TLDR: It varies from site to site. Typically, you can stay for one night at a rest stop inside your vehicle. Do not park in truck bays. Do not construct a tent. Be respectful of the area, stay only as long as you need to rest, and it’s unlikely you will encounter an issue.
Fatigue is one of the big 3 killers on Australian roads. Aware of this, the federal and state governments have funded thousands of public rest stops in Australia.
Unfortunately, signage stating “No Camping” has left many people, myself included, confused about whether we are allowed to stay overnight, and for how long, and it what manner. I will address those questions in this post.
Do NOT Park In Truck Bays
There are 3 types of rest stops:
Motorist Rest Areas – for general and recreational vehicles (including caravans and motorhomes) only.
Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas – exclusively for heavy vehicles (trucks).
Combined Rest Areas – where there are designated areas for trucks, and general and recreational vehicles.
Take careful note of where your vehicle type is allowed to park and follow the rules. Not only is it disrespectful to park in a truck bay, but it’s dangerous. There are many less areas for truck drivers to rest than there are for cars and their schedule, trip length, and vehicle are far less forgiving for them than yours are for you.
As such, you can also receive a hefty fine, or even have your car towed if you cannot be found to move your vehicle.
Staying in motorhomes, caravans, or other recreational vehicles overnight is allowed. Have a pop top camper? Feel free to pop that top. Just do not construct anything outside of your vehicle, such as a tent.
You must sleep inside your vehicle.
How Long Can I Stay?
While the exact laws vary from jurisdiction-to-jurisdiction, these sites are intended for you to stop and sleep in your vehicle for a few hours, usually up to one night.
You are not allowed to stay for multiple days, and police will stop by periodically to take note of vehicles present and enforce these rules.
Queensland
“General and recreational vehicles can stop at a rest area for up to 20 hours unless signed otherwise”.
New South Wales
NSW has a “use common sense” approach. Traditionally this has meant that you will be fined if your vehicle has been at the rest stop for more than 24 hours, which still applies to almost all rest areas.
Unfortunately, as of January 2020 due to misuse and overcrowding, the NSW Government has resorted to trialling 4 hour limits at the popular Yelgun and Arrawarra rest areas:
“Some rest areas, particularly on the East Coast of NSW, have become a popular overnight and longer stay option for recreational vehicles. This is causing overcrowding and reducing space for heavy vehicle drivers who have a legal obligation to rest.”
“Rest areas are not designed for long stays. A four hour stopping time limit for light and recreational vehicles allows time for customers to rest on their journey.”
Western Australia
Thankfully, WA is very clear on the length you can stay:
“24-hour rest areas are not intended for camping. They are great places to take a break if you are travelling long distance. Please do not stay at these stopping places for more than 24 consecutive hours.”
In Summary
Other states are harder to find information on, especially the likes of Tasmania which is largely National Parks which have their own various camping rules.
But, given the precident set by the above states, I think it’s pretty clear what is expected. If the site is crowded, only stay as long as needed to overcome your fatigue, then relocate to somewhere more appropriate.
If the site has plenty of space, feel free to stay overnight. Don’t stay longer than you really need to. Rest areas are intended for you to get a nights rest on a long journey and, if the facilities are provided, go to the bathroom and have something to eat.
Again, use common sense and be respectful. Sleep inside your vehicle and park in the designated areas. If you happen to come in contact with law enforcement, be respectful and follow instruction – you should be fine.
