Herron Point Rest Area — Free Riverside Camping for Senior Grey Nomads in 2026

Herron Point Rest Area is one of the most popular free camping spots near Mandurah in Western Australia, sitting right on the banks of the Murray River

FREE CAMPING GUIDE — LAST UPDATED JULY 2026

Herron Point Rest Area — Free Riverside Camping for Senior Grey Nomads in 2026

By the retiretovanlife.com team — senior van life travellers who have camped this site  |  Updated July 2026

Herron Point Rest Area is one of the most popular free camping spots near Mandurah in Western Australia, sitting right on the banks of the Murray River inside the Yalgorup National Park corridor. For grey nomads travelling south of Perth or working their way along the coast, Herron Point offers something rare in 2026 — a genuinely free, scenic riverside camp with toilets, just over an hour from the city. But “free” does not mean “easy for seniors,” and this guide covers every detail you need before you commit to the turnoff.

📋 Herron Point Rest Area — At a Glance (2026)
Location Herron Point Road, Herron WA 6211
GPS -32.6080, 115.7045
Cost Free — no booking required
Stay Limit 24 hours (DBCA enforced)
Toilets Drop toilet (pit toilet) — no flush
Showers ❌ None
Power ❌ None — fully self-contained only
Water ❌ No potable water — bring your own
Dump Point ❌ Not on-site — nearest at Mandurah
Fires No open fires — gas stoves only
Dogs ✅ Dogs allowed — must be on lead
Phone Signal Telstra — patchy 1–2 bars. Optus — weak to nil.
Permit Required? No — free rest area, no booking or parks pass needed
Nearest Hospital Peel Health Campus, Mandurah — approx. 20 km — 08 9531 1111
Best For Self-contained grey nomads wanting a quiet, free overnight stop near Mandurah

 

Table of Contents

 

1. Herron Point and the Murray River: Why Grey Nomads Stop Here

If you are heading south from Perth or north from Bunbury on the Old Coast Road, Herron Point Rest Area sits quietly off the highway on the banks of the Murray River — one of the few free riverside camps this close to a regional centre in 2026. For senior travellers who are living in retirement on the road, this is a genuine money-saving stop that puts you within 20 km of Mandurah’s shops, hospital, and services.

The appeal is simple: you park among the paperbark trees, the river is right there, pelicans drift past in the morning, and you have not paid a cent. It is managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) as a rest area within the broader Yalgorup National Park corridor. No booking. No parks pass required for the rest area itself. Just pull in, find a spot, and set up.

But here is the honest truth most blogs will not tell you — Herron Point is a basic bush camp, and it comes with real limitations that matter more to a 70-year-old with a CPAP machine than to a 30-year-old in a rooftop tent. This guide covers every one of them.

 

2. Herron Point Rest Area — Beautiful, But Honestly Hard for Some Seniors

Herron Point photographs beautifully. Paperbark trees, mirror-still river, pelicans at dawn. The photos circulating on Facebook groups make it look like a five-star riverside retreat. And in some ways it is — for fully self-contained travellers who know what they are walking into.

Here are the five things that genuinely make Herron Point hard for seniors:

  • No power at all. If you rely on a CPAP machine and do not have a lithium battery system, you cannot safely sleep here. There is no generator-friendly culture here either — the sites are close together and it is a quiet nature camp.
  • No potable water. You must arrive with full tanks. The river water is not drinkable. The nearest reliable water fill is in Mandurah, about 20 km away.
  • Pit toilet only. The drop toilet is basic and can be unpleasant in summer heat. There are no showers. If you have mobility issues or use a walker, the uneven ground between sites and the toilet can be difficult, especially at night.
  • Soft sand and uneven ground. Some areas of Herron Point have soft sandy patches that can bog a heavy caravan. The ground is uneven in places, making it hard to level up. Not all spots are suitable for large rigs.
  • Patchy phone signal. Telstra gives you 1–2 bars on a good day. Optus is often nil. If you have a medical emergency at 2am, you may not be able to make a call from your site. You need a plan beyond “call triple zero.”
⚠️ Weekend Warning: Herron Point gets busy on Friday and Saturday nights with younger campers, groups, and sometimes noisy parties. If you are a solo senior or a couple wanting a quiet overnight, aim for a Tuesday–Thursday arrival. By Friday afternoon the best spots are taken and noise levels rise significantly.

 

3. Your Two Main Options Side by Side

Most grey nomads passing through this area are choosing between Herron Point (free) and a powered caravan park in Mandurah (paid). Here is the honest comparison:

Feature Herron Point Rest Area (Free) Mandurah Caravan Park (Paid)
Cost Free From ~$40–$55/night powered
Booking Required No Yes — recommended in peak
240V Power ❌ None ✅ Yes
Potable Water ❌ None — BYO ✅ On tap
Toilets Pit toilet only ✅ Flush toilets + hot showers
Dump Point ❌ Not on-site ✅ On-site
Dogs ✅ On lead Check with park — varies
Phone Signal ⚠️ Patchy Telstra, weak Optus ✅ Full coverage + Wi-Fi
Stay Limit 24 hours No limit (book extended stays)
Medical Proximity ~20 km to Peel Health Campus ~5 km to hospital
Senior Verdict Great for one night if self-contained. Not ideal for extended stays or CPAP users. ← Senior Recommended for stays over one night

 

4. Herron Point Rest Area: Riverside Setting and Proximity to Mandurah

Herron Point Rest Area is located at the end of Herron Point Road, off the Old Coast Road, in the small locality of Herron, Western Australia. The rest area sits on the eastern bank of the Murray River, about 20 km south of Mandurah CBD. It is managed by DBCA (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions) and falls within the Yalgorup National Park corridor, though the rest area itself does not require a national parks pass.

Address: Herron Point Road, Herron WA 6211
GPS: -32.6080, 115.7045
Cost: Free
Stay Limit: 24 hours
Managed by: DBCA — www.dbca.wa.gov.au
Permit / Parks Pass: Not required for the rest area

The site has room for approximately 10–15 vehicles depending on size. Larger rigs can fit, but you need to be selective about which spots you take — some are tight with overhanging branches and soft sandy edges. The best spots for caravans are the hardened gravel areas closest to the river.

✅ Senior Tip: Arrive before 2pm on weekdays to get a level, firm spot near the river with shade. By late afternoon — especially in school holidays — the best spots are taken. If you arrive and everything is full, head to the Lake Clifton Rest Area (15 km south) as a backup.

Nearest Hospital: Peel Health Campus, 110 Lakes Road, Mandurah WA 6210. GPS: -32.5235, 115.7470. Phone: 08 9531 1111. Distance from Herron Point: approximately 20 km (about 20 minutes drive).

 

5. How to Get to Herron Point Rest Area

From Perth (southbound): Take the Kwinana Freeway south, which becomes the Forrest Highway. Exit onto the Old Coast Road heading south towards Lake Clifton. After approximately 15 km on the Old Coast Road past the Mandurah turnoff, look for Herron Point Road on your right (west side). Turn right and follow Herron Point Road for approximately 3.5 km to the end. The road is sealed for most of the distance, with the last section becoming compacted gravel. Total from Perth CBD: approximately 95 km / 1 hour 15 minutes.

From Bunbury (northbound): Head north on the Old Coast Road from Australind/Harvey. After passing Lake Clifton, look for Herron Point Road on your left. Approximately 85 km / 1 hour.

⚠️ Access Warning for Large Rigs: The last 500 metres of Herron Point Road narrows and has soft sandy edges. If you are towing a caravan over 20 feet, take it slowly and stay on the compacted centre. Do not attempt to pull off the road to let oncoming vehicles pass — you will bog in soft sand. Wait for the other vehicle to find a firm spot to pull over.
✅ Senior Tip: Download the offline Google Maps area covering Mandurah to Lake Clifton before you leave phone signal. If you miss the Herron Point Road turnoff, the next opportunity to turn around with a caravan is about 3 km further south at a wide shoulder.

 

6. What to Expect on Arrival at Herron Point Rest Area

When you arrive at the end of Herron Point Road, you will see a small clearing with a DBCA sign indicating the rest area rules. The camping area spreads out along the riverbank under mature paperbark trees (melaleucas). There are no marked sites — it is informal, first-come first-served.

Here is what you will find:

  • Pit toilet: One drop toilet (long-drop) located in the camping area. Basic but serviceable. No lighting at night — bring a torch. No grab rails.
  • Picnic tables: A few weathered timber picnic tables scattered around the area.
  • No bins: This is a “leave no trace” site. You take all rubbish with you.
  • No defined sites: You park where you can find a flat, firm area. Some spots along the river are beautiful but have soft sand underneath — test before you commit.
  • Boat ramp: There is a basic boat ramp at Herron Point used by local fishermen. This means vehicle traffic at dawn and dusk, especially on weekends.

The atmosphere is peaceful on weekdays — pelicans on the river, birdsong from the paperbarks, and very few people. On weekends it transforms into a busy recreation area with day visitors, kayakers, and sometimes groups who stay late and get loud.

 

7. Fires, Generators and Noise Rules at Herron Point Rest Area

Fires: No open fires are permitted at Herron Point Rest Area. This is a DBCA-managed site within a bushfire-prone area. Gas stoves and portable gas BBQs are allowed. During total fire ban days (common November–March), check the DFES website before lighting any gas appliance outdoors.

Generators: There is no formal generator ban, but the sites are close together and the area is valued for its quiet riverside setting. Running a generator will not make you popular with neighbouring campers. If you must run one, keep it to daylight hours only and for the minimum time needed. Many grey nomads here rely on solar panels and lithium batteries instead.

Noise: Quiet hours are not formally posted, but DBCA rangers do patrol and can issue move-on notices for disruptive behaviour. If you are camping midweek, you will generally have a very quiet experience. Weekends — especially long weekends — are a different story.

⚠️ Fire Ban Check: Before lighting any gas stove or BBQ outdoors between November and March, check the DFES Total Fire Ban status at www.emergency.wa.gov.au. Fines for breaching a total fire ban in WA are severe and can exceed $25,000.

 

8. What Herron Point Rest Area Doesn’t Tell You Online

There is almost no official online information about Herron Point beyond a dot on a DBCA map. Here are the insider details that matter for seniors:

  • Mosquitoes are fierce. The Murray River and surrounding paperbarks create perfect mosquito breeding conditions. From October to April, the mosquitoes at dusk are relentless. Bring heavy-duty repellent and a screened awning. If you are sensitive to bites or on blood thinners, this is a genuine health consideration — not just an annoyance.
  • The ground is not level. Very few spots at Herron Point are naturally level. Bring levelling ramps and chocks. If you are a solo traveller who struggles with levelling a heavy caravan, this camp will test your patience.
  • No lighting at night. The toilet has no light. The campground has no lights. After dark, you need a good head torch to walk anywhere safely. For seniors with balance concerns, the walk from your van to the toilet over uneven ground in the dark is a falls risk.
  • The 24-hour limit is enforced. DBCA rangers do patrol this site, especially during peak periods and long weekends. If you overstay, you may receive an infringement notice. Plan to arrive mid-afternoon and leave by mid-afternoon the next day.
  • Fishing is popular but crowded at the ramp. If you are travelling with a kayak or small tinny, the boat ramp at Herron Point gives you access to the Murray River. But on weekends the ramp is busy with local boaters from early morning.
✅ Solo Traveller Tip: If you are a solo senior, park near the entrance so you have a clear exit route. The river-end spots are beautiful but you can be boxed in if a large group parks behind you. Having a clear exit gives peace of mind, especially if noise becomes an issue at night.

 

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9. Van Life Savings Spots: Free and Low-Cost Camping Near Mandurah

Use the Van Life Savings Spots app to find free and low-cost camping across Australia. Try asking the AI: “Find free overnight camping near Mandurah WA for a caravan” or “Where can I camp for free near the Murray River south of Perth?”

Here are the main free and low-cost options near Herron Point in 2026:

Site Name Cost Address / Postcode GPS Distance from Herron Point Senior Verdict
Herron Point Rest Area Free Herron Point Rd, Herron WA 6211 -32.6080, 115.7045 — Good for 1 night if self-contained. No power, no water.
Lake Clifton Rest Area Free Old Coast Road, Lake Clifton WA 6215 -32.7510, 115.6530 ~18 km south Roadside pull-off. Very basic. No toilet. Better as day stop than overnight for seniors.
Lakelands Rest Area (northbound) Free Forrest Highway, Lakelands WA 6180 -32.4825, 115.7650 ~18 km north Highway rest stop only. No overnight camping. Good for a break before heading to Herron Point.
Dwellingup Camp (Lane Poole Reserve) $11/adult/night (parks pass + fee) Nanga Road, Dwellingup WA 6213 -32.7135, 116.0580 ~45 km east Beautiful riverside, but requires DBCA parks pass + online booking. Pit toilets. More remote.
⚠️ Rules Change Without Notice: DBCA can change overnight stay rules, close sites for maintenance, or implement seasonal closures at any time. Always check current status before driving to a free camp. Use the Van Life Savings Spots app for the latest reports from other travellers.

 

9b. Dump Points — Before, On-Site and After Herron Point Rest Area

🗑️ Dump Point Location Address / Postcode GPS Notes
Before — Mandurah Mandurah Visitor Centre Dump Point 75 Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah WA 6210 -32.5295, 115.7225 Free public dump point. Easy access. Water rinse available. ~20 km north of Herron Point.
On-Site Herron Point Rest Area — — ❌ No dump point on-site.
After — Harvey Harvey Visitor Centre Dump Point South Western Highway, Harvey WA 6220 -33.0810, 115.8935 Free public dump point. ~55 km south if heading towards Bunbury.

 

9c. Free Water — Before, On-Site and After Herron Point Rest Area

💧 Water Point Location Address / Postcode GPS Notes
Before — Mandurah Mandurah Visitor Centre 75 Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah WA 6210 -32.5295, 115.7225 Free potable water tap near dump point. Fill up here before heading south.
On-Site Herron Point Rest Area — — ❌ No potable water on-site.
After — Harvey Harvey Visitor Centre South Western Highway, Harvey WA 6220 -33.0810, 115.8935 Free water tap available at the visitor centre.

 

10. Mandurah Caravan and Tourist Park: The Powered Alternative for Grey Nomads

If Herron Point’s lack of power, water, and facilities is a dealbreaker — and for many seniors it genuinely should be — the closest full-service caravan park is the Mandurah Caravan and Tourist Park.

Address: 371 Old Coast Road, Mandurah WA 6210
GPS: -32.5565, 115.7185
Phone: 08 9535 2761
Website: www.mandurahcaravanpark.com.au

This park offers powered sites, hot showers, flush toilets, a camp kitchen, dump point, laundry, and full Telstra and Optus coverage. It is approximately 8 km north of Herron Point and sits right on the Old Coast Road for easy access with large rigs. For seniors wanting to extend their stay, this is the smarter option — especially if you use a CPAP machine or want reliable phone signal for medical peace of mind.

✅ Senior Strategy: Stay one night at Herron Point for the free riverside experience, then move to Mandurah Caravan and Tourist Park for a proper powered stay with hot showers and a dump point. You get the best of both worlds — the bush camp memory and the comfort you actually need.

 

11. Full Facilities Comparison

Facility Herron Point (Free) Mandurah Caravan Park (Paid) Lane Poole Reserve (Low-Cost)
240V Power ❌ ✅ ❌
Flush Toilets ❌ Pit toilet ✅ ❌ Pit toilet
Hot Showers ❌ ✅ ❌
Dump Point ❌ ✅ ❌
Potable Water ❌ ✅ ❌
Dogs ✅ On lead Check with park ✅ On lead in some areas
Wi-Fi ❌ ✅ ❌
Phone Coverage ⚠️ Patchy Telstra ✅ Full ⚠️ Patchy
Medical Proximity ~20 km ~5 km ~50 km
Senior Overall ⭐⭐⭐ (one night only) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ← Senior Pick ⭐⭐⭐ (if self-contained)

 

12. Monthly Weather and Best Time to Camp at Herron Point Rest Area

Month Avg Max °C Avg Min °C Rain Days Senior Camping Verdict
January 31 17 2 ⚠️ Hot, mosquitoes heavy, fire risk high
February 31 17 2 ⚠️ Same as January — avoid if heat-sensitive
March 29 16 3 Warming down — OK for a night
April 25 13 5 ✅ Excellent — warm days, cool nights
May 21 11 8 ✅ Great — fewer mosquitoes, quiet
June 18 9 11 Cold and wet — area can get boggy
July 17 8 12 Wettest month — ground soft, river high
August 18 8 11 ⚠️ Wildflowers start — but still wet underfoot
September 20 9 8 ✅ Wildflowers peak — spring camping ideal
October 22 11 5 ✅ Best month — warm, dry, wildflowers
November 25 13 3 Good — getting warmer, mosquitoes return
December 29 15 3 ⚠️ Hot, busy with school holiday crowds
✅ Best Time for Seniors: April–May and September–October are the sweet spot. Warm enough to enjoy the riverside, cool enough to sleep comfortably, fewer mosquitoes, and far fewer weekend crowds than summer.

 

13. Wildlife and Birdlife at Herron Point Rest Area

Herron Point sits in a biodiversity corridor between the Murray River and the Yalgorup lakes system. Even from your camp chair, you are likely to see:

  • Australian Pelicans — often floating past at dawn and dusk. The Murray River here is a regular pelican haunt.
  • Black Swans — common on the river, especially in autumn and winter.
  • Western Grey Kangaroos — you will see them in the surrounding bush, particularly at dawn. They sometimes graze right through the campground.
  • Splendid Fairy-wrens — small, electric-blue birds darting through the paperbark understorey.
  • Rainbow Bee-eaters — present during summer, often perching on dead branches near the river.
  • Sacred Kingfishers — watch for them along the riverbank.
  • Dolphins — the Murray River estuary supports bottlenose dolphins. They have been spotted as far upstream as Herron Point, particularly in summer.

In spring (September–October), the Yalgorup area is known for wildflower displays. The tuart forest and paperbark woodland surrounding Herron Point produce native orchids, kangaroo paws, and various banksias. The Lake Clifton thrombolites (living rock structures) are just 18 km south and are unique to this part of Western Australia.

⚠️ Snake Warning: Tiger snakes and dugites are present in the paperbark and grassland areas around Herron Point, especially October–March. Watch where you step — particularly when walking to the toilet at night. Wear enclosed shoes, carry a torch, and keep your campsite clear of food scraps that attract mice (which attract snakes).

 

14. Safety and Emergency Plan for Seniors at Herron Point Rest Area

Herron Point is not remote by outback standards — you are 20 km from Mandurah and 95 km from Perth. But for a senior with a medical emergency at 2am, 20 km with patchy phone signal feels very remote. Here is your emergency plan:

Emergency Action Details
Medical Emergency Call 000 (if you have signal) Drive to Peel Health Campus: 110 Lakes Road, Mandurah WA 6210. GPS: -32.5235, 115.7470. Phone: 08 9531 1111. ~20 km / 20 min.
No Phone Signal Drive 3.5 km to Old Coast Road Telstra signal improves significantly once you reach the Old Coast Road. You can also flag down a passing vehicle — the road is well-trafficked during daylight.
Snake Bite Pressure immobilisation bandage, do not wash, call 000 Drive directly to Peel Health Campus. Do not wait. Apply bandage firmly from the bite site up the limb. Keep patient still.
Fire Evacuate immediately via Herron Point Road to Old Coast Road The area is surrounded by bushland. In a bushfire, do not stay. Drive north on the Old Coast Road towards Mandurah. Monitor ABC Radio 720 AM for emergency updates.

Nearest Pharmacy: Peel Pharmacy, Mandurah Forum Shopping Centre, 330 Pinjarra Road, Mandurah WA 6210. GPS: -32.5340, 115.7430. Approximately 20 km from Herron Point.

✅ Before You Arrive: Save the Peel Health Campus address and GPS to your phone AND write it on paper in your glovebox. If your phone is flat at 2am, you need to know where you are going. Also tell a family member or friend where you are camping tonight — Herron Point has no check-in system and no manager on-site.

 

15. What Grey Nomads Say About Herron Point Rest Area

Feedback from senior travellers who have camped at Herron Point in 2025–2026 consistently mentions these themes:

What They Loved What They Warned About
“Pelicans right outside the van at sunrise — magic.” “Mosquitoes ate us alive after 5pm. Should have brought the mesh screen.”
“Quiet midweek — we had the place almost to ourselves.” “Weekend was chaos — young kids, loud music, couldn’t sleep.”
“Perfect one-night stop between Perth and the South West.” “Nearly bogged the caravan in soft sand trying to get a river-front spot.”
“Free, dog-friendly, and the river is beautiful.” “Toilet was disgusting in summer. Use your own if you have one.”
“Great for birdwatching — saw kingfishers and fairy-wrens.” “Phone signal was unreliable. Couldn’t make a call from our spot.”

 

16. The Murray River Day Plan for Seniors

Time Activity Location / GPS
7:00 AM Morning birdwatch from camp chair — pelicans, swans, kingfishers Herron Point riverbank. GPS: -32.6080, 115.7045
8:30 AM Pack up camp (24-hour limit), drive to Lake Clifton Thrombolites boardwalk Mt John Road, Lake Clifton WA 6215. GPS: -32.7465, 115.6395
9:30 AM Walk the thrombolites boardwalk (200m return, flat, wheelchair-accessible) Same location — free entry, no permit required
10:30 AM Drive to Mandurah for coffee and waterfront walk Mandurah Boardwalk, Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah WA 6210. GPS: -32.5290, 115.7215
12:00 PM Lunch at Mandurah — fish and chips or café at the marina Mandurah Ocean Marina, Ormsby Terrace, Mandurah WA 6210. GPS: -32.5350, 115.7175
1:30 PM Dump point and water fill at Mandurah Visitor Centre 75 Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah WA 6210. GPS: -32.5295, 115.7225
2:30 PM Continue journey south or check into Mandurah Caravan Park for a powered stay 371 Old Coast Road, Mandurah WA 6210. GPS: -32.5565, 115.7185
✅ Entry Fee Note: The Lake Clifton Thrombolites boardwalk is free to visit — no parks pass or entry fee required. The boardwalk is flat and wheelchair-accessible. It is one of the few places in the world where you can see living thrombolites (ancient microbial rock structures). Allow 30–45 minutes.

 

17. Senior Checklist: Herron Point and Mandurah

Item Why It Matters for Herron Point ✓
Full water tanks before arrival No potable water on-site. Fill at Mandurah Visitor Centre (GPS: -32.5295, 115.7225) before heading south. ☐
Dump grey/black water before arrival No dump point at Herron Point. Use Mandurah dump point (GPS: -32.5295, 115.7225) before and after. ☐
CPAP lithium battery charged No 240V power. If you rely on a CPAP machine, your battery must cover the full night. If it cannot, stay at Mandurah Caravan Park instead. ☐
Mosquito repellent + screened awning Mosquitoes are heavy at Herron Point from October–April. DEET-based repellent recommended. Consider tropical-strength. ☐
Head torch / torch No campground lighting. Toilet has no light. Essential for night-time walks over uneven ground. ☐
Levelling ramps and chocks Few level spots. You will almost certainly need to level your van. ☐
Offline maps downloaded Phone signal is patchy at Herron Point. Download the Mandurah–Lake Clifton area before leaving signal. ☐
Emergency numbers saved + on paper Peel Health Campus: 08 9531 1111. Write on paper in glovebox. Your phone may be flat in an emergency. ☐
Dog water, lead and shade cover Dogs allowed on lead. No dog water on-site. Provide shade for your pet — there is limited natural shade in some spots. ☐
Travel insurance with medical evacuation Patchy phone signal + 20 km from hospital. Medical evacuation cover provides peace of mind. ☐
Medicare card + medication list in waterproof pouch Keep accessible — not packed at the bottom of luggage. A printed medication list saves critical time in an emergency. ☐
Rubbish bags No bins at Herron Point. Take all rubbish with you. Leave no trace. ☐

 

18. What to Do Near Herron Point: Senior Activities

Activity Location / Address / Postcode GPS Senior Notes
Birdwatching at camp Herron Point Rest Area, Herron WA 6211 -32.6080, 115.7045 From your camp chair. Best at dawn and dusk. Binoculars recommended.
Lake Clifton Thrombolites Boardwalk Mt John Road, Lake Clifton WA 6215 -32.7465, 115.6395 Free. Flat, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. 200m return. Unique living rock formations.
Mandurah Boardwalk and Estuary Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah WA 6210 -32.5290, 115.7215 Flat sealed boardwalk. Cafés. Dolphins often visible from shore. Bench seating throughout.
Mandurah Dolphin Cruise Mandurah Ocean Marina, Ormsby Terrace, Mandurah WA 6210 -32.5350, 115.7175 1-hour cruise. Accessible boarding. Senior discounts often available. Book ahead in peak.
Fishing at Herron Point Boat Ramp Herron Point Road, Herron WA 6211 -32.6080, 115.7045 Bream and mullet in the Murray River. Fish from the bank — no boat needed. WA fishing licence required.
Mandurah Forum Shopping Centre (air-conditioned) 330 Pinjarra Road, Mandurah WA 6210 -32.5340, 115.7430 Full supermarket (Coles, Woolworths), pharmacy, medical centre, air-conditioned. Good hot-day refuge.
Yalgorup National Park Walks Old Coast Road, Yalgorup WA 6215 -32.7300, 115.6500 Tuart forest walks. Some trails uneven. Spring wildflowers. No parks pass needed for most trail access points.

 

19. GPS Coordinates and Postcodes: Save Every Stop

Save all of these to the Van Life Savings Spots app before you leave Wi-Fi range. Phone signal at Herron Point is unreliable — you need these saved offline.

Stop Full Address + Postcode GPS (Copy to App)
Herron Point Rest Area Herron Point Road, Herron WA 6211 -32.6080, 115.7045
🗑️ Mandurah Dump Point 75 Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah WA 6210 -32.5295, 115.7225
💧 Mandurah Water Fill 75 Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah WA 6210 -32.5295, 115.7225
🗑️ Harvey Dump Point South Western Highway, Harvey WA 6220 -33.0810, 115.8935
💧 Harvey Water Fill South Western Highway, Harvey WA 6220 -33.0810, 115.8935
Mandurah Caravan and Tourist Park 371 Old Coast Road, Mandurah WA 6210 -32.5565, 115.7185
Lake Clifton Thrombolites Boardwalk Mt John Road, Lake Clifton WA 6215 -32.7465, 115.6395
Lake Clifton Rest Area Old Coast Road, Lake Clifton WA 6215 -32.7510, 115.6530
Lane Poole Reserve (Dwellingup) Nanga Road, Dwellingup WA 6213 -32.7135, 116.0580
Mandurah Boardwalk Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah WA 6210 -32.5290, 115.7215
Mandurah Ocean Marina Ormsby Terrace, Mandurah WA 6210 -32.5350, 115.7175
Mandurah Forum Shopping Centre 330 Pinjarra Road, Mandurah WA 6210 -32.5340, 115.7430
Yalgorup National Park Old Coast Road, Yalgorup WA 6215 -32.7300, 115.6500
🏥 Peel Health Campus (Hospital) 110 Lakes Road, Mandurah WA 6210 -32.5235, 115.7470
💊 Peel Pharmacy (Mandurah Forum) 330 Pinjarra Road, Mandurah WA 6210 -32.5340, 115.7430

 

20. Frequently Asked Questions — Herron Point Rest Area for Grey Nomads

Is Herron Point Rest Area really free to camp at in 2026?

Yes. Herron Point Rest Area is a free rest area managed by DBCA. No booking, no parks pass, and no fee required. You are limited to a 24-hour stay.

Do I need a national parks pass for Herron Point Rest Area?

No. While Herron Point is near Yalgorup National Park, the rest area itself does not require a parks pass. If you enter Yalgorup National Park for walks or other activities, a parks pass may be required for vehicle entry at certain points — check the DBCA website.

Is Herron Point Rest Area suitable for large caravans?

Caravans up to about 22 feet can fit in most spots. Larger rigs need to be careful — some areas have soft sand and overhanging branches. The access road narrows in the last 500m. Arrive early and take time choosing your spot.

Are dogs allowed at Herron Point Rest Area?

Yes. Dogs are allowed at the Herron Point Rest Area and must be kept on a lead at all times. Note that dogs are not permitted in adjacent Yalgorup National Park areas.

Is there phone signal at Herron Point Rest Area?

Telstra provides patchy coverage — typically 1–2 bars depending on your position. Optus signal is weak to non-existent. If you need reliable signal for medical peace of mind, consider staying at a caravan park in Mandurah instead.

Where is the nearest dump point to Herron Point Rest Area?

The nearest free dump point is at the Mandurah Visitor Centre, 75 Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah WA 6210. GPS: -32.5295, 115.7225. Approximately 20 km north of Herron Point.

Where is the nearest hospital to Herron Point Rest Area?

Peel Health Campus, 110 Lakes Road, Mandurah WA 6210. GPS: -32.5235, 115.7470. Phone: 08 9531 1111. Approximately 20 km / 20 minutes drive from Herron Point.

Can I have a campfire at Herron Point Rest Area?

No. Open fires are not permitted. Gas stoves and portable gas BBQs are allowed outside of total fire ban days. Check DFES fire ban status at www.emergency.wa.gov.au before cooking outdoors November–March.

Is Herron Point Rest Area safe for a solo female grey nomad?

Midweek, Herron Point is generally quiet and feels safe. On weekends and long weekends, the crowd changes and noise can be an issue. If you are a solo traveller, park near the entrance for a clear exit, arrive midweek, and let someone know where you are camping. Consider grey nomad security precautions for any free camp.

How long can you stay at Herron Point Rest Area?

24 hours maximum. This is enforced by DBCA rangers, particularly during peak periods and long weekends. If you want a longer stay in the area, move to a caravan park or another free camp.

 

21. Quick-Reference Card — Herron Point Rest Area

Detail Information
Name Herron Point Rest Area
Address Herron Point Road, Herron WA 6211
GPS -32.6080, 115.7045
Cost Free — no booking, no parks pass
Stay Limit 24 hours
Power ❌ None
Water ❌ None — BYO
Toilets Pit toilet only
Dump Point ❌ Nearest at Mandurah (~20 km)
Dogs ✅ On lead
Phone Signal Telstra patchy. Optus weak/nil.
Nearest Hospital Peel Health Campus — 110 Lakes Rd, Mandurah WA 6210 — 08 9531 1111 — 20 km
Managed By DBCA — www.dbca.wa.gov.au
Best For Self-contained grey nomads wanting a free, scenic overnight stop midweek
📍 Save Herron Point Rest Area to Your Trip

Address: Herron Point Road, Herron WA 6211
GPS: -32.6080, 115.7045
Cost: Free — no booking required
Stay: 24 hours maximum
Managed by: DBCA — www.dbca.wa.gov.au

Paid alternative: Mandurah Caravan and Tourist Park — 371 Old Coast Road, Mandurah WA 6210 — GPS: -32.5565, 115.7185 — 08 9535 2761 — www.mandurahcaravanpark.com.au

Find more free and low-cost camps at Van Life Savings Spots.

Related Reading

Disclaimer: Herron Point Rest Area information in this article was researched and verified for accuracy as of July 2026. DBCA rules, stay limits, and site conditions can change without notice. Always confirm current conditions before travelling. GPS coordinates are approximate and should be verified on arrival. This article contains affiliate links — purchases made through these links support retiretovanlife.com at no extra cost to you. This website is not affiliated with DBCA or any government agency. All opinions are independent.

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