Every traveller on the North West Coastal Highway (N W Coastal Hwy) will eventually end up at the Overlander Roadhouse. This isn’t just a BP fuel stop — it’s the BP Overlander Road house, a lifeline for rigs, vans and families heading to Shark Bay, Monkey Mia, Kalbarri National Park, or Carnarvon. As Paul Beames, I’ve used this place more times than I can count — to top up tanks, grab a quick feed or point first timers towards the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.
Finding Your Way: Location And Access
You’ll find Overlander Roadhouse on the North West Coastal Highway, 731 km north of Perth and 133 km south of Carnarvon. It’s at the turn-off to Shark Bay and Monkey Mia, so you can’t miss it.
- From Perth: 8-9 hours if you push it, but most break the trip overnight in Geraldton or Kalbarri.
- To Shark Bay/Monkey Mia: 128 km west after the turn off.
- To Carnarvon: 133 km north up the highway.
A simple map in your glovebox wouldn’t go astray — GPS gets patchy out here. Road trains dominate the bitumen, so give them space and don’t overtake unless you have a clear run.
Travellers on the 4 Day Monkey Mia Tour from Perth also pass through Overlander, so it’s the essential refuel before the dolphin encounters at Monkey Mia.
Seasonal Travel Conditions
The Coral Coast isn’t all sunshine and turquoise seas. Timing matters.
- Summer (Dec–Feb): Bloody hot, daytime temps over 40°C. Cyclones are possible further north.
- Autumn (Mar–May): Cooler, fewer crowds, good driving conditions.
- Winter (Jun–Aug): Peak season. Clear skies, whales offshore, every second campervan in WA.
- Spring (Sep–Nov): Wildflowers are in bloom, especially inland. Warm, dry, good for long hauls.
If you’re towing a van, remember that crosswinds in summer can be brutal. In winter, book accommodation ahead — Shark Bay books out faster than a pub on a Friday arvo.
Everything You’ll Find at a Classic Outback Pit Stop
Not a fancy stop, but it’s got the essentials when you need them. Expect:
- Fuel: ULP, PULP, diesel, truck bays for road trains.
- Food: Hot chips, burgers, pies and surprisingly good coffee for this stretch.
- Supplies: Ice, drinks, basic groceries and a rack of maps and brochures.
- Facilities: Dunnies, showers (small fee), shaded seating.
- Accommodation: Motel rooms and powered caravan sites if you need to crash.
For roadies on the long haul, this place is less about indulgence and more about survival. I’ve had days where a bacon and egg roll here felt like five-star dining.
Inside Australia’s Outback Pit Stop Tradition
Every roadhouse has its quirks, and Overlander’s got plenty. You’ll find:
- Truckies rolling in for fuel and a quick bite before the next long haul.
- Grey nomads setting up in the RV / motorhome access bays and swapping route tips.
- Backpackers in dusty utes debating whether they can make it to Monkey Mia without filling up (spoiler: they can’t).
- Locals passing through on popular routes between Kalbarri National Park and Shark Bay.
It’s part pit stop, part community hub, part survival checkpoint. Expect dust, direct talk and a healthy dose of Aussie humour.
Safety Tips For Travellers
The distances in WA aren’t to be taken lightly. A few Overlander-specific safety notes:
- Always refuel here before heading west to the Peron Peninsula — there’s nothing until Denham.
- Carry water. Fill up at the drinking water taps and bring spares.
- Check tyres before turning off — heat and corrugations will chew them up fast.
- Wildlife warning: Roo strikes are common. Drive slower at dusk.
- Rest areas: Use the nearby rest stops or information bays if fatigue kicks in.
Think of Overlander as the last line of defence — if you skip it, you’re gambling with kilometres of empty scrub.
Cost Check: Fuel And Food Prices
| Item | Price (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unleaded Petrol | $2.35–2.55 | Higher than Perth, lower than Denham |
| Diesel | $2.45–2.65 | Popular with truck bays |
| Burger & Chips | $15–18 | Big serve, fills the belly |
| Coffee | $5–6 | Solid for a roadside brew |
| Motel Room (Onsite) | $120–140 | Air-con, basic but reliable |
| Powered Site (Caravan/RV) | $30–40 | Includes water, showers, BBQ areas |
| Non-Powered Site (Camping) | $20–25 | Cheaper, suited for camper trailers |
Journeys Built on Outback Stops
Without Overlander, half of WA’s iconic adventures wouldn’t be doable. It’s the launch pad for:
- Shark Bay World Heritage Area & Monkey Mia: Famous for dolphins, dugongs, and white sandy beaches.
- Francois Peron Peninsula National Park: Red sand meets turquoise seas, 4WD only.
- Dirk Hartog Island: Remote and rugged, serious planning required.
- Hamelin Pool: Home to stromatolites, some of Earth’s oldest living fossils.
- Useless Loop & Faure Island: Off-the-beaten-track destinations best tackled with experience.
Every one of these trips relies on fuel, food and facilities at the Overlander Roadhouse.
A Personal Story From The Road
I once pulled into Overlander with a convoy of camper trailers during peak season. We’d been dust-choked from a detour at Hamelin Pool and were desperate for a shower. The roadhouse showers, listed on the National Public Toilet Map, were worth their weight in gold that day. One bloke in our group — stubborn as a mule — nearly pushed on without refuelling. I made him top up. That night, he admitted the headwinds on the way to Denham nearly drained his tank dry. Overlander saved him — and kept the whole crew moving.
FAQ
Do Overlander Roadhouse have powered sites?
Yes — powered sites, non-powered sites and space for RV/motorhome and camper trailers.
Is Overlander pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed in the camping grounds — it’s a pet-friendly stop.
What facilities are listed on the National Public Toilet Map?
Toilets, showers, sharps disposal and Changing Places.
Can I get drinking water at Overlander Roadhouse?
Yes — drinking water taps for small refill fees.
