Free Camping Near Ceduna SA — Grey Nomad Guide 2026
The complete senior grey nomad guide to free and low-cost camping near Ceduna — the last major town before the Nullarbor Plain. GPS coordinates, dump points, water, fuel, mobile coverage, hospital details and everything you need to cross safely.
📅 Last reviewed: January 2026 | Ceduna, SA 5690 | Free and low-cost overnight options
📋 What’s In This Guide
- Why Ceduna Matters to Grey Nomads
- Location, Address and GPS
- Overnight Parking Options
- Facilities at a Glance
- Dump Points and Water Fill
- Fuel — Last Reliable Stop Before the Nullarbor
- Ceduna Hospital — Last Full Emergency Department
- Mobile Coverage — What to Expect West of Ceduna
- Nullarbor Crossing Preparation Checklist
- Head of Bight — Whale Watching
- Things to Do for Seniors in Ceduna
- Best Time of Year to Visit
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Verdict
Why Ceduna Matters to Every Grey Nomad Heading West
If you’re driving the Eyre Highway westbound toward Western Australia, Ceduna is not optional — it’s essential. Sitting at the far western tip of the Eyre Peninsula on the shores of Murat Bay, this small town of around 2,500 people is the last place where you can confidently tick every box before stepping onto one of Australia’s most remote and unforgiving stretches of road.
The Nullarbor Plain begins almost immediately west of Ceduna. For the next 1,200-plus kilometres to Norseman in WA, services are scarce, prices are steep, mobile coverage is largely absent, and the distances between roadhouses can exceed 200 kilometres. For retired travellers in caravans, motorhomes and campervans, getting Ceduna wrong can mean arriving in WA with low fuel, empty water tanks, a malfunctioning toilet cassette and no way to call for help.
This guide covers every practical stop in and around Ceduna — the foreshore camping, the dump point, the hospital phone number, the fuel situation, Telstra signal drop-off points, and the genuinely beautiful detours like Head of Bight — so you can leave town fully prepared and properly rested.
If you’re still making your way west through SA and want a broader picture of where to stop along the way, our guide to free camping in South Australia covers the full state from Riverland to the Nullarbor. For those who have come up from Victoria, Melbourne to South Australia rest areas is worth bookmarking before you even cross the border.
Coming from Port Augusta? Port Augusta is 465km east of Ceduna on the Eyre Highway — the last junction town with a hospital and two supermarkets before the long Eyre run west. See our Free Camping Near Port Augusta SA — Grey Nomad Guide 2026.
Location, Address and GPS
Ceduna sits on the western side of the Eyre Peninsula, facing Murat Bay and the Great Australian Bight. The town centre is on Eyre Highway (A1), approximately 780 kilometres west of Port Augusta and 1,253 kilometres east of Perth.
📍 Ceduna Foreshore Overnight Parking — GPS
−32.1240, 133.6660
Street Address: South Terrace, Ceduna SA 5690
What3Words: ///fills.timber.grips (approximate — verify on arrival)
Access: Flat sealed foreshore pull-in. Suitable for caravans and large motorhomes. No height restrictions. Drive from Eyre Highway through town, turn south toward the foreshore.
📍 Denial Bay Foreshore — GPS (15 km East of Ceduna)
−32.0920, 133.7850
Street Address: Foreshore Road, Denial Bay SA 5690
Access: Sealed road to the foreshore. Calm bay setting. No formal campground — free overnight area used regularly by grey nomads. Level ground near the water.
📋 Ceduna Quick Reference Card
| Town | Ceduna, SA 5690 |
| Highway | Eyre Highway (A1) |
| Distance to Perth | ~1,253 km west |
| Distance to Port Augusta | ~780 km east |
| Distance to Eucla (WA border) | ~480 km west |
| Hospital | 08 8626 2300 |
| Police | 08 8626 2020 |
| NRMA/RAA Roadside | 13 11 11 |
| Main Supermarket | Foodland Ceduna |
| Dump Point | Ceduna Caravan Park (public access — small fee) |
Overnight Parking Options Near Ceduna
Ceduna does not have a dedicated free campground in the town centre, but grey nomads have used several recognised informal areas for years. The options below are the most practical for seniors travelling in caravans or large motorhomes. Always check current signage on arrival — local councils do adjust rules, particularly over summer.
1. Ceduna Foreshore — South Terrace
The most popular informal overnight spot in town. The foreshore strip along South Terrace offers a long flat sealed area adjacent to the waterfront. Many travellers pull up here for one or two nights before or after the Nullarbor crossing. Views face west across Murat Bay, which means decent sunsets. It is not a designated free camp — there are no formal signs permitting overnight stays — but local tolerance has been consistent for many years.
Facilities on-site: Public toilets nearby. No power. No dump point. No formal water fill. Walking distance to town centre, bakery, Foodland supermarket and fuel.
Surface: Flat sealed foreshore pull-in. Suitable for rigs up to 30+ feet. No tight turns required.
Noise: Moderate. The town is small and quiet overnight, but road noise from Eyre Highway travellers passing through continues into the evening.
2. Denial Bay Foreshore — 15 km East of Ceduna
Denial Bay is a small coastal settlement on the eastern shore of Murat Bay. The foreshore here is significantly quieter than Ceduna itself and offers a genuinely peaceful overnight stop. The bay is calm and protected, and there is a boat ramp, some basic facilities, and a relaxed atmosphere that suits seniors who want a good night’s sleep before the big crossing.
The drive in from the Eyre Highway is short and sealed. Denial Bay is 15 kilometres east of Ceduna — close enough to return for fuel, groceries or the hospital if needed, but far enough to feel like you’re away from the highway buzz.
Facilities: Basic toilets at the foreshore. No power. No dump point or water fill — do these in Ceduna before heading out here for the night.
3. Ceduna Caravan Park — Low-Cost Option Worth Considering
For travellers who need a dump point, a shower, power or a proper night of sleep in a powered site, Ceduna Caravan Park on South Terrace is worth a one-night stop. It is not free, but the rates are reasonable for a full-service park. Non-guests can also access the dump point for a small fee (confirm on arrival — around $5–$10 as of 2025).
Address: South Terrace, Ceduna SA 5690 | Phone: 08 8625 2290
Facilities at a Glance
| Facility | Ceduna Foreshore | Denial Bay Foreshore | Ceduna Caravan Park |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (informal) | Free (informal) | Paid — powered & unpowered |
| Toilets | ✅ Public nearby | ✅ Basic on-site | ✅ Full amenities block |
| Showers | ❌ None | ❌ None | ✅ Hot showers |
| Power | ❌ None | ❌ None | ✅ 240V powered sites |
| Dump Point | ❌ Not on-site | ❌ Not on-site | ✅ Available (fee for non-guests) |
| Potable Water | ❌ Not on-site | ❌ Not on-site | ✅ Available |
| Dog Friendly | ✅ On-lead | ✅ On-lead | ✅ Check conditions |
| Large Rig Access | ✅ Yes — flat sealed | ✅ Yes — sealed access | ✅ Most sites accommodate |
| Mobile Signal | ✅ Telstra 4G in town | ⚠️ Reduced — check | ✅ Telstra 4G in town |
| Walking Distance to Town | ✅ Yes — short walk | ❌ 15 km by road | ✅ Yes — short walk |
| Laundry | ❌ None | ❌ None | ✅ On-site machines |
Dump Points and Water Fill in Ceduna
Sorting your waste and water tanks in Ceduna is not optional before the Nullarbor — it’s essential planning. The roadhouses west of Ceduna do have dump points and water (Penong, Nundroo, Nullarbor, Border Village), but they cannot be relied upon for high volume or convenience, and a $5 dump point fee can become $20 out on the plain.
Dump Point — Ceduna Caravan Park
South Terrace, Ceduna SA 5690. The most reliable dump point in town. Non-guests can use it for a small fee — phone ahead to confirm access (08 8625 2290). Available during staffed hours.
Dump Point — Ceduna Waste Transfer Station
A second dump point is available at the Ceduna Waste Transfer Station on the outskirts of town. Check opening hours with the Ceduna District Council (08 8625 1150) as these vary. Free to use during open hours.
Water Fill
Fill your water tanks completely at Ceduna. The caravan park can fill tanks for guests. Many travellers also use the town water at the foreshore toilets for incidental needs, but do not rely on this for your main fill. Carry a minimum of 80–100 litres for a couple crossing the Nullarbor — more if you have medical needs, pets or travel in summer.
Fuel — Last Reliable Stop Before the Nullarbor
Ceduna is your last guaranteed access to competitive fuel prices before the Nullarbor Plain. Once you cross west of Penong (76 km west of Ceduna), fuel is available only at roadhouses where prices can be 40–60 cents per litre higher than in town — and availability of LPG is far from guaranteed.
Fuel in Ceduna
| Fuel Type | Available in Ceduna? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unleaded (ULP 91) | ✅ Yes | Multiple outlets — BP, United, OTR |
| Premium Unleaded (95/98) | ✅ Yes | Available at main outlets |
| Diesel | ✅ Yes | Fill completely — carry a jerry can west |
| LPG (autogas) | ✅ Yes — in town | Last reliable LPG before Norseman WA. Fill completely. |
| LPG Swap-and-Go Bottles | ✅ Yes — Foodland/Hardware | Carry a spare 9 kg bottle minimum |
| AdBlue (DEF) | ✅ Yes — service stations | Check your modern diesel rig’s requirements |
Fuel Costs — Budget Guide
As a rough guide, expect to pay 15–25 cents per litre more at Nullarbor roadhouses than you would in Ceduna. On a 120-litre diesel fill, that’s $18–$30 extra per fill. Over three or four roadhouse stops, the difference adds up. Fill to the brim in Ceduna and carry a 20-litre jerry can of diesel if your rig allows it — legally and safely stored externally.
Ceduna Hospital — Last Full Emergency Department Before Eucla
🏥 Ceduna District Health Services
Address: 4 McKenzie Street, Ceduna SA 5690
Phone (Emergency / General): 08 8626 2300
Emergency: 000 (ambulance response covers Ceduna and surrounding area)
Services: Full Emergency Department, inpatient ward, general outpatient clinics, pharmacy access, visiting specialist services
Distance from foreshore: Approximately 1.2 km — short drive or accessible taxi
Ceduna District Health Services operates a genuine Emergency Department — not just a clinic or first aid post. This matters enormously for senior travellers, because once you leave Ceduna heading west, the next facility with comparable emergency capacity is the Eucla Roadhouse (emergency contacts only — no hospital) and then Norseman Hospital in WA, approximately 720 kilometres west of Ceduna.
The roadhouses on the Nullarbor have first aid kits and staff who can call for Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) assistance, but they cannot treat cardiac events, strokes, significant falls, or acute chest pain. If you or your travelling partner has a serious medical condition or is in a medically vulnerable period, have an honest conversation with your GP before leaving Ceduna — not after you’ve passed Penong.
RFDS — Royal Flying Doctor Service
The RFDS covers the Nullarbor and can be contacted via satellite or EPIRB activation. Their base closest to the western SA/WA border is in Port Augusta. Response times depend heavily on weather, availability and the nature of the emergency — it is not a substitute for arriving in Ceduna in good health and well-rested. Read more about managing health on long remote drives in our grey nomad safety tips guide.
Pharmacy in Ceduna
There is a pharmacy in Ceduna — Ceduna Amcal Pharmacy on Poynton Street. Stock up on any over-the-counter medications you use regularly: pain relief, antihistamines, blister treatments, antacids, rehydration sachets, and any dressings or bandages. The roadhouses carry very limited pharmacy stock at very high prices.
Mobile Coverage — What Drops West of Ceduna
Ceduna town has reliable Telstra 4G mobile coverage. Optus and Vodafone also have coverage in town but their networks deteriorate rapidly west of Ceduna. For all practical purposes on the Nullarbor, only Telstra has any meaningful presence — and even Telstra’s coverage is patchy to nonexistent across large sections of the plain.
| Location | Telstra | Optus | Vodafone / TPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceduna (town) | ✅ 4G | ✅ 4G | ✅ 4G |
| Denial Bay (15 km east) | ⚠️ Reduced 4G | ⚠️ Patchy | ❌ Limited |
| Penong (76 km west) | ⚠️ Spot coverage | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Nundroo Roadhouse | ⚠️ Spot — varies | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Nullarbor Roadhouse | ⚠️ Spot — varies | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Border Village (SA/WA) | ⚠️ Spot coverage | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Eucla (WA) | ⚠️ Limited Telstra | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Norseman (WA) | ✅ Returns — 4G | ⚠️ Limited | ⚠️ Limited |
Satellite Communication — Strongly Recommended
For senior travellers doing the Nullarbor, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is the absolute minimum. If your budget allows, a Garmin inReach satellite communicator or Zoleo device allows two-way text messaging and GPS tracking anywhere on the plain — your family can see where you are, and you can send them a message from the middle of the Nullarbor to say you’re safe. This is not an extravagance for seniors — it is genuine peace of mind for you and the people at home who love you.
Nullarbor Crossing Preparation Checklist
The Nullarbor is entirely driveable for grey nomads in good rigs — hundreds of caravans and motorhomes cross it every year without incident. But preparation is the difference between a memorable adventure and a frightening ordeal. Use this checklist the morning you leave Ceduna.
- Fuel tank topped up completely in Ceduna — diesel, ULP or LPG as applicable
- LPG bottles full — both main tank and spare bottle if fitted
- Jerry can of fuel (diesel or ULP) filled and correctly stored externally
- Fresh water tanks 100% full — minimum 80–100 litres for two people
- Additional sealed drinking water — 10–20 litres minimum
- Toilet cassette emptied and flushed at Ceduna dump point
- All prescription medications — minimum 14 days supply carried
- First aid kit checked and restocked
- PLB or satellite communicator charged and activated
- Offline maps downloaded for Ceduna to Norseman
- Family or friend notified of departure time and planned itinerary
- Tyre pressures checked — all tyres including caravan/van spare
- Caravan hitch, safety chains, brakes and lights all checked
- Wheel bearings confirmed — any heat or noise dealt with before departure
- Engine oil, coolant and power steering fluid levels checked
- Grocery shop done at Foodland Ceduna — 5–7 days of food minimum
- Cash on hand — some Nullarbor roadhouses prefer cash or have EFTPOS issues
- Travel insurance documents downloaded offline or printed
- Weather forecast checked — avoid crossing in extreme heat above 38°C if possible
- Vehicle cooling system confirmed working — do not attempt crossing with any cooling concerns
- Told someone your planned overnight stops and expected WA arrival date
Head of Bight — Southern Right Whale Watching
🐋 Head of Bight Whale Watching — Key Facts
Location: Approximately 195 km west of Ceduna via Eyre Highway, then 12 km south on unsealed road
Season: May to October — peak is typically July and August
Species: Southern Right Whales — females calve here annually in large numbers
Entry Fee: Applies — Yalata Anangu Aboriginal Land — fee paid at the interpretive centre
Facilities: Interpretive centre, toilets, sealed car park, accessible viewing platform (some steps involved — limited wheelchair access to top viewing areas)
Road access: Sealed highway to the turnoff — 12 km of unsealed gravel to the site. Generally suitable for caravans in dry conditions. Detach if you’re nervous or if the road is wet.
Head of Bight is one of the most significant whale nursery sites in the Southern Hemisphere. Southern Right Whales migrate from sub-Antarctic waters to the sheltered bight each winter to give birth and nurse their calves in the shallow, protected waters. At peak season you can see dozens of whales from the cliffs — mothers, calves, courting groups — close enough to observe clearly with the naked eye.
For senior grey nomads, this is a genuinely world-class wildlife experience that requires no hiking, no exertion and no specialist equipment. The viewing platforms on the clifftops are accessible from the car park. Take binoculars for the best experience. Allow at least 90 minutes — most people end up staying much longer than planned.
Nearby Nullarbor Cliffs
Even without whales, the Nullarbor coastal cliffs between the SA/WA border and Head of Bight are extraordinary. The longest uninterrupted line of coastal cliffs in the world — rising 60–90 metres above the Southern Ocean. Several signposted lookouts off the Eyre Highway require only a short, flat walk from the car park. All are fully accessible for most seniors.
Things to Do for Seniors in and Around Ceduna
Ceduna is a working town rather than a tourist destination, but it has a handful of genuinely worthwhile stops for senior travellers — particularly those with an interest in Indigenous culture, coastal history or birdwatching.
Ceduna Foreshore Walk
The foreshore along South Terrace and the jetty precinct is flat, sealed and pleasant for an early morning or evening walk. The old Ceduna Jetty is worth a look — it’s one of the longer remaining jetties on the Eyre Peninsula and offers views back across Murat Bay. Distance from the caravan park to the jetty and back is approximately 1.5–2 km — manageable for most seniors at a gentle pace.
Ceduna Aboriginal Culture Centre
Located in the town centre, the Ceduna Aboriginal Culture Centre (also known as the Ceduna Oystercatcher) is the main cultural tourism hub for the region. It hosts artwork, cultural displays, local history and guided information about the Yalata Anangu and West Coast Lands people of the Eyre Peninsula. Entry is low-cost. This is a respectful and genuinely informative stop — not a tourist trap. Opening hours vary; confirm by phoning ahead (08 8625 2487).
Murat Bay Birdwatching
The tidal flats and mangroves around Murat Bay are excellent for shorebirds, particularly during migration season (September–November). Species regularly seen include Banded Stilts, Red-necked Avocets, Pied Oystercatchers and a range of waders. The foreshore is accessible and flat — binoculars are the only equipment needed.
Ceduna Bakery and Seafood
The Ceduna Bakery on Poynton Street is a genuine regional institution. The pie selection is excellent and the coffee is reliable. For seafood, Ceduna is famous for oysters — particularly Smoky Bay oysters grown approximately 45 km south of town. The Ceduna Oyster Bar near the foreshore sells local oysters fresh. If you eat oysters, this is a genuine unmissable local experience.
Smoky Bay — 45 km South of Ceduna
A short detour south on the sealed Smoky Bay Road brings you to the small fishing town of Smoky Bay — home to the oyster farming industry and a quiet foreshore with basic facilities. Some grey nomads camp here overnight rather than at Ceduna itself. The access road is sealed and the bay is sheltered and beautiful. Add 90 minutes to your Ceduna stop if you want to include it.
Best Time of Year to Visit Ceduna
| Season | Conditions | Nullarbor Suitability | Notes for Seniors |
|---|---|---|---|
| May–June | Cooling, 15–22°C, minimal wind | ✅ Excellent | Whale season begins. Ideal for the crossing. Quiet foreshore. |
| July–August | Cool to mild, 12–18°C | ✅ Excellent | Peak whale season at Head of Bight. Foreshore can fill with travellers. Book park if needed. |
| September–October | Warming, 18–26°C | ✅ Very good | Whale season ends October. Wildflowers on Eyre Peninsula. Excellent touring weather. |
| November–December | Warming rapidly, 25–35°C | ⚠️ Manageable — plan carefully | Heat building. Cross early mornings. Ensure vehicle cooling is perfect. |
| January–February | Hot — 35–45°C possible | ❌ Strongly discouraged for seniors | Dangerous heat. Tyre blowout risk rises. Medical risk for seniors. Avoid if possible. |
| March–April | Cooling, 22–30°C | ✅ Good | Post-summer heat easing. Fewer travellers. Good foreshore availability. |
If you’re working your way through South Australia from the east and want to time your arrival in Ceduna well, the rest areas South Australia guide maps the stops from the Victorian border all the way through. From the Riverland area, the Riverland SA free camping guide covers the Murray-side country before you head west. And if you’re coming up from the coast via Victor Harbor, the free camping near Victor Harbor SA guide is a useful companion for that section of the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ceduna foreshore parking genuinely free?
Yes, as of early 2026 there are no fees charged for overnight parking on the Ceduna foreshore along South Terrace. It is an informal arrangement that has been tolerated for many years. However, there are no signs explicitly permitting it — always check for new signage on arrival. If in doubt, use Ceduna Caravan Park for one night rather than risk a fine or request to move at 11 pm.
How far is the nearest dump point to the Ceduna foreshore?
The closest dump point is at Ceduna Caravan Park on South Terrace — approximately 800 metres from the main foreshore parking area. Non-guests can use it for a small fee. The Ceduna Waste Transfer Station also has a dump point — check opening hours with the district council (08 8625 1150).
What is the Nullarbor crossing distance and how long does it take?
From Ceduna to Norseman WA is approximately 1,200 kilometres. At a comfortable senior pace of 250–350 km per day, plan for three to four days. Most travellers stop overnight at roadhouses — Nundroo, Nullarbor Roadhouse, Border Village and Eucla are common overnight stops. Do not attempt to rush the crossing in one or two days — fatigue on featureless flat roads is a serious risk.
Is the Eyre Highway (Nullarbor) sealed all the way?
Yes. The Eyre Highway is fully sealed from Ceduna to Norseman. There are no unsealed sections on the main highway. The road surface is generally good but can have rough sections, especially approaching and leaving South Australia. The Head of Bight access road (12 km from the highway) is unsealed gravel.
Can I take fresh fruit and vegetables across the SA/WA border?
No. Western Australia has strict quarantine laws protecting its fruit and vegetable industries. There is a quarantine checkpoint at the SA/WA border (Border Village area). Fresh fruit, vegetables, honey, plants and some other produce cannot be taken into WA. Consume or dispose of all fresh produce before the checkpoint. Inspectors are thorough. Use up your fresh food in the days before you reach the border.
Is there an ATM in Ceduna?
Yes. There are ATMs at the major banks in Ceduna town centre (Commonwealth, ANZ, NAB). Withdraw cash before leaving — some Nullarbor roadhouses have EFTPOS but connectivity issues can make card payments unreliable. Carry at least $200–$300 in cash for the crossing.
Are dogs allowed at the Ceduna foreshore?
Dogs on leads are generally welcome on the foreshore. There are no specific off-lead areas confirmed in the immediate foreshore precinct. Dogs are not permitted inside the Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Take water for your dog — the foreshore is exposed and warm. Denial Bay foreshore is a quieter, more dog-friendly environment for overnight stays.
Can I get a GP appointment in Ceduna before the crossing?
Yes. Ceduna District Health Services (08 8626 2300) can advise on GP appointments, which are available through the community health centre. If you have a specific medical concern that may affect your safety on the crossing, call ahead and book. Allow at least 24–48 hours if possible — rural GP availability can be limited.
What groceries should I stock up on in Ceduna?
Foodland Ceduna on McKenzie Street is your main supermarket. It has a good range including fresh meat, dairy, produce and a reasonable pantry selection. Stock for 5–7 days. Key items: bread (or bread mix if you bake), UHT milk, tinned goods, fresh fruit you’ll consume before the WA border, dried pasta, rice, condiments, snacks, and plenty of water. The roadhouses sell groceries but at significantly inflated prices — a $2 tin of baked beans can cost $5 on the plain.
Our Verdict — Ceduna for Grey Nomads 2026
Ceduna is not a destination in the conventional tourist sense — it is a strategic and genuinely critical waypoint for every senior grey nomad heading west across the Nullarbor. The free foreshore overnight options are perfectly adequate for a one or two night stay. The facilities in town are solid, the hospital is a real emergency department, the fuel is available at competitive prices, and the local character — particularly the oysters, the cultural centre and the coastal birdlife — is worth slowing down for rather than rushing through.
- ✅ Use the foreshore or Denial Bay for free overnight stays
- ✅ Do your dump, fill water completely, top up all fuel before leaving
- ✅ Call or visit Ceduna Hospital if anything medically uncertain before departure
- ✅ Download offline maps, charge your PLB, and notify family of your itinerary
- ✅ If it’s May–October, do not skip Head of Bight — it is exceptional
- ✅ Cross in cool months (May–September) if you have any flexibility in your schedule
- ⚠️ Don’t leave town with anything less than full fuel, full water and a rested driver
The Nullarbor crossing is one of Australia’s great journeys — and arriving in Norseman having done it well, safely, and on your own terms is a genuinely proud moment for any grey nomad. Ceduna is where that crossing begins. Treat it accordingly.
Related Guides You May Find Useful
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- Riverland SA free camping — Murray region guide
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- Free camping near Victor Harbor SA
- Grey nomad safety tips — health, comms and remote travel
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- Melbourne to South Australia rest areas — complete guide