Glen Rest Area – Rosenthal Heights

The Glen Rest Area is a large and practical free 20-hour stopover, strategically positioned on the New England Highway just south of the historic city of Warwick. This is a classic, functional highway rest stop, providing an essential service for travellers and truck drivers needing a safe place to manage fatigue on their journey through the Southern Downs and Granite Belt region. The site features a very large, sealed, and relatively level parking area set back from the highway, with dedicated loops for trucks and caravans, ensuring there is ample space for all vehicle types, including the largest rigs. While not a scenic destination in itself, it is surrounded by the pleasant rolling countryside typical of the area. The facilities are basic but cover the necessities for a short stay, including a toilet block and rubbish bins. As there are no showers or power, it is best suited for self-contained travellers. Its greatest asset is its convenience and proximity to Warwick, the ‘Rose and Rodeo City’. Campers can easily use the rest area as a base to drive into town to explore the magnificent sandstone buildings, visit the racecourse, enjoy the beautiful parks, or stock up on supplies. For travellers looking for a no-fuss, no-cost, and safe place to pull over for the night, the Glen Rest Area is a reliable and well-maintained option.

Site Information

• Location: On the New England Highway, approximately 10 km south of Warwick.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, with separate drive-through areas for trucks/caravans and cars.
• Road Access: Sealed highway to the site.
• Site Surface: Bitumen.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a free 20-hour maximum stay rest area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 20 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, rubbish bins. No showers or power.
• Picnic Tables: Yes, some sheltered tables are available.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be mindful of truck drivers who also need to rest.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large area with no defined sites.
• Essentials to Bring: It is best to be fully self-contained with water, power, and shower facilities.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: The nearby Leslie Dam offers excellent fishing.
• Short Walks: Walking around the large rest area.

Local Amenities

All major services are located in the nearby city of Warwick (approx. 10 km).

• Local Pubs:
  • The Horse and Jockey Hotel Motel (approx. 8 km)
  • The Warwick Hotel (approx. 10 km)
  • The Criterion Hotel (approx. 10 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Numerous hotels, cafes, bakeries, and restaurants throughout Warwick.
• Local Attractions:
  • Warwick’s historic sandstone buildings
  • Australian Rodeo Heritage Centre
  • Glengallan Homestead
  • Leslie Dam
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Warwick Showgrounds (offers camping)
  • Kahler’s Oasis Caravan Park
  • Rose City Caravan Park
• Next Free Camps:
  • Dalrymple Creek Park, Allora (24hr, approx. 40 km north)
  • Stanthorpe Showgrounds (low-cost, approx. 50 km south)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available at the Warwick Showgrounds.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations are located on the southern edge of Warwick.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the Warwick Showgrounds.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Warwick, located on the Southern Downs, has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons and is known for its cold winters.