New Italy Rest Area, Pacific Hwy, New Italy NSW

A Rest Stop Steeped in History and Culture

The New Italy Rest Area is far more than just a place to pull over; it’s a destination in itself, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and traveller convenience on the Pacific Highway. Located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, roughly halfway between the major centres of Ballina and Grafton, this significant site commemorates the resilience of Italian families who settled here in the 1880s after a disastrous expedition to New Guinea. Today, the complex serves as both a fully-functional rest area and a cultural landmark, managed by a dedicated community of descendants. It provides a peaceful and engaging environment for travellers to rest, recharge, and learn a fascinating story of Australian pioneering history.

The facility is expansive, with a large, sealed parking area suitable for all vehicles, including big rigs and caravans, with designated zones for heavy and light vehicles. It provides an excellent free camping option for a 24-hour stay. What sets New Italy apart is the on-site museum, which tells the compelling story of the original settlers, and the Italian Pavilion, which houses an impressive glass art collection. There’s also a cafe serving authentic Italian coffee and food, making it a cut above the standard roadside stop. For self-sufficient travellers, the site offers essential amenities like public toilets, sheltered picnic tables, and rubbish bins. It is pet-friendly with plenty of open space for exercise. For anyone travelling the north coast, the New Italy Rest Area is an unmissable stop that offers a refreshing break from the road and a memorable cultural experience.

New Italy Rest Area – NSW Map

• Name: New Italy Rest Area
• Address: 8275 Pacific Hwy, New Italy NSW 2472
• GPS Coordinates: -29.15318, 153.29678

Site Details

• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers.
• Road Access: Sealed highway (Pacific Highway). Accessible for both northbound and southbound traffic.
• Site Surface: Bitumen and grassed areas.
• Camping Permitted: Yes.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
• Number of Sites Available: Large area with 30+ unpowered sites.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
• Fishing: Available in the nearby Richmond River at Woodburn.
• Short Walks: Plenty of space to walk around the complex, gardens, and historical displays.

Facilities

• Picnic Tables: Yes (sheltered).
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water supply.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for Telstra; may be variable for other carriers.
• TV Reception: Variable, a good antenna and booster are recommended.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for others.

Essentials to Bring

• A good supply of drinking water.
• Food and cooking provisions, though a cafe is on site (check operating hours).
• Levelling blocks, as some parking areas can be slightly uneven.

Local Amenities

Pubs

• Rod n Reel Hotel, Woodburn: Approximately 15 km north.
• Hotel Illawong, Evans Head: Approximately 25 km north-east.
• Broadwater Hotel-Motel: Approximately 25 km north.

Places to Eat

• New Italy Cafe: On site.
• Various cafes and takeaways in Woodburn: Approximately 15 km north.
• Extensive dining options in Evans Head: Approximately 25 km north-east.

Local Attractions

• New Italy Museum & Pavilion: On site.
• Broadwater National Park: Approximately 30 km north.
• Evans Head beaches and river: Approximately 25 km north-east.

Caravan Parks

• Woodburn Visitor Information Centre & Riverside Caravan Park: Approximately 15 km north.
• Reflections Holiday Parks Evans Head: Approximately 25 km north-east.
• Broadwater Holiday Park: Approximately 25 km north.

Next Free Camps

• Paddys Rest Rest Area (Southbound): A significant distance south.
• Tyagarah Rest Area (Northbound): Approximately 80 km north (near Byron Bay).

Services

• Nearest Dump Point: Woodburn Visitor Information Centre & Riverside Caravan Park (approx. 15 km north).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Woodburn (approx. 15 km north).
• Drinking Water Resupply: Available at Woodburn park.
• Public Toilets: Available in Woodburn town centre.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Northern Rivers

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and very humid with frequent rainfall and a high chance of thunderstorms.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm and pleasant with lower humidity and less rain. Often considered the best time to visit.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. The driest season.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Warm and sunny, with humidity and rainfall increasing towards summer.