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Ourimbah Rest Area, Pacific Motorway (M1)

The Ourimbah Rest Area is a major, park-like, and exceptionally well-equipped rest stop on the Pacific Motorway (M1) on the NSW Central Coast. It is one of the largest and most popular rest areas on the entire Sydney to Newcastle route, serving as an essential fatigue management zone for the countless commuters, holidaymakers, and long-haul truck drivers who use this critical transport corridor. Set within a vast, grassy area dotted with mature shade trees, this facility feels more like a regional park than a simple highway stop, providing a peaceful and comfortable environment to take a substantial break.

Designed for day-use and short-term rests, this is not a designated overnight camping area. Its primary function is to offer a high standard of amenities to all travellers. The facility is vast, with a sealed, drive-through layout and extensive, separated parking for all vehicle types, from cars and caravans to the largest B-double trucks. The amenities are excellent, featuring multiple large, clean toilet blocks, numerous covered picnic shelters, free electric barbecues, and plenty of rubbish bins. A key attraction for those travelling with children is the large, fenced playground. The park-like setting with its wide-open lawns is also perfect for exercising pets. A Driver Reviver and emergency services often use this site as a base during peak travel periods. Its combination of space, excellent facilities, and strategic location makes the Ourimbah Rest Area a benchmark for road safety infrastructure in Australia.

Ourimbah Rest Area – NSW Map

Name: Ourimbah Rest Area
Address: Pacific Motorway, Ourimbah NSW 2258, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -33.34296, 151.36737

Site Information

Location: On both the northbound and southbound sides of the Pacific Motorway (M1) at Ourimbah.
Site Suitable For: All vehicles, including big rigs, caravans, and motorhomes.
Road Access: Sealed motorway access.
Site Surface: Sealed (asphalt) parking areas with large grass lawns.
Camping Permitted: No, this is a day-use rest area only.
Maximum Overnight Stays: Not for recreational camping. Time limits apply for driver fatigue rests.
Picnic Tables: Yes, many covered picnic tables and electric barbecues are available.
Potable Water: Yes, drinking water is available from taps at the amenities blocks.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent coverage for all major carriers.
TV Reception: Good terrestrial TV reception.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, multiple large, well-maintained toilet blocks are on site.
Ullage / Dump Point: Not available onsite.
Drive Through: Yes, a very large, easy-to-navigate drive-through layout.
Rubbish Bins: Yes, numerous bins are provided.
Open Fires: Strictly prohibited. Use the electric barbecues provided.
Generator Use: Not appropriate for this busy location.
Number of Sites Available: Extensive parking with many bays for all vehicle types.
Essentials to Bring: Picnic supplies.
Pet Friendly: Yes, an excellent spot for pets on a leash due to the large grassy areas.
Fishing: Not applicable.
Short Walks: Paved pathways and large lawns provide ample walking space. Features a children’s playground.

Local Amenities (in Ourimbah, Tuggerah or Gosford)

Pubs & Eateries

Ourimbah-Lisarow RSL Club: Approx. 5km away. Offers bistro dining and club facilities.
The Valley Tavern, Niagara Park: Approx. 10km away. A popular local pub with a family-friendly bistro.
The Dam Hotel, Wyong: Approx. 12km away. A large hotel with extensive dining options.
The nearby Westfield Tuggerah shopping centre (approx. 8km) has a huge range of cafes and restaurants.

Local Attractions

Australian Reptile Park: Approx. 15km south. A world-famous wildlife sanctuary.
Treetops Adventure Park: Approx. 5km away. Features zip-lining and high-ropes courses in the forest.
Tuggerah Lake & The Entrance: Approx. 15km away. A major coastal tourist spot with beaches, fishing, and pelican feeding.

Caravanning & Camping Supplies

Nearest Caravan Parks: A very large number of caravan and holiday parks are located throughout the Central Coast.
Next Free Camps: No other free camps in the immediate area. Other highway rest areas like Cowan (south) are the main alternatives.
Nearest Dump Points: Check with local caravan parks (a fee may apply). Some public dump points are available in the region.
Nearest Petrol Station: Major twin service centres (with all food and fuel) are located on the M1 just a few kilometres north and south of the rest area.
Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Ourimbah area on the Central Coast has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are warm to hot and humid, with cooling sea breezes in the afternoon being common. Winters are generally mild and sunny with cool nights. Autumn and spring are typically the most pleasant seasons, featuring warm, sunny days and comfortable evenings. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year and can be heavy at times, especially during summer storms.