Edrom Road Rest Area Northbound, Narrabarba
The Edrom Road Rest Area Northbound is a simple, practical, and spacious pull-over bay located on the Princes Highway in the far south coast region of New South Wales. Situated within the serene surroundings of the East Boyd State Forest, this rest area primarily serves as a truck bay and a convenient spot for travellers to take a short break from driving. It is a no-frills location, offering a safe and easy place to stop, check vehicles, or have a quick meal before continuing the journey towards the historic port town of Eden, which is just a short drive to the north. While not a destination in itself, its strategic location makes it a useful stopping point.
This is a very basic rest area with no formal amenities, making it suitable only for fully self-contained vehicles like caravans and motorhomes that require nothing more than a flat piece of ground. There are no toilets, no picnic tables, no water, and no rubbish bins provided. Visitors must be completely self-sufficient and are expected to follow a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy by taking all their waste with them. The large, unsealed surface provides plenty of room for even the largest big rigs to pull off the highway and manoeuvre with ease. Its key benefit is its proximity to Eden (approximately 15 minutes away), where a full range of services including supermarkets, fuel, dump points, and tourist attractions like the famous Killer Whale Museum can be found. For budget-conscious travellers, it can serve as a brief, free stop before heading into town to a caravan park or for supplies.
Edrom Road Rest Area Northbound – NSW Location Map
Location Details
Name: Edrom Road Rest Area Northbound
Address: Princes Highway, Narrabarba NSW 2551, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -37.20264, 149.84494
Site Information
- Location: On the Princes Highway (A1), approximately 16km south of Eden.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicle sizes, including big rigs.
- Road Access: Sealed highway access.
- Site Surface: Gravel and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Not officially designated, but suitable for short-term rest stops in self-contained vehicles.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Not specified. Recommended for short breaks only.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: Not available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Can be patchy. Telstra generally offers the best coverage in this area.
- TV Reception: Poor to non-existent due to the forested location.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage / Dump Point: Not available onsite.
- Drive Through: No, it is a large open pull-over bay.
- Rubbish Bins: Not available. Please take all rubbish with you.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of truck drivers who may be resting.
- Number of Sites Available: Large unmarked area.
- Essentials to Bring: All self-containment facilities (toilet, water, power).
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Not available at the site, but excellent fishing opportunities exist in and around Eden.
- Short Walks: Informal walks around the rest area perimeter.
Local Amenities (in Eden, approx. 16km north)
Pubs & Eateries
- Great Southern Hotel: Imlay Street, Eden.
- Hotel Australasia: Imlay Street, Eden.
- Eden Fishermen’s Recreation Club: Offers bistro meals with ocean views.
- Eden has a variety of cafes, bakeries, and takeaway shops, particularly known for fresh seafood.
Local Attractions
- Eden Killer Whale Museum: A must-see attraction detailing the area’s unique whaling history.
- Port of Eden Lookout and Wharf: Watch the fishing fleet and look for marine life.
- Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd National Park): Features stunning coastal walks, beaches, and historic sites.
Caravanning & Camping Supplies
- Nearest Caravan Parks: Eden Gateway Holiday Park, Garden of Eden Caravan Park, and others in Eden.
- Next Free Camps: Wallagaraugh River Rest Area (south), Scrubby Creek Rest Area (south).
- Nearest Dump Points: Available at Eden Gateway Holiday Park or Garden of Eden Caravan Park (a fee may apply for non-guests).
- Nearest Petrol Station: Several major service stations are available in Eden.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available at service stations or caravan parks in Eden.
- Nearest Public Toilets: Numerous public toilet facilities are located throughout Eden.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
The climate of the NSW Sapphire Coast is temperate maritime. Summers are generally warm and pleasant, perfect for coastal activities, though they can be interrupted by cooler southerly changes. Winters are mild compared to inland areas, with cool temperatures and often clear, sunny skies. Nights can be crisp. Autumn and spring are typically calm and mild, offering ideal travelling conditions. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.