, Barradale, WA 6718 -22.7340, 114.5750 Zero light pollution. Among the clearest skies in Australia. Bring binoculars. Free.
Karijini National Park Via Nanutarra–Tom Price Rd, WA -22.3580, 118.2680 Spectacular gorges. Some walks very steep — assess mobility. Parks pass required. Via Tom Price.
Karratha / Dampier Sharpe Avenue, Karratha, WA 6714 -20.7370, 116.8460 Full town services. Hospital. Dampier Archipelago. Petroglyphs at Murujuga.
Exmouth / Ningaloo Reef Murat Road, Exmouth, WA 6707 -21.9330, 114.1280 World-class reef snorkelling. Hospital in town. If heading south from Barradale.

14. GPS Coordinates and Postcodes — Save Every Stop Before You Leave Signal

Save all of these to your Van Life Savings Spots app while you have phone signal in Exmouth, Carnarvon, or Karratha. You will have zero coverage from approximately 50 km north of Exmouth until Karratha.

Stop Full Address + Postcode GPS (Copy to App)
Barradale Rest Area North West Coastal Hwy, Barradale, WA 6718 -22.7340, 114.5750
Lyndon River Rest Area North West Coastal Hwy, Lyndon, WA 6701 -23.7470, 114.1330
Minilya Roadhouse North West Coastal Hwy, Minilya, WA 6701 -23.3830, 114.0110
Nanutarra Roadhouse North West Coastal Hwy, Nanutarra, WA 6751 -22.3200, 115.4980
Exmouth Town Murat Road, Exmouth, WA 6707 -21.9330, 114.1280
Karratha Town Sharpe Avenue, Karratha, WA 6714 -20.7370, 116.8460
Tom Price Central Road, Tom Price, WA 6751 -22.6940, 117.7930
Karijini National Park Karijini NP, WA -22.3580, 118.2680
🏥 Exmouth Hospital Lyons Street, Exmouth, WA 6707 -21.9400, 114.1250
🏥 Karratha Health Campus Warambie Road, Karratha, WA 6714 -20.7370, 116.8460
🗑️ Dump Point — Exmouth (Before — south) Murat Road, Exmouth, WA 6707 -21.9330, 114.1280
🗑️ Dump Point — Karratha (After — north) Balmoral Road, Karratha, WA 6714 -20.7350, 116.8370
💧 Water — Exmouth (Before — south) Murat Road, Exmouth, WA 6707 -21.9330, 114.1280
💧 Water — Nanutarra RH (After — north) North West Coastal Hwy, Nanutarra, WA 6751 -22.3200, 115.4980

15. Frequently Asked Questions — Barradale Rest Area for Grey Nomads

Is Barradale Rest Area free camping in 2026?

Yes. Barradale Rest Area is a free, gazetted Main Roads WA rest stop. No permit, no registration, no fees. 24-hour stay limit. Located at the former Barradale Roadhouse site on the North West Coastal Highway. GPS: -22.7340, 114.5750.

Is the Barradale Roadhouse still open?

No. The Barradale Roadhouse has been closed for years. The buildings are derelict. There is no fuel, no food, no water, and no services. Do not enter the old buildings — they are unsafe.

Is there phone signal at Barradale Rest Area?

No. Telstra and Optus coverage are nil. A registered PLB or satellite communicator is essential for any overnight stay.

Where is the nearest hospital to Barradale Rest Area?

Approximately 360 km in either direction. South: Exmouth Hospital — GPS: -21.9400, 114.1250 — 08 9949 2444. North: Karratha Health Campus — GPS: -20.7370, 116.8460 — 08 9185 5200.

Where is the nearest fuel to Barradale?

Nanutarra Roadhouse: approximately 160 km north. GPS: -22.3200, 115.4980. Phone: 08 9943 4006. Minilya Roadhouse: approximately 200 km south. GPS: -23.3830, 114.0110.

Is Barradale Rest Area safe for solo senior travellers?

Barradale is the highest-risk free camp in this guide series. Zero facilities, zero phone signal, 360 km to hospital, extreme heat, and venomous snakes. Solo seniors with medical conditions should seriously consider whether Nanutarra Roadhouse (160 km further, with fuel and basic facilities) is a safer option. A PLB and satellite communicator are essential.

Do I need a permit to camp at Barradale Rest Area?

No. No permit, no parks pass, no fee. Main Roads WA rest stop, 24-hour limit.

Can the highway flood near Barradale?

Yes. From November to April (cyclone season), creek and river crossings on this section of the North West Coastal Highway can flood rapidly, stranding travellers for days. Always check BOM and Main Roads WA road conditions before travelling this section.

Can I take my dog to Barradale Rest Area?

Yes — on a very short lead. Venomous snakes (mulga, western brown, death adders) are present. Dogs must not be allowed to wander. Check the ground before walking.

16. Quick-Reference Card — Barradale Rest Area 2026

Detail Information
Name Barradale Rest Area
Address North West Coastal Highway, Barradale, WA 6718
GPS -22.7340, 114.5750
Cost Free — no permit
Facilities ❌ ZERO — no toilet, water, fuel, power, or phone signal
Phone Signal ❌ Nil — PLB and satellite communicator essential
Nearest Hospital (south) Exmouth — 08 9949 2444 — GPS: -21.9400, 114.1250 — 360 km
Nearest Hospital (north) Karratha — 08 9185 5200 — GPS: -20.7370, 116.8460 — 360 km
Nearest Fuel (north) Nanutarra RH — 08 9943 4006 — GPS: -22.3200, 115.4980 — 160 km
Nearest Fuel (south) Minilya RH — GPS: -23.3830, 114.0110 — 200 km
Nearest Dump Point Exmouth: -21.9330, 114.1280 (360 km S) | Karratha: -20.7350, 116.8370 (360 km N)
Emergency 000 (if signal) — PLB activation if no signal
✅ Save This Page: Screenshot this quick-reference card before you leave Exmouth or Karratha. Save all GPS coordinates to your Van Life Savings Spots app. Print a copy and tape it inside your glovebox. At Barradale, under the most extraordinary night sky you have ever seen, surrounded by nothing but red earth and silence between passing road trains — that printed sheet with the hospital phone numbers and the Nanutarra Roadhouse GPS is the most important piece of paper in your entire van.

Disclaimer: Barradale Rest Area information in this guide was researched and compiled for the 2026 travel season. Facilities, rules, GPS coordinates, road conditions, fuel availability at roadhouses, and flood risks can change without notice. The Barradale Roadhouse is closed and derelict — do not rely on it for any services. Always check Bureau of Meteorology warnings and Main Roads WA road conditions before travelling the North West Coastal Highway during cyclone season (November–April). Phone numbers and addresses were verified at the time of writing — confirm before relying on them in an emergency. This website is independently operated and is not affiliated with Main Roads WA, any roadhouse, shire, or caravan park mentioned. We recommend all senior travellers carry travel insurance with medical evacuation cover, a registered PLB, a satellite communicator, and a printed emergency contact list.

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