Geraldton to Northhampton
This route uses the North West Coastal Highway, which is the most direct route. There are a few hills, and if heading north later in the day an advantage on this route would be the afternoon sea breeze. Road trains use this road, but it has a good shoulder in most areas.
There are several road side rest areas, and one camping area about 20 kms south of Northhampton on the left. I am unsure if there is water here, so stock up on water before leaving Geraldton, and take enough to get to Northhampton. The route is marked as 52 kms, but is actually shorter because I will start the ride at the Gull 440 roadhouse on the North West Coastal Highway on the north side of Geraldton.
The reason for this is that there are several routes out of Geraldton, but ultimately they all pass this roadhouse. One comes from behind the roadhouse and joins the highway here. It is on the left of the highway when heading north, and is called the 440 because it is 440 kms from Perth.
When I stopped there, I noticed all of the taps outside had no handles. I would have had to carry all of my water bottles inside to the toilet to fill them. If standing out the front of the roadhouse, you will see on the left side where the diesel pumps are. There is a working tap in between the pumps.
This is also the last place to obtain food. They have take away hot meals, cold drinks, and plenty of places to sit down, both inside and outside. There are some picnic tables outside to the right. If you have a fuel stove, this might be a good place to check how much fuel you have in it. There are several rest areas along this route, and one in particular on the right had a picnic table and some breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
Road side rest area north of Geraldton.
About 20 kms before Northhampton, on the left is a free camping area where caravans stop. I am unsure of services here, but will check on this. It would be a good place to pitch a tent if it was getting dark. The road has several up hill and down hill runs.
Upon reaching Northhampton, on the left you will see the Tavern, with it's big red roof. Looking to the right and a short distance up the road, you will see the shire caravan park. You will also see a sign stating "Limited Water Further North, fill up at shire caravan park".
If continuing past the caravan park there are several shops and petrol stations. As of October 2005, I stayed at the Shire Caravan Park, and it cost me $6 for a tent site. It has good facilities and the tap water is safe to drink. There is no office, so someone comes around in the evening to collect your camping fee.
One thing I did notice during the night was the noise from the road. The road trains use their exhaust brakes (jake brakes) to slow down as they are entering the town, so if this is a problem, wear your earplugs. Otherwise it was a good stay, with hot showers. There were several trees also to tie your hammock if you use one.
