River Lett Hill Rest Area, Great Western Highway

The River Lett Hill Rest Area is a large and vital rest stop located on the eastbound lanes of the Great Western Highway at Hartley, on the western fringe of the Blue Mountains. This facility is critically important for road safety, serving as the main brake check and cooling area for heavy vehicles before they commence the long and steep ascent of Mount Victoria Pass. For all travellers, it provides a well-equipped and scenic place to take a break, offering stunning views across the historic and picturesque Hartley Valley. Its strategic position makes it an essential stop for managing driver fatigue before tackling the challenging mountain crossing.

This is a modern, sealed rest area designed primarily for short-term stops and is not intended for overnight camping. The large, drive-through layout provides safe, segregated parking for all vehicle types, with ample space for cars, caravans, and the largest of big-rig trucks. The amenities are excellent and well-maintained, featuring a clean toilet block, covered picnic tables, and rubbish bins, making it a comfortable spot for a lunch or coffee break. A notable feature is its role as an information bay, with signage often providing details about the surrounding area and road conditions. Its proximity to both the historic village of Hartley and the major regional centre of Lithgow makes it a convenient point from which to plan a visit to local attractions or to stock up on supplies before heading further east into the mountains or west towards the Central Tablelands.

River Lett Hill Rest Area – NSW Location Map

Name: River Lett Hill Rest Area
Address: 3076 Great Western Highway, Hartley NSW 2790, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -33.52653, 150.15365

Site Information

Location: Eastbound on the Great Western Highway (A32), just west of Mount Victoria and east of Lithgow.
Site Suitable For: All vehicles, including big rigs, caravans, and motorhomes.
Road Access: Sealed highway access.
Site Surface: Sealed (asphalt).
Camping Permitted: No, this is a day-use rest area and truck brake check facility.
Maximum Overnight Stays: Not intended for overnight camping.
Picnic Tables: Yes, covered picnic tables are available.
Potable Water: Yes, drinking water is generally available from taps at the amenities block.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for all major carriers.
TV Reception: Good terrestrial TV reception.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a toilet block is on site.
Ullage / Dump Point: Not available onsite.
Drive Through: Yes, a large drive-through design with separate parking areas.
Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
Generator Use: Not appropriate for this busy location.
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 areas around the rest stop to take in the views of the valley.

Local Amenities (in Lithgow, approx. 12km west)

Pubs & Eateries

The Grand Central Hotel, Lithgow: A large, historic pub in the centre of town.
Court House Hotel Lithgow: A popular local hotel with a well-regarded bistro.
The Lithgow Hotel: A classic pub offering a friendly atmosphere and meals.
Lithgow has a full range of supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, and fast-food outlets.

Local Attractions

Hartley Historic Site: Approx. 5km east. A beautifully preserved 19th-century village with a courthouse, church, and galleries.
Hassans Walls Lookout: Approx. 15km west. The highest lookout in the Blue Mountains, offering spectacular panoramic views.
Jenolan Caves: One of Australia’s most famous cave systems, located about a 45-minute drive south.

Caravanning & Camping Supplies

Nearest Caravan Parks: Several options are available in Lithgow, such as the Lithgow Tourist and Van Park.
Next Free Camps: Low-cost camping is available at Lake Wallace and Lake Lyell nearby.
Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is located at the Lithgow Showground.
Nearest Petrol Station: All major service stations are available in Lithgow.
Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Hartley area is part of the Central Tablelands and experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm to hot, but generally offer cooler temperatures than coastal Sydney. Winters are cold, with frequent heavy frosts and a good chance of snow, which can create beautiful scenery but also hazardous driving conditions. Autumn and spring are the most pleasant seasons for travel, with mild, sunny days and cool nights. Always be prepared for changeable weather when crossing the Blue Mountains.