Overnight Parking

Where can you park a campervan overnight in Australia?

You can't stop and sleep just anywhere in your campervan. Only stay overnight where it's permitted. State, territory and local council rules decide where that is.

Look for rest areas and Driver Reviver sites along your route where you can stop, rest and refresh. Pulling over to sleep without checking whether it's allowed 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 at no cost. Often, though, there's a small overnight charge, usually paid into an honesty box on site.

Free camping rules differ from state to state, so read the local council's guidelines for each area before your trip.

Places where you may be able to park your campervan overnight include:

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

Not every place in these categories allows overnight stays, though. It depends on the rules of each location, so we suggest booking a spot beforehand.

Apps and resources for finding overnight parking

There are thousands of national parks and other conservation reserves across Australia. These are the state and territory agencies:

• New South Wales 
• Queensland 
• Northern Territory 
• Western Australia 
• South Australia 
• Victoria 
• Tasmania 
• Australian Capital Territory 

These apps can help you find both paid and free camping options in Australia:

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

Parking and road signs

Watch out for these parking signs. Sign details and time limits can vary between states and councils, so read each sign carefully.

• No Stopping – You can't stop your vehicle unless traffic conditions require it.
• No Standing – Stopping is only allowed in limited circumstances. Check the sign and the local rules.
• No Parking – You can't leave your vehicle unattended.

Green “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 during the times shown.
• Ticket – You must buy a parking ticket.
• Permit zone – Only permit holders can park.

If you get a parking ticket, it's issued to the vehicle, not the person. Because you're driving a rental vehicle, the rental company will receive the fine and contact you.

Fines for camping where it isn't allowed are set by councils and state agencies, and can be substantial. Repeated or serious breaches can lead to court action.

Cost of using camp sites

Australia has plenty of paid campsites where you can park your campervan for the night. You'll generally need to book these campervan parking areas in advance, particularly during peak travel periods. They offer a range of facilities, such as power hookups, bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Prices vary by location and facilities. As a rough guide, expect to pay from AUD $20 to $100 per night, but check the park's current rates when you book.

Next steps

• Power management: how often you need a powered site
• Tips for a good night's sleep: choosing and setting up your site
• Waste management: finding dump stations
• Apps to help with your planning and travel: more apps for life on the road

Part of During Your Trip in the Campervan Hire Handbook.