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Barrys Creek Rest Area Southbound
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Barrys Creek Rest Area Southbound, Cooperabung NSW

Barrys Creek Rest Area Southbound, Cooperabung NSW

The Barrys Creek Rest Area Southbound is a large, modern free camping facility on the Pacific Highway (M1), strategically located on the stunning Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Positioned just north of the major tourist hub of Port Macquarie, this rest area is an essential 24-hour stopover for the high volume of traffic heading south towards Taree, Newcastle, and Sydney. As part of the significant highway upgrades, this facility is designed to the highest standards, catering to all types of travellers, from cars and caravans to the largest B-double trucks. It features dedicated parking lanes for heavy and light vehicles, ensuring a safer and quieter experience for those staying overnight.

The amenities at Barrys Creek are excellent, reflecting its status as a key rest stop. Travellers will find a large, clean toilet block, numerous sheltered picnic tables perfect for a meal break, and rubbish bins. The entire site is sealed with asphalt, providing a clean and level surface for all rigs. Grassy areas on the perimeter are ideal for walking pets on a leash. Its location on the main coastal highway guarantees excellent mobile phone coverage for all major carriers and clear digital TV reception. It’s important for travellers to be self-sufficient, as there is no potable water or dump point on-site. The close proximity to Port Macquarie means that a full range of services, including major supermarkets, 24/7 service stations, hospitals, and a vast array of dining options, are just a short drive away. For those travelling south along the Pacific Highway, the Barrys Creek Rest Area offers a first-class, convenient, and safe place to rest and recharge.

Barrys Creek Rest Area Southbound – NSW Location Map

  • Name: Barrys Creek Rest Area Southbound
  • Address: Pacific Highway, Cooperabung NSW 2441, Australia
  • GPS Coordinates: -31.24866, 152.82213

Site Information

  • Location: On the southbound side of the Pacific Highway (M1), approximately 22km north of Port Macquarie.
  • Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large caravans and big rigs.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway.
  • Site Surface: Asphalt/Bitumen.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
  • Picnic Tables: Yes, multiple modern, sheltered tables available.
  • Potable Water: No. Be self-sufficient.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all carriers.
  • TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, large modern amenities block.
  • Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
  • Drive Through Sites: Yes, with separate, well-marked lanes for cars/caravans and trucks.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of others. Truck bays are separate from caravan bays.
  • Number of Sites Available: Very large, with numerous marked and unmarked spaces.
  • Essentials to Bring: Drinking water and all personal supplies.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be kept on a leash.
  • Fishing: Not available at the rest area.
  • Short Walks: Safe pathways and grassy areas provide good space for walking.

Local Amenities

Pubs

  • Settlers Inn Hotel, Port Macquarie: A large, popular pub with a family-friendly bistro (approx. 20km).
  • Tacking Point Tavern, Port Macquarie: Known for its great atmosphere and food (approx. 25km).
  • The Beach House, Port Macquarie: Iconic establishment with stunning views over the Hastings River and Town Green (approx. 24km).

Places to Eat

  • Port Macquarie: As a major tourist town, it has an extensive selection of restaurants, cafes, clubs, and all major fast-food chains.
  • Wauchope: A charming hinterland town with excellent cafes and bakeries (approx. 25km west).

Local Attractions

  • Koala Hospital, Port Macquarie: A world-famous facility dedicated to caring for sick and injured koalas.
  • Billabong Zoo: Koala & Wildlife Park: Get up close with a wide range of native and exotic animals.
  • Tacking Point Lighthouse: One of Australia’s oldest lighthouses, offering spectacular coastal views.
  • Sea Acres Rainforest Centre: An elevated boardwalk through a pristine coastal rainforest.

Nearest Caravan Parks

  • NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park: Located right in the centre of town.
  • Flynns Beach Caravan Park: A popular choice close to one of the main beaches.

Next Free Camps

  • Kundabung Rest Area Southbound: The next major rest area further south towards Kempsey.
  • Pembrooke Rest Area: A smaller rest area off the highway near Wauchope.

Nearest Dump Points

  • Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Works Depot: A public dump point is available for travellers on Central Road.

Nearest Petrol Station

  • Port Macquarie Service Centre (North): A major 24/7 service centre with all fuel types located at the highway turn-off.

Drinking Water Resupply

  • Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre: Located at the Glasshouse, they can direct you to the nearest council tap.

Nearest Public Toilets (offsite)

  • Town Green, Port Macquarie: Excellent, clean public facilities in the main waterfront park.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Port Macquarie region enjoys a fantastic subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters.

  • Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm and humid with the highest rainfall. Average temperatures range from 20°C to 27°C. Perfect for swimming.
  • Autumn (Mar – May): Typically glorious weather with sunny days, less humidity, and mild temperatures.
  • Winter (Jun – Aug): Mild and mostly sunny, with daytime temperatures averaging 9°C to 20°C. It’s a popular time for visitors escaping colder southern climates.
  • Spring (Sep – Nov): Weather warms up with pleasant sunny days, ideal for all outdoor activities.

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