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Overnight Parking

Overnight Parking

During Your Trip

While it can be tempting to just park up your vehicle and enjoy the epic sunset, there are some rules to keep in mind when it comes to parking your campervan overnight in Australia. Read on to find out more

Where Can you Park a Campervan Overnight in Australia?

Australian law states you cannot stop and sleep anywhere in your camper unless it’s a specific place that allows you

Find Rest Areas and Driver Reviver sites along your route where you can stop, rest and refresh yourself. Pulling over to sleep without checking if it’s okay can result in hefty fines and parking bans.

Depending on where you are in Australia, you might be able to free camp on public land for free, but often there will be a small overnight charge, usually managed with an honesty box on-site.

The rules around free camping in Australia differ from state to state, so it's a good idea to read the local councils' guidelines for the area before your trip.

Some permitted areas where you can park your camper overnight include: 

National parks 
Holiday parks 
State forests
Campsites 
Motorhome sites 
RV-friendly towns 
Roadside campervan camping 
Beachside areas

However, not all these types of places will allow you to stay overnight either. It just depends on the specific rules of each location. So, we suggest you book a spot beforehand.

Apps and Resources for Finding Overnight Parking

There are thousands of national parks and other types of conservation reserves across Australia. Below is a list of state and territory agencies:

To assist in finding both paid and free camping options, several apps are invaluable resources for campervan Travellers in Australia:

WikiCamps Australia is a user-generated database of campgrounds, caravan parks, and other overnight parking options with filters for finding sites that meet your specific needs.
CamperMate offers a similar service to WikiCamps, with detailed listings and reviews of camping and parking spots throughout Australia.
HipCamp has comprehensive resource for discovering and booking unique outdoor stays including tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping.

Parking and Road Signs

Here are some parking road signs you should watch out for:

No Stopping – No stopping your vehicle unless because of traffic conditions. 
No Standing – You can stop your car only for three minutes while remaining inside. 
No Parking – Your vehicle cannot be left unattended.

The green letter “P” parking signs mean you’re allowed to park for certain times, for example: 

1/2P – Half an hour. 
1P – One hour. 
3P – Three hours. 
P – Permissive parking zone. 
Arrow – Parking applies in the direction the arrow is pointing.
7.30AM-6.30PM Mon-Fri – Vehicles can park at the specified time. 
Ticket – You must purchase a parking ticket.
Permit zone – Only permit holders can park.

Remember, if you receive a parking ticket, the ticket gets assigned to the vehicle, not the person. As you will have a rental vehicle, the campervan provider will receive the fine and they will contact you.

The fines for illegal camping range from an on-the-spot fine of $110 to a maximum of $2,200. For significant breaches, or for repeat offenders, Council can issue Court Attendance Notices that have a maximum penalty of $110,000.

Cost of Using Camp Sites

Australia offers a wide array of paid campsite options, giving you plenty of choices to park your campervan for the night. Campervan parking areas generally need to be booked in advance, particularly during peak travel periods throughout Australia. They offer a range of facilities such as power hookups, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Prices vary by location and amenities but expect to pay anywhere from AUD $20 to $100 per night.

Expert Tip

Look for multi-day passes if you're planning an extended stay. They often offer better value for money.
Avoid parking on muddy or wet grass, as heavy vehicles like campervans can easily get stuck.
Always lock your campervan when leaving it unattended, regardless of the location or duration.