Cowan Rest Area, Pacific Highway

The Cowan Rest Area is a large and critically important rest stop located on the southbound side of the Pacific Highway (M1) at Cowan, just north of Sydney. Nestled within the dense bushland of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Muogamarra Nature Reserve, this facility serves as the first major rest opportunity for drivers heading south into Sydney after descending from the Central Coast. It is an essential safety stop for managing driver fatigue before tackling the city’s busy and complex road network. Its beautiful bush setting provides a tranquil atmosphere, offering a genuine sense of escape despite its proximity to the bustling highway.

This is a very well-equipped and modern facility, designed primarily for short-term rests rather than overnight camping. The sealed, drive-through layout provides ample, separated parking for all vehicle types, including dedicated bays for cars, caravans, and heavy vehicles like B-double trucks. The amenities are excellent, featuring a large, clean toilet block, numerous covered picnic tables, electric barbecues, and plenty of rubbish bins. This makes it a perfect spot for a meal break. For families, a children’s playground offers a welcome chance for kids to burn off some energy. Given its location on a major transport corridor on the edge of a capital city, mobile phone reception is strong for all carriers. While not a camping destination, the Cowan Rest Area is an indispensable piece of road infrastructure, providing a safe, clean, and pleasant environment for all travellers to refresh and recharge.

Cowan Rest Area – NSW Location Map

Name: Cowan Rest Area
Address: Pacific Highway, Cowan NSW 2081, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -33.6115, 151.15901

Site Information

Location: Southbound on the Pacific Highway (M1), between the Hawkesbury River Bridge and the Berowra exit.
Site Suitable For: All vehicles, including big rigs, caravans, and motorhomes.
Road Access: Sealed motorway access.
Site Surface: Sealed (asphalt).
Camping Permitted: No, this is a day-use rest area. Strict time limits for resting apply.
Maximum Overnight Stays: Not intended for recreational overnight camping.
Picnic Tables: Yes, many covered picnic tables and electric barbecues are available.
Potable Water: Yes, drinking water is available at the amenities block.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major providers.
TV Reception: Good terrestrial TV reception.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a large, well-maintained toilet block is on site.
Ullage / Dump Point: Not available onsite.
Drive Through: Yes, with separate, clearly marked lanes for heavy and light vehicles.
Rubbish Bins: Yes, numerous bins are provided.
Open Fires: Strictly prohibited. Use provided electric barbecues.
Generator Use: Not appropriate for this busy day-use location.
Number of Sites Available: Many marked parking bays.
Essentials to Bring: Not applicable for a short rest stop.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash in the designated areas.
Fishing: Not applicable.
Short Walks: Paved pathways around the rest area and a children’s playground. The surrounding national park offers extensive bushwalking trails.

Local Amenities

Pubs & Eateries

Anglers Rest Hotel, Brooklyn: Approx. 7km north. A classic pub on the Hawkesbury River.
Berowra Village Hotel: Approx. 8km south. A local pub with a bistro.
Hornsby Inn, Hornsby: Approx. 15km south. A large pub with multiple bars and dining options.
The nearby suburbs of Berowra and Hornsby have a full range of cafes, restaurants, and takeaway food.

Local Attractions

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park: The rest area is surrounded by the park, with access points nearby for lookouts and walks.
Hawkesbury River: The town of Brooklyn (approx. 7km north) is a hub for river cruises, fishing, and boating.
Bobbin Head: A popular picnic and boating area within the national park, accessible from the next exit south.

Caravanning & Camping Supplies

Nearest Caravan Parks: Several options are available near the Hawkesbury River, such as the Hawkesbury River Caravan Park.
Next Free Camps: No other free camping is permitted in this area. This is the main rest facility.
Nearest Dump Points: Check with local caravan parks (a fee will likely apply). The nearest public dump point may be further into Sydney or on the Central Coast.
Nearest Petrol Station: Major service centres are located at the Berowra exit (south) and near the Hawkesbury River Bridge (north).
Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Cowan area has a temperate climate, influenced by the coast and the surrounding elevated bushland. Summers are warm to hot and can be humid. Winters are generally mild, although the elevated position can make it cooler and foggier than the coast, especially overnight. Autumn and spring provide the most pleasant weather, with warm days and mild nights. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year and can be heavier in the elevated forested areas than in other parts of Sydney.