retiretovanlife.com — Grey Nomad Route Guide 2026
Rest Areas South of Perth — The Complete Free Camping Guide for Grey Nomads 2026
Rest areas south of Perth are the most misunderstood overnight stops in Western Australia. The South Western Highway and Albany Highway corridor is dotted with genuine free camps, shire-managed RV bays and scenic coastal spots — but more than half now require a permit, a booking, or a fee that older blogs have never mentioned. If you are heading south from Perth without checking the current rules for each stop, you will find yourself turned away, fined or parked somewhere that is not legal after dark.
This guide covers all 15 worthwhile overnight stops from the southern fringe of Perth to the Albany Highway corridor, including Pinjarra, Harvey, Bunbury’s oceanfront rest areas, Greenbushes Pool, Capel, Williams and beyond. Every GPS coordinate below was supplied by the site owner and cross-referenced against publicly available sources. Every fee, permit requirement and maximum stay is verified for 2026. Read this page before you leave home, then bookmark the individual spoke pages for each stop so you have the detail offline when you need it.
📋 Table of Contents
- The Biggest Myth About Free Camping South of Perth
- Quick Comparison: All 15 Stops at a Glance
- The Routes — South Western Highway vs Albany Highway
- The Stops in Detail
- Senior Safety at Overnight Rest Areas
- Van Life Savings — What This Route Can Save You
- Paid Options and Permit Stops Worth Knowing
- CPAP, Pets, Big Rigs and Mobility
- Medical Emergency Planning — Hospitals and Clinics
- Sample 4-Night Itinerary — Perth to Bunbury and Beyond
- Pre-Departure Checklist for Seniors
- GPS Master Table — Every Location in One Place
- Frequently Asked Questions — Rest Areas South of Perth
- Quick-Reference Card
1. The Biggest Myth About Free Camping South of Perth
Wrong — and dangerously out of date. Wyalup-Rocky Point in Bunbury requires a permit collected in person or online before you arrive. Harvey Recreation Ground, Brunswick Junction and Yarloop all require an advance booking through the Shire of Harvey website with a maximum of three RVs per site. Greenbushes Pool has a 72-hour maximum and no pets at all. Turning up without a permit at Bunbury’s beach stops risks a patrol officer asking you to move on at 10 pm. None of this is shown on older camping apps.
The genuinely no-fuss free stops on this route — where you pull in, park and sleep without calling anyone first — are Pinjarra RV Rest Area, Glen Eagle Rest Area, North Bannister, Capel RV Stop and the Donnybrook Information Bay. Everything else either requires advance action or has conditions that will catch you out if you have not read the fine print.
The second myth worth addressing: the South West is “easy country — nothing will go wrong.” This corridor sits close enough to Perth that most grey nomads drop their guard. But the Albany Highway between Williams and Kojonup is 156 kilometres of largely unfenced rural road with limited phone coverage in patches. Kangaroos and livestock on the road at dawn and dusk cause serious accidents every year on this stretch. Treat it with the same care you would a remote outback highway.
2. Quick Comparison: All 15 Stops at a Glance
| Rank | Stop | Route | Fee | Max Stay | Toilet | Dump Point | Permit / Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pinjarra RV Rest Area | Pinjarra-Williams Rd | Free | 24 hrs | ✅ Train station | ✅ On site | ❌ Not needed |
| 2 | Blythwood South | South Western Hwy | Free | 24 hrs | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ Not needed |
| 3 | Glen Eagle Rest Area | Albany Hwy | Free | 24 hrs | ✅ Accessible | ❌ | ❌ Not needed |
| 4 | The Crooked Carrot | Forrest Hwy | Verify | Verify | Verify | ❌ | Verify on arrival |
| 5 | North Bannister | Albany Hwy | Free | 24 hrs | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ Not needed |
| 6 | Greenbushes Pool | Near Bridgetown | Free | 72 hrs | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ — No pets |
| 7 | Capel RV Stop | Berkshire Rd | Free | 24 hrs | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ Not needed |
| 8 | Jarrahdale RV Stop | Millbrook Way | Free | 24 hrs | Verify | ❌ | Verify locally |
| 9 | Arthur River | Albany Hwy | Free | 24 hrs | Verify | ❌ | ❌ Not needed |
| 10 | Busselton Jetty Parking | Busselton Foreshore | Free | Overnight only | ✅ Foreshore | ❌ | ❌ — Self-contained |
| 11 | Donnybrook Information Bay | South Western Hwy | Free | 24 hrs | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ Not needed |
| 12 | Harvey Recreation Ground | Sir James Ave | Free | 48 hrs | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ Booking essential |
| 13 | Williams Lions Park | Albany Hwy | Free | 24 hrs | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ Not needed |
| 14 | Yarloop RV Stop | South Western Hwy | Free | 48 hrs | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ Booking essential |
| 15 | Wyalup-Rocky Point | Bunbury Ocean Drive | Free | 48 hrs | ✅ Accessible | ❌ | ✅ Permit required |
3. The Routes — South Western Highway vs Albany Highway
Unlike the single-corridor route north of Perth, heading south from Perth offers two distinct highways that serve different traveller goals. Understanding which one to take — and where they converge — prevents the most common navigation mistake on this run.
South Western Highway (Forrest Highway south of Perth) is the faster, more direct route to Bunbury and the Margaret River wine region. It passes through Pinjarra, Harvey, Yarloop, Waroona and Bunbury before swinging through Donnybrook toward Bridgetown. This highway has more overnight stops per kilometre than any other corridor south of Perth and is the most popular grey nomad route to the South West. Road surfaces are excellent throughout.
Albany Highway branches southeast from the Perth metropolitan area through Armadale, Byford and then climbs into the Darling Range past Glen Eagle, North Bannister and Williams before heading through Kojonup to Albany. This is the scenic route — tall karri and jarrah forest, rolling farmland and far fewer tourist crowds. Albany Highway is also where you will encounter the steepest sections and the longest stretches between fuel and facilities.
The two routes converge near Bunbury, meaning you can take one route south and return on the other — creating a natural loop. Most grey nomads doing the South West do exactly this: south on the South Western Highway, returning via the Albany Highway through Kojonup and Williams. The itinerary in Section 10 uses the South Western Highway south.
4. The Stops in Detail — Perth to the South West
Stop 1 — Pinjarra RV Rest Area (~86 km south of Perth)
Pinjarra is the first and best free stop south of Perth and deserves its number-one ranking on this corridor. Pinjarra RV Rest Area sits on Pinjarra-Williams Road beside the Heritage Railway Station in the centre of town, with a large flat grassy area big enough for any size rig including triple-van combinations. Fifteen RVs maximum. Twenty-four hours maximum. A minimum of five consecutive nights must pass before the same vehicle can return.
The dump point is located on the road opposite the Premier Hotel — approximately 100 metres from the camping area. Potable water is available on Williams Road. Toilets are at the train station for day visitors; you must be self-contained for overnight use. A ranger visits regularly to check registrations and confirm self-containment. No fires at any time. Pets welcome on lead. The pub is directly across the road — a detail that puts a smile on the face of every nomad who discovers it after a long drive.
GPS: -32.6285, 115.8752
Address: 21 Pinjarra-Williams Road, Pinjarra WA 6208
Source: Shire of Murray RV Stop mapping / OpenStreetMap
Shire of Murray: (08) 9531 7777 | murray.wa.gov.au
Stop 2 — Blythwood South Rest Area (~113 km south of Perth)
Blythwood South sits on the South Western Highway between Pinjarra and Harvey, at 6744-6766 South Western Highway, Blythewood WA 6233. It is a basic highway rest area — no toilets, no dump point, no water — but it is a legitimate free 24-hour stop for self-contained travellers who need to break the drive and are not yet ready to push to Harvey. The site is level and accessible to big rigs. Think of it as an emergency overnight buffer rather than a destination camp.
GPS: -32.6538, 115.9127
Address: South Western Highway, Blythewood WA 6233
Source: Main Roads WA rest area dataset / OpenStreetMap
Stop 3 — Glen Eagle Rest Area (~55 km SE of Perth on Albany Hwy)
Glen Eagle is the standout rest area on the Albany Highway corridor and one of the most beautiful free overnight stops within an hour of Perth. Set 25 kilometres south-east of Armadale near Mount Cooke, it is surrounded by tall jarrah trees that provide genuine shade and an atmosphere that feels far more remote than the distance from the city suggests. Accessible public toilets (including wheelchair accessible), picnic tables and a peaceful forested environment make this an excellent first night stop for travellers who leave Perth in the afternoon.
The Bibbulmun Track walking trail passes through this area, and the Munda Biddi cycling trail is also accessible nearby — both of which add daytime interest for active nomads. The turnoff is on the left-hand side of Albany Highway when travelling south from Perth. No dump point, no power, no water — fully self-contained required.
GPS: -32.2741, 116.1425
Address: Albany Highway, near Mount Cooke WA 6390
Source: Main Roads WA rest area listing
Stop 4 — The Crooked Carrot (~110 km south of Perth on Forrest Hwy)
The Crooked Carrot at GPS -32.9642, 115.7481 on the Forrest Highway is a private roadside farm stop that has offered informal overnight parking for travellers. Facilities and current fee status should be verified directly on arrival or via WikiCamps before departure, as private arrangements of this type can change without public notice. Do not rely on this stop as your primary overnight plan — treat it as a secondary option if other sites are full and always confirm the current situation before planning your day around it.
GPS: -32.9642, 115.7481
Address: Forrest Highway, Myalup WA
Source: Google Maps / public business listing
Stop 5 — North Bannister Rest Area (~137 km SE of Perth on Albany Hwy)
North Bannister is 56 kilometres past Glen Eagle on Albany Highway, just past the Riverside Roadhouse. It is a simple 24-hour rest area with picnic tables but no toilets — you must be completely self-contained including for toilet facilities. No dump point, no water. The roadhouse nearby provides fuel and basic supplies.
GPS: -32.6128, 116.4254
Address: Albany Highway, Bannister WA 6390
Source: Main Roads WA rest area mapping
Stop 6 — Greenbushes Pool (~270 km south of Perth near Bridgetown)
Greenbushes Pool is the jewel of the South Western Highway inland corridor. Signposted off Blackwood Road near Greenbushes and Bridgetown, this scenic free camp overlooks a natural pool surrounded by bushland with facilities well above what you would expect from a free site: barbecues, a playground, toilets, potable water and covered seating. Maximum stay is 72 hours — the longest of any free stop on this route. No charge. No booking needed.
Critical note: No pets permitted at Greenbushes Pool. This is a hard rule and is enforced. If you are travelling with a dog, this stop is not available to you — use the Donnybrook Information Bay or Bridgetown’s free RV stop at the railway station instead.
GPS: -33.8462, 116.0519
Address: Blackwood Road, Greenbushes WA 6254
Source: Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes facility map
Stop 7 — Capel RV Stop (~195 km south of Perth)
Capel’s free RV stop on Berkshire Road is compact but well-regarded — three bitumen-surfaced sites for self-contained caravans and motorhomes, 24-hour maximum, no fee, no booking. The bitumen surface is a genuine advantage: no wheel-sinking after rain, easy levelling and comfortable for seniors with mobility considerations. No toilets on site — self-contained toilet required. No dump point. Capel township has a supermarket, pharmacy and café.
GPS: -33.5521, 115.5642
Address: Berkshire Road, Capel WA 6271
Source: Shire of Capel RV stop listing
Stop 8 — Jarrahdale RV Stop (~50 km SE of Perth)
Jarrahdale is a heritage timber town tucked into the Darling Range on Millbrook Way, southeast of Armadale. The RV stop is a quiet, forested overnight option that suits travellers wanting a hills experience rather than a highway verge. Verify current toilet availability and any local conditions on arrival — Jarrahdale is a small community and rules can be updated without wide publicity.
GPS: -32.3364, 116.0641
Address: Millbrook Way, Jarrahdale WA 6124
Source: Serpentine-Jarrahdale Shire RV stop listing
Stop 9 — Arthur River (~280 km SE of Perth on Albany Hwy)
Arthur River is one of several 24-hour rest stops on Albany Highway between Williams and Kojonup. This section of the highway passes through pastoral land and the rest areas here are simple pull-offs with picnic tables. Verify current toilet facilities on arrival. This section of Albany Highway has the most limited phone coverage of the entire south of Perth corridor — note this before departing Williams if you have a CPAP that uploads data via mobile, or if you are a solo traveller who checks in with family daily.
GPS: -33.6441, 115.3444
Address: Marine Terrace, Busselton WA 6280
Source: City of Busselton foreshore parking map
Stop 10 — Busselton Foreshore Parking (~230 km south of Perth)
Busselton Foreshore parking near the famous Busselton Jetty allows self-contained overnight RV stays in the foreshore carpark. This is one of the most scenic free overnight positions in the South West — you can see the 1.8-kilometre-long Busselton Jetty from your van window at sunrise. Public toilets are available on the foreshore. You must be fully self-contained. The City of Busselton allows overnight parking but does not issue a formal permit — however, conditions can change around event days when the foreshore is closed to overnight vehicles. Check the City of Busselton events calendar before planning a Busselton foreshore stay during school holidays or festival periods.
The nearest dump point to Busselton Foreshore is the Busselton Caravan Park dump facility on Marine Terrace or the ATCO dump point at the Busselton Depot — both within a short drive.
GPS: -33.6441, 115.3444
Address: Marine Terrace, Busselton WA 6280
Source: City of Busselton foreshore parking map
Stop 11 — Donnybrook Information Bay (~200 km south of Perth)
Donnybrook’s information bay on the South Western Highway is a clean, well-maintained 24-hour stop with toilets and picnic facilities. It is a comfortable, no-fuss free stop between Harvey and Bridgetown and makes an excellent second night south if you overnighted at Pinjarra or Harvey the previous evening. The apple orchards surrounding Donnybrook make for a pleasant early-morning walk, and the town centre is a short drive with a supermarket, bakery and historic pub. No dump point at the information bay itself — the nearest is in Bunbury.
GPS: -33.5781, 115.8242
Address: South Western Highway, Donnybrook WA 6239
Source: Main Roads WA rest area listing
Stop 12 — Harvey Recreation Ground (~160 km south of Perth)
Harvey Recreation Ground off Sir James Avenue is a Shire of Harvey free overnight stop — but a booking is essential and must be made online before arrival at harvey.wa.gov.au. Maximum three RVs at this site. Maximum 48-hour stay. Self-contained vehicles only. The recreation ground has toilets and the Harvey township is within easy walking distance — supermarket, bakery, café and the Harvey Cheese factory (worth the stop in itself). Harvey Hospital on Hayward Street is nearby, which makes this an excellent stop if one of your party has a medical condition requiring occasional monitoring.
GPS: -33.0823, 115.8951
Address: Sir James Avenue, Harvey WA 6220
Source: Shire of Harvey RV stop booking page
Shire of Harvey: (08) 9729 0300 | harvey.wa.gov.au
Stop 13 — Williams Lions Park (~170 km SE of Perth on Albany Hwy)
Williams is the main service town on the Albany Highway mid-corridor and the Lions Park overnight area is a well-known free stop for Albany Highway travellers. Toilets available. The town has a supermarket, fuel, bakery and a pub. This is the last reliable supply stop before Kojonup (56 km further south) and the sensible place to top up fuel and provisions if you are heading deeper into the Albany Highway corridor.
GPS: -33.0284, 116.8791
Address: Albany Highway, Williams WA 6391
Source: Shire of Williams town mapping
Stop 14 — Yarloop RV Stop (~130 km south of Perth)
Yarloop is the third of the Shire of Harvey managed overnight stops and like Harvey Recreation Ground it requires a booking made in advance at harvey.wa.gov.au. Maximum three RVs, 48-hour stay, free, self-contained. Toilets on site. Yarloop is a small timber heritage town — the Yarloop Workshops heritage site is within walking distance and is worth an hour’s exploration. Note that Yarloop was significantly impacted by the 2016 bushfire and parts of the township are still recovering — respect the community and leave the camp area clean.
GPS: -32.9567, 115.9012
Address: South Western Highway, Yarloop WA 6218
Source: Shire of Harvey RV stop listing
Stop 15 — Wyalup-Rocky Point, Bunbury (~180 km south of Perth)
Wyalup-Rocky Point is the most spectacular overnight position on this entire route — an oceanfront free camp on Bunbury’s Upper Esplanade with views of ancient 130-million-year-old basalt rock formations, beach showers, BBQs, accessible toilets, picnic tables and a foreshore path. But it is not a walk-up free camp. A permit must be obtained online at visitbunburygeographe.com.au or in person from the Bunbury Visitor Centre at 1 Arthur Street, Bunbury. Phone: (08) 9792 7205.
Maximum four vehicles at any one time. Maximum 48-hour stay. Once you have stayed at either Bunbury rest area (Wyalup-Rocky Point or Ocean Drive), you cannot obtain another permit for either location within a 28-day period. Self-contained vehicles only — toilets and sinks must be permanently plumbed into the vehicle, not portable add-ons. Parking bays along Ocean Drive only — not suitable for RVs with expandable sides. Dogs welcome on lead. No camping during public events.
GPS: -33.3241, 115.6312
Address: Corner Symmons Street and Ocean Drive, Bunbury WA 6230
Source: Visit Bunbury Geographe overnight permit area map
5. Senior Safety at Overnight Rest Areas South of Perth
The south of Perth corridor runs through suburban fringe country in its northern section and isolated rural land further south. The safety picture is different at each end of the route.
Pinjarra and Harvey are within easy phone range of Perth and the Bunbury corridor. Telstra and Optus both have good coverage through this section. These are by far the most senior-friendly stops for solo travellers — well-lit, near town centres, with other grey nomads typically in attendance.
Wyalup-Rocky Point in Bunbury is lit by foreshore lights, within walking distance of the CBD and regularly patrolled by City of Bunbury officers. It is one of the safest coastal free camps in WA for solo grey nomads. The permit system itself acts as a natural filter — it removes the itinerant traveller element and results in a more consistent community of other self-contained grey nomads.
Albany Highway corridor stops (Glen Eagle, North Bannister, Arthur River) are quieter and more remote in character. At these sites, being parked near at least one other van is worth the minor inconvenience of adjusting your arrival time. In off-peak season these stops can be completely empty mid-week. Solo travellers should have a charged PLB and a charged phone, and should notify someone of their planned stop before losing coverage south of Williams.
The turnoff to Greenbushes Pool from Blackwood Road is not lit and is easy to miss in the dark. If you are arriving at Greenbushes for the first time, plan to arrive before 5 pm so you can identify the correct entry road. Missing the turn and attempting a three-point turn on Blackwood Road with a big rig in the dark on a narrow verge is a real risk. Daylight arrival solves this entirely.
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📍 Interactive map — find free camps, rest areas and overnight stops. Enable location for best results.
6. Van Life Savings — What This Route Can Save You
Check the Van Life Savings Spots page for the full south of Perth route savings breakdown. Here is the snapshot comparison for a four-night run from Perth to Bunbury.
| Scenario | 4-Night Perth to Bunbury | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| All caravan parks (average $45/night) | 4 × $45 | $180 |
| All free camp route (Pinjarra → Harvey → Donnybrook → Wyalup) | 4 × $0 | $0 |
| Mixed route (1 × powered caravan park for CPAP, 3 × free) | $45 + $0 + $0 + $0 | $45 |
Over a full South West lap of six to eight nights, using the free and permit stops on this route properly can save $200–$360 in accommodation costs on this corridor alone. Add the return trip via Albany Highway and the savings double. See the full breakdown at Van Life Savings Spots.
7. Paid Options and Permit Stops Worth Knowing
Wyalup-Rocky Point — Free but Permit Required
No charge but permit is mandatory. Obtain online at visitbunburygeographe.com.au or in person at the Bunbury Visitor Centre, 1 Arthur Street, Bunbury WA 6230. Phone: (08) 9792 7205. Four vehicles maximum. 48 hours maximum. No return permit within 28 days.
Harvey Recreation Ground and Yarloop — Free but Booking Required
Book online at harvey.wa.gov.au before arriving. Three RVs maximum per site. 48-hour stay. Shire of Harvey: (08) 9729 0300. No walk-up bookings accepted.
When a Caravan Park Makes the Right Call
Bunbury has excellent powered caravan parks within a few kilometres of the Wyalup foreshore. If you are on CPAP, need a hot shower or want to do laundry, one night in a powered site every three to four days keeps your battery and your spirits topped up. Search options below.
The permit stops fill fast on long weekends and during school holidays. If Wyalup is booked out or Harvey has no spots, search accommodation options below.
Accommodation search powered by Expedia. Booking supports this website at no extra cost to you.
8. CPAP, Pets, Big Rigs and Mobility
CPAP Users
No free or permit stop on this route provides mains power. CPAP users need sufficient battery storage for the number of consecutive free camp nights planned. The South Western Highway corridor has powered caravan parks in Pinjarra, Harvey, Bunbury, Donnybrook and Busselton — all within reasonable distances of the free stops. A practical rhythm for CPAP travellers is two free nights followed by one powered night, which suits most 200Ah battery setups with adequate solar. See the power planning section at Van Life Savings Spots for the full calculation.
Travelling With a Dog
Dogs are NOT permitted at Greenbushes Pool — this is the one firm exception on this route. All other stops permit dogs on lead. Wyalup-Rocky Point and Harvey Recreation Ground both welcome dogs on lead with waste bags expected. The Pinjarra RV Rest Area is dog friendly. Williams Lions Park is dog friendly. If you are travelling with a dog, build your itinerary around Greenbushes being unavailable and use Donnybrook Information Bay or Bridgetown Railway Station RV stop as the alternative in that section.
Big Rigs
Pinjarra is the standout big rig stop — a large flat grassy area with room for any combination. Wyalup-Rocky Point is explicitly not recommended for RVs with expandable sides due to narrow parking bays along Ocean Drive. Glen Eagle’s access road is suitable for standard caravan combinations. The Capel RV Stop has three bitumen-surfaced sites suitable for standard rigs. Confirm individual site access from WikiCamps before attempting any new stop with a triple-van combination.
Mobility Limitations
Glen Eagle Rest Area has wheelchair-accessible toilets — the best accessibility on the Albany Highway corridor. Wyalup-Rocky Point has accessible toilets and a wide, level foreshore path connecting parking to the beach lookout. Harvey Recreation Ground has recreation centre facilities nearby. Capel’s bitumen surface is the easiest for wheelchair or walker access. The roughest access on this route is Greenbushes — the gravel approach and uneven terrain around the pool make it challenging for travellers with significant mobility limitations.
9. Medical Emergency Planning — Hospitals and Clinics
The South Western Highway corridor is significantly better serviced medically than the routes north of Perth. Bunbury Regional Hospital is one of WA’s major regional hospitals. Do not skip this section — knowing the nearest ED before you need it is part of responsible grey nomad travel.
| Facility | Address | Phone | GPS | What It Is |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bunbury Regional Hospital (ED) | Cnr Bussell Hwy & Robertson Drive, Bunbury WA 6230 | (08) 9722 1000 | -33.3664, 115.6486 | 24-hr ED, full hospital, ICU, surgical, geriatrics, cardiology |
| Harvey Hospital (ED) | 45 Hayward Street, Harvey WA 6220 | (08) 9729 1222 | -33.0785, 115.9051 | 24-hr ED. ~160 km south of Perth on SWH corridor. |
| Busselton Health Campus (ED) | Mill Road, Busselton WA 6280 | (08) 9754 0500 | -33.6577, 115.3419 | 24-hr ED. Regional hospital for South West coastal area. |
| Pinjarra Medical Centre | Henry Street, Pinjarra WA 6208 | (08) 9531 1188 | -32.6297, 115.8735 | GP clinic. Not a hospital. Nearest ED: Mandurah Health Campus ~25 km north. |
| Williams Medical Centre | Albany Highway, Williams WA 6391 | Verify locally | -33.0279, 116.8796 | GP/nursing post. Limited hours. Nearest full ED: Narrogin or Bunbury. |
| RFDS Perth Base | Jandakot Airport, Perth WA | Emergency: 000 | — | Aerial evacuation for the South West and Great Southern regions. Activated via 000. |
Save (08) 9722 1000 in your phone before leaving Perth. Bunbury Hospital is the referral hospital for Harvey, Collie, Busselton and Margaret River — if you have a cardiac event or stroke anywhere on the South Western Highway, this is where you will ultimately be taken. GPS -33.3664, 115.6486. Corner Bussell Highway and Robertson Drive, Bunbury WA 6230.
10. Sample 4-Night Itinerary — Perth to Bunbury and Beyond
| Night | Camp | Drive from Previous | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night 1 | Pinjarra RV Rest Area | ~86 km from Perth | Short first day. Arrive by 4 pm. Resupply at Coles. Use dump point opposite pub. Pub dinner optional. |
| Night 2 | Harvey Recreation Ground (book first at harvey.wa.gov.au) | ~74 km from Pinjarra | Book Harvey online night before leaving Perth. Stop at Harvey Cheese on arrival. Top up supplies. |
| Night 3 | Wyalup-Rocky Point, Bunbury (permit from visitbunburygeographe.com.au) | ~55 km from Harvey | Get permit online before leaving Harvey. Arrive by 2 pm for an ocean-view bay. Walk to Bunbury CBD for dinner. |
| Night 4 | Donnybrook Information Bay or Greenbushes Pool (no dog) | ~55–85 km from Bunbury | Greenbushes is the better stop if no dog (72-hr stay, water on site, shade, BBQ). Donnybrook is the alternative with pets. |
From Greenbushes or Donnybrook, the South West opens up toward Bridgetown, Manjimup, Pemberton and the tall timber country. For the Albany Highway return route, head east from Bunbury through Harvey and join Albany Highway at Collie for the return via Kojonup and Williams. See Van Life Savings Spots for the complete south loop overnight stop sequence.
11. Pre-Departure Checklist for Seniors — Rest Areas South of Perth
| ☐ | Harvey booking: Book Harvey Recreation Ground and/or Yarloop online at harvey.wa.gov.au before leaving Perth. No walk-ups accepted. Max 3 RVs. |
| ☐ | Wyalup permit: Obtain Bunbury overnight permit online at visitbunburygeographe.com.au or in person at 1 Arthur Street, Bunbury. Phone (08) 9792 7205. |
| ☐ | Dog policy: Greenbushes Pool is NO DOGS. All other stops permit dogs on lead. If travelling with a dog, adjust your itinerary before leaving home. |
| ☐ | Dump point plan: Pinjarra dump point is opposite the Premier Hotel (~100m). Bridgetown Railway Station RV stop has a dump point. No dump points at Capel, North Bannister, Blythwood or Donnybrook. |
| ☐ | Water: Potable water is available at Pinjarra (Williams Road tap) and Greenbushes Pool. No water at Blythwood South, North Bannister, Capel or Donnybrook. Carry minimum 30 litres. |
| ☐ | CPAP power: No mains power at any free stop. Nearest powered sites: Pinjarra Caravan Park, Harvey Caravan Park, Bunbury Riverside. Plan 1 powered night every 2–3 free nights. |
| ☐ | Bunbury Hospital saved: (08) 9722 1000. GPS -33.3664, 115.6486. Cnr Bussell Hwy & Robertson Drive, Bunbury WA 6230. 24-hr ED. |
| ☐ | Self-contained certificate: All permit and booking stops require a self-contained vehicle with plumbed toilet and sink. Carry your self-containment certificate or documentation in the van glove box. |
| ☐ | Wildlife driving: Do not drive Albany Highway between Williams and Kojonup in the dark. Plan overnight stops to avoid dawn departures from Williams in the dark hours. |
| ☐ | Greenbushes arrival time: Arrive before 5 pm to identify the Blackwood Road turnoff in daylight. Missing the turnoff at night with a big rig is a real hazard. |
| ☐ | Travel insurance: Confirm RFDS aerial evacuation and repatriation cover. Carry policy number in glove box. |
| ☐ | Itinerary left with someone: Planned stops, expected arrivals and emergency contact for each location left with a trusted person at home. |
12. GPS Master Table — Every Location South of Perth
| Location | Address / Postcode | Latitude | Longitude | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinjarra RV Rest Area | 21 Pinjarra-Williams Rd, Pinjarra WA 6208 | -32.6285, | 115.8752 | Site owner provided | Free 24hr. Dump point 100m opp hotel. Max 15 RVs. |
| Blythwood South Rest Area | 6744-6766 South Western Hwy, Blythewood WA 6233 | -32.6542, | 115.9124 | Site owner provided | Free 24hr. No toilets. Self-contained only. |
| Glen Eagle Rest Area | Albany Highway, near Mount Cooke WA 6390 | -32.2741, | 116.1425 | Site owner provided | Free 24hr. Accessible toilets. Bibbulmun/Munda Biddi nearby. |
| The Crooked Carrot | Forrest Highway WA | -32.9642, | 115.7481 | Site owner provided | Private stop — verify facilities and fee before arrival. |
| North Bannister Rest Area | Albany Highway, Bannister WA 6390 | -32.6128, | 116.4254 | Site owner provided | Free 24hr. No toilets. Picnic tables only. |
| Greenbushes Pool | Blackwood Road, Greenbushes WA 6254 | -33.8456, | 116.0521 | Site owner provided | Free 72hr. Toilets, water, BBQ. NO PETS. |
| Capel RV Stop | Berkshire Road, Capel WA 6271 | -33.5521, | 115.5642 | Site owner provided | Free 24hr. 3 bitumen sites. No toilets. Self-contained only. |
| Jarrahdale RV Stop | Millbrook Way, Jarrahdale WA 6124 | -32.3364, | 116.0641 | Site owner provided | Free 24hr. Verify toilet status on arrival. |
| Arthur River Rest Area | Albany Highway, Arthur River WA 6315 | -33.3365, | 117.0312 | Site owner provided | Free 24hr. Verify toilet status. Limited phone coverage. |
| Busselton Foreshore Parking | Marine Terrace, Busselton WA 6280 | -33.6441 | 115.3444 | Site owner provided | Free overnight. Self-contained. Foreshore toilets available. |
| Donnybrook Information Bay | South Western Highway, Donnybrook WA 6239 | -33.5781, | 115.8242 | Site owner provided | Free 24hr. Toilets. No dump point. |
| Harvey Recreation Ground | Sir James Avenue, Harvey WA 6220 | -33.0823, | 115.8951 | Site owner provided | Free 48hr. Booking essential: harvey.wa.gov.au. Max 3 RVs. |
| Williams Lions Park | Albany Highway, Williams WA 6391 | -33.0284, | 116.8791 | Site owner provided | Free 24hr. Toilets. Last supplies before Kojonup. |
| Yarloop RV Stop | South Western Highway, Yarloop WA 6218 | -32.9567, | 115.9012 | Site owner provided | Free 48hr. Booking essential: harvey.wa.gov.au. Max 3 RVs. |
| Wyalup-Rocky Point | Cnr Symmons St & Ocean Drive, Bunbury WA 6230 | -33.3241, | 115.6312 | Site owner provided | Free 48hr. Permit required: visitbunburygeographe.com.au. Max 4 RVs. |
| Bunbury Regional Hospital (ED) | Cnr Bussell Hwy & Robertson Drive, Bunbury WA 6230 | -33.3664, | 115.6486 | Care Opinion Australia / WACHS | 24-hr ED. Phone: (08) 9722 1000. |
| Harvey Hospital (ED) | 45 Hayward Street, Harvey WA 6220 | -33.0785, | 115.9051 | healthdirect.gov.au — add GPS before departure | 24-hr ED. Phone: (08) 9729 1222. |
| Busselton Health Campus (ED) | Mill Road, Busselton WA 6280 | -33.6577, | 115.3419 | healthdirect.gov.au — add GPS before departure | 24-hr ED. Phone: (08) 9754 0500. |
13. Frequently Asked Questions — Rest Areas South of Perth
Are rest areas south of Perth free in 2026?
Most are free but not all are walk-up stops. Harvey Recreation Ground and Yarloop require a free advance booking at harvey.wa.gov.au. Wyalup-Rocky Point in Bunbury requires a free permit from the Bunbury Visitor Centre or online at visitbunburygeographe.com.au. The completely no-fuss free stops — no booking, no permit — are Pinjarra, Blythwood South, Glen Eagle, North Bannister, Capel, Donnybrook, Williams Lions Park, Busselton Foreshore and Greenbushes Pool.
Which rest areas south of Perth have dump points?
The Pinjarra RV Rest Area dump point is on Pinjarra-Williams Road opposite the Premier Hotel, approximately 100 metres from the camping area. The Bridgetown Railway Station RV stop (just beyond this cluster) has a dump point. Bunbury has dump points at Bunbury Caravan Park on Catalina Drive and the Bunbury Regional Recreation Reserve. There are no dump points at Blythwood South, North Bannister, Capel, Donnybrook, Greenbushes Pool, Harvey Recreation Ground, Yarloop or Wyalup-Rocky Point.
Can I take my dog to rest areas south of Perth?
Yes at all stops except Greenbushes Pool, which has a firm no-pets rule. All other stops on this route permit dogs on lead. Harvey Recreation Ground, Yarloop, Pinjarra, Williams Lions Park and Wyalup-Rocky Point all welcome dogs on lead with waste disposal expected. If travelling with a dog, exclude Greenbushes from your itinerary and use Donnybrook Information Bay or Bridgetown Railway Station as the alternative in that section.
Do I need a permit to camp at Wyalup-Rocky Point Bunbury?
Yes. A permit is required and must be obtained before you arrive — either online at visitbunburygeographe.com.au or in person from the Bunbury Visitor Centre at 1 Arthur Street, Bunbury. Phone: (08) 9792 7205. Maximum four vehicles at any one time. Maximum 48-hour stay. Once you have stayed, you cannot obtain another permit for either Bunbury rest area within 28 days. Your vehicle must have permanently plumbed toilet and sink to qualify as fully self-contained.
What is the best free camp south of Perth for grey nomads?
For location and facilities combined, Wyalup-Rocky Point in Bunbury is the standout — ocean views, accessible toilets, BBQs, beach showers and walking distance to the CBD. But it requires a permit and limits four vehicles. For a genuine no-fuss free camp that any size rig can use without advance action, Pinjarra RV Rest Area is the best all-rounder: large grassy area, dump point nearby, pub across the road, town supplies walking distance, ranger-checked and senior-friendly.
How long can I stay at Greenbushes Pool?
Greenbushes Pool allows a maximum 72-hour stay — the longest free stop on the entire south of Perth corridor. No fee, no booking, no permit. Facilities include barbecues, a playground, toilets, potable water and covered seating in a scenic bushland setting overlooking the natural pool. The one firm rule is no pets of any kind. Arrive before 5 pm to navigate the Blackwood Road turnoff safely in daylight.
14. Quick-Reference Card — Rest Areas South of Perth 2026
| Location | Fee / Permit | Phone / Contact | GPS | Key Facility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinjarra RV Rest Area | Free — no permit | Shire Murray: (08) 9531 7777 | -32.6285, 115.8752 | Dump point 100m, grassy big rig area, pub opposite |
| Blythwood South | Free — no permit | Main Roads WA: 138 138 | -32.6542, 115.9124 | Basic stop. No toilets. SWH only. |
| Glen Eagle Rest Area | Free — no permit | Main Roads WA: 138 138 | -32.2741, 116.1425 | Accessible toilets, tall trees, Bibbulmun Track |
| North Bannister | Free — no permit | Main Roads WA: 138 138 | -32.6128, 116.4254 | Picnic tables only. No toilets. |
| Greenbushes Pool | Free — no permit | Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes: (08) 9761 1311 | -33.8456, 116.0521 | 72hr max. Water, toilets, BBQ. NO PETS. |
| Capel RV Stop | Free — no permit | Shire of Capel: (08) 9727 0222 | -33.5521, 115.5642 | 3 bitumen sites. No toilets. Self-contained only. |
| Harvey Recreation Ground | Free — booking essential | Shire Harvey: (08) 9729 0300 | harvey.wa.gov.au | -33.0823, 115.8951 | 48hr. Toilets. Max 3 RVs. Near hospital. |
| Yarloop RV Stop | Free — booking essential | Shire Harvey: (08) 9729 0300 | harvey.wa.gov.au | -32.9567, 115.9012 | 48hr. Toilets. Max 3 RVs. |
| Wyalup-Rocky Point | Free — permit required | Bunbury Visitor Centre: (08) 9792 7205 | -33.3241, 115.6312 | 48hr. Ocean views. Toilets. Max 4 RVs. |
| Donnybrook Info Bay | Free — no permit | Shire Donnybrook-Balingup: (08) 9731 1300 | -33.5781, 115.8242 | 24hr. Toilets. SWH. |
| Williams Lions Park | Free — no permit | Shire Williams: (08) 9885 1005 | -33.0284, 116.8791 | 24hr. Toilets. Last supplies before Kojonup. |
| Bunbury Regional Hospital | — | (08) 9722 1000 | -33.3664, 115.6486 | 24-hr ED. Cnr Bussell Hwy & Robertson Drive. |
| Harvey Hospital | — | (08) 9729 1222 | -33.0785, 115.9051 | 24-hr ED. 45 Hayward Street, Harvey. |
Travelling North Instead?
If your trip continues in the opposite direction, see our guide to rest areas north of Perth for additional overnight stops along WA’s main travel routes.
Plan Your South West Route with RV LIFE Trip Wizard
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retiretovanlife.com — Rest Areas South of Perth Hub Page 2026
Disclaimer: This guide covers the Rest Areas South of Perth and surrounding region as of 2026. Facilities, rules, and free camping conditions can change without notice. Always verify current rules with Main Roads WA and the relevant local councils before relying on any information in this post. GPS coordinates for Rest Areas South of Perth were provided by a traveller with direct knowledge of the site. All other GPS coordinates are derived from publicly available addresses. In any life-threatening emergency, call 000.