Bilpin Rest Area, Bells Line of Road

The Bilpin Rest Area is a charming and well-maintained picnic spot located right in the heart of Bilpin, a town famous for its apples and cider on the scenic Bells Line of Road in the Blue Mountains. This rest area serves as a perfect pit-stop for travellers and day-trippers exploring this stunning alternative route across the mountains. Unlike a remote highway stop, this facility feels more like a town park, offering a clean, safe, and convenient place to take a break, enjoy a picnic, and sample the local produce from the numerous nearby orchards and fruit stalls.

This is a dedicated day-use area and is not suitable for overnight camping. Its primary purpose is to provide a comfortable rest point for visitors. The sealed area has clearly marked parking bays and is suitable for cars, campervans, and vehicles towing caravans, with easy entry and exit from the main road. The amenities are excellent for a picnic stop, featuring a clean toilet block, covered picnic tables, and rubbish bins. Its central location is its greatest asset; it is within easy walking distance of several of Bilpin’s iconic attractions, including fruit stalls selling fresh apples, cider, and the region’s famous apple pies. This allows visitors to park their vehicle safely and explore the town’s offerings on foot. For those travelling with families, it provides a great space to relax before or after visiting a ‘pick-your-own’ orchard. The Bilpin Rest Area encapsulates the welcoming, rustic charm of the region.

Bilpin Rest Area – NSW Location Map

Name: Bilpin Rest Area
Address: Bells Line of Road, Bilpin NSW 2758, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -33.49641, 150.51738

Site Information

Location: In the centre of Bilpin township, on the Bells Line of Road (B59).
Site Suitable For: Cars, campervans, and vehicles towing caravans.
Road Access: Sealed highway access.
Site Surface: Sealed (asphalt).
Camping Permitted: No, this is a day-use picnic and rest area only.
Maximum Overnight Stays: Not applicable. Area may be closed at night.
Picnic Tables: Yes, several covered picnic tables are available.
Potable Water: A tap may be available, but it is advisable to bring your own drinking water.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for major carriers.
TV Reception: Good terrestrial TV reception.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a toilet block is located on site.
Ullage / Dump Point: Not available onsite.
Drive Through: No, it is a parking area, but with good access.
Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
Open Fires: Prohibited.
Generator Use: Not appropriate for this location.
Number of Sites Available: Marked parking for approximately 15-20 vehicles.
Essentials to Bring: Picnic supplies.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
Fishing: Not applicable.
Short Walks: Easy walks to nearby shops and cafes in Bilpin.

Local Amenities

Pubs & Eateries

The Bilpin Hotel: Approx. 1km away. A classic country pub offering meals.
The Hive Bilpin: Approx. 500m away. Famous for its apple pies, local honey, and cafe.
Bilpin Fruit Bowl: Approx. 2km away. A famous roadside stall with a cafe and delicious apple pies.
Numerous other cafes and cellar doors (for cider tasting) are located along the Bells Line of Road.

Local Attractions

“Pick Your Own” Orchards: Numerous orchards operate seasonally (check opening times), such as Shields Orchard and Pine Crest Orchard.
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah: Approx. 10km west. A stunning cool-climate botanic garden.
Bilpin Cider Co.: Approx. 3km away. A popular cellar door for tasting locally made ciders.

Caravanning & Camping Supplies

Nearest Caravan Parks: Limited options in Bilpin. Larger parks are available in Katoomba (approx. 40km) or Lithgow (approx. 40km).
Next Free Camps: No designated free camps nearby. National Park campgrounds like Burralow Creek or Wheeny Creek are the closest low-cost options but require driving on unsealed roads.
Nearest Dump Points: Check with caravan parks in Katoomba or Lithgow (a fee will apply).
Nearest Petrol Station: A service station is available in Bilpin. More options are in North Richmond or Lithgow.
Drinking Water Resupply: Check with the local service station or travel with your own supplies.
Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Bilpin’s location in the Blue Mountains gives it a temperate, mountain climate. Summers are warm and pleasant, generally cooler than in Sydney, making it a popular escape from the city heat. Winters are cool to cold, with crisp, frosty mornings and the possibility of occasional light snowfall, which adds to the area’s charm. Autumn is spectacular, with the deciduous trees in the area displaying vibrant colours. Spring is mild and beautiful, with the orchards in full bloom. Be prepared for four distinct seasons and rapidly changing mountain weather at any time of year.