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Twelve Mile Creek Rest Area, Pacific Hwy, Raymond Terrace NSW

A Strategic Stopover on the Legendary Pacific Highway

The Twelve Mile Creek Rest Area is a well-established and essential stop for travellers navigating the busy Pacific Highway in New South Wales. Ideally located just north of the major intersection at Heatherbrae and the town of Raymond Terrace, it serves as a perfect staging point for journeys north towards the holiday hubs of Port Stephens and Forster, or as a final break before heading south into Newcastle and Sydney. This large, dual-sided rest area (accessible to both northbound and southbound traffic) offers a safe and convenient free camp for an overnight stay, allowing drivers to rest and avoid fatigue on one of Australia’s most critical routes.

Set back from the main carriageway and surrounded by native bushland, the rest area provides a welcome sense of seclusion from the highway’s hustle. It features a spacious, sealed surface suitable for all vehicle types, including large caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs. The site is equipped with necessary amenities to ensure a comfortable break, such as public toilets, sheltered picnic tables for an al fresco meal, and rubbish bins. As a pet-friendly location, it offers ample space for pets to stretch their legs after hours on the road. Strong mobile phone coverage for all major carriers is a significant advantage for planning and communication. While it operates as a self-sufficient camping area without power or potable water, its prime location means you are only minutes away from the comprehensive services of Raymond Terrace and Heatherbrae. For travellers looking for a practical, no-cost overnight option that perfectly balances convenience with a touch of nature, the Twelve Mile Creek Rest Area is an unbeatable choice.

Twelve Mile Creek Rest Area – NSW Map

Name: Twelve Mile Creek Rest Area
Address: Pacific Hwy, Twelve Mile Creek, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
>GPS Coordinates: -32.66249, 151.84213

Site Details

Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers.
Road Access: Sealed highway (Pacific Highway). Accessible from both northbound and southbound lanes.
Site Surface: Bitumen and gravel.
Camping Permitted: Yes.
Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
Number of Sites Available: Large area with approximately 20+ unpowered sites.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome.
Fishing: Available in the nearby Williams and Hunter Rivers (approx. 10-15 km).
Short Walks: Informal walking tracks in the adjacent bushland.

Facilities

Picnic Tables: Yes (sheltered).
Potable Water: No. Ensure you bring your own water supply.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major networks.
TV Reception: Good terrestrial TV reception.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
Rubbish Bins: Yes.
Open Fires: Prohibited.
Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for fellow campers.

Essentials to Bring

A sufficient supply of drinking water.
All necessary food and cooking provisions.
Insect repellent, particularly in warmer months.

Local Amenities

Pubs

Heatherbrae Hotel: Approximately 8 km.
The Junction Inn Hotel, Raymond Terrace: Approximately 10 km.
Lakeside Village Tavern, Raymond Terrace: Approximately 12 km.

Places to Eat

Heatherbrae’s Pies: Famous pie shop, approx. 8 km.
Fast Food Outlets (McDonald’s, KFC) at Heatherbrae: Approximately 8 km.
Numerous cafes and restaurants in Raymond Terrace: Approximately 10 km.

Local Attractions

Port Stephens (Dolphin/Whale Watching, Beaches): Approximately 35 km.
Hunter Valley Wine Region: Approximately 45 km.
Newcastle City and Beaches: Approximately 30 km.

Caravan Parks

Koala Shores Port Stephens Holiday Park: Approximately 18 km.
BIG4 Karuah Jetty Holiday Park: Approximately 20 km.
Pacific Gardens Holiday Park, Heatherbrae: Approximately 8 km.

Next Free Camps

Browns Flat Rest Area (Northbound): Approximately 50 km north.
Beresfield Rest Area (Southbound): Note: smaller and primarily for trucks.

Services

Nearest Dump Point: Available at several local caravan parks (a fee may apply).
Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple major service stations at Heatherbrae (approx. 8 km).
Drinking Water Resupply: Service stations or parks in Raymond Terrace.
Public Toilets: Available in the Raymond Terrace town centre.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Hunter Region

Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and often humid, with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cooler nights. Generally pleasant and stable weather.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to mild days with cool to cold nights. Can be rainy at times.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Days become progressively warmer and are often sunny and clear.