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Four Mile Hill Rest Area
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Four Mile Hill Rest Area, Kiwarrak NSW

Four Mile Hill Rest Area, Kiwarrak NSW

The Four Mile Hill Rest Area is a large and well-equipped free camping spot located on the southbound side of the Pacific Highway (M1) in the Kiwarrak State Forest, just south of the major regional centre of Taree, New South Wales. This facility is a crucial 24-hour stopover for the high volume of traffic travelling south along the Mid North Coast towards Forster, Newcastle, and Sydney. As a modern, purpose-built rest area, it’s designed to cater to all travellers, from cars and caravans to the largest B-double trucks, with separate, dedicated parking lanes to ensure safety and minimise noise for those resting overnight.

This rest area is set within a pleasant bushland environment, offering a more scenic and tranquil stop than many other highway facilities. The amenities are modern and maintained to a high standard, including a large toilet block, numerous sheltered picnic tables, and rubbish bins. The entire site is sealed, providing a clean, level surface suitable for any vehicle. For those travelling with pets, the surrounding forest area provides ample opportunity for a good walk on a leash, away from the traffic. Mobile phone coverage for all major carriers is excellent, and digital TV reception is generally strong. As is typical for these facilities, travellers must be self-sufficient as there is no potable water or dump point on-site. The close proximity to Taree means that a comprehensive range of services, including major supermarkets, 24/7 service stations, a hospital, and a wide variety of shops and restaurants, are all within a 10-minute drive. For a convenient, safe, and comfortable free stop nestled in a forest setting, the Four Mile Hill Rest Area is a top-tier choice.

Four Mile Hill Rest Area – NSW Location Map

  • Name: Four Mile Hill Rest Area
  • Address: Pacific Highway, Kiwarrak NSW 2430, Australia
  • GPS Coordinates: -31.96469, 152.46492

Site Information

  • Location: On the southbound side of the Pacific Highway (M1), approximately 10km south of Taree.
  • Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway.
  • Site Surface: Asphalt/Bitumen.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
  • Facilities: Public toilets, sheltered picnic tables, rubbish bins.
  • Picnic Tables: Yes, multiple modern tables are available.
  • Potable Water: No. Be self-sufficient.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
  • TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a large, modern amenities block.
  • Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
  • Drive Through Sites: Yes, with separate, clearly marked lanes for cars/caravans and heavy vehicles.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of others. Truck bays are separated 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 leashed. The adjacent state forest is great for walks.
  • Fishing: Not available at the rest area, but excellent fishing is nearby in the Manning River.
  • Short Walks: Yes, trails and tracks lead into the surrounding Kiwarrak State Forest.

Local Amenities

Pubs

  • Royal Hotel, Taree: A classic pub in the Taree CBD (approx. 10km).
  • Exchange Hotel, Taree: Another popular local pub with a bistro (approx. 10km).
  • Taree Railway Station Hotel, Taree: A historic pub near the train station (approx. 11km).

Places to Eat

  • Taree: As a major regional centre, Taree offers a full range of supermarkets (Woolworths, Coles, ALDI), cafes, restaurants, clubs, and all major fast-food chains.

Local Attractions

  • Manning River: Famous for boating, fishing, and scenic drives along its banks.
  • The Big Buzz Fun Park: A family-friendly amusement park with water slides and activities.
  • Ellenborough Falls: One of the longest single-drop waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere, a stunning day trip into the hinterland.
  • Old Bar Beach: A popular coastal village with a beautiful beach, just a short drive from Taree.

Nearest Caravan Parks

  • Big4 Colonial Holiday Park, Taree: A large park with a full range of facilities.
  • Dawson River Tourist Park, Taree: A quieter park located on the banks of the Dawson River.

Next Free Camps

  • Wang Wauk Rest Area Southbound: The next major rest area further south towards Bulahdelah.
  • Coopernook Hotel Motel: Offers free camping for patrons, located north of Taree.

Nearest Dump Points

  • Taree Visitor Information Centre: A public dump point is available for travellers.

Nearest Petrol Station

  • Taree South Service Centre: A major 24/7 service centre is located just a few kilometres north on the highway.

Drinking Water Resupply

  • Taree Visitor Information Centre: A reliable location to fill RV water tanks.

Nearest Public Toilets (offsite)

  • Fotheringham Park, Taree: Clean public facilities located on the Manning River foreshore.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Taree region enjoys a humid subtropical climate with warm to hot summers and mild winters.

  • Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot and humid, with average temperatures from 20°C to 30°C. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
  • Autumn (Mar – May): A very pleasant season with warm, sunny days and lower humidity.
  • Winter (Jun – Aug): Mild and generally sunny, with daytime temperatures averaging 7°C to 19°C. Nights are cool, but frosts are uncommon.
  • Spring (Sep – Nov): Weather warms up, with sunny days and pleasant temperatures, perfect for exploring the river and coast.

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