Wilton Rest Area Eastbound, Hume Highway

The Wilton Rest Area Eastbound is a large, modern, and essential rest stop for northbound travellers on the Hume Highway (M31), located near the town of Wilton in New South Wales. Serving as one of the last major rest facilities before entering the heavily congested Sydney metropolitan area, it provides a critical opportunity for drivers to take a break, manage fatigue, and prepare for the final leg of their journey into the city. Its strategic position makes it an incredibly busy hub for all types of road users, from holidaying families in cars and caravans to long-haul truck drivers completing their interstate routes.

This is a purpose-built, high-quality facility designed to handle a large volume of traffic. The entire area is sealed, with a well-designed drive-through layout that includes separate, dedicated parking zones for light vehicles (cars, caravans) and heavy vehicles (trucks, buses), ensuring a safe and organised environment. The rest area is primarily intended for day-use and short-term rests, not for overnight camping. The amenities are excellent and well-maintained, featuring a large toilet block, numerous covered picnic tables perfect for a meal break, and plenty of rubbish bins. The site also includes a children’s playground, making it an especially welcome stop for those travelling with kids. Being close to Sydney, it boasts excellent mobile phone coverage, allowing travellers to check traffic conditions and make final calls before hitting the city traffic.

Wilton Rest Area Eastbound – NSW Location Map

Name: Wilton Rest Area Eastbound
Address: Hume Highway, Wilton NSW 2571, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -34.28879, 150.72652

Site Information

Location: Northbound (eastbound) on the Hume Highway (M31), near the Picton/Wilton exit.
Site Suitable For: All vehicles, including cars, caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs.
Road Access: Sealed motorway access.
Site Surface: Sealed (asphalt).
Camping Permitted: No, this is a day-use rest area only. Strict time limits may apply.
Maximum Overnight Stays: Not intended for overnight recreational camping.
Picnic Tables: Yes, many covered picnic shelters are available.
Potable Water: Yes, drinking water is available at the amenities block.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent coverage for all major carriers.
TV Reception: Good terrestrial TV reception.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a large and clean toilet block is provided.
Ullage / Dump Point: Not available onsite.
Drive Through: Yes, designed with separate drive-through lanes for light and heavy vehicles.
Rubbish Bins: Yes, numerous bins are located throughout the site.
Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
Generator Use: Not appropriate for a busy day-use rest stop.
Number of Sites Available: Many marked parking bays for all vehicle types.
Essentials to Bring: Not applicable.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
Fishing: Not applicable.
Short Walks: Paved footpaths around the rest area and a children’s playground.

Local Amenities (in Picton or Wilton)

Pubs & Eateries

The George IV Inn, Picton: Approx. 10km west. One of Australia’s oldest continuously licensed pubs.
Picton Hotel: Approx. 10km west. A classic country pub in the centre of town.
Wilton Hotel: Approx. 5km east. A modern pub offering meals and drinks.
Picton and Wilton offer various cafes, bakeries, and takeaway food options.

Local Attractions

Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan: Approx. 20km north, a short drive up the highway.
Thirlmere Lakes National Park: Approx. 20km west, great for picnics and bushwalking.
NSW Rail Museum, Thirlmere: Approx. 20km west, home to a significant collection of railway heritage.

Caravanning & Camping Supplies

Nearest Caravan Parks: Various options in Picton and the Southern Highlands.
Next Free Camps: Free camping is not available in the immediate area. The next major rest stops are Pheasants Nest (southbound) or Partridge VC (northbound, closer to Sydney).
Nearest Dump Points: Check with local caravan parks (a fee may apply). The closest public dump point may be in the Southern Highlands or towards Camden.
Nearest Petrol Station: A major service centre is located at Pheasants Nest, just a few kilometres south on the highway.
Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Wilton area, situated on the edge of the Southern Highlands, has a temperate climate. Summers are warm to hot, often with higher humidity and the chance of thunderstorms. Winters are cool to cold, with crisp nights and a higher likelihood of fog in the mornings, but days are often clear and sunny. Autumn and spring are typically mild and represent the most pleasant times for travelling, with comfortable temperatures day and night.