Edrom Road Rest Area, Southbound

The Edrom Road Rest Area is a small, basic free camping spot catering to southbound travellers on the Princes Highway, located on the beautiful Sapphire Coast of New South Wales. Tucked away within the East Boyd State Forest, this rest area offers a quiet and convenient place to pull over, rest, and reset before continuing the journey south towards the Victorian border. While it lacks formal amenities, its value is found in its simplicity and peaceful bushland setting, providing a welcome respite from the main road. It is an excellent choice for a quick lunch break or as a no-fuss overnight stop for fully self-contained campervans, caravans, and motorhomes.

This is a primitive rest stop, and travellers must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying their own water, toilet facilities, and power. The site provides picnic tables and rubbish bins, but that is the extent of the facilities. Its sealed surface and easy access directly from the southbound lanes make it suitable for all vehicle types, although space is limited. The rest area’s key advantage is its strategic location. Situated approximately 18 kilometres south of the major coastal town of Eden, it offers easy access to a full range of services, including supermarkets for supplies, petrol stations, pubs, cafes, and mechanical services. This proximity allows travellers to stock up in Eden before settling in for a quiet night surrounded by nature, making it a smart and economical choice for those exploring the magnificent coastline and national parks of this stunning region.

Edrom Road Rest Area Southbound – NSW Location Map

Name: Edrom Road Rest Area Southbound
Address: National Route 1 (Princes Hwy), Narrabarba NSW 2551, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -37.20472, 149.84479

Site Information

Location: On the southbound side of the Princes Highway (A1), approximately 18km south of Eden.
Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, but space is limited.
Road Access: Sealed highway access.
Site Surface: Sealed (asphalt).
Camping Permitted: Yes, free overnight camping is permitted.
Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
Picnic Tables: Yes, tables are available.
Potable Water: Not available.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally reliable, but can be patchy in forest areas.
TV Reception: Variable.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
Ullage / Dump Point: Not available onsite.
Drive Through: Yes, simple drive-through layout.
Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
Open Fires: Strictly prohibited. Use self-contained cooking equipment only.
Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other users due to the small size.
Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, limited space for roughly 3-4 vehicles.
Essentials to Bring: All drinking water, own toilet facilities, power source.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
Fishing: Numerous fishing spots available in nearby rivers, estuaries, and beaches around Eden.
Short Walks: Informal trails leading into the surrounding state forest.

Local Amenities

Pubs & Eateries

Great Southern Hotel: Approximately 18 km north in Eden.
Hotel Australasia: Approximately 18 km north in Eden.
Eden Fishermen’s Recreation Club: Approximately 19 km north in Eden.
A comprehensive range of cafes and restaurants can be found in the town of Eden.

Local Attractions

Eden Killer Whale Museum: Approximately 19 km north in Eden.
Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd National Park): Access points are just a short drive away, offering stunning coastal lookouts and walks.
Boydtown & the historic Seahorse Inn: Approximately 12 km north.

Caravanning & Camping Supplies

Nearest Caravan Parks: A wide selection of caravan parks are located in and around Eden (approx. 18 km).
Next Free Camps: Scrubby Creek Rest Area (northbound) is nearby, Wallagaraugh River Rest Area is further south.
Nearest Dump Points: Public dump point available in Eden, or at caravan parks for a fee.
Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple options available in Eden (approx. 18 km).
Drinking Water Resupply: Available at public parks or service stations in Eden.
Nearest Public Toilets: The nearest public facilities are in Eden (approx. 18 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Sapphire Coast enjoys a temperate climate. Summers are warm with cooling sea breezes, ideal for coastal activities. Winters are mild and cool, often with clear, sunny days perfect for exploring. Spring and Autumn provide very pleasant conditions for travelling. Rainfall is spread evenly throughout the year, so it is advisable to be prepared for showers at any time. Packing layers is recommended to accommodate for cooler evenings and changing weather conditions.