Amberley Driver Reviver Rest Area – Purga
The Amberley Driver Reviver Rest Area is a vital road safety facility on the busy Cunningham Highway, providing a crucial spot for drivers to take a short break near the city of Ipswich. It is important for travellers to understand that this is a dedicated Driver Reviver site, intended for short-term stops to combat fatigue, and it is not a designated overnight campground. The park offers a large, sealed, and well-maintained area with easy access for all vehicle types, including caravans and large trucks. Its primary function is highlighted during school holidays and long weekends when dedicated volunteers operate the Driver Reviver van, offering free coffee, tea, and biscuits to weary travellers. Outside of these times, it remains an excellent place to pull over, stretch your legs, and have a picnic. The site is equipped with clean toilets and sheltered picnic tables. Its location adjacent to the RAAF Amberley air base means visitors are often treated to the spectacular sight and sound of military aircraft on approach or departure. For travellers needing a break on the journey to or from Brisbane and the Scenic Rim, the Amberley Driver Reviver is a safe, clean, and convenient option for a short rest.
Amberley Driver Reviver Rest Area
2487 Cunningham Hwy, Purga QLD 4306
GPS Coordinates: -27.65849, 152.70863
Website: QLD Dept. of Transport
Site Information
- Location: On the Cunningham Highway, adjacent to RAAF Base Amberley, near Ipswich.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicles for short-term rest.
- Road Access: Sealed highway.
- Site Surface: Bitumen.
- Camping Permitted: No. This is a day-use rest area intended for short breaks to combat fatigue.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Not permitted.
- Facilities: Toilets, rubbish bins. Driver Reviver van operates during peak holiday periods.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, sheltered tables are available.
- Potable Water: Only when the Driver Reviver van is in operation.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
- TV Reception: Excellent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Prohibited.
- Generator Use: Not permitted.
- Number of Sites Available: Large parking area for day use.
- Essentials to Bring: Your own food and drink.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: No.
- Short Walks: Walking around the large rest area.
Local Amenities
The nearest major city with all services is Ipswich (approx. 10-15 km away).
- Local Pubs:
- Racehorse Hotel, Booval (approx. 10 km)
- CSI – Ipswich (approx. 12 km)
- Prince of Wales Hotel, Ipswich CBD (approx. 15 km)
- Places to Eat:
- Numerous cafes, restaurants, and fast-food outlets in Yamanto and Ipswich CBD.
- Local Attractions:
- RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre
- The Workshops Rail Museum, Ipswich
- Ipswich Art Gallery
- Queens Park and Ipswich Nature Centre
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Ipswich Caravan Village (approx. 15 km)
- Showgrounds camping may be available in Boonah or Kalbar.
- Next Free Camps:
- Fassifern Memorial Park (20hr, approx. 40 km south)
- Tully Memorial Park (48hr, donation, approx. 20 km south)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- A public dump point is located at the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre.
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Multiple service stations are located nearby at Yamanto.
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available at the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
The Ipswich area has a humid subtropical climate, similar to Brisbane, with hot, wet summers and mild, dry winters.
Season | Average Temp (Max/Min) | Conditions |
---|---|---|
Summer (Dec – Feb) | 31°C / 20°C | Hot and humid, with the highest chance of rain, often from severe afternoon thunderstorms. |
Autumn (Mar – May) | 27°C / 16°C | Warm, sunny days and pleasant nights with decreasing humidity. A beautiful time of year. |
Winter (Jun – Aug) | 22°C / 7°C | Dry, mild, and sunny days with cool to cold nights. Frost can occur in surrounding areas. |
Spring (Sep – Nov) | 28°C / 13°C | Temperatures and humidity build steadily. Mostly dry and sunny until late in the season. |