Best Camping and Caravanning Sites in Australia

A great place to start your adventure

Bewong Rest Area Northbound, Princes Highway

Bewong Rest Area Northbound, Princes Highway

Conveniently located on the northbound carriageway of the Princes Highway, the Bewong Rest Area serves as a vital fatigue management stop for travellers heading towards Nowra from the south. Set amidst the native bushland of the Shoalhaven region, this rest area offers a simple yet essential service for drivers, caravanners, and truckies needing a break. Its key feature is the long, drive-through layout, which provides straightforward access for vehicles of all sizes, including the largest big rigs and caravans, eliminating the need for complex reversing manoeuvres. Surrounded by scribbly gums and coastal forest, it provides a pleasant, shaded environment to relax and recharge before continuing your journey.

The site is equipped with the basics for a comfortable short stop, including picnic tables and rubbish bins. While overnight camping is permitted and it is a popular spot for a 24-hour rest, it is best suited to fully self-contained vehicles as there are no toilets or potable water facilities on site. The gravel surface is generally firm and provides ample space for numerous vehicles to park without feeling crowded. Its strategic position makes it a fantastic launching point for exploring the world-renowned Jervis Bay area, with the turn-off to Huskisson just a short drive north. Good mobile phone reception ensures you can finalise travel plans or check local conditions. For those journeying along this beautiful stretch of the NSW South Coast, the Bewong Rest Area is a practical, safe, and peaceful haven to ensure you arrive at your destination safely.

Bewong Rest Area Northbound – NSW Location Map

Location Details

Name: Bewong Rest Area Northbound
Address: Princes Highway (near Laurina Pl), Bewong NSW 2540, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -35.08497, 150.53388

Site Information

  • Location: On the northbound side of the Princes Highway (A1) in Bewong.
  • Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including Big Rigs, Caravans, and Motorhomes.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway access directly off the northbound lanes.
  • Site Surface: Gravel and dirt.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes, free overnight camping is permitted.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours is the recommended maximum.
  • Picnic Tables: Yes, available.
  • Potable Water: Not available.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally good for major carriers like Telstra.
  • TV Reception: Variable, may require a booster.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
  • Ullage / Dump Point: Not available onsite.
  • Drive Through: Yes, it is a long, drive-through bay parallel to the highway.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
  • Open Fires: Strictly not permitted. Use contained cooking appliances and be aware of fire bans.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of other users.
  • Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, large area with space for 15+ vehicles.
  • Essentials to Bring: All drinking water, own toilet facilities, power source.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash. Please clean up after them.
  • Fishing: Nearby opportunities in St Georges Basin and the coastal estuaries around Jervis Bay.
  • Short Walks: Informal walks in the adjacent bushland.

Local Amenities

Pubs & Eateries

  • Huskisson Hotel: Approximately 20 km away in Huskisson.
  • The Archer Hotel: Approximately 25 km north in South Nowra.
  • Bridge Hotel & Sports Bar: Approximately 28 km north in Nowra.
  • Wide variety of cafes and restaurants in Huskisson (approx. 20km) and Nowra (approx. 28km).

Local Attractions

  • Jervis Bay (Hyams Beach, Murrays Beach): Approximately 20-25 km away.
  • Fleet Air Arm Museum: Approximately 22 km north, near Nowra.
  • Shoalhaven Zoo: Approximately 30 km north of Nowra.

Caravanning & Camping Supplies

  • Nearest Caravan Parks: Numerous options in Huskisson, Vincentia, and Sanctuary Point (approx. 20-25 km).
  • Next Free Camps: Various smaller rest areas north and south on the Princes Highway.
  • Nearest Dump Points: Bay & Basin Leisure Centre (Vincentia) or Nowra Showground.
  • Nearest Petrol Station: South Nowra (approx. 25 km north) has multiple large service stations.
  • Drinking Water Resupply: Service stations in South Nowra or public taps in parks in Huskisson.
  • Nearest Public Toilets: Wandandian (approx. 5km south) or Huskisson (approx. 20km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Shoalhaven region enjoys a temperate coastal climate. Summers are typically warm to hot, often with high humidity and cooling afternoon sea breezes. Winters are cool and mild, with crisp nights and sunny days being common. Autumn and Spring are generally the most pleasant times to visit, with warm days and mild evenings. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, but the area can experience heavy rain events, particularly in late summer and autumn.

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