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Short Term RV Overflow Area

OPEN

The Town of Port Hedland's Short Term Recreational Vehicle Overflow Area is located adjacent to the Port Hedland Turf Club on McGregor Street, Port Hedland.

Situated within walking distance of local amenities, the rest stop is a short drive from the Port Hedland Town Centre and multiple tourist attractions.

Conditions of Use

The following conditions apply:

  • All stays are to be no more than 72 hours in any 28-day period.
  • All RVs have their own on board toilet and shower facilities.
  • All waste and grey water is to be retained in the vehicle for disposal at dump points.
  • No clothing is to be hung outside to dry.
  • Follow 'leave no trace' principles.
  • Sites can not be reserved.
  • Use waste and recycling facilities provided.
  • Tents, camper trailers, mini vans, back packer vans or the like are not permitted.
  • No fires permitted.
  • No amplified music is permitted.
  • All campers must follow reasonable directions from Town of Port Hedland Rangers and Officers.
  • Any items left behind will be disposed of as waste by Town of Port Hedland Rangers and/or Town Officers.
  • Pets must be kept on a leash and restrained at all times.
  • Animal waste must be collected and disposed of to refuse.
  • Portable generators are not permitted.

The Short Term RV Overflow Area is monitored by a caretaker appointed by the Town during peak season. Rangers and Town Officers are authorised to issue immediate move-on directions or infringements for non-compliance.

Vehicle non-compliant or wish to stay in Port Hedland longer?

If your vehicle does not comply, or you would like to stay longer, Caravan Parks are located at:

  • Discovery Parks, 2 Taylor Street, Port Hedland
  • Black Rock Caravan Park, 2115 North Circular Road, South Hedland
  • Port Hedland Golf Club, Great Northern Highway, South Hedland

Require an exemption due to exceptional circumstances?

While the Town of Port Hedland RV Overflow Facility allows stays for up to 72 hours (3 days), we recognise that sometimes travel plans don’t go as expected.

To ensure your safety and well-being, we offer exemptions for extended stays under excemptional circumstances.

Exemptions may be considered for the following reasons:

  • Medical emergencies
  • Health and safety concerns
  • Mechanical breakdowns
  • Natural disasters
  • Weather conditions

 Each request will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

RV Overflow Program 2023

Key data was gathered during the Town's 2023 RV Overflow program, with data collected from 310 online surveys from more than 3000 visitors who stayed at the facility in the tourism season from July-October.

Here is a snapshot of the survey results:

Free camping area drives $3m into Hedland economy in 2023

22 January. 2024

Survey data shows almost $3 million was injected into the Hedland economy in 2023 by visitors to the Town of Port Hedland’s RV overflow camping area.

During last year’s peak tourist season from July to October, 3720 vehicles stopped at the RV Overflow area in McGregor Street, Port Hedland – with tourists from right across Australia pumping $2.82 million into the Hedland economy.

Mayor Peter Carter said there were significant flow-on benefits to local businesses from tourists who accessed the free area designated to self-contained RV and caravan travellers.

“The RV overflow area continues to grow in popularity, giving Hedland an opportunity to attract self-drive tourists to stop and take in some of the sights of our wonderful region,” Mayor Carter said.

"The facility was created due to limited site availability at existing caravan parks in Hedland during the peak tourist season, and it allows the Town to retain its RV friendly status.

“Without this facility, many of these visitors might only stop for fuel and food before continuing their trip, but now they are spending more and more time in Hedland and surrounds.”

The Town received 310 surveys from visitors who stayed at the facility, with other results showing:

  • The average length of stay at the RV Overflow area was 2.5 nights;

  • The average spend per day was $304 per day and overall was $758;

  • 55% said they would return to Hedland in the future;

  • 53% said the free camping facility influenced their decision to stop in Hedland;

  • 78% of guests were aged over 55; and

  • Most visitors were from WA (26%), Queensland (21%), NSW (20%) and Victoria (17%).

The Town will soon advertise its volunteer caretaker role for the 2024 tourist season.