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Big Spring Creek Rest Area
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Big Spring Creek Rest Area, Young NSW

Big Spring Creek Rest Area, Young NSW

The Big Spring Creek Rest Area is a large and practical free camping spot located on the Olympic Highway in the heart of the beautiful Hilltops Region of New South Wales. This essential 24-hour rest stop is perfectly positioned just south of Young, the ‘Cherry Capital of Australia’, making it an ideal base for travellers wanting to explore the region’s rich agricultural bounty and gold rush history. The rest area is a spacious, open, and relatively level site, suitable for all types of vehicles, from cars and campervans to large caravans and motorhomes, with plenty of room to manoeuvre.

As a designated rest area, it provides the fundamental amenities needed for a comfortable short stay. Facilities include picnic tables, and rubbish bins. The surface is a mix of dirt and grass, and the site is set back from the highway amongst native trees, providing some shade and a pleasant rural atmosphere. It is a pet-friendly location, offering ample space for dogs to have a walk on a leash after a long car ride. Mobile phone coverage is generally good. Travellers must be self-contained as there is no potable water or a dump point at the rest area. Its prime location is its biggest asset, offering easy access to the wineries of the Hilltops region, the fascinating history of the Lambing Flat riots in Young, and the many orchards that dot the landscape. For a no-fuss, conveniently located free camp to break up your journey or explore from, the Big Spring Creek Rest Area is an excellent and practical option.

Big Spring Creek Rest Area – NSW Location Map

  • Name: Big Spring Creek Rest Area
  • Address: Olympic Highway, Young NSW 2594, Australia
  • GPS Coordinates: -34.37448, 148.25994

Site Information

  • Location: On the Olympic Highway (A41), approximately 6km south of the Young town centre.
  • Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large caravans and motorhomes.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway.
  • Site Surface: Dirt/Grass.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
  • Picnic Tables: Yes.
  • Potable Water: No. Be self-sufficient and bring your own.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for most major carriers.
  • TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: No.
  • Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
  • Drive Through Sites: Yes, it is a large open area.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
  • Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with ample space.
  • Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, power source, levelling blocks.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be leashed.
  • Fishing: Not available at the rest area.
  • Short Walks: Plenty of space for walking around the large rest area.

Local Amenities

Pubs

  • Commercial Hotel, Young: One of several classic, large country pubs in Young (approx. 6km).
  • Empire Hotel, Young: A popular pub with a great atmosphere and bistro (approx. 6km).
  • Young Services Club: A large, modern club with multiple bars and dining options (approx. 7km).

Places to Eat

  • Young: As the ‘Cherry Capital’, Young has numerous cafes, bakeries, restaurants, clubs, and all major supermarkets (Woolworths, ALDI, IGA).

Local Attractions

  • Young’s Cherry Orchards: Visit during season (typically November-December) to pick your own delicious cherries.
  • Lambing Flat Chinese Tribute Garden, Young: A beautiful and peaceful garden commemorating the town’s gold rush history and Chinese community.
  • Hilltops Wine Region: Explore the numerous cellar doors and vineyards surrounding Young and Harden.
  • Poppa’s Fudge and Jam Factory: A popular spot for local produce and sweet treats.

Nearest Caravan Parks

  • Young Tourist Park: A council-run park located in the town of Young.
  • Milong Campground, Young: A basic but popular low-cost option.

Next Free Camps

  • Bullock Creek Rest Area: Another rest area located further south on the Olympic Highway towards Wallendbeen.
  • Bendick Murrell Rest Area: A large rest area to the north, between Young and Cowra.

Nearest Dump Points

  • Young Showground: A public dump point is available for travellers.

Nearest Petrol Station

  • Young: The town has multiple 24/7 service stations with all fuel types.

Drinking Water Resupply

  • Young Visitor Information Centre: A reliable location to fill RV water tanks.

Nearest Public Toilets (offsite)

  • Onsite: The rest area has its own public toilet block.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Hilltops region experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, featuring hot summers and cold winters.

  • Summer (Dec – Feb): Days are typically hot and dry, with average temperatures from 16°C to 31°C.
  • Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful season with mild, sunny days and cool nights, showcasing the region’s produce.
  • Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold, with heavy morning frosts and cool, crisp days. Daytime temperatures average 2°C to 13°C.
  • Spring (Sep – Nov): Weather warms up with pleasant days. The landscape is vibrant with canola fields and orchard blossoms.

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