Station Creek Rest Area, Tea Gardens NSW

The Station Creek Rest Area is a large, convenient free camping facility located on the southbound side of the Pacific Highway (M1) near Tea Gardens, on the lower Mid North Coast of New South Wales. It’s a vital 24-hour stopover for the huge volume of traffic heading south towards Newcastle and Sydney, providing a safe and accessible place to manage driver fatigue. Positioned just north of the Myall River, this modern rest area is designed to accommodate all types of vehicles, featuring separate, dedicated parking lanes for cars, caravans, and heavy vehicles like B-double trucks. This layout significantly improves safety and creates a quieter environment for those choosing to stay overnight.

The rest area is well-equipped with modern and clean amenities, including a large public toilet block, numerous sheltered picnic tables, and rubbish bins. The entire site is sealed with asphalt, offering a level and clean surface for any rig. The surrounding bushland provides a pleasant backdrop and a good opportunity for walking pets on a leash. Given its location on a major national highway, mobile phone reception is excellent for all major carriers, and digital TV reception is generally very strong. As is standard for highway rest areas, there is no potable water supply or an on-site dump point, so travellers must be self-sufficient. The beautiful coastal towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest are only a short 15-minute drive away, offering a full suite of services including supermarkets, boutiques, cafes, pubs, and service stations. For a safe, clean, and convenient free stop with easy access to stunning coastal attractions, the Station Creek Rest Area is an outstanding choice.

Station Creek Rest Area – NSW Location Map

Name: Station Creek Rest Area
Address: 6700 Pacific Highway, Tea Gardens NSW 2324, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -32.60911, 152.09545

Site Information

Location: On the southbound side of the Pacific Highway (M1), approximately 10km north of the Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest turn-off.
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, sheltered tables available.
Potable Water: No. Be self-sufficient.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major 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, clearly marked loops for cars/caravans and heavy vehicles.
Rubbish Bins: Yes.
Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for others. Truck parking is separate from caravan bays.
Number of Sites Available: Very large, with dozens of marked and unmarked spaces.
Essentials to Bring: Drinking water and all personal supplies.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be leashed at all times.
Fishing: Not available at the rest area, but excellent fishing is in the nearby Myall River.
Short Walks: Safe pathways within the rest area for stretching your legs.

Local Amenities

Pubs

Tea Gardens Hotel Motel, Tea Gardens: A beautiful historic pub right on the Myall River waterfront (approx. 18km).
Hawks Nest Hotel, Hawks Nest: A classic coastal pub just a short walk from Bennetts Beach (approx. 20km).
Karuah RSL, Karuah: A large, friendly club with a bistro overlooking the Karuah River (approx. 25km).

Places to Eat

Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest: Both towns offer a wonderful selection of cafes, bakeries, fish and chip shops, and restaurants.
Karuah: Famous for its oysters, with several outlets selling fresh local produce.

Local Attractions

Myall Lakes National Park: A huge, stunning waterway system perfect for boating, kayaking, and fishing.
Jimmy’s Beach, Hawks Nest: A beautiful, calm bay beach perfect for families.
Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest: A spectacular surf beach, also known as the “Magic Beach”.
Yacaaba Headland Walking Track: A challenging but rewarding hike with breathtaking coastal views.

Nearest Caravan Parks

BIG4 Koala Shores Port Stephens Holiday Park: Located nearby in Lemon Tree Passage.
Hawks Nest Beach Holiday Park: Situated right on the main surf beach.

Next Free Camps

Bulahdelah Lions Park: A well-known donation camp in the town of Bulahdelah (approx. 30km north).
Hexham Bridge Rest Area (Southbound): The next major rest area closer to Newcastle.

Nearest Dump Points

Tea Gardens Waste Transfer Station: Check with the local council for public access.
Karuah Jetty & Boat Ramp: A public dump point is available for travellers.

Nearest Petrol Station

Tea Gardens and Karuah: Both towns have service stations. Major 24/7 service centres are located further south towards Heatherbrae.

Drinking Water Resupply

Anzac Park, Tea Gardens: Public taps are available on the waterfront. Confirm suitability for drinking.

Nearest Public Toilets (offsite)

Anzac Park, Tea Gardens: Clean public facilities are located on the waterfront.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Port Stephens / Great Lakes region enjoys a temperate coastal climate with warm summers and mild winters.

Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot and humid, with average temperatures from 20°C to 28°C. Perfect for enjoying the beautiful local beaches and waterways.
Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful time to visit, with warm sunny days and less humidity.
Winter (Jun – Aug): Mild and generally sunny, with daytime temperatures averaging 8°C to 19°C. It’s a popular time for whale watching.
Spring (Sep – Nov): Weather warms up with pleasant days, ideal for exploring the national parks and coastline.