Boab Rest Area Free Camping Senior Grey Nomad Guide 2026 — Your Honest Overnight Stop on the Great Northern Highway
Is Boab Rest Area safe for overnight camping in your caravan, or should you push on to the next town for full facilities and hospital access?
📋 Table of Contents
- Why Grey Nomads Stop at Boab Rest Area
- The “Quick Outback Stop” Myth — The Truth for Seniors
- Your Two Main Options Side by Side
- Boab Rest Area: Full Facilities, GPS and Access Details
- Is a Permit or Parks Fee Required at Boab Rest Area?
- What Boab Rest Area Doesn’t Tell You Online
- Van Life Savings Spots — Free and Low-Cost Camping Near Boab Rest Area
- Dump Points on Your Route — GPS Before and After Boab Rest Area
- Free Potable Water Locations — GPS For Before and After Boab Rest Area
- Fitzroy Crossing as Your Alternative Base: The Smarter Senior Option
- Full Facilities Comparison: Boab Rest Area vs Fitzroy Crossing vs Halls Creek
- Rates: All Options Near Boab Rest Area
- The Boab Rest Area Day Plan for Seniors
- Senior Checklist — Boab Rest Area Stop
- What to Do Near Boab Rest Area: Your Senior Day Plan
- GPS Coordinates and Postcodes: Save Every Stop
- Frequently Asked Questions — Boab Rest Area for Grey Nomads
- Quick-Reference Card + Booking Options
1. Boab Rest Area and the Kimberley Route: Why Grey Nomads Stop Here
Boab Rest Area sits on the Great Northern Highway approximately 90 kilometres east of Fitzroy Crossing and 200 kilometres west of Halls Creek in Western Australia’s remote Kimberley region. This roadside rest area serves as a critical overnight stop for grey nomads making the long crossing between these two towns — a stretch of highway where fatigue-related accidents have claimed lives and where pushing on when tired is genuinely dangerous.
The rest area takes its name from the iconic boab trees that dot the Kimberley landscape — those distinctive bottle-shaped trees found only in this part of Australia and parts of Africa. For many senior travellers, Boab Rest Area represents the real Kimberley experience: a basic roadside camp under ancient trees, with nothing but red dirt, spinifex, and endless sky for company.
In 2026, Boab Rest Area remains a free overnight stop maintained by Main Roads WA. It offers basic facilities for self-sufficient travellers, but it is genuinely remote — the nearest hospital is over 90 kilometres away, mobile phone signal is non-existent, and if something goes wrong in the middle of the night, you are relying on your own preparation and the goodwill of passing travellers. This guide tells you honestly what to expect, what is genuinely missing for senior safety, and when the paid alternatives at either end of this highway stretch make more sense for your health and peace of mind.
2. The “Quick Kimberley Stop” Myth — The Truth for Seniors
Many grey nomads underestimate the remoteness of Boab Rest Area. Looking at a map, it appears to be “just a rest stop between two towns.” The reality is that this is genuine outback — the kind of remote Australia where the Royal Flying Doctor Service is your emergency response, not a local ambulance.
- No mobile phone signal — Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone have zero coverage here. You cannot call 000. You cannot call family. If you have a medical emergency, you need a PLB or satellite communicator.
- No mains power (240V) — If you rely on a CPAP machine, you need a lithium battery backup. Generator use is permitted but you must carry sufficient fuel.
- No drinking water — The rest area has no potable water tap. You must arrive with full tanks and emergency reserves.
- No dump point — Nearest dump point is in Fitzroy Crossing, 90 km west, or Halls Creek, 200 km east.
- No on-site host or ranger — You are completely alone unless other travellers happen to stop.
- Hospital over 90 km away — Fitzroy Crossing Hospital is the nearest, approximately 90 km west. In a medical emergency, RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service) response is your primary option.
- Extreme heat in dry season — Daytime temperatures from September to November regularly exceed 40°C. Heatstroke is a genuine risk for seniors.
The toilet block is a basic pit toilet — functional for bush conditions, but with no lighting, no grab rails, and no sealed path from the parking area. The walk from your caravan to the toilet is across red dirt and gravel, which presents a trip hazard at night even with a torch.
If you arrive at Boab Rest Area expecting “just like other rest areas but more scenic,” you will be unprepared. If you arrive expecting genuine outback remoteness where self-sufficiency is essential for survival, you will find a perfectly serviceable overnight stop with stunning Kimberley atmosphere.
3. Your Two Main Options Side by Side
Here is an honest comparison of Boab Rest Area versus the nearest paid alternative with full facilities in Fitzroy Crossing. This table is designed to help you decide whether the free option genuinely suits your needs tonight, or whether paying for powered comfort and hospital access is the safer choice.
| Facility / Feature | Boab Rest Area (Free) | Fitzroy River Lodge (Paid) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Night | ✅ Free | ⚠️ $45–$65 (powered site) |
| Mains Power (240V) | ❌ None — battery or generator only | ✅ 15A power at every site |
| Toilets | ✅ Pit toilets (basic, no grab rails) | ✅ Flush toilets with disabled access |
| Showers | ❌ None | ✅ Hot showers included |
| Drinking Water | ❌ None — BYO full tanks + emergency reserves | ✅ Potable water at every site |
| Dump Point | ❌ None — nearest in Fitzroy Crossing 90 km | ✅ On-site dump point |
| Big Rigs (10m+) | ✅ Yes — large gravel area | ✅ Yes — drive-through sites available |
| Pets Allowed | ✅ Yes (on leash, watch for snakes) | ✅ Yes (confirm with park) |
| Mobile Phone Signal | ❌ None — zero coverage all networks | ✅ Telstra coverage in Fitzroy Crossing |
| Nearest Hospital | ⛑️ Fitzroy Crossing Hospital — 90 km | ⛑️ Fitzroy Crossing Hospital — 2 km |
| Emergency Response | ⚠️ PLB/RFDS only — no phone to call 000 | ✅ Phone signal + hospital 2 km away |
| Suitability for Seniors | ⚠️ Suitable only if fully self-sufficient, healthy, and carrying PLB | ✅ Full comfort and emergency access |
4. Boab Rest Area: Full Facilities, GPS and Access Details
| 📍 Boab Rest Area — Quick Facts 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Boab Rest Area |
| Location | Great Northern Highway, between Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek, WA |
| GPS | -18.5228, 126.0456 (approx — verify in Google Maps before departure) |
| Cost | Free |
| Stay Limit | 24 hours |
| Road Access | Sealed — Great Northern Highway is bitumen |
| Caravans | ✅ Yes — large pull-off area |
| Big Rigs | ✅ Yes — adequate space for road trains and large caravans |
| Toilets | Pit toilets — basic, no disabled access or grab rails |
| Drinking Water | ❌ No — bring full tanks and emergency reserves |
| Mains Power (240V) | ❌ No — CPAP battery essential |
| Mobile Reception | ❌ None — zero coverage all networks. PLB essential. |
| Pets | ✅ Allowed on leash — watch for snakes in warm weather |
| Dump Point | ❌ Nearest: Fitzroy Crossing (90 km west) or Halls Creek (200 km east) |
| Nearest Hospital | ⛑️ Fitzroy Crossing Hospital — 90 km | (08) 9193 5000 |
| RFDS | ⛑️ Royal Flying Doctor Service — activate via PLB or satellite communicator |
| Senior Rating | ⭐⭐ — Suitable only for healthy, self-sufficient seniors with PLB and battery backup. Not recommended for those with medical conditions or mobility limitations. |
Access: Turn off the Great Northern Highway into the clearly marked rest area entrance. The surface is compacted red dirt and gravel with several large bays suitable for caravans, motorhomes, and road trains. There is adequate room to manoeuvre a large rig without reversing if you choose your bay carefully on arrival.
Setting: The rest area is set among iconic Kimberley boab trees, providing some natural shade. The landscape is classic outback — red dirt, spinifex grass, and that distinctive Kimberley sky that turns spectacular colours at sunrise and sunset. Many grey nomads consider this one of the most atmospheric free camps in Australia.
Toilets: A basic pit toilet is provided. There is no lighting, no sealed path, and no grab rails. The walk from parking bays to the toilet is across uneven red dirt — a genuine trip hazard at night. Seniors should park as close to the toilet as possible and use a strong torch for night-time visits.
Power: There is no mains power at Boab Rest Area. If you use a CPAP machine or any powered medical device, you must have a lithium battery backup system with sufficient capacity for overnight use. Generator use is permitted — there are no noise restrictions in this remote location — but you must carry adequate fuel.
Water: There is no potable water supply. Fill your tanks in Fitzroy Crossing before heading east, or in Halls Creek before heading west. Carry at least two days’ emergency drinking water beyond your normal reserves — if your vehicle breaks down in this area, you may wait hours or even overnight for assistance.
Mobile Coverage: There is zero mobile phone coverage at Boab Rest Area on any network. Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone have no signal here. You cannot call 000 in an emergency. You cannot call family. If you have a medical emergency, your only options are: (1) flag down a passing vehicle and hope they can drive you to Fitzroy Crossing, or (2) activate a registered PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) or satellite communicator to summon RFDS.
5. Is a Permit or Parks Fee Required at Boab Rest Area?
No. Boab Rest Area is a free overnight rest stop maintained by Main Roads Western Australia. There is no permit required, no registration, no fee, and no booking. The 24-hour stay limit applies — this is a rest area for fatigue management, not a campground for extended stays.
You do not need a national parks pass or camping permit. Simply pull in, park, and leave within 24 hours. If you wish to stay longer in the Kimberley, you will need to move to a paid caravan park in Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, or one of the station stays along the highway.
For current Main Roads WA rest area information, call 138 138 or visit the Main Roads WA website.
6. What Boab Rest Area Doesn’t Tell You Online
Here is what experienced Kimberley travellers know about Boab Rest Area that you will not read in the official rest area guides or WikiCamps comments.
1. The heat is more extreme than you expect. Even in the “cooler” dry season (June–August), midday temperatures at Boab Rest Area can reach 35°C. From September to November, temperatures regularly exceed 42°C. Seniors are at higher risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. If you are travelling in the build-up season (October–December), do not stop here during the day — drive through in the early morning or late afternoon and stop in an air-conditioned caravan park in Fitzroy Crossing or Halls Creek.
2. Snakes are present and active in warm weather. The Kimberley is home to several venomous snake species including king browns and western browns. In warm weather (September onwards), snakes are more active and may shelter under vehicles or in spinifex near the rest area. Watch where you step, especially at night. Do not let dogs off-lead. If you or your pet is bitten, activate your PLB immediately — anti-venom is not available at bush rest areas.
3. Road trains pass through the night. The Great Northern Highway is a major freight route. Road trains — some over 50 metres long — pass the rest area throughout the night. The engine noise and air brakes can be startling if you are not used to outback highway travel. Light sleepers should bring earplugs.
4. The toilet can be confronting. Pit toilets in remote areas are basic and can be unpleasant, especially in hot weather when odours intensify. Bring a toilet seat sanitiser or use your caravan’s internal toilet if you have one. There is no hand basin — bring hand sanitiser.
5. You may be completely alone. Outside peak season (April–September), Boab Rest Area can go hours without another vehicle stopping. If you are a solo traveller — particularly a solo woman — this isolation may feel uncomfortable. There is no phone signal to call for help and no guarantee that anyone will come by if you need assistance. Some solo travellers prefer to pay for a caravan park where other people and a park host are nearby.
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7. Van Life Savings Spots — Free and Low-Cost Camping Near Boab Rest Area
If Boab Rest Area does not suit your needs, or if you want to explore more free camping options in the Kimberley region, the Van Life Savings Spots App is built specifically for senior grey nomads. It lets you ask questions like:
- “What is the nearest dump point to Boab Rest Area?”
- “Find me powered sites near Fitzroy Crossing tonight”
- “Free camping between Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek with toilets”
- “What is the GPS for Halls Creek Hospital?”
Below are verified free and low-cost alternatives near Boab Rest Area. Each location includes GPS coordinates, distance, and a note on suitability for seniors. Note: All locations on this stretch of highway have zero mobile coverage — a PLB is essential at every one of them.
| Location Name | Address / GPS | Distance from Boab | Senior Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mary Pool Rest Area | Great Northern Highway, WA GPS: -18.7145, 126.4723 (approx) | 55 km east | Free, pit toilet, no power, no water. Scenic pool nearby — do not swim (crocodiles). No phone signal. |
| Ngumban Cliff Rest Area | Great Northern Highway, WA GPS: -18.3417, 125.6234 (approx) | 50 km west | Free, pit toilet, no power, no water. Spectacular cliff views. No phone signal. |
| Fitzroy River Lodge | Great Northern Highway, Fitzroy Crossing WA 6765 GPS: -18.1960, 125.5870 (approx) | 90 km west | $45–$65/night powered sites. Full facilities, dump point, pool, restaurant. Telstra signal. Hospital 2 km. |
| Halls Creek Caravan Park | Roberta Avenue, Halls Creek WA 6770 GPS: -18.2265, 127.6695 (approx) | 200 km east | $40–$55/night powered sites. Full facilities, dump point, pool. Telstra signal. Hospital in town. |
7b. Dump Points on Your Route — GPS Before and After Boab Rest Area
There is no dump point at Boab Rest Area. The distance between dump points on this stretch of highway is significant — plan your cassette toilet and grey water disposal carefully before entering this remote section.
| Direction | Dump Point Location | Address / GPS | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST (before Boab — from Fitzroy Crossing) | 🗑️ Fitzroy River Lodge Dump Point | Great Northern Highway, Fitzroy Crossing WA 6765 GPS: -18.1960, 125.5870 (approx) | 90 km west |
| ON SITE | ❌ None at Boab Rest Area | Not available | — |
| EAST (after Boab — towards Halls Creek) | 🗑️ Halls Creek Visitor Centre Dump Point | Hall Street, Halls Creek WA 6770 GPS: -18.2271, 127.6641 (approx) | 200 km east |
- The distance between dump points on this route is nearly 300 km (Fitzroy Crossing to Halls Creek).
- Empty your cassette toilet and grey water tanks in Fitzroy Crossing before heading east, or plan to reach Halls Creek before they are full.
- Never use the dump point rinse hose for drinking water. It is contaminated.
- Bring disposable gloves for handling cassette toilets in the heat — odours are more intense in Kimberley temperatures.
7c. Free Potable Water Locations — GPS For Before and After Boab Rest Area
There is no potable (drinking) water at Boab Rest Area. You must arrive with full tanks and emergency reserves. The Kimberley is one of the most water-critical regions in Australia for grey nomads — dehydration and heat exhaustion are genuine risks if you run out.
| Direction | Water Source | Address / GPS | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| ON SITE | ❌ None at Boab Rest Area | Not available | — |
| WEST (before Boab) | 💧 Fitzroy River Lodge / Fitzroy Crossing town water | Fitzroy Crossing WA 6765 GPS: -18.1960, 125.5870 (approx) | 90 km west |
| EAST (after Boab) | 💧 Halls Creek Caravan Park / Visitor Centre | Halls Creek WA 6770 GPS: -18.2271, 127.6641 (approx) | 200 km east |
| FREE CAMPS | ❌ Mary Pool Rest Area — no potable water ❌ Ngumban Cliff Rest Area — no potable water | Various | Various |
- Carry at least three days’ emergency drinking water beyond your planned daily use when travelling the Fitzroy Crossing to Halls Creek stretch.
- In 40°C+ heat, an adult can require 4–6 litres of water per day just for drinking. Plan accordingly.
- Never fill from an unmarked tap or creek — assume all water is non-potable unless clearly signed as scheme/mains water.
- Pool water (such as Mary Pool) is NOT safe for drinking — it may contain harmful bacteria and parasites.
- If your vehicle breaks down in this area, you may wait 24+ hours for assistance. Your water reserves are your survival margin.
8. Fitzroy Crossing as Your Alternative Base: The Smarter Senior Option
If you need mains power for a CPAP machine, hot showers, reliable phone signal, or access to medical services, Fitzroy Crossing is the smarter choice. The town is approximately 90 kilometres west of Boab Rest Area — about 1 hour’s drive — and offers full caravan park facilities, a hospital, fuel, and basic supplies.
Fitzroy River Lodge is the most popular choice for grey nomads in Fitzroy Crossing. It offers powered sites from $45–$65 per night (2026 rates — confirm direct), clean amenities with disabled access, a dump point, swimming pool, restaurant, and bar. The lodge is located on the Great Northern Highway, Fitzroy Crossing WA 6765. GPS: -18.1960, 125.5870 (approx). Phone: (08) 9191 5141.
Fitzroy Crossing Hospital is located on Fallon Road, Fitzroy Crossing WA 6765. GPS: -18.1932, 125.5791 (approx). Phone: (08) 9193 5000. The hospital provides 24-hour emergency care and is approximately 2 kilometres from the caravan park — a critical advantage over staying at Boab Rest Area where the nearest hospital is 90 km away with no phone signal to call for help.
Fitzroy Crossing also has a general store, fuel station, and the famous Geikie Gorge National Park just 18 km north of town — one of the Kimberley’s most accessible and spectacular attractions, with excellent facilities for seniors including accessible viewing platforms and boat tours.
For more information on planning your Kimberley route, see our comprehensive route guide.
9. Full Facilities Comparison: Boab Rest Area vs Fitzroy Crossing vs Halls Creek
This table compares Boab Rest Area against the two nearest towns with full caravan park facilities. It is designed to help you decide whether the free option genuinely suits your needs, or whether paying for powered comfort and emergency access is the safer choice for seniors.
| Facility | Boab Rest Area | Fitzroy Crossing | Halls Creek |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Night | Free | $45–$65 | $40–$55 |
| Mains Power | ❌ | ✅ 15A | ✅ 15A |
| Toilets / Showers | Pit toilet / ❌ No showers | ✅ Flush + hot showers | ✅ Flush + hot showers |
| Drinking Water | ❌ | ✅ Potable at each site | ✅ Potable at each site |
| Dump Point | ❌ (90 km to Fitzroy) | ✅ On-site | ✅ On-site / Visitor Centre |
| Mobile Signal | ❌ Zero coverage | ✅ Telstra good | ✅ Telstra good |
| Nearest Hospital | ⛑️ 90 km (Fitzroy) | ⛑️ 2 km | ⛑️ 2 km |
| Pets | ✅ On leash | ✅ (confirm direct) | ✅ (confirm direct) |
| Supermarket / Fuel | ❌ (90 km to Fitzroy) | ✅ General store + fuel | ✅ IGA + fuel |
| Pool | ❌ | ✅ At Fitzroy River Lodge | ✅ At caravan parks |
| Emergency Response | ⚠️ PLB/RFDS only | ✅ Phone + hospital | ✅ Phone + hospital |
10. Rates: All Options Near Boab Rest Area
| Location | Nightly Rate (2026) |
|---|---|
| Boab Rest Area | Free |
| Mary Pool Rest Area | Free |
| Ngumban Cliff Rest Area | Free |
| Fitzroy River Lodge (powered site) | $45–$65 (confirm direct: (08) 9191 5141) |
| Halls Creek Caravan Park (powered site) | $40–$55 (confirm direct: (08) 9168 6060) |
Note: All rates are indicative only and subject to change. Always confirm current pricing direct with the park before travelling. Peak season (May–September) rates may be higher and bookings are strongly recommended.
11. The Boab Rest Area Day Plan for Seniors
Most grey nomads use Boab Rest Area as an overnight stop rather than a destination. The recommended approach is to depart Fitzroy Crossing mid-morning, enjoy the drive through classic Kimberley country, and arrive at Boab Rest Area in the late afternoon with time to set up before dark.
Morning (Fitzroy Crossing — departure): Have breakfast at your caravan park. Top up water tanks completely. Fill fuel tank. Empty cassette toilet and grey water at the dump point. Check tyre pressures and fluid levels. Depart Fitzroy Crossing by 9am to travel in cooler conditions.
Mid-Morning (9am–12pm — driving): Drive east on the Great Northern Highway. Stop at Ngumban Cliff Rest Area (50 km from Boab) for a leg stretch and photograph of the spectacular cliff views. Continue driving. Do not push through if you feel fatigued — the rest areas exist specifically for this purpose.
Midday–Afternoon (12pm–4pm — Boab Rest Area): Arrive at Boab Rest Area. Choose a level bay with good access to the toilet and some shade from the boab trees. Set up your awning for maximum shade. Rest inside your air-conditioned van during peak heat (12pm–4pm). Do not attempt walks or outdoor activities during these hours in the dry season.
Late Afternoon (4pm–6pm): As temperatures cool, take a short walk around the rest area to photograph the boab trees. The late afternoon light is spectacular. Return to your van before sunset.
Evening (6pm onwards): Prepare dinner at your van. Watch the sunset — Kimberley sunsets are legendary. The stars at Boab Rest Area, away from any light pollution, are extraordinary. Be aware of road train noise throughout the night.
Next Morning: Depart early (before 8am) to reach Halls Creek before the heat of the day. The drive is approximately 200 km — allow 2.5 hours with rest stops.
12. Senior Checklist — Boab Rest Area Stop
Use this checklist to prepare for your Boab Rest Area overnight stop. Each item addresses a specific senior safety concern for this remote Kimberley location.
| ☐ | Checklist Item |
|---|---|
| ☐ | PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) packed and registered — this is your only emergency communication |
| ☐ | Water tanks completely full — minimum 3 days emergency reserves beyond normal use |
| ☐ | CPAP users: lithium battery system fully charged with capacity for overnight use |
| ☐ | Fuel tank full — next fuel is Halls Creek 200 km east |
| ☐ | Save Fitzroy Crossing Hospital GPS and phone: -18.1932, 125.5791 | (08) 9193 5000 |
| ☐ | Save Halls Creek Hospital GPS and phone: -18.2247, 127.6662 | (08) 9168 8400 |
| ☐ | Cassette toilet emptied in Fitzroy Crossing — no dump point until Halls Creek 200 km east |
| ☐ | Save dump point GPS WEST — Fitzroy River Lodge: -18.1960, 125.5870 |
| ☐ | Save dump point GPS EAST — Halls Creek Visitor Centre: -18.2271, 127.6641 |
| ☐ | Hand sanitiser packed (toilet has no hand basin) |
| ☐ | Strong torch for night-time toilet walk (no lighting) |
| ☐ | Earplugs if light sleeper (road train noise all night) |
| ☐ | Snake awareness: watch where you step, keep pets on leash, avoid walking in spinifex or long grass |
| ☐ | First aid kit with compression bandages for snake bite (pressure immobilisation technique) |
| ☐ | Arrive before dark — choose level bay with good toilet access while you can see |
| ☐ | Tell family/friend your planned overnight location BEFORE leaving phone signal in Fitzroy Crossing |
| ☐ | Check tyre pressures and fluid levels before departing Fitzroy Crossing |
| ☐ | Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat packed (minimal shade, extreme UV in the Kimberley) |
| ☐ | Check weather forecast — do not stop here on extreme heat days (42°C+) if you have any health concerns |
| ☐ | Download offline maps for Kimberley region — no signal to download maps between towns |
| ☐ | Spare drinking water containers (separate from main tank) in case of tank failure or leak |
| ☐ | Basic vehicle recovery gear: tyre repair kit, jumper leads, tow rope — help may be hours away |
13. What to Do Near Boab Rest Area: Your Senior Day Plan
Boab Rest Area itself has no formal attractions — it is a roadside fatigue-management stop. However, the immediate surrounds offer classic Kimberley scenery that many grey nomads find memorable.
1. Boab Tree Photography (on site) GPS: -18.5228, 126.0456 The standout feature is the cluster of mature boab trees. Early morning and late afternoon light creates beautiful silhouettes and glowing bark textures. Flat ground around the trees makes it accessible for most seniors. Best visited at sunrise or in the golden hour before sunset.
2. Ngumban Cliff Rest Area (50 km west) GPS: -18.3417, 125.6234 (approx) Spectacular red cliff views over the surrounding plains. Short, flat walk from parking area to lookout. Public toilets on site. Excellent for a leg stretch and photos. Suitable for most mobility levels.
3. Mary Pool Rest Area (55 km east) GPS: -18.7145, 126.4723 (approx) Scenic waterhole with large boab trees. Drop toilets available. Do not swim — estuarine crocodiles are present. Short flat walks along the pool edge. Popular with birdwatchers.
14. GPS Coordinates and Postcodes: Save Every Stop
| Location Name | Address | Postcode | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boab Rest Area | Great Northern Highway | 6765 | -18.5228, 126.0456 (approx — verify in Google Maps) |
| ⛑️ Fitzroy Crossing Hospital | Fallon Road, Fitzroy Crossing | 6765 | -18.1932, 125.5791 (approx) |
| ⛑️ Halls Creek Hospital | Hospital Avenue, Halls Creek | 6770 | -18.2247, 127.6662 (approx) |
| Fitzroy River Lodge Caravan Park | Great Northern Highway, Fitzroy Crossing | 6765 | -18.1960, 125.5870 (approx) |
| 🗑️ Dump Point — Fitzroy River Lodge (WEST) | Great Northern Highway, Fitzroy Crossing | 6765 | -18.1960, 125.5870 (approx) |
| 🗑️ Dump Point — Halls Creek Visitor Centre (EAST) | Hall Street, Halls Creek | 6770 | -18.2271, 127.6641 (approx) |
| 💧 Potable Water — Fitzroy Crossing | Fitzroy River Lodge / Town | 6765 | -18.1960, 125.5870 (approx) |
| 💧 Potable Water — Halls Creek | Halls Creek Caravan Park | 6770 | -18.2265, 127.6695 (approx) |
| Mary Pool Rest Area | Great Northern Highway | 6770 | -18.7145, 126.4723 (approx) |
| Ngumban Cliff Rest Area | Great Northern Highway | 6765 | -18.3417, 125.6234 (approx) |
Note: All GPS coordinates are from publicly available mapping data as of 2026. Always verify in your navigation app before departure. In the Kimberley, having multiple navigation apps is recommended.
15. Frequently Asked Questions — Boab Rest Area for Grey Nomads
Q: Is there mobile phone signal at Boab Rest Area? A: No. All networks (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone) have zero coverage. You cannot call 000. A registered PLB or satellite communicator is essential.
Q: Can I run a generator at Boab Rest Area? A: Yes. There are no generator curfews in this remote location. However, be considerate of other travellers and turn it off by 8pm if others are present.
Q: Is Boab Rest Area suitable for CPAP users? A: Only if you have a fully charged lithium battery system capable of running your machine all night. There is no 240V power.
Q: Are dogs allowed at Boab Rest Area? A: Yes, on leash. Keep them under close control — snakes are active, especially from September onwards.
Q: How far is the nearest hospital? A: Fitzroy Crossing Hospital is 90 km west. Halls Creek Hospital is 200 km east. In a medical emergency you will rely on RFDS via PLB.
Q: Is there drinking water at Boab Rest Area? A: No. You must arrive with full tanks and at least three days of emergency water reserves.
Q: Is it safe for solo female travellers? A: The area is generally safe but very isolated. Many solo women choose to stay in Fitzroy Crossing or Halls Creek instead due to zero phone signal and lack of other travellers at night.
Q: What is the stay limit? A: 24 hours. It is a rest area for fatigue management, not a long-stay campground.
Q: Are there showers at Boab Rest Area? A: No. Only basic pit toilets are provided.
16. Quick-Reference Card + Booking Options
Boab Rest Area GPS: -18.5228, 126.0456 (approx) Cost: Free | Stay Limit: 24 hours Facilities: Pit toilet only, no power, no water, no dump point, zero phone signal Senior Rating: ⭐⭐ — Only for fully self-sufficient travellers with PLB
⛑️ Nearest Hospital — Fitzroy Crossing GPS: -18.1932, 125.5791 (approx) Phone: (08) 9193 5000 Distance: 90 km west
If Boab Rest Area does not suit your needs tonight, search local accommodation options below.
Disclaimer: Boab Rest Area information is provided in good faith based on publicly available data as of early 2026. Facilities, rules, and access can change without notice. Always verify current conditions with Main Roads WA (138 138) or the Shire of Halls Creek before travelling. GPS coordinates are sourced from publicly available mapping data — verify against your preferred navigation app before departure. Medical facility details should be confirmed before travel. This article does not constitute medical or travel safety advice. Carry appropriate insurance, a registered PLB, and emergency equipment when travelling remote Australia.
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