Clybucca Rest Area Northbound, Collombatti NSW

The Clybucca Rest Area Northbound is a major free camping and rest facility located on the Pacific Highway (M1) on the beautiful Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Situated between the towns of Kempsey and Macksville, this rest area is an indispensable stop for travellers heading towards Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, and Brisbane. As one of the modern, purpose-built facilities on the upgraded highway, it is designed to cater for a high volume of traffic, from holidaying families in cars to caravanners and long-haul truck drivers in B-doubles. Its large scale, easy drive-through access, and separation from the main carriageway ensure a safe and relatively quiet environment for a 24-hour break.

The amenities at Clybucca are modern and well-maintained, reflecting its importance on this key transport route. It features a large amenities block with clean public toilets, numerous sheltered picnic tables, and rubbish bins. The entire area is sealed, providing a clean and stable surface for all vehicles. The site is pet-friendly, offering grassy areas where dogs can be walked on a leash. Due to its location on a major national highway, mobile phone coverage and digital TV reception are both excellent. Travellers should note that, like most rest areas, there is no potable water supply or a dump point, so arriving self-contained and prepared is essential. The nearby towns of Kempsey and Frederickton provide a full range of services, including supermarkets, fuel, cafes, and pubs, all within a short 10-15 minute drive. For a modern, spacious, and convenient free overnight stop on the journey north, the Clybucca Rest Area is an outstanding facility.

Clybucca Rest Area Northbound – NSW Location Map

Name: Clybucca Rest Area Northbound
Address: Pacific Highway, Collombatti NSW 2441, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -30.90898, 152.91781

Site Information

Location: On the northbound side of the Pacific Highway (M1), approximately 18km north of Kempsey.
Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including the largest caravans and big rigs.
Road Access: Sealed highway.
Site Surface: Asphalt/Bitumen.
Camping Permitted: Yes.
Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
Picnic Tables: Yes, multiple modern, sheltered tables.
Potable Water: No. Be self-sufficient.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, modern amenities block.
Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
Drive Through Sites: Yes, designed with separate, dedicated lanes for trucks and caravans/cars.
Rubbish Bins: Yes.
Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for others (dedicated truck bays are separate).
Number of Sites Available: Very large, with dozens of marked and unmarked spaces.
Essentials to Bring: Drinking water.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be leashed at all times.
Fishing: Not available at the rest area.
Short Walks: Safe pathways within the rest area for stretching your legs.

Local Amenities

Pubs

Frederickton Hotel, Frederickton: A classic and popular riverside pub famous for its meals (approx. 10km).
West Kempsey Hotel, Kempsey: One of several friendly pubs in the Kempsey town centre (approx. 18km).
Kempsey-Macleay RSL Club: A large club with multiple bars and dining options (approx. 19km).

Places to Eat

Kempsey: Has a full range of supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths, ALDI), cafes, restaurants, and all major fast-food outlets.
Frederickton: Known for its famous pie shop and the pub bistro.

Local Attractions

Slim Dusty Centre, Kempsey: A world-class museum dedicated to the Australian country music legend.
Trial Bay Gaol, South West Rocks: A historic and picturesque jail ruin in a stunning coastal setting.
Gladstone: A beautifully preserved historic village on the banks of the Macleay River with galleries and cafes.

Nearest Caravan Parks

Stuarts Point Holiday Park: A council-run park in a quiet riverside location.
Multiple parks in South West Rocks: Including BIG4 and others, offering a premier coastal holiday experience.

Next Free Camps

Paddys Rest Area Northbound: The next major rest area further north, near Macksville.
Macleay River Service Centre: While not a free camp, it offers extensive facilities for a short break.

Nearest Dump Points

Kempsey Showground: A public dump point is available for travellers. Check access times.

Nearest Petrol Station

Kempsey South Service Centre: A major 24/7 service centre with all fuel types and food outlets (approx. 20km south).
Macksville Service Centre: A similar facility located further north.

Drinking Water Resupply

Kempsey Visitor Information Centre: Located in the Slim Dusty Centre, often has a tap for filling water tanks.

Nearest Public Toilets (offsite)

Riverside Park, Kempsey: Clean public facilities in the main park by the river.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The NSW Mid North Coast has a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and mild winters.

Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot and humid, with average temperatures from 20°C to 28°C. This is also the wettest season.
Autumn (Mar – May): A very pleasant season with warm, sunny days and lower humidity.
Winter (Jun – Aug): Mild and generally sunny, with daytime temperatures averaging 8°C to 19°C. Nights are cool but frosts are rare.
Spring (Sep – Nov): Weather warms up, with sunny days and pleasant temperatures, perfect for exploring the coast and hinterland.