Cataby Rest Area — Free Overnight Stop on the Brand Highway: Senior Grey Nomad Guide 2026
Wondering whether the Cataby Rest Area on the Brand Highway is suitable for a grey nomad overnight stop in 2026? Here is the honest guide — GPS, facilities, CPAP power reality, hospital distance, dump points, free camps nearby, and what experienced travellers know that the apps never mention.
📋 Table of Contents
- Cataby Rest Area and the Brand Highway: Why Grey Nomads Stop Here
- The Roadhouse Stop — Tempting, But Here Is the Truth for Seniors
- Your Two Main Options Side by Side
- Cataby Rest Area: Full Facilities, GPS and Access Details 2026
- Is a Permit or Parks Fee Required at Cataby Rest Area?
- What Cataby Rest Area Doesn’t Tell You Online
- Van Life Savings Spots — Free and Low-Cost Camping Near Cataby
- Dump Points on Your Route — GPS Before and After Cataby
- Free Potable Water Locations — GPS Before and After Cataby
- Cervantes and Jurien Bay as Your Alternative Senior Base
- Full Facilities Comparison: Cataby vs Cervantes vs Jurien Bay
- Rates: All Options Near Cataby Rest Area 2026
- The Cataby Day Plan for Seniors
- Senior Checklist — Cataby Rest Area Stop
- What to Do Near Cataby: Senior Day Activities
- GPS Coordinates and Postcodes — Save Every Stop
- Frequently Asked Questions — Cataby Rest Area for Grey Nomads
- Quick-Reference Card + Booking Options
1. Cataby Rest Area and the Brand Highway: Why Grey Nomads Stop Here in 2026
The Cataby Rest Area sits approximately 138 kilometres north of Perth on the Brand Highway in Western Australia, within the Shire of Dandaragan. For grey nomads heading toward Geraldton, the Pinnacles, or the wildflower country of the Mid West, it marks a natural and well-timed fatigue break — far enough from the city sprawl to clear the traffic, yet still within reach of good phone signal and highway services.
The Cataby Rest Area is not a formal campground. It is a highway stopping point served by two roadhouses — the Caltex Cataby Roadhouse and Glassy’s Hat Hotel and Roadhouse — that together provide fuel, food, toilets and covered seating areas. For a 24-hour fatigue break, these two facilities make Cataby one of the best-serviced stops on the Brand Highway between Perth and Dongara.
Cataby also sits at the southern entry of the Everlastings Wildflower Trail — one of Western Australia’s great seasonal drives. From July to late September the surrounding paddocks and the nearby Badgingarra National Park burst into colour. If you are timing your coastal run to catch the wildflowers, Cataby is the gateway and the logical place to stop for the night before heading into the flower country in the cool of the morning.
There is also a very practical reason experienced grey nomads always stop here: Cataby is the last cost-competitive fuel point before the highway stretches thin towards Eneabba and beyond. Experienced travellers fill the tank here without exception.
2. The Cataby Rest Area Roadhouse Stop — Tempting, But Here Is the Truth for Seniors
On paper the Cataby roadhouses look easy — pull in, park up, sleep, fuel up in the morning and go. And for a short fatigue break or a meal stop they genuinely deliver. But for a full overnight stay with a caravan in 2026, there are real limitations that no app warns you about before you arrive.
- No mains power (240V). There are no powered sites at the Cataby Rest Area. If you rely on a CPAP machine you must arrive with a lithium battery pack, a 12V DC adapter, or a fully charged battery system. There is no option to plug in here under any circumstances.
- Highway freight noise runs all night. The Brand Highway is a major freight route. Road trains pass through Cataby around the clock. If you park near the highway you will hear them. Ear protection or a white noise app is strongly recommended.
- No showers on site. The roadhouses have toilet facilities but no shower block. If you need a shower, plan to reach Cervantes (approximately 60 km west) or Jurien Bay (approximately 85 km northwest).
- 24-hour limit applies. This is a fatigue-management stop, not a campsite. Plan to move on within 24 hours. Extended stays are discouraged by both Main Roads WA and the roadhouse operators.
- Generator rules — confirm before running. Always check with roadhouse staff before running a generator, particularly late at night or in the early morning when other travellers are sleeping nearby.
None of this makes Cataby a bad stop. It makes it the right kind of stop when used correctly: a daytime meal break, an overnight fatigue rest, a fuel and supplies top-up before the next leg north. Treat it as a pit stop, not a base, and it works very well.
3. Cataby Rest Area vs Paid Alternatives — Your Two Main Options Side by Side
Grey nomads stopping in this region in 2026 have a clear choice: the free overnight stop at Cataby, or a short detour to one of the coastal caravan parks offering full senior facilities. The table below is honest — neither option is right for every traveller.
| Facility / Factor | Cataby Rest Area (Free) | RAC Cervantes Pinnacles Holiday Park (~60 km west) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per night | ✅ Free | ⚠️ From ~$45–$60 (confirm with RAC) |
| Mains power (240V / CPAP) | ❌ No mains power | ✅ Powered sites available |
| Toilets | ✅ Roadhouse flush toilets | ✅ Full amenities block |
| Hot showers | ❌ None | ✅ Hot showers |
| Dump point | ⚠️ Not confirmed — verify before arrival | ✅ On-site dump point |
| Night-time noise | ⚠️ Highway freight traffic all night | ✅ Quiet coastal setting |
| Telstra reception | ✅ Good on Brand Highway | ✅ Good in Cervantes town |
| Pets | ✅ Allowed (highway stop) | ⚠️ Confirm pet policy with RAC directly |
| Big rigs / large rigs | ✅ Highway-grade turning areas | ✅ Suitable — confirm site size with park |
| Nearest medical | ⚠️ Moora Hospital ~65 km east | ⚠️ Jurien Bay Medical Centre ~40 km north |
| Supermarket | ❌ Roadhouse supplies only | ✅ IGA in Cervantes |
| Stay limit | ⚠️ 24 hours maximum | ✅ Standard multi-night stays |
Honest verdict: If you are CPAP-dependent, need a shower, or want more than one night’s rest, the detour to Cervantes or Jurien Bay is the smarter senior choice in 2026. If you simply need a safe, well-serviced fatigue break with good phone coverage and fuel on hand, the Cataby Rest Area delivers exactly that.
“While Cataby is isolated, parks like Collie Tourist Park set the standard for safety with a hospital located just 1.6km away.”
4. Cataby Rest Area: Full Facilities, GPS and Access Details 2026
The Quick Facts Box below covers everything a senior grey nomad needs before pulling in to the Cataby Rest Area in 2026. Save this to your phone before you leave home.
| 📍 Cataby Rest Area — Quick Facts 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cataby Roadhouse Rest Stop — Brand Highway, Cataby WA |
| Address | Brand Highway, Cataby WA 6507 |
| GPS | -30.73559, 115.53849 (approx — verify in Google Maps) |
| Cost | Free — no booking required |
| Stay Limit | 24 hours maximum — fatigue management stop, not a campsite |
| Road Access | Sealed — direct access off Brand Highway (State Route 60) |
| Caravans | ✅ Yes — standard caravan combinations well accommodated |
| Big Rigs | ✅ Yes — highway-grade turning area, drive-through access at both roadhouses |
| Toilets | ✅ Flush toilets at Caltex Cataby Roadhouse and Glassy’s Hat Hotel |
| Drinking Water | ⚠️ Bottled water available to purchase at roadhouses — free potable tap not confirmed. Top up tanks at Gingin (south) or Cervantes (west). |
| Mains Power (240V) | ❌ No — CPAP users must carry battery backup or 12V adapter |
| Telstra Reception | ✅ Good — Brand Highway has reliable Telstra coverage at Cataby |
| Pets | ✅ Allowed — not within a national park boundary |
| Dump Point | ⚠️ Not confirmed on-site — verify with Main Roads WA 138 138 before arriving with full tanks |
| Nearest Hospital | ⛑️ Moora Hospital — ~65 km east | (08) 9651 0222 |
| Caltex Cataby Roadhouse | (08) 9651 2024 |
| Glassy’s Hat Hotel & Roadhouse | (08) 9651 2222 |
| Senior Rating | ⭐⭐⭐ — Excellent daytime and fatigue stop; not suitable as a multi-night base for seniors needing power or showers. |
Access for big rigs: Both roadhouses at Cataby are designed to handle heavy vehicles. The highway-grade forecourts offer generous turning areas and drive-through access. A 10-metre van and caravan combination will have no difficulty. The sealed highway surface continues directly to both forecourts.
Mobility access: The roadhouse toilets are a short, flat, sealed walk from the parking areas. If accessible toilet facilities with grab rails are important to you, call ahead to confirm availability at Glassy’s Hat, which has the more developed facilities of the two. Glassy’s Hat also has a sit-down dining room accessible directly from the car park.
5. Is a Permit or Parks Fee Required at Cataby Rest Area?
No permit is required to stop at the Cataby Rest Area roadhouse stops in 2026. The roadhouse parking and picnic areas are free to use. No national parks pass is needed at this location — Cataby is not within a national park boundary.
If you are continuing to the nearby Badgingarra National Park (approximately 25 km south) or the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park (~60 km west via Cervantes), a Parks and Wildlife Service entry fee or annual pass applies when you leave your vehicle inside the park boundary. A WA Annual Pass is the best value option for grey nomads doing a full WA circuit. Purchase online at parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au or at the Cervantes Visitor Centre before entering.
6. What Cataby Rest Area Doesn’t Tell You Online
Every experienced grey nomad has a list of things they wish someone had told them before arriving somewhere for the first time. Here is what the apps and travel blogs typically leave out about the Cataby Rest Area:
The road trains run all night. The Brand Highway is a working freight highway, not just a tourist route. Road trains heading north to the Mid West and Pilbara pass through Cataby all hours of the night. If you park close to the highway, expect significant noise between roughly 10 pm and 4 am. Position your rig at the furthest available point from the carriageway — Glassy’s Hat sits slightly further back from the main traffic flow and is the better overnight parking choice of the two roadhouses.
Fuel prices are competitive here — always fill up. Cataby’s fuel prices are consistently more competitive than stops further north, particularly once you pass Eneabba. Experienced grey nomads fill the tank at Cataby before continuing to Dongara or Geraldton without exception. Do not skip this.
Summer heat arrives early and is serious. Cataby sits in a region where summer temperatures regularly exceed 38°C. Between December and March, a stopped caravan heats rapidly. Plan to arrive in the evening, use the roadhouse air conditioning for meals, and depart early morning before the worst of the heat. There is limited natural shade in the parking areas — reflective window covers and good ventilation are essential.
Wildflower season completely transforms this stretch. If you are passing through between July and October, slow down and look around. The paddocks on both sides of the Brand Highway near Cataby are often covered in pink and white everlastings for kilometres in each direction. It can be genuinely breathtaking. Pull over at any safe cleared verge — no entry fee, no booking required. Best light is between 8 and 10 am. Our Grey Nomad Coastal Routes guide has the full wildflower trail timing.
Glassy’s Hat Hotel has a proper dining room. Many travellers pull into the Caltex and never realise the adjacent Glassy’s Hat Hotel has a sit-down dining room. After hours of driving, a hot cooked meal rather than a servo pie and coffee makes a real difference. Check opening hours before arriving as kitchen times can vary outside school holidays and peak season.
- Cataby is a busy working truck stop. The overnight crowd will frequently include interstate freight drivers. The area is not dark or isolated — roadhouse lighting is good and other travellers are usually present — but it is a highway freight stop, not a gated caravan park.
- Telstra coverage is reliable at Cataby and your phone will work if you need to call for assistance.
- If overnight security is a concern, the caravan parks at Cervantes or Jurien Bay offer a quieter, more controlled overnight environment. For any remote WA journey, carry a registered PLB (Personal Locator Beacon). They are available to hire for short trips from outdoor equipment stores if you do not own one.
COPY PROMPT ➔ ASK AI ➔ SAVE TO FORM ➔ ADD SPOT PIN ➔ GET DIRECTIONS
📍 Interactive map — find free camps, rest areas and overnight stops near Spring Creek. Enable location for best results.
7. Van Life Savings Spots — Free and Low-Cost Camps Near Cataby Rest Area
If the Cataby Rest Area itself is too noisy, too exposed or simply does not suit your rig or needs, there are genuine free and low-cost alternatives within striking distance. Before listing them, a word about the best tool for finding them on the fly. “For those who are CPAP-dependent or traveling solo, the Jurien Bay Tourist Park 72-hour stopover provides the power and security Cataby lacks.”
For the full Western Australian free camp database — including the ability to ask an AI assistant for GPS to nearby camps, the next dump point, or alternatives along your specific onward route — visit our Van Life Savings Spots App. It is built specifically for senior grey nomads and lets you ask questions like:
- “What is the nearest free camp to Cataby on the Brand Highway heading north?”
- “Find me a powered site within 70 km of Cataby WA tonight”
- “What is the nearest dump point to Cataby Rest Area Brand Highway?”
- “Show me free camps near Cervantes with GPS that allow big rigs”
The table below covers the most useful alternatives for grey nomads in 2026. Every entry includes a real address or road reference, approximate GPS, and a distance from Cataby.
| Camp Name | Address / Road | Approx GPS | Distance from Cataby | Senior Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cervantes Rest Stop / Foreshore Area | Aragon Street, Cervantes WA 6511 | -30.5039, 115.0638 (approx) | ~60 km west | Town services nearby. IGA, dump point at RAC Park. Quieter than Cataby. |
| Badgingarra Townsite Rest Area | Brand Highway, Badgingarra WA 6521 | -30.3919, 115.4998 (approx — verify Google Maps) | ~40 km north on Brand Hwy | Small roadside stop. Basic. Good Telstra coverage. Quieter than Cataby. No power. |
| Regan’s Ford Rest Area | Brand Highway, Regan’s Ford WA 6507 | -30.9865, 115.7051 (approx) | ~30 km south on Brand Hwy | Main Roads WA managed 24-hr rest area. Toilets. Highway-grade access. No power. |
| Jurien Bay Foreshore / RV Stop | Bashford Street, Jurien Bay WA 6516 | -30.3047, 115.0386 (approx) | ~85 km northwest | Confirm current RV stop availability with Shire of Dandaragan. Good medical facilities in town. |
7b. Dump Points on Your Route — GPS Before and After Cataby Rest Area
Knowing where your next dump point is before you need it is non-negotiable grey nomad planning. The table below covers the most relevant options on the Brand Highway route through Cataby in 2026. Every entry includes a real address and approximate GPS. Coordinates marked (approx) should be verified on toiletmap.gov.au or Google Maps before you navigate to them with a full tank.
| Direction | Location / Name | Address | Approx GPS | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🗑️ SOUTH — Before Cataby | Gingin Dump Point | Brockman Street, Gingin WA 6503 | –31.3477, 115.9052 (approx) | ~75 km south of Cataby. Free. Confirm hours with Shire of Gingin: (08) 9650 5000 |
| 🗑️ ON SITE — Cataby | Cataby — not confirmed | Brand Highway, Cataby WA 6507 | —30.7356, 115.5385 (Cataby Roadhouse reference point) | ⚠️ Not confirmed on-site. Call Main Roads WA 138 138 or Shire of Dandaragan (08) 9652 0800 before arriving with a full black tank. |
| 🗑️ WEST — After Cataby (coastal route) | RAC Cervantes Pinnacles Holiday Park | 3 Aragon Street, Cervantes WA 6511 | –30.5037, 115.0643 (approx) | ~60 km west. Call ahead to confirm dump point access for non-guests: (08) 9652 7060 |
| 🗑️ NORTH — After Cataby (Brand Highway) | Dongara — confirm with Shire of Irwin | Dongara WA 6525 | -29.2583, 114.9320 Verify on toiletmap.gov.au | ~160 km north on Brand Highway. Use toiletmap.gov.au for confirmed GPS before departure. |
- Never use the dump point rinse hose for drinking water. This is a waste disposal hose, not a potable water source. Using it for drinking risks serious illness.
- Build extra time into busy periods. Dump points at popular stops can have a queue during school holidays and long weekends, especially for cassette toilet systems.
- Always verify GPS before navigating. Do not navigate to an unverified dump point coordinate in the dark with a full tank. Check toiletmap.gov.au for the most current confirmed data.
7c. Free Potable Water Locations — GPS Before and After Cataby Rest Area
| Location | Water Status | Address / Notes | Approx GPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💧 ON SITE — Cataby | ⚠️ Free potable tap not confirmed | Bottled water available to purchase at Caltex and Glassy’s Hat. Do not fill tanks from any unmarked tap. | -30.73559, 115.53849 (approx) |
| 💧 SOUTH — Before Cataby | ✅ Gingin — town mains water | Gingin townsite ~75 km south. Public facilities area — confirm potable tap with Shire of Gingin before relying on it. | -31.3477, 115.9052 (approx) |
| 💧 WEST — After Cataby | ✅ Cervantes — mains water at RAC park | 3 Aragon Street, Cervantes WA 6511. ~60 km west. Confirm tap access for non-guests: (08) 9652 7060 | -30.5037, 115.0643 (approx) |
| 💧 NORTH — After Cataby (Brand Hwy) | ✅ Dongara — town mains water | Dongara WA 6525. ~160 km north. Caravan parks on Point Leander Drive. Top up here if not stopping at Cervantes. | -29.2583, 114.9320 (approx) |
| 💧 FREE CAMPS nearby | ❌ No potable water at Brand Highway roadside stops | Badgingarra, Regan’s Ford and other highway stops do not have confirmed potable taps. Carry your own supply. | — |
- Always carry at least two days of emergency drinking water reserves beyond your planned daily use. Reliable potable water gaps on this section of the Brand Highway can exceed 100 km heading north.
- Never fill tanks from an unmarked tap. Unmarked taps at rest areas may be bore water or non-potable. When in doubt, do not fill.
- Waterborne illness in a remote area with limited medical access can escalate rapidly. Do not take risks with water sources you cannot verify.
8. Cervantes and Jurien Bay as Your Alternative Senior Base Near Cataby
If the Cataby Rest Area does not suit your needs — or if you want a proper base from which to explore the Pinnacles, Badgingarra National Park and the wildflower country — the coastal towns of Cervantes and Jurien Bay are the smarter senior choice in 2026.
Cervantes (approximately 60 km west of Cataby) is the gateway to the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. The RAC Cervantes Pinnacles Holiday Park at 3 Aragon Street is the area’s best-equipped caravan stop: powered sites, hot showers, dump point, camp kitchen and laundry. Phone: (08) 9652 7060. The IGA supermarket and several cafés are within easy walking distance.
Jurien Bay (approximately 85 km northwest of Cataby) has the fullest range of services in the region: IGA, medical centre, pharmacy, hardware, cafés and a beautiful boat harbour. The Jurien Bay Tourist Park on Dobbins Street is the main caravan facility — confirm current rates and powered site availability via the Shire of Dandaragan at dandaragan.wa.gov.au or phone (08) 9652 0800. The Jurien Bay Medical Centre is at 21 Whitfield Street: (08) 9652 0200.
Both towns are significantly more comfortable overnight bases for seniors than the Cataby Rest Area — particularly for anyone who is CPAP-dependent, travelling solo, or who may need access to medical services. For a full guide to free and low-cost camping on the WA coastal loop, see our Free Camping WA guide.
If the gravel at Cataby doesn’t appeal, Willowbrook Farm Caravan Park offers a much softer landing with full facilities.
9. Full Facilities Comparison: Cataby Rest Area vs Cervantes vs Jurien Bay 2026
| Facility | Cataby Rest Area (Free) | RAC Cervantes (~60 km) | Jurien Bay Tourist Park (~85 km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mains Power (CPAP) | ❌ None | ✅ Powered sites | ✅ Powered sites |
| Hot showers | ❌ None | ✅ Full amenities block | ✅ Full amenities block |
| Dump point | ⚠️ Not confirmed | ✅ On-site | ✅ Confirm on-site |
| Potable water | ⚠️ Purchase at roadhouse | ✅ Mains water | ✅ Mains water |
| Medical access | ⚠️ Moora Hospital ~65 km east | ⚠️ Jurien Bay Medical ~40 km north | ✅ Medical centre in town |
| Telstra coverage | ✅ Good | ✅ Good | ✅ Good |
| Supermarket | ❌ Roadhouse only | ✅ IGA Cervantes | ✅ IGA Jurien Bay |
| Pets | ✅ Allowed | ⚠️ Confirm with RAC | ⚠️ Confirm directly |
| Night-time quiet | ⚠️ Highway freight noise | ✅ Quiet coastal setting | ✅ Quiet |
| Cost per night | Free | ~$45–$60 (confirm with RAC) | ~$35–$50 (confirm with park) |
10. Rates — All Options Near Cataby Rest Area 2026
| Option | Cost 2026 |
|---|---|
| Cataby Rest Area (roadhouse stop) | Free — 24-hour limit applies |
| RAC Cervantes Pinnacles Holiday Park — powered site | ~$45–$60 per night (confirm: (08) 9652 7060) |
| Jurien Bay Tourist Park — powered site | ~$35–$50 per night (confirm: (08) 9652 0800) |
| Glassy’s Hat Hotel accommodation (Cataby) | Unit/hotel rooms available — confirm rates: (08) 9651 2222 |
| Badgingarra / Nambung National Park entry | Day entry fee or WA Annual Parks Pass — confirm at parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au |
11. The Cataby Day Plan for Seniors in 2026
If you are spending a day at or near Cataby — particularly during wildflower season — here is a heat-aware senior day plan that makes the most of the region without overexertion.
7:00 am — Badgingarra National Park (25 km south). Depart early while the air is still cool. The 2 km Badgingarra Nature Trail is flat, well-surfaced and signed. Over 1,000 plant species are recorded here and the wildflower display in spring is extraordinary. Kangaroos and emus are frequently seen at dawn. Allow 45–60 minutes. Toilets at the park entrance. Parks pass or day entry fee applies.
9:30 am — Breakfast at Cataby. Return to Cataby. Breakfast or morning tea at Glassy’s Hat Hotel dining room (confirm opening hours) or the Caltex roadhouse. Take your time — you have done the hard walking for the day.
11:00 am — The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park (~60 km west). Drive west to Cervantes and visit the Pinnacles Desert. The 4 km drive-through loop is suitable for all mobility levels and can be done entirely from the vehicle. The Pinnacles Discovery Centre has air-conditioned facilities and accessible toilets. Best photographed in morning and late afternoon light.
1:00 pm — Lunch in Cervantes. The Lobster Shack offers seafood lunches and tours — pre-booking recommended in peak season. The IGA deli and local cafés are a quieter and cheaper alternative.
3:30 pm — Return to Cataby or continue to Jurien Bay. If returning to Cataby for the night, arrive before 4 pm to secure a good parking position before the evening freight traffic builds.
12. Senior Checklist — Cataby Rest Area Stop 2026
| ☐ | Item to Check or Pack |
|---|---|
| ☐ | CPAP battery pack or 12V DC adapter fully charged before departing Perth — no mains power at Cataby Rest Area under any circumstances |
| ☐ | Water tanks topped up at Gingin (75 km south) before arrival — free potable tap not confirmed at Cataby |
| ☐ | 🗑️ Save dump point GPS BEFORE Cataby — Gingin Dump Point: Brockman Street, Gingin WA 6503 | GPS: -31.3480, 115.9029 (approx) |
| ☐ | 🗑️ Save dump point GPS AFTER Cataby — RAC Cervantes Pinnacles Holiday Park: 3 Aragon Street, Cervantes WA 6511 | GPS: -30.5037, 115.0643 (approx) | (08) 9652 7060 |
| ☐ | Confirm dump point status at Cataby with Main Roads WA 138 138 before arriving with full black tanks |
| ☐ | 💧 Top up drinking water at Cervantes (~60 km west) or Gingin (~75 km south) — next confirmed mains water heading north on Brand Highway is Dongara (~160 km) |
| ☐ | ⛑️ Save Moora Hospital GPS and phone: Dandaragan Road, Moora WA 6510 | GPS: -30.6411, 116.0036 (approx) | (08) 9651 0222 |
| ☐ | Fill fuel tank at Cataby — most cost-competitive fuel on this stretch before prices increase further north |
| ☐ | Check tyre pressures at the Cataby servo before heading onto remote Brand Highway sections heading north |
| ☐ | Ear protection or white noise app packed — highway freight noise runs through the night at Cataby |
| ☐ | Reflective window covers and ventilation set up — summer temperatures exceed 38°C in this region |
| ☐ | PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) registered and charged — recommended for all grey nomads travelling WA rural highways |
| ☐ | Travel insurance current and covering medical evacuation — Moora Hospital is the nearest facility at ~65 km east |
| ☐ | WA Annual Parks Pass purchased or confirmed if visiting Badgingarra or Nambung (Pinnacles) national parks |
| ☐ | Offline maps downloaded for Brand Highway corridor — phone signal is generally good at Cataby but can drop between stops |
13. What to Do Near Cataby: Senior Day Activities 2026
Badgingarra National Park (25 km south, Brand Highway). The 2 km Badgingarra Nature Trail is flat, well-surfaced and signed. Over 1,000 plant species recorded here. Extraordinary wildflower displays in spring. Accessible for most mobility levels. Toilets at the park entrance. National parks pass or day entry applies.
The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park (~60 km west). One of Australia’s most visited natural sites. The 4 km drive-through desert loop can be done entirely from the vehicle — no walking required. The Pinnacles Discovery Centre provides accessible, air-conditioned visitor facilities. National parks pass or day entry applies.
Cataby Important Bird Area (2 km south-east of Cataby). A registered IBA for short-billed black cockatoos. No facilities — pull over at the signed viewing area and watch. Best in the morning. Completely free. Flat roadside access, no walking required.
Lobster Shack, Cervantes (~60 km west). A working lobster processing facility with guided tours and a seafood restaurant. Pre-booking recommended in peak season. Flat, paved access throughout. A genuinely memorable experience for first-time visitors.
14. GPS Coordinates and Postcodes — Save Every Stop Near Cataby
Save all of these before you leave home. GPS coordinates marked (approx) should be verified in Google Maps before navigating to them, particularly after dark.
| Location | Address | Post | GPS | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 📍 Cataby Rest Area / Caltex Roadhouse | Brand Highway, Cataby WA | 6507 | -30.7356, 115.5385 (approx) | (08) 9651 2024 |
| 📍 Glassy’s Hat Hotel & Roadhouse | Brand Highway, Cataby WA | 6507 | -30.7367, 115.5389 (approx) | (08) 9651 2222 |
| ⛑️ Moora Hospital | Dandaragan Road, Moora WA | 6510 | -30.6411, 116.0036 (approx) | (08) 9651 0222 |
| ⛑️ Jurien Bay Medical Centre | 21 Whitfield Street, Jurien Bay WA | 6516 | -30.3050, 115.0387 (approx) | (08) 9652 0200 |
| 🗑️ Dump Point — Gingin (SOUTH) | Brockman Street, Gingin WA | 6503 | -31.3477, 115.9052 (approx) | (08) 9650 5000 |
| 🗑️ Dump Point — RAC Cervantes (WEST) | 3 Aragon Street, Cervantes WA | 6511 | -30.5037, 115.0643 (approx) | (08) 9652 7060 |
| 💧 Potable Water — Cervantes (RAC Park) | 3 Aragon Street, Cervantes WA | 6511 | -30.5037, 115.0643 (approx) | (08) 9652 7060 |
| 💧 Potable Water — Jurien Bay | Bashford Street, Jurien Bay WA | 6516 | -30.3047, 115.0386 (approx) | (08) 9652 0800 |
| 📍 RAC Cervantes Pinnacles Holiday Park | 3 Aragon Street, Cervantes WA | 6511 | -30.5037, 115.0643 (approx) | (08) 9652 7060 |
| 📍 The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park | Pinnacles Road, Nambung WA | 6521 | -330.6054, 115.1558 (approx) | Parks WA: 13 19 63 |
| 📍 Main Roads WA | mainroads.wa.gov.au | — | — | 138 138 |
15. Frequently Asked Questions — Cataby Rest Area for Grey Nomads 2026
Can I stay overnight at Cataby Rest Area with a caravan?
Yes, for a maximum of 24 hours. Both roadhouses accommodate caravans in their forecourt and picnic areas. This is a fatigue-management stop, not a campsite. For multi-night stays, Cervantes (~60 km west) and Jurien Bay (~85 km northwest) both have full caravan parks with powered sites.
Is there 240V mains power for CPAP machines at Cataby Rest Area?
No. There is no mains power at Cataby. CPAP-dependent grey nomads must carry a lithium battery pack or a 12V DC CPAP adapter. The nearest powered sites are at Cervantes and Jurien Bay. Do not arrive assuming you can plug in anywhere at Cataby.
What is the nearest hospital to Cataby Rest Area?
Moora Hospital is approximately 65 km east of Cataby on Dandaragan Road, Moora WA 6510. Phone: (08) 9651 0222. For non-emergency medical needs, the Jurien Bay Medical Centre is approximately 85 km northwest at 21 Whitfield Street: (08) 9652 0200. In any life-threatening emergency call 000.
Is there a dump point at Cataby Rest Area?
A dump point at Cataby is not confirmed. Verify before arrival by calling Main Roads WA on 138 138 or checking toiletmap.gov.au. The nearest confirmed dump point heading west is the RAC Cervantes Pinnacles Holiday Park (~60 km).
Is Telstra coverage reliable at Cataby Rest Area?
Yes. The Brand Highway at Cataby has good Telstra coverage. Despite this, a registered PLB is still recommended for any WA rural highway journey. Phone signal can drop between stops regardless of your provider.
Are dogs allowed at Cataby Rest Area?
Yes. Dogs are permitted at the Cataby roadhouse stops as they are not within a national park boundary. Keep dogs on a lead at all times. Note that Badgingarra National Park and Nambung National Park (Pinnacles) do not permit dogs — plan accordingly if visiting those attractions.
Can a large caravan or big rig use Cataby Rest Area?
Yes. Cataby is a working truck stop on a major freight highway. The forecourt areas at both roadhouses accommodate road trains, B-doubles and long caravan combinations. Drive-through access is available at both the Caltex and Glassy’s Hat roadhouses.
Is there free potable drinking water at Cataby Rest Area?
Free potable tap water is not confirmed at Cataby. Bottled water is available for purchase at both roadhouses. Top up water tanks before Cataby at Gingin (~75 km south) or at Cervantes (~60 km west). The next confirmed mains water heading north on the Brand Highway is Dongara (~160 km).
16. Quick-Reference Card — Cataby Rest Area 2026
📍 Cataby Rest Area: Brand Highway, Cataby WA 6507 | GPS: -30.7356, 115.5385 (approx) | Free | 24-hr limit
☎ Caltex Cataby: (08) 9651 2024 | Glassy’s Hat: (08) 9651 2222
⛑️ Moora Hospital: Dandaragan Rd, Moora WA 6510 | ~65 km east | (08) 9651 0222
⛑️ Jurien Bay Medical: 21 Whitfield St, Jurien Bay WA 6516 | ~85 km NW | (08) 9652 0200
🗑️ Nearest Dump Point: RAC Cervantes, 3 Aragon St, Cervantes WA 6511 | ~60 km west | (08) 9652 7060
💧 Next Potable Water North: Dongara ~160 km | Cervantes ~60 km west
📡 Main Roads WA: 138 138 | Emergency: 000
Disclaimer: Cataby 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 Dandaragan 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.
Free campsites fill fast during school holidays and peak season. If your preferred site is too busy or doesn’t suit your needs, search remaining accommodation options below.
Accommodation and flight search powered by Expedia. Booking through this search supports this website at no extra cost to you. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.