has anyone ever had any trouble when using the free camping areas on the Nullabor? We are planning a trip from Adelaide to Perth. We are new to caravanning and this will be our first large trip and Im a bit nervous about staying outside of a caravan park. Thanks
We have free camped on several trips across the Nullabor and never had a problem or felt in the slightest unsafe. We have never felt unsafe free camping anywhere in 10 years, though a couple of times we have decided not to stay somewhere when it just didn't feel right or looked like it had been used for past drinking parties, generally that has always been fairly close to major towns, the more remote you are the nicer free camping is in my opinion.
There are so many vans crossing the Nullabor these days that you will find that you will be sharing most free camps with fellow caravanners which should help give you some confidence to free camp. Enjoy your trip. I have been across so many times I have lost count and still look forward to going again. Great experience.
There is no water available across the Nullabor except for buying bottled water. If staying at any of the caravan parks at roadhouses they have showers that you can use but no water hook ups or water for tanks. Some of the roadhouses have showers that people travelling through can use for a small fee.
I have never had problems in any free camps, which I use 99% of the time
I have crossed the Nullarbor at least twice a year, in the past six years
As others have already said when travelling from the east, the last potable water is at Ceduna, (at the last servo, near the dump point), and the next is at Norseman at the Tourist Info Centre
When you are in a car only, you learn very quickly not to waste it.
Drip water out of a bottle to wash hands & use pH balanced soap.
Straight after using plates bowls etc carefully move around the plate a small amount of water & drink. Why throw it out. We each have our own Corelle plates which clean easily. Repeat once or twice as required.
Or use some of my black tea to clean breakfast bowl.
We don't cook anything greasy so far less difficulties cleaning up.
Half a cup of water to clean teath. Maybe a bit more with flossing.
2.5 to 3 litres a day each is enough until water is available.
Over a bucket I can wash hair with about 1.5 litres, then use that to wash a few small items of clothing. Rince hair with about 2 litres. Then use that to rince clothes. Another litre for second rince. Then use that to wash bugs off front of car.
Sometimes can clean windscreen in the morning with condensation.
When you can see your remaing water in the car it helps save it.
Water is only a problem if you have insufficient storage for the time you are going to spend out there. As stated, ensure your tanks are full prior to leaving Ceduna or Norseman depending on travel direction.
We have done the crossing with the van in 2 days with 1 night out on the plain, but these days usually take 3 days with 2 nights out, to give you some planning ideas. Others do it in shorter hops so are out there longer. Just plan your trip and ration your water accordingly.
