Three Mile Pool Rest Area — Free Camping Senior Grey Nomad Guide 2026

  Three Mile Pool Rest Area — Free Camping Senior Grey Nomad Guide 2026 Three Mile Pool Rest Area is a hidden gem among free camping stops for senior grey…

Three Mile Pool Rest Area is a hidden gem among free camping stops for senior grey nomads travelling through the Gascoyne region of Western Australia in 2026.

 

Three Mile Pool Rest Area — Free Camping Senior Grey Nomad Guide 2026

Three Mile Pool Rest Area is a hidden gem among free camping stops for senior grey nomads travelling through the Gascoyne region of Western Australia in 2026. Located on the Gascoyne River approximately 5 km east of Carnarvon along the Gascoyne–Lyons Junction Road, this rest area offers something most free camps in this part of WA cannot — shade from mature river gums, a flat gravel surface beside a permanent river pool, and proximity to a real town with a hospital, supermarkets, and fuel. For grey nomads over 60, Three Mile Pool is one of the most comfortable free camping options on the entire Carnarvon-to-Exmouth corridor.

But comfort is relative in the Gascoyne. The heat is extreme, the flies are legendary, and the river can flood with devastating speed during cyclone season. This guide gives you every detail — GPS coordinates, facilities, dump points, water, mobile coverage, medical access, and honest senior verdicts — so you can enjoy Three Mile Pool safely. Whether you are exploring grey nomad routes around Australia or using Carnarvon as a base before heading to Ningaloo Reef, Three Mile Pool Rest Area deserves a proper look.

📋 Table of Contents

1. Three Mile Pool Rest Area and Carnarvon: Why Grey Nomads Stop Here

The Three Mile Pool Rest Area in 2026 occupies a sweet spot that most highway rest areas cannot match: genuine natural beauty with genuine town proximity. The Gascoyne River at Three Mile Pool is one of Carnarvon’s best-known local swimming and recreation spots — a permanent pool flanked by towering river red gums that provide real, usable shade even in the 42°C Gascoyne summer. And Carnarvon’s hospital, supermarkets, fuel, and pharmacy are just 5 km down the road.

For seniors exploring living in a camper during retirement, Three Mile Pool represents the best of both worlds — a free riverside camp with shade and birdsong, five minutes from a real town with a real hospital. Compared to the stark, shadeless highway rest areas between Carnarvon and Exmouth, Three Mile Pool is an oasis. But even an oasis has its challenges.

✅ Senior Tip: Three Mile Pool is the last comfortable, shaded free camp before the long, shadeless drive north to Exmouth. If you are heading north, spend a night here to rest, fill your tanks in Carnarvon the next morning, and leave fresh. If you have just arrived from the north after the gruelling drive from Exmouth, Three Mile Pool is the perfect recovery stop before settling into Carnarvon.

2. Free Camping at Three Mile Pool — Shady and Close to Town, But Read This First

Three Mile Pool looks like the perfect free camp — shade, a river pool, close to town. But there are specific realities that seniors need to understand:

  • Toilet facilities are basic or absent. The rest area may have a basic pit toilet, but do not rely on this. Being self-contained with your own onboard toilet is strongly recommended. The condition of any on-site toilet varies with season and usage.
  • No potable water on-site. The Gascoyne River water is not safe to drink. There is no tap water at the rest area. However, Carnarvon is only 5 km away — water fill is easy if you drive into town.
  • No dump point on-site. The nearest dump point is in Carnarvon town (~5 km).
  • No power. No 240V outlets. CPAP users need battery backup.
  • Popularity means competition for shade. Three Mile Pool is well-known among grey nomads. During peak season (May–September), the shaded spots fill early. Arrive by mid-afternoon to secure a spot under the river gums. If you arrive at 5 PM in July, the shade may already be taken.
  • Flooding risk. The Gascoyne River floods during cyclone season (November–April) and after heavy inland rainfall. Three Mile Pool can go from a peaceful campsite to a raging torrent in hours. If the Bureau of Meteorology issues flood warnings for the Gascoyne, do not camp here.
⚠️ Flood Warning — Critical for Seniors: The Gascoyne River is one of the most flood-prone rivers in Western Australia. Between November and April, cyclones and tropical lows can cause the river to rise metres within hours. If you are camped at Three Mile Pool when a flood event begins, your van could be engulfed before you can move it. Always check BOM flood warnings for the Gascoyne catchment before camping here, and never camp at Three Mile Pool during active cyclone warnings. This is a safety issue, not a comfort issue.

3. Your Two Main Options Side by Side — Three Mile Pool vs Carnarvon Caravan Park

Feature Three Mile Pool Rest Area (Free) Wintersun Caravan Park, Carnarvon (Paid)
Cost Free — no permit From ~$40–$55/night powered
Booking Required No — first come, first served Recommended in peak season
240V Power ❌ None ✅ Powered sites
Toilets ⚠️ Basic or absent — self-contained recommended ✅ Flush toilets, hot showers
Dump Point ❌ None on-site — 5 km to Carnarvon ✅ On-site
Potable Water ❌ None on-site — 5 km to Carnarvon ✅ Town water
Shade ✅ Excellent — mature river red gums ✅ Some shaded sites
Pool / Swimming ✅ Gascoyne River pool (natural — swim at own risk) ✅ Park swimming pool
Dogs ✅ Yes — on lead ✅ Check park rules
Phone Coverage ✅ Telstra reliable — Optus fair (close to Carnarvon) ✅ Reliable
Medical Proximity ~5 km to Carnarvon Hospital ~2 km to Carnarvon Hospital
Senior Recommendation ✅ Excellent free camp — one of the best in the region for seniors ✅ Best for multi-night stays and those needing power

4. Three Mile Pool Rest Area: Quick Facts, Facilities, and GPS for 2026

Detail Information
Full Name Three Mile Pool Rest Area
Address Gascoyne–Lyons Junction Road, Carnarvon, WA 6701
GPS -24.8630, 113.7040
Cost Free — no permit, no registration
Managed By Shire of Carnarvon
Stay Limit Check current signage — typically 24–48 hours
Toilets ⚠️ Basic or absent — self-contained recommended
Water ❌ No potable water on-site. River water not safe. Carnarvon 5 km west.
Dump Point ❌ None on-site — nearest in Carnarvon (~5 km)
Power ❌ No 240V
Surface Gravel and compacted earth — generally flat
Shade ✅ Excellent — mature river red gums along the Gascoyne River
Dogs ✅ Yes — on lead
Big Rig Access ✅ Suitable for large caravans and motorhomes — sealed road access
Phone Coverage ✅ Telstra reliable. Optus fair. Close enough to Carnarvon for good coverage.
Nearest Hospital Carnarvon Hospital, Cleaver Street, Carnarvon, WA 6701 — GPS: -24.8840, 113.6590 — 08 9941 0555 — approx. 5 km west
Nearest Fuel Carnarvon (~5 km west) — multiple service stations
Nearest Supermarket Carnarvon IGA / Woolworths — Robinson Street, Carnarvon, WA 6701 (~5 km)
✅ No Permit Required: Three Mile Pool Rest Area is managed by the Shire of Carnarvon as a free recreation and camping area. No parks pass, no camping permit, and no shire fee. Check current signage for stay limits on arrival. Save the GPS (-24.8630, 113.7040) to your van life savings spots app.

5. River Shade and Town Proximity — Why Three Mile Pool Is Special for Seniors

Three Mile Pool has two features that set it apart from almost every other free camp between Shark Bay and Exmouth:

Genuine Shade

The mature river red gums along the Gascoyne River at Three Mile Pool provide real, significant shade. This is not the sparse scrubland shade of a highway rest area — these are large trees with broad canopies that reduce ground temperature by 8–12°C compared to direct sun. For seniors managing heat, this shade is not a luxury — it is a medical necessity. Parking under a river gum means your van stays cooler, you use less water, and you can sit outside in relative comfort during the hottest part of the day. In a region where summer temperatures routinely exceed 42°C, the difference between shade and no shade is the difference between comfort and heat stroke.

5 km to a Hospital

Carnarvon Hospital is approximately 5 km from Three Mile Pool — a 5-minute drive. This is extraordinary for a free camp in the Gascoyne. Compare this to the Lyndon River Rest Area (170 km from the nearest hospital) or Hamelin Pool (125 km). For seniors with heart conditions, diabetes, respiratory issues, or any condition that requires potential emergency medical access, the proximity of Carnarvon Hospital makes Three Mile Pool one of the safest free camps in the entire region.

⚠️ River Safety Warning: The Gascoyne River pool at Three Mile Pool is a natural waterway, not a supervised swimming pool. There is no lifeguard. The river bottom is uneven with submerged branches and rocks. Water depth varies seasonally — some years the pool is deep enough to swim, other years it is shallow. Seniors should exercise caution when wading or swimming. Never swim alone. Never swim after heavy rain upstream — the river can rise rapidly and currents become dangerous. Crocodiles are NOT present this far south, but basic water safety still applies.

6. What Three Mile Pool Rest Area Doesn’t Tell You Online

Free camping apps list Three Mile Pool with a few stars and “shady, near town.” Here are the details that specifically matter to seniors:

  • Arrive early for the best shade spots. During peak season (May–September), the shaded positions under the largest river gums fill by early afternoon. If you arrive after 3 PM, you may be left in a sunny spot. Plan your day to arrive by lunchtime.
  • Local usage is high. Three Mile Pool is a popular recreation spot for Carnarvon locals — swimming, fishing, barbecues, and family gatherings, particularly on weekends and public holidays. This means the rest area can be noisy on weekend afternoons and evenings. Weekday nights are typically quieter.
  • Birdwatching is excellent. The river red gum habitat along the Gascoyne River supports an impressive variety of birds — galahs, corellas, kookaburras, and raptors. For grey nomads who birdwatch, this is one of the best free camps on the west coast for birding from your campchair.
  • Flies are intense in season. March through May, the Gascoyne bush flies descend. The riverside location can be slightly better than open scrubland (the breeze helps), but head nets and fly screens are still essential.
  • No bins. Take all waste with you. This is a natural area — leave no trace.
  • Mosquitoes after rain. When the river has water, mosquitoes can be active at dusk and dawn. Bring insect repellent and close your van screens before sunset.
✅ Solo Traveller Assessment: Three Mile Pool is one of the safer free camps for solo senior travellers in the Gascoyne region. You have reliable Telstra phone coverage, you are 5 km from a hospital, and during peak season the rest area has multiple other campers providing natural community. The proximity to Carnarvon town means help is always minutes away. For more on grey nomad security and safety on the road, see our dedicated guide.

COPY PROMPT ➔ ASK AI ➔ SAVE TO FORM ➔ ADD SPOT PIN ➔ GET DIRECTIONS

📍 Interactive map — find free camps, rest areas and overnight stops. Enable location for best results.

7. Van Life Savings Spots: Free and Low-Cost Camping Near Three Mile Pool in 2026

Use the Van Life Savings Spots app to find and save free camps along this route. Try AI queries like: “Free camping near Carnarvon WA with shade for caravans” or “Riverside free camps near Carnarvon” or “Dog-friendly free camps between Carnarvon and Exmouth.”

Free Camp Cost Address / Postcode GPS Distance Senior Verdict
Three Mile Pool Rest Area Free Gascoyne–Lyons Junction Rd, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8630, 113.7040 On-site ✅ Best free camp near Carnarvon. Shade, phone signal, 5 km to hospital.
Chinaman Pool Free Gascoyne–Lyons Junction Rd, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8470, 113.7280 ~3 km east ✅ Similar — river gum shade, larger area. Check current access conditions.
Lyndon River Rest Area Free North West Coastal Hwy, Lyndon, WA 6701 -23.7470, 114.1330 ~170 km north ⚠️ Very remote. Zero facilities. Zero phone signal. Self-contained only.
Carnarvon Blowholes Free (day use — check overnight) Blowholes Road, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.5260, 113.4570 ~50 km north ⚠️ Spectacular coast. Verify overnight rules. Exposed. No shade.
⚠️ Rules Change Without Notice: Free camping rules at Three Mile Pool, Chinaman Pool, and the Blowholes have been reviewed by the Shire of Carnarvon multiple times. Verify current status by contacting the Shire on 08 9941 0000 or checking the Van Life Savings Spots app before travelling. Flood events can also close these sites temporarily.

7b. Dump Points — Before, On-Site, and After Three Mile Pool Rest Area

🗑️ Dump Point Address / Postcode GPS Distance from Three Mile Pool Notes
Nearby — Carnarvon Dump Point Babbage Island Road, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8970, 113.6620 ~5 km west Free. 24-hour access. Well signed.
On-site — Three Mile Pool Gascoyne–Lyons Junction Rd, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8630, 113.7040 — ❌ No dump point on-site
After (heading north) — Coral Bay Coral Bay Road, Coral Bay, WA 6701 -23.1530, 113.7650 ~320 km north Free. Near caravan park.
After (heading north) — Exmouth Murat Road, Exmouth, WA 6707 -21.9330, 114.1280 ~360 km north Free. 24-hour access.

7c. Free Water Top-Up Points Near Three Mile Pool Rest Area

💧 Water Point Address / Postcode GPS Distance Notes
On-site — Three Mile Pool Gascoyne–Lyons Junction Rd, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8630, 113.7040 — ❌ No potable water. River water NOT safe to drink.
Carnarvon Fuel Stations Robinson Street, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8840, 113.6590 ~5 km west Water available with fuel purchase. Multiple servos in town.
Carnarvon Visitor Centre Robinson Street, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8840, 113.6590 ~5 km west Check for water tap availability.
✅ Water Strategy for Seniors: Three Mile Pool’s greatest advantage is that Carnarvon is only 5 km away. Drive into town each morning, fill your water tanks, use the dump point, pick up supplies, and return to your shaded riverside camp. This makes Three Mile Pool one of the most sustainable free camps in the Gascoyne — you can stay multiple days without running out of water, even in extreme heat. If heading north the next day, fill tanks completely in Carnarvon — the next reliable water is Minilya Roadhouse, 270 km north.

8. Wintersun Caravan Park — The Paid Alternative for Grey Nomads

If you want Carnarvon with full facilities, Wintersun Caravan and Tourist Park is the most senior-friendly paid option in town. Located on Robinson Street in the centre of Carnarvon, this park offers powered sites, hot showers, a swimming pool, camp kitchen, and is walking distance to shops and restaurants.

Address: 542 Robinson Street, Carnarvon, WA 6701
GPS: -24.8810, 113.6560
Phone: 08 9941 1455
Website: wintersuncaravanpark.com.au

For seniors who need 240V power for CPAP machines, a swimming pool for heat management, and the peace of mind of being in town with a hospital 2 km away, Wintersun is the smart multi-night base.

✅ Book Both Strategy: Use Three Mile Pool for a free night or two to enjoy the riverside setting, then move into Wintersun for powered nights when you need to recharge batteries (yours and the van’s), do laundry, and have a proper hot shower. This hybrid approach saves money while keeping comfort accessible. For tips on how long you can stay in a caravan park in Australia, see our guide.
⚠️ Carnarvon Peak Season: During the grey nomad travel season (May–September), Carnarvon caravan parks fill quickly. Phone Wintersun on 08 9941 1455 ahead of time, especially if you need a powered site or pet-friendly spot.

9. Full Facilities Comparison: Three Mile Pool vs Wintersun CP vs Chinaman Pool

Facility Three Mile Pool Wintersun CP Chinaman Pool
240V Power ❌ ✅ ❌
Toilets / Showers ⚠️ Basic or absent ✅ Full amenities ⚠️ Basic or absent
Pool ✅ Natural river pool ✅ Park swimming pool ✅ Natural river pool
Shade ✅ Excellent — river gums ✅ Some shaded sites ✅ Excellent — river gums
Phone Signal ✅ Reliable ✅ Reliable ✅ Fair
Medical 5 km to hospital 2 km to hospital 8 km to hospital
Birding ✅ Excellent ⚠️ Town setting ✅ Excellent
Senior Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Best free camp near Carnarvon ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Best paid option ⭐⭐⭐ — Good alternative

10. Rates: All Options Near Three Mile Pool

Option Rate (2026 Guide) Book How
Three Mile Pool Rest Area Free No booking — first come, first served
Chinaman Pool Free No booking
Wintersun Caravan Park ← Senior Recommended for powered stays From ~$40–$55/night powered 08 9941 1455 or website

11. Carnarvon and Surrounds Day Plan for Seniors

  • 7:00 AM — Morning walk along the Gascoyne River at Three Mile Pool. Birding is best at dawn — galahs, corellas, raptors. GPS: -24.8630, 113.7040.
  • 8:00 AM — Drive 5 km into Carnarvon. Fill water tanks. Use dump point at Babbage Island Road (GPS: -24.8970, 113.6620). Fuel up. Pick up supplies at IGA or Woolworths.
  • 9:00 AM — Visit the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum (OTC Dish), Mahogany Avenue, Carnarvon, WA 6701. GPS: -24.8690, 113.6990. Fascinating NASA tracking station history. Air-conditioned. Entry fee. Allow 1–1.5 hours. Flat paths.
  • 10:30 AM — Drive the Carnarvon Plantation Mile along South River Road. Tropical fruit plantations — mangoes, bananas, pawpaws. Several offer tastings and fruit sales. GPS: -24.8760, 113.6800. Allow 1 hour.
  • 12:00 PM — Lunch at Carnarvon Fascine (waterfront). GPS: -24.8920, 113.6530. Flat paved pathway, sheltered seating, public toilets. Dog-friendly on lead.
  • 1:30 PM — Optional afternoon drive to Carnarvon Blowholes (~50 km north, sealed road). GPS: -24.5260, 113.4570. Spectacular coastal blowholes and King Waves lookout. Stay behind safety fences. Allow 1 hour including drive.
  • 4:00 PM — Return to Three Mile Pool. Set up under the river gums. Sunset drinks beside the Gascoyne River.
✅ Blowholes Safety Tip: The Carnarvon Blowholes are spectacular but extremely dangerous. King waves can sweep people off the rocks without warning. Stay behind all safety fences and barriers. Do not climb on rocks near the water. Multiple fatalities have occurred here. Seniors with mobility limitations should enjoy the view from the designated lookout platforms, which are flat and accessible.

12. Senior Checklist: Three Mile Pool Rest Area 2026

Item Why It Matters for Three Mile Pool ✓
Travel insurance with medical evacuation Carnarvon Hospital is 5 km away — good. But if heading north next, you are entering remote country. ☐
Onboard toilet — emptied and functional On-site toilet basic or absent. Self-contained recommended. ☐
Dump point GPS saved Carnarvon: -24.8970, 113.6620 — only 5 km away ☐
Water top-up plan No water on-site. Drive 5 km to Carnarvon each day. River water is NOT safe to drink. ☐
CPAP lithium battery charged No power. Charge at Wintersun CP or before arriving. ☐
BOM flood check — Gascoyne River River floods Nov–April. Check BOM warnings before camping riverside. Evacuate if flood warning issued. ☐
2-week prescription medication supply Carnarvon has pharmacies. Stock up here — next pharmacy is Exmouth, 360 km north. ☐
Insect repellent Mosquitoes active at dusk near river. Close screens before sunset. Apply repellent. ☐
Fly nets and head nets Bush flies intense March–May. Essential comfort. ☐
Offline maps downloaded (if heading north) Download for Exmouth, Coral Bay, Cape Range NP while in Carnarvon. Signal drops 50 km north. ☐
Emergency numbers saved offline AND on paper Carnarvon Hospital: 08 9941 0555 | Emergency: 000 ☐

13. What to Do Near Three Mile Pool: Senior Activity Plan

Activity Address / Postcode GPS Senior Notes
Three Mile Pool Birding and River Walk Gascoyne–Lyons Junction Rd, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8630, 113.7040 Flat riverbank walk. Excellent birding. Best at dawn. Free.
Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum Mahogany Avenue, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8690, 113.6990 NASA tracking station. Air-conditioned. Entry fee. Flat access. 1–1.5 hours.
Carnarvon Plantation Mile South River Road, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8760, 113.6800 Tropical fruit plantations. Tastings and sales. Drive-through. 1 hour.
Carnarvon Fascine (Waterfront) Babbage Island Road, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8920, 113.6530 Flat paved foreshore walk. Sheltered seating. Public toilets. Dog-friendly. Free.
Carnarvon Blowholes Blowholes Road, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.5260, 113.4570 Spectacular blowholes. Stay behind fences — king waves dangerous. 50 km north. Free.
One Mile Jetty Babbage Island Road, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8960, 113.6450 Historic jetty. Check current access — damaged by cyclone, may be partially closed. Heritage site.

14. GPS Coordinates and Postcodes — Save Every Stop

Save all of these to your Van Life Savings Spots app. Carnarvon has reliable phone signal — download all maps and save all GPS coordinates here before heading north.

Stop Full Address + Postcode GPS (Copy to App)
Three Mile Pool Rest Area Gascoyne–Lyons Junction Rd, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8630, 113.7040
Chinaman Pool Gascoyne–Lyons Junction Rd, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8470, 113.7280
Carnarvon Town Centre Robinson Street, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8840, 113.6590
Wintersun Caravan Park 542 Robinson Street, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8810, 113.6560
Carnarvon Space Museum (OTC Dish) Mahogany Avenue, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8690, 113.6990
Carnarvon Fascine (Waterfront) Babbage Island Road, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8920, 113.6530
Carnarvon Blowholes Blowholes Road, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.5260, 113.4570
One Mile Jetty Babbage Island Road, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8960, 113.6450
🏥 Carnarvon Hospital Cleaver Street, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8840, 113.6590
🗑️ Dump Point — Carnarvon Babbage Island Road, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8970, 113.6620
💧 Water — Carnarvon Fuel Stations Robinson Street, Carnarvon, WA 6701 -24.8840, 113.6590

15. Frequently Asked Questions — Three Mile Pool Rest Area for Grey Nomads

Is Three Mile Pool Rest Area free camping in 2026?

Yes. Three Mile Pool Rest Area is a free camping area managed by the Shire of Carnarvon. No permit and no fees. Check current signage for stay limits on arrival. Located on the Gascoyne–Lyons Junction Road, approximately 5 km east of Carnarvon. GPS: -24.8630, 113.7040.

Are there toilets at Three Mile Pool Rest Area?

Toilet facilities are basic or may be absent. Being self-contained with your own onboard toilet is strongly recommended.

Is the Gascoyne River water safe to drink?

No. The Gascoyne River water is not treated and is not safe to drink. Always bring your own potable water. Carnarvon is only 5 km away — fill your tanks in town.

Can I swim at Three Mile Pool?

The pool is a natural river pool — not supervised. Water depth varies seasonally. Submerged branches and uneven bottom are hazards. Never swim alone. Never swim after rain upstream. There are no crocodiles this far south. Swim at your own risk.

Where is the nearest hospital to Three Mile Pool?

Carnarvon Hospital, Cleaver Street, Carnarvon, WA 6701. GPS: -24.8840, 113.6590. Phone: 08 9941 0555. Approximately 5 km west. Emergency department available.

Where is the nearest dump point?

Carnarvon dump point, Babbage Island Road. GPS: -24.8970, 113.6620. Free. 24-hour access. Approximately 5 km from Three Mile Pool.

Is Three Mile Pool safe for solo senior travellers?

Three Mile Pool is one of the safest free camps for solo seniors in the Gascoyne. Reliable Telstra phone coverage, 5 km from a hospital, and during peak season the rest area has multiple other campers providing natural community.

Do I need a permit to camp at Three Mile Pool?

No. No permit, no parks pass, no fee. Managed by the Shire of Carnarvon. Check current stay limits on signage when you arrive.

Can the Gascoyne River flood at Three Mile Pool?

Yes. The Gascoyne River is highly flood-prone during cyclone season (November–April). Floods can occur with little warning. Always check BOM flood warnings for the Gascoyne catchment before camping at any riverside location. If a flood warning is issued, vacate immediately.

16. Quick-Reference Card — Three Mile Pool Rest Area 2026

Detail Information
Name Three Mile Pool Rest Area
Address Gascoyne–Lyons Junction Road, Carnarvon, WA 6701
GPS -24.8630, 113.7040
Cost Free — no permit
Stay Limit Check signage — typically 24–48 hours
Shade ✅ Excellent — mature river red gums
Phone Signal ✅ Reliable Telstra
Nearest Hospital Carnarvon — 08 9941 0555 — GPS: -24.8840, 113.6590 — 5 km
Nearest Dump Point Carnarvon — GPS: -24.8970, 113.6620 — 5 km
Nearest Water Carnarvon fuel stations — GPS: -24.8840, 113.6590 — 5 km
Paid Alternative Wintersun CP — 08 9941 1455 — GPS: -24.8810, 113.6560
Shire Contact Shire of Carnarvon — 08 9941 0000
Emergency 000 (Triple Zero)
✅ Save This Page: Screenshot this quick-reference card. Save all GPS coordinates to your Van Life Savings Spots app. Print a copy for your glovebox. Sitting under the river gums at Three Mile Pool at sunset, listening to galahs screeching overhead and watching the Gascoyne River turn gold in the fading light — you will understand why experienced grey nomads call this one of the best free camps in the Gascoyne. Just arrive prepared, check the flood warnings, and enjoy every moment.

Disclaimer: Three Mile Pool Rest Area information in this guide was researched and compiled for the 2026 travel season. Facilities, rules, GPS coordinates, flood risk, and conditions can change without notice. Always verify current status with the Shire of Carnarvon on 08 9941 0000 and check BOM flood warnings for the Gascoyne River before camping at any riverside location. Phone numbers and addresses were verified at the time of writing — confirm before relying on them in an emergency. This website is independently operated and is not affiliated with the Shire of Carnarvon, Main Roads WA, or any caravan park mentioned. We recommend all senior travellers carry travel insurance with medical evacuation cover, a registered PLB, and a printed emergency contact list.

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