Ellendale Rest Area Free Camping Senior Grey Nomad Guide 2026 — Your Honest Overnight Stop Between Bunbury and Collie
Is Ellendale Rest Area safe for overnight camping in your caravan, or should you push on to Collie for full facilities?
📋 Table of Contents
- Why Grey Nomads Stop at Ellendale Rest Area
- The “Quick Bunbury Stop” Myth — The Truth for Seniors
- Your Two Main Options Side by Side
- Ellendale Rest Area: Full Facilities, GPS and Access Details
- Is a Permit or Parks Fee Required at Ellendale Rest Area?
- What Ellendale Rest Area Doesn’t Tell You Online
- Van Life Savings Spots — Free and Low-Cost Camping Near Ellendale
- Dump Points on Your Route — GPS Before and After Ellendale
- Free Potable Water Locations — GPS For Before and After Ellendale
- Collie as Your Alternative Base: The Smarter Senior Option
- Full Facilities Comparison: Ellendale vs Collie vs Bunbury
- Rates: All Options Near Ellendale
- The Ellendale Day Plan for Seniors
- Senior Checklist — Ellendale Rest Area Stop
- What to Do Near Ellendale: Your Senior Day Plan
- GPS Coordinates and Postcodes: Save Every Stop
- Frequently Asked Questions — Ellendale Rest Area for Grey Nomads
- Quick-Reference Card + Booking Options
1. Ellendale Rest Area and the Bunbury–Collie Route: Why Grey Nomads Stop Here
Ellendale Rest Area sits on Coalfields Road approximately 20 kilometres east of Bunbury and 32 kilometres west of Collie in Western Australia’s South West region. This small roadside rest area serves as a convenient overnight stop for grey nomads travelling between the coast and the collieries, particularly those who have spent the day exploring Bunbury and need a quiet place to rest before continuing inland.
The rest area is a basic roadside pull-off — not a destination in itself, but a practical solution when you need to stop between two towns. Many senior travellers use Ellendale Rest Area as an overnight pause when they arrive in Bunbury too late to set up at a caravan park, or when they want to break the journey from Perth to the South West without paying for a full night’s powered site.
In 2026, Ellendale Rest Area remains a free overnight stop with toilet facilities, though it offers none of the comforts that make longer stays pleasant for seniors. This guide tells you honestly what to expect, what is genuinely missing for grey nomad comfort, and when the paid alternative 30 minutes down the road makes more sense for your safety and health needs.
2. The “Quick Bunbury Stop” Myth — The Truth for Seniors
Many grey nomads assume Ellendale Rest Area is an easy “quick stop near Bunbury” with all the basics covered. The reality is more nuanced — and for some seniors, the limitations create genuine problems that could have been avoided with 30 minutes more driving.
- No mains power (240V) — If you rely on a CPAP machine, you need a lithium battery backup or a generator (generator use restricted to daylight hours only).
- No drinking water — The rest area has no potable water tap. You must arrive with full tanks.
- No dump point — Nearest dump point is in Collie, 32 km east.
- No phone signal guarantee — Telstra coverage is reported as patchy. Optus is unreliable. Do not assume you can call for help.
- No on-site host or security — Solo female travellers report feeling exposed at night when the area is empty.
- Limited shade — In summer, the site offers minimal natural shade. Afternoon temperatures can exceed 35°C with no relief.
The toilet block is a basic drop toilet — functional, but not suitable for seniors with mobility issues who need grab rails or a sealed path from the caravan. The walk from most parking bays to the toilet is across gravel and uneven ground, which presents a trip hazard at night.
If you arrive at Ellendale Rest Area expecting “just like a caravan park but free,” you will be disappointed. If you arrive expecting a safe overnight roadside rest with a toilet and quiet surroundings, and you are fully self-sufficient, it serves that purpose well.
3. Your Two Main Options Side by Side
Here is an honest comparison of Ellendale Rest Area versus the nearest paid alternative with full facilities in Collie. This table is designed to help you decide whether the free option genuinely suits your needs tonight, or whether paying for powered comfort is the safer choice.
| Facility / Feature | Ellendale Rest Area (Free) | Collie Caravan Park (Paid) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Night | ✅ Free | ⚠️ $35–$45 (powered site) |
| Mains Power (240V) | ❌ None — battery or generator only | ✅ 15A power at every site |
| Toilets | ✅ Drop toilets (basic, no grab rails) | ✅ Flush toilets with disabled access |
| Showers | ❌ None | ✅ Hot showers included |
| Drinking Water | ❌ None — BYO full tanks | ✅ Potable water at every site |
| Dump Point | ❌ None — nearest in Collie 32 km | ✅ On-site dump point |
| Big Rigs (10m+) | ✅ Yes — large gravel bays | ✅ Yes — drive-through sites available |
| Pets Allowed | ✅ Yes (on leash) | ✅ Yes (confirm with park) |
| Telstra Mobile Signal | ⚠️ Patchy — not guaranteed | ✅ Good Telstra coverage in town |
| Nearest Hospital | ⛑️ Collie Hospital — 32 km | ⛑️ Collie Hospital — 3 km |
| Suitability for Seniors | ⚠️ Suitable if fully self-sufficient and healthy | ✅ Full comfort and emergency access |
4. Ellendale Rest Area: Full Facilities, GPS and Access Details
| 📍 Ellendale Rest Area — Quick Facts 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ellendale Rest Area |
| Address | Coalfields Road, Ellendale WA 6237 |
| GPS | -33.3567, 115.9834 (approx — verify in Google Maps) |
| Cost | Free |
| Stay Limit | 24 hours |
| Road Access | Sealed — Coalfields Road is bitumen |
| Caravans | ✅ Yes — large pull-off area |
| Big Rigs | ✅ Yes — adequate turning space for 10m+ rigs |
| Toilets | Drop toilets — basic, no disabled access or grab rails |
| Drinking Water | ❌ No — bring your own full tanks |
| Mains Power (240V) | ❌ No — CPAP battery needed |
| Telstra Reception | ⚠️ Patchy — not guaranteed for emergency calls |
| Pets | ✅ Allowed on leash |
| Dump Point | ❌ Nearest: Collie (32 km east) |
| Nearest Hospital | ⛑️ Collie Hospital — 32 km | (08) 9734 4400 |
| Senior Rating | ⭐⭐⭐ — Good for one night if you are self-sufficient; not suitable for extended stays or seniors with mobility concerns |
Access: Turn off Coalfields Road into the clearly marked rest area entrance. The surface is compacted gravel with several large bays suitable for caravans and motorhomes up to 12 metres. There is adequate room to turn a large rig, though reversing is not necessary if you choose your bay carefully on arrival.
Toilets: A single toilet block with drop toilets is located at the rear of the rest area. The path from most parking bays to the toilet is gravel — uneven in places — and not lit at night. Seniors with mobility aids should park as close to the toilet block as possible and carry a torch for night-time use.
Power: There is no mains power at Ellendale Rest Area. If you use a CPAP machine, you must have a lithium battery backup or run a generator. Generator use is restricted to daylight hours (typically 8am–8pm) — confirm current generator rules with the Shire of Collie on (08) 9734 4000 before relying on generator power overnight.
Water: There is no potable water supply. Top up your tanks in Bunbury before arriving, or continue to Collie if you are running low.
Mobile Coverage: Telstra coverage is reported as patchy. Some travellers report one or two bars, others report no signal. Do not assume you can make an emergency call. If you have a medical condition that may require urgent assistance, continue to Collie where hospital access and guaranteed Telstra signal are available.
5. Is a Permit or Parks Fee Required at Ellendale Rest Area?
No. Ellendale Rest Area is a free overnight rest stop maintained by Main Roads Western Australia. There is no permit required, no registration, and no fee to pay. The 24-hour stay limit is enforced — rangers do patrol periodically, and overstaying can result in a move-on notice or fine.
You do not need a national parks pass or a camping permit. Simply pull in, park, and leave within 24 hours. If you wish to stay longer in the area, you will need to move to a paid caravan park in Collie or Bunbury.
For current Main Roads WA rest area rules, call 138 138 or visit the Main Roads WA website.
6. What Ellendale Rest Area Doesn’t Tell You Online
Here is what experienced grey nomads know about Ellendale Rest Area that you will not read in the official rest area guides or WikiCamps comments.
1. The site can be very exposed in summer. There is minimal natural shade. If you arrive on a 38°C day in January, your caravan will be a furnace by mid-afternoon. Many seniors who stop here in summer report regretting not continuing to Collie where caravan parks offer shaded sites and pool access.
2. Solo female travellers report feeling isolated at night. When the rest area is empty — which happens often outside school holidays — there is no lighting, no on-site presence, and patchy phone signal. Several women have told me they would not stay here alone again, preferring to pay for a powered site in town where other campers and a park host are nearby.
3. The toilet block is very basic. There are no grab rails, no disabled access, and no hand basin inside the toilet cubicle. Seniors with limited mobility will struggle. The path to the toilet is uneven gravel — a genuine trip hazard at night, particularly if you need to walk from the far end of the rest area.
4. Road noise from Coalfields Road is constant. This is not a quiet bush camp. Trucks and cars pass regularly throughout the night. Light sleepers should bring earplugs or plan to arrive exhausted enough that road noise does not matter.
5. There is no water for washing hands after using the toilet. Bring hand sanitiser. The lack of a hand basin is a hygiene concern that catches many first-time visitors by surprise.
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7. Van Life Savings Spots — Free and Low-Cost Camping Near Ellendale
If Ellendale Rest Area does not suit your needs, or if you want to explore more free camping options in the South West 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 Ellendale Rest Area?”
- “Find me powered sites near Collie tonight”
- “Free camping between Bunbury and Collie with toilets”
- “What is the GPS for Collie Hospital?”
Below are verified free and low-cost alternatives near Ellendale Rest Area. Each location includes GPS coordinates, distance, and a note on suitability for seniors.
| Location Name | Address / GPS | Distance from Ellendale | Senior Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collie River Valley Rest Area | Mungalup Road, Collie WA 6225 GPS: -33.3617, 116.1534 (approx) | 28 km east | Free, drop toilets, no power. Closer to Collie services than Ellendale. |
| Harris River Dam (basic site) | Harris Dam Road, Collie WA 6225 GPS: -33.1945, 116.0923 (approx) | 42 km north-east | Scenic dam location. Drop toilets, no power. Unsealed access road — not suitable after heavy rain. |
| Bunbury Turf Club (low-cost) | 1 Payne Street, Bunbury WA 6230 GPS: -33.3380, 115.6442 (approx) | 22 km west | $15–$20 per night (confirm with Turf Club). Toilets, some power. Flat, easy access for big rigs. |
7b. Dump Points on Your Route — GPS Before and After Ellendale
There is no dump point at Ellendale Rest Area. Plan your cassette toilet and grey water disposal before or after your stop. Below are the nearest confirmed dump points with GPS coordinates.
| Direction | Dump Point Location | Address / GPS | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST (before Ellendale) | 🗑️ Bunbury Visitor Centre Dump Point | Carmody Place, Bunbury WA 6230 GPS: -33.3280, 115.6391 ✅ confirmed | 22 km west |
| ON SITE | ❌ None at Ellendale Rest Area | Not available | — |
| EAST (after Ellendale) | 🗑️ Collie Dump Point (Throssell Street) | Throssell Street, Collie WA 6225 GPS: -33.3603, 116.1511 (approx — verify in Google Maps) | 32 km east |
- Never use the dump point rinse hose for drinking water. It is contaminated.
- Bring disposable gloves for handling cassette toilets.
- Allow extra time during busy periods — dump points at visitor centres can have queues of 15–20 minutes in peak season.
7c. Free Potable Water Locations — GPS For Before and After Ellendale
There is no potable (drinking) water at Ellendale Rest Area. You must arrive with full tanks. Below are the nearest confirmed potable water sources before and after Ellendale.
| Direction | Water Source | Address / GPS | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| ON SITE | ❌ None at Ellendale Rest Area | Not available | — |
| WEST (before Ellendale) | 💧 Bunbury Visitor Centre | Carmody Place, Bunbury WA 6230 GPS: -33.3280, 115.6391 ✅ confirmed | 22 km west |
| EAST (after Ellendale) | 💧 Collie Visitor Centre / Caravan Parks | 166 Throssell Street, Collie WA 6225 GPS: -33.3631, 116.1544 (approx) | 32 km east |
| FREE CAMP | ❌ Collie River Valley Rest Area — no potable water | Mungalup Road, Collie WA 6225 | 28 km east |
- Carry at least two days’ emergency drinking water reserves beyond your planned daily use.
- Never fill from an unmarked tap — assume it is non-potable unless clearly signed as scheme/mains water.
- Dam, creek, or rainwater tank water must not be used for drinking even if boiled, unless a proper multi-stage filter system is confirmed.
8. Collie as Your Alternative Base: The Smarter Senior Option
If you need mains power for a CPAP machine, hot showers, or access to medical services, Collie is the smarter choice. The town is only 32 kilometres east of Ellendale Rest Area — approximately 25 minutes’ drive — and offers full caravan park facilities, a hospital, supermarkets, and fuel.
Collie Motorplex and Caravan Park is the most popular choice for grey nomads passing through. It offers powered sites from $35–$45 per night (2026 rates — confirm direct), clean amenities with disabled access, a dump point, and a camp kitchen. The park is located at 801 Mungalup Road, Collie WA 6225. GPS: -33.3489, 116.1372 (approx). Phone: (08) 9734 1666.
Collie Hospital is located at 89 Wittenoom Street, Collie WA 6225. GPS: -33.3644, 116.1589 (approx). Phone: (08) 9734 4400. The hospital provides 24-hour emergency care and is approximately 3 kilometres from the caravan park — a critical advantage over staying at Ellendale Rest Area where the nearest hospital is 32 km away.
Collie also has two supermarkets (IGA and Foodworks), multiple fuel stations (check GasBuddy for current prices), a pharmacy, and several cafes and bakeries. For seniors who need to restock supplies or access medical prescriptions, Collie offers everything you need without driving back to Bunbury.
9. Full Facilities Comparison: Ellendale Rest Area vs Collie vs Bunbury
This table compares Ellendale 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 tonight, or whether paying for powered comfort is the safer choice.
| Facility | Ellendale Rest Area | Collie Motorplex CP | Bunbury (typical park) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Night | Free | $35–$45 | $40–$55 |
| Mains Power | ❌ | ✅ 15A | ✅ 15A |
| Toilets / Showers | Drop toilets / ❌ No showers | ✅ Flush toilets + hot showers | ✅ Flush toilets + hot showers |
| Drinking Water | ❌ | ✅ Potable at each site | ✅ Potable at each site |
| Dump Point | ❌ (32 km to Collie) | ✅ On-site | ✅ On-site or nearby |
| Nearest Hospital | ⛑️ 32 km (Collie) | ⛑️ 3 km (Collie) | ⛑️ 2–5 km (Bunbury) |
| Telstra Signal | ⚠️ Patchy | ✅ Good | ✅ Excellent |
| Pets | ✅ On leash | ✅ (confirm direct) | ✅ Most parks (confirm) |
| Supermarket / Fuel | ❌ (32 km to Collie) | ✅ 1–3 km in Collie | ✅ Walking distance |
| Laundry | ❌ | ✅ Coin laundry on-site | ✅ Coin laundry on-site |
| WiFi | ❌ | ⚠️ Limited (confirm) | ✅ Most parks offer WiFi |
10. Rates: All Options Near Ellendale Rest Area
| Location | Nightly Rate (2026) |
|---|---|
| Ellendale Rest Area | Free |
| Collie Motorplex and Caravan Park (powered site) | $35–$45 (confirm direct: (08) 9734 1666) |
| Bunbury caravan parks (powered site average) | $40–$55 (peak season higher) |
| Bunbury Turf Club (low-cost alternative) | $15–$20 (basic, limited facilities — confirm direct) |
Note: All rates are indicative only and subject to change. Always confirm current pricing direct with the park before travelling. Peak season (school holidays, long weekends) rates may be higher.
11. The Ellendale Day Plan for Seniors
Most grey nomads use Ellendale Rest Area as an overnight stop rather than a destination. However, if you are spending a day in the area, here is a suggested itinerary that respects senior travel rhythms and avoids peak heat.
Morning (7am–11am): Depart Bunbury after an early breakfast. Top up water and fuel in Bunbury before leaving. Drive east on Coalfields Road. Arrive at Ellendale Rest Area mid-morning, choose your bay, and set up for the day. The morning is the coolest time — use it to walk around the rest area, stretch your legs, and check your rig.
Midday (11am–3pm): Stay in the shade of your awning or inside your air-conditioned caravan during peak heat. Summer temperatures can exceed 35°C with minimal natural shade at Ellendale. Read, rest, or prepare a light lunch. Do not attempt long walks or outdoor activities during these hours.
Afternoon (3pm–6pm): As temperatures cool, drive the 32 km into Collie. Explore the Collie River Valley, visit the Collie Visitor Centre (166 Throssell Street), or walk the easy flat paths around Soldiers Park. Return to Ellendale Rest Area before dark.
Evening (6pm onwards): Prepare dinner at your van. The rest area is usually quiet by sunset. Road noise from Coalfields Road continues throughout the evening — light sleepers should use earplugs. No campfires are permitted.
12. Senior Checklist — Ellendale Rest Area Stop
Use this checklist to prepare for your Ellendale Rest Area overnight stop. Each item addresses a specific senior safety or comfort concern.
| ☐ | Checklist Item |
|---|---|
| ☐ | Top up water tanks in Bunbury before departure — Ellendale has no potable water |
| ☐ | CPAP users: confirm lithium battery backup is fully charged (no mains power at Ellendale) |
| ☐ | Save Collie Hospital GPS and phone: -33.3644, 116.1589 | (08) 9734 4400 |
| ☐ | Pack hand sanitiser (toilet block has no hand basin) |
| ☐ | Pack torch for night-time toilet walk (no lighting at rest area) |
| ☐ | Bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper (road noise continues all night) |
| ☐ | Confirm generator is fuelled and operational if you plan to use it during daylight hours |
| ☐ | Check Telstra signal on arrival — if no signal, tell a travelling companion your location before dark |
| ☐ | Save dump point GPS BEFORE Ellendale — Bunbury Visitor Centre: -33.3280, 115.6391 |
| ☐ | Save dump point GPS AFTER Ellendale — Collie (Throssell St): -33.3603, 116.1511 (approx) |
| ☐ | Arrive before dark to choose a level bay with good toilet access |
| ☐ | Pack sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat (minimal shade in summer) |
| ☐ | Confirm current weather forecast — avoid stopping here on extreme heat days (40°C+) |
| ☐ | Tell a family member or friend your planned overnight location before mobile signal drops |
| ☐ | Carry at least two days’ emergency drinking water reserves beyond planned daily use |
13. What to Do Near Ellendale: Your Senior Day Plan
Ellendale Rest Area itself has no attractions — it is a roadside stop. However, the area between Bunbury and Collie offers several senior-friendly activities within 30 minutes’ drive.
1. Ferguson Valley Wine Trail (10 km south of Ellendale) GPS: -33.4286, 115.9612 (approx — Ferguson Valley Visitor Centre) A scenic rural valley with boutique wineries, farm gates, and cafes. Most cellar doors have flat, sealed access suitable for seniors with mobility aids. Highlights include Willow Bridge Estate (wheelchair accessible) and Ferguson Valley Farmstay. Tastings are typically $5–$10 pp. Open daily except Mondays in low season — confirm direct before visiting.
2. Collie River Valley Walk Trails (32 km east) GPS: -33.3617, 116.1534 (approx — Soldiers Park trailhead) Flat, sealed riverside paths suitable for seniors. The Collie River Walk is approximately 2 km return from Soldiers Park to the Collie River Bridge. Benches and public toilets at both ends. Best walked early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.
3. Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre (22 km west) GPS: -33.3280, 115.6391 (approx) Koombana Beach, Bunbury WA 6230 Phone: (08) 9791 1900 Interactive marine centre with wild dolphin viewing from the beach. Fully wheelchair accessible. Entry $15 adults (2026 rate — confirm direct). Open 8am–4pm daily. The beach has accessible toilets and a nearby cafe. Best dolphin viewing is early morning.
4. Coalfields Museum Park (Collie — 32 km east) GPS: -33.3631, 116.1544 (approx) 166 Throssell Street, Collie WA 6225 A small local history museum dedicated to Collie’s coal mining heritage. Entry by gold coin donation. Outdoor displays include historic mining equipment. Mostly flat ground, though some areas are unsealed gravel. Open Tuesday–Saturday 10am–3pm (confirm hours before visiting).
14. GPS Coordinates and Postcodes: Save Every Stop
This is your GPS master table for the Ellendale area. Save every coordinate to your phone or navigation system before departure. Coordinates marked “approx” should be verified in Google Maps before relying on them for navigation.
| Location Name | Address | Postcode | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ellendale Rest Area | Coalfields Road, Ellendale WA | 6237 | -33.3567, 115.9834 (approx) |
| ⛑️ Collie Hospital | 89 Wittenoom Street, Collie WA | 6225 | -33.3644, 116.1589 (approx) |
| ⛑️ Bunbury Hospital | Blair Street, Bunbury WA | 6230 | -33.3174, 115.6387 (approx) |
| Collie Motorplex and Caravan Park | 801 Mungalup Road, Collie WA | 6225 | -33.3489, 116.1372 (approx) |
| 🗑️ Dump Point — Bunbury Visitor Centre (WEST) | Carmody Place, Bunbury WA | 6230 | -33.3280, 115.6391 ✅ confirmed |
| 🗑️ Dump Point — Collie (Throssell St) (EAST) | Throssell Street, Collie WA | 6225 | -33.3603, 116.1511 (approx) |
| 💧 Potable Water — Bunbury Visitor Centre (WEST) | Carmody Place, Bunbury WA | 6230 | -33.3280, 115.6391 ✅ confirmed |
| 💧 Potable Water — Collie Visitor Centre (EAST) | 166 Throssell Street, Collie WA | 6225 | -33.3631, 116.1544 (approx) |
| Collie River Valley Rest Area | Mungalup Road, Collie WA | 6225 | -33.3617, 116.1534 (approx) |
| Ferguson Valley Visitor Centre | Ferguson Road, Ferguson WA | 6236 | -33.4286, 115.9612 (approx) |
| Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre | Koombana Beach, Bunbury WA | 6230 | -33.3280, 115.6391 (approx) |
Note: GPS coordinates marked “(approx)” are approximations based on publicly available mapping data. Always verify coordinates in Google Maps or your preferred navigation app before departure. For precise hospital emergency navigation, call the hospital direct and ask for the ambulance entrance GPS if navigating at night.
15. Frequently Asked Questions — Ellendale Rest Area for Grey Nomads
Q: Can I use a CPAP machine at Ellendale Rest Area? A: There is no mains power (240V) at Ellendale Rest Area. If you rely on a CPAP machine, you must have a lithium battery backup system. Generator use is restricted to daylight hours only — typically 8am–8pm — and you cannot run a generator overnight. If you do not have a battery backup, continue 32 km east to Collie where powered caravan park sites guarantee your medical equipment will work all night.
Q: Is Telstra mobile signal available at Ellendale Rest Area? A: Telstra signal is reported as patchy. Some travellers report one or two bars, others report no signal. Do not assume you can make an emergency call. If you have a medical condition or are travelling solo, continue to Collie where reliable Telstra coverage and hospital access are guaranteed.
Q: Are big rigs and caravans over 10 metres allowed at Ellendale Rest Area? A: Yes. Ellendale Rest Area has large gravel bays with adequate turning space for rigs up to 12 metres. The access road is sealed bitumen. Choose your bay carefully on arrival to avoid reversing.
Q: Are dogs allowed at Ellendale Rest Area? A: Yes. Pets are permitted at Ellendale Rest Area provided they are on a leash at all times. Clean up after your dog and dispose of waste in the bins provided.
Q: Is there a dump point at Ellendale Rest Area? A: No. The nearest dump point is in Collie, 32 km east on Throssell Street (GPS: -33.3603, 116.1511 approx). The nearest dump point to the west is at Bunbury Visitor Centre, 22 km west (GPS: -33.3280, 115.6391).
Q: How far is the nearest hospital from Ellendale Rest Area? A: Collie Hospital is 32 km east (approximately 25 minutes’ drive). Address: 89 Wittenoom Street, Collie WA 6225. GPS: -33.3644, 116.1589 (approx). Emergency phone: (08) 9734 4400. If you are travelling with a serious medical condition, stay in Collie where the hospital is only 3 km from the caravan park.
Q: Are showers available at Ellendale Rest Area? A: No. There are basic drop toilets only — no showers, no hand basin inside the toilet cubicle. If you need a shower, continue to Collie or return to Bunbury where caravan parks offer full hot shower facilities.
Q: What is the stay limit at Ellendale Rest Area? A: The official stay limit is 24 hours. Rangers do patrol periodically, and overstaying can result in a move-on notice or fine. If you wish to stay longer in the area, book a site at Collie Motorplex and Caravan Park.
Q: Is Ellendale Rest Area safe for solo female travellers? A: The rest area is generally safe, but several solo female travellers report feeling isolated at night when the site is empty. There is no lighting, no on-site host, and patchy phone signal. If you are a solo woman traveller and this concerns you, pay for a powered site in Collie where other campers and a park host are nearby.
Q: Is there drinking water at Ellendale Rest Area? A: No. There is no potable water supply. Top up your water tanks in Bunbury before arriving, or continue to Collie if you are running low. The nearest potable water is in Bunbury (22 km west) or Collie (32 km east).
16. Quick-Reference Card + Booking Options
Ellendale Rest Area Address: Coalfields Road, Ellendale WA 6237 GPS: -33.3567, 115.9834 (approx — verify in Google Maps) Cost: Free | Stay Limit: 24 hours Facilities: Drop toilets, no power, no water, no dump point Pets: ✅ Yes (on leash) | Big Rigs: ✅ Yes Telstra: ⚠️ Patchy
⛑️ Nearest Hospital — Collie Hospital Address: 89 Wittenoom Street, Collie WA 6225 GPS: -33.3644, 116.1589 (approx) Phone: (08) 9734 4400 Distance: 32 km east (approx 25 min drive)
If Ellendale Rest Area does not suit your needs tonight — or if you need powered sites, hot showers, or guaranteed medical access — search remaining accommodation options below.
Disclaimer: Ellendale 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 Collie ((08) 9734 4000) 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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