Edrom Road Rest Area Northbound, Princes Highway

The Edrom Road Rest Area Northbound is a simple yet convenient free camping spot located on the Princes Highway in the heart of the East Boyd State Forest, near Narrabarba on the beautiful Sapphire Coast of New South Wales. This rest area serves as a valuable stopping point for travellers heading north from the Victorian border towards the historic fishing town of Eden. Set amongst towering eucalypts, the site offers a peaceful, natural setting that provides a welcome break from the open road. It’s a classic Australian bush camp, offering basic amenities in a serene forest environment.

This is a relatively small, sealed drive-through bay suitable for a range of vehicles, from cars and campervans to caravans and motorhomes, though very large rigs may find it a bit tight. The key facility here is the toilet block, which makes it a more comfortable option for an overnight stay than a completely primitive site. A couple of picnic tables and rubbish bins are also provided. However, travellers must be self-sufficient in all other aspects, most importantly bringing their own drinking water and power source. The main appeal of this location is its proximity to the stunning coastal wilderness of Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd National Park). It acts as an excellent free base camp for exploring the park’s southern section, including attractions like the Green Cape Lighthouse and the beautiful Bittangabee Bay. While mobile phone service can be patchy among the trees, its combination of essential facilities and a prime location makes it a popular choice for budget-conscious explorers of this magnificent coastline.

Edrom Road Rest Area Northbound – NSW Location Map

Location Details

Name: Edrom Road Rest Area Northbound
Address: Princes Highway, Narrabarba NSW 2551, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -37.20264, 149.84494

Site Information

Location: On the Princes Highway (A1), approximately 25km south of Eden.
Site Suitable For: Cars, campervans, caravans, and medium-sized motorhomes.
Road Access: Sealed highway.
Site Surface: Sealed (asphalt).
Camping Permitted: Yes, informal free overnight camping is permitted.
Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours is the standard guideline.
Picnic Tables: Yes, some tables are available.
Potable Water: Not available.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited and can be unreliable within the forest.
TV Reception: Poor due to the terrain and trees.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a toilet block is provided.
Ullage / Dump Point: Not available onsite.
Drive Through: Yes, it is a sealed, drive-through bay.
Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
Open Fires: Not permitted.
Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of other campers in the small area.
Number of Sites Available: Limited unmarked space for a handful of vehicles.
Essentials to Bring: Drinking water and a power source.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
Fishing: Excellent beach and rock fishing is available nearby on the coast within Beowa National Park. A NSW fishing licence is required.
Short Walks: Informal walks in the surrounding East Boyd State Forest.

Local Amenities (in Eden, approx. 25km north)

Pubs & Eateries

Great Southern Hotel: A large, historic pub in the centre of Eden with a bistro.
Hotel Australasia: A recently restored landmark hotel offering food and drinks.
The Fisherman’s Club: Offers extensive bistro dining with views over Twofold Bay.
Eden has a full range of cafes, bakeries, supermarkets, and takeaway food shops.

Local Attractions

Eden Killer Whale Museum: A world-class museum detailing the town’s unique whaling history.
Beowa National Park: Offers spectacular coastal scenery, walks, and historic sites like Green Cape Lighthouse.
Port of Eden Wharf: A working port where you can see fishing boats and buy fresh seafood.

Caravanning & Camping Supplies

Nearest Caravan Parks: Numerous excellent caravan parks are located in and around Eden.
Next Free Camps: Scrubby Creek Rest Area (south), Wallagaraugh River Rest Area (south).
Nearest Dump Points: Available at several caravan parks in Eden (a fee may apply).
Nearest Petrol Station: All major service stations are available in Eden.
Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps are available at parks or service stations in Eden.
Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite. Numerous public toilets are also in Eden.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Sapphire Coast enjoys a temperate maritime climate. Summers are warm without being excessively hot, perfect for enjoying the nearby beaches. Winters are cool, with crisp nights and often clear, sunny days. Autumn and spring are generally mild and are considered by many to be the best time to visit. Rainfall can occur at any time of year, and the forested, elevated location can sometimes attract more cloud cover and moisture than the immediate coastline.