Billabong Roadhouse: it’s not the kind of place you mark on a map with a little heart, but by gum, it’s the place you’ll thank your lucky stars for when your fuel gauge starts to wobble, and your spirits begin to sag. I’m Paul Beames, and way back when I first made the haul from Geraldton to Carnarvon, this 234-kilometre stretch of WA’s outback made me appreciate just how much way can feel like forever. Most people tackling that Perth to Exmouth road trip will figure out quickly that this roadhouse is the unofficial halfway sanity stop – the moment you start to get a feel for just how huge and wild WA really is.
Along WA’s Longest Empty Run
Most travellers don’t even know that Billabong Roadhouse is right in the middle of the longest fuelless stretch of the entire North West Coastal Highway. Once you leave Northampton heading north, you’ll hit the great unwashed – all desert, no towns to speak of, no servo clusters, no side streets with a takeaway joint in them – until you come across Billabong. This section of the Western Australian road network is renowned for eye-bending views, gusty winds & the kind of isolation that, back in the day, European explorers misjudged more than once.
Before you set off on the highway, make sure to give the travel map a scan and have a gander at any current alerts for Western Australia – heatwaves, road closures, track closures, or even storms that might shut the highway. A region where a single bushfire can cause chaos or a sudden downpour can shut the whole operation down makes planning a real lifesaver.
Typical Distances To Billabong
| Departure Point | Kilometres To Billabong | Average Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Geraldton | ~234 km | 2 hr 25 min |
| Carnarvon | ~211 km | 2 hr 10 min |
| Kalbarri Turn-Off | ~50 km | 30 min |
| Overlander Roadhouse | ~70 km south | 40 min |
(Drive times vary with wind, heat, traffic, and road train delays — factor in fatigue stops, especially in hot months.)
The Spot That Keeps You Moving: Fuel, Food, And A Sanity Break
Billabong Roadhouse – it’s exactly as it claims to be: a place to grab fuel, a quick feed, and a cold drink on a scorcher of a day. It won’t win any awards for gourmet food, but you’ll find the basics, along with a dunny that’s seen every kind of traveller from backpackers to truckies – and every type in between.
You’ll find:
- Unleaded and diesel (just pull up, fuel up and pay at the bowser).
- A café counter with the usual fare: burgers, chips, sandwiches, pies and the classic outback combo of chips and gravy – which might just sort out a few emotional problems.
- Aircon that’s like a warm hug on a hot, windy day on the highway.
- Basic supplies like water, ice cream, sunscreen and a few bits you might have forgotten.
- A spot to stretch your legs – and trust me, they’ll thank you after two hours staring at the same horizon.
When you pull in, don’t expect any fancy dining options or a gift shop. Expect hot chips, cold drinks and a place to rest your weary head. And honestly? That’s why it’s so great.
A Traveller’s Reality Check: What You’ll Actually Find Here
Let’s not kid ourselves here – Billabong Roadhouse isn’t a resort, tourist attraction or one of those places that influencers rave about. It’s a practical, rough-around-the-edges place that people really appreciate when they’re driving through WA’s outback.
Here’s the lowdown:
- No town – just the roadhouse.
- Mobile signal can be dodgy depending on your provider.
- Food is hearty, not fancy – it’s good, old-fashioned outback fare – not gourmet stuff.
- There is ample parking, but keep an eye out for road trains that like to turn wide.
- Be prepared for school holidays – traffic can be a real convoy.
I’ve met heaps of travellers who booked their WA adventures with Pinnacles Tours, and they always grin when they mention Billabong – because that’s the one stop that really makes an impression on people.
Road Conditions, Drive Times, And Distances
The North West Coastal Highway between Geraldton and Carnarvon is a straight, hot and exposed road – and it’s a major freight route, too, so don’t be surprised to see road trains zooming by – sometimes with three trailers on the back.
Here’s what’s in store for you:
Wind That Could Rip The Doors Off A Van
WA’s mid-west crosswinds have been known to push more campervans around than mozzies have annoyed a campsite. Hold your line, grip the wheel tightly, and give road trains plenty of space when they overtake.
Heat That'll Turn The Bitumen Into A Sizzling Hot Frypan
Between December and March, temperatures often get up to the mid 40s – tyres blow, people get grumpy, and radiators get hot-headed. Keep an eye on:
- Tyre pressure (heat expands air, don’t forget that)
- Your engine temperature
- And most importantly, your own hydration – dehydration can sneak up on you out here
Wildlife
Emus don’t read road signs, kangaroos love to cause chaos at dawn and dusk – slow down.
Road Works And Seasonal Closures
Keep an eye on Main Roads WA for updates on road works, floodway impacts, heatwave alerts, bushfire closures, cyclone-related updates and the like.
If you’re heading up to the Exmouth whale shark tours, Billabong Roadhouse is the spot where you take a breather before getting into the real Ningaloo country.
What Long-Haul Drivers Gain From This Break
For most people, Billabong Roadhouse is just a bit of a must-stop – the spot where you finally hit the pause button after hours of driving through the same old scenery.
Here’s what it means for long-distance drivers:
- A much-needed mental break after hours of staring at the same flat-as-a-pancake views of the outback.
- A safe bet for getting some decent fuel before heading further into remote Western Australia.
- A welcome break for kids, dogs, and adults who are starting to feel the effects of the drive.
- Food that’s actually worth eating when you’ve given up on your snack bag, and you’re starting to feel like you’re going to collapse with hunger.
When I used to guide an 8 Day West Coast Tour, Billabong Roadhouse was always the place where the whole group would come back to life – everyone would refuel, stretch their legs and get ready for the next leg of the journey.
Overlander Or The Other Option: Which Stop Works Best?
This is the classic traveller debate – you know, the one that inevitably comes up when you’re driving between Kalbarri and Shark Bay.
Overlander Roadhouse
- It’s closer to Shark Bay, Monkey Mia, and Denham
- It’s got bigger facilities and loads more signage, so you can’t miss it
- It’s all a bit more touristy, if you know what I mean
Billabong Roadhouse
- It’s in a much better spot for a mid-drive sanity check
- It’s less crowded if you’re not travelling during peak season
- It’s just a genuine outback roadhouse – the kind that hasn’t tried to tart itself up with fancy signs and whatnot
If you’re heading to Shark Bay, you’ll likely stop at both: Billabong for a bit of a break, and Overlander for some final supplies.
Seasonal Quirks: When WA Gets Hot, Hot, Hot
Let’s face it, the climate in WA doesn’t mess around.
Summer (Dec-Feb)
Bloody hot. Temperatures soar above 40 degrees. Your fuel will evaporate faster than your patience, and you’ll be wishing you’d stopped for a lot more breaks than you do.
Autumn (Mar-May)
Still a bit warm, but the winds really pick up. Good time to get up early and get driving if you want to make the most of it.
Winter (Jun-Aug)
Mild during the day, cold at night. Watch out for fog rolling in around dawn. It’s actually a pretty sweet time to travel.
Spring (Sep-Nov)
Flies. Everywhere. Just buy a head net and put up with it, unless you really enjoy eating bugs on the go.
Handy Hacks For Making The Most Of Your Stop
After years of guiding groups up and down the highway, I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a good stop at Billabong Roadhouse, and one thing’s for sure – if you do your prep, you’ll make the most of your time there.
Top tips from Pinnacles Tours
“We’ve been trekking up and down the Indian Ocean Drive for years, and while we love a good road trip, nothing beats seeing the coast from the comfort of our custom-built buses. If you’d rather leave the navigation and long hauls to us, check out our full range of adventures on the official Pinnacles Tours home page and let’s get you out there!”
- Fill up even if you’re “nearly full”. WA’s distances can be seriously deceptive.
- Bring a ton of water. One bottle per person won’t go anywhere near far enough.
- Check your tyres every day after a long drive. Heat can cause pressure to drop rapidly.
- Avoid driving in the evening. There’s plenty of wildlife out there, and you don’t want to be the one to find out.
- Grab some chips or a pie. They’re a lifesaver in the heat.
- Stretch properly. Your back will be thanking you long before Carnarvon.
- Don’t rely on online maps. Reception can be pretty dodgy, so get your route map sorted offline before you head out.
FAQ
Is Billabong Roadhouse open 24 hours?
No, not usually. Hours vary by season, but it generally opens early and closes early. Plan to get there before dark.
Can I camp at Billabong Roadhouse?
There’s basic accommodation and some space to park up for the night, but it’s not a full-on campground. Don’t expect to stumble out into a hot shower at all times.
Does Billabong have EV charging?
Not right now, but WA’s doing its best to get EV charging sorted out. Just check the latest updates before you head off, yeah?
Is the food at Billabong any good?
It’s the classic roadhouse fare – hearty, simple and cooked just for hungry travellers. The chips are secretly the stars of the show.
How far is Billabong from major attractions?
It’s about 50 km from the Kalbarri turn-off and 70 km south of Overlander, which leads to Shark Bay and Monkey Mia.
