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Paddys Rest Rest Area, Pacific Hwy, Allgomera NSW

A Premier Stop on the Macleay Valley Coast

Paddys Rest Rest Area is a significant and well-regarded stopover for travellers on the Pacific Highway, strategically located on the beautiful Mid-North Coast of New South Wales. Positioned between the major regional towns of Kempsey and Macksville, it provides a vital, safe, and free location for drivers to take a break or stay overnight. This facility is one of the larger and better-equipped rest areas in the region, featuring separate, well-defined zones for cars and larger vehicles like caravans, motorhomes, and trucks. This thoughtful layout enhances safety and comfort for all users. Surrounded by dense state forest, it offers a peaceful, green environment that feels pleasantly detached from the busy highway it serves.

The rest area is designed to accommodate a large number of vehicles with its expansive bitumen surface, making access easy for even the biggest rigs. It’s an ideal base for self-sufficient campers, offering essential amenities such as clean toilet blocks, sheltered picnic tables, and rubbish bins to help maintain its tidy appearance. Being pet-friendly, it’s a welcome sight for those travelling with animals, providing ample space for them to exercise. Mobile phone reception is generally strong, allowing for easy trip planning and communication. While there is no potable water or power available, the comprehensive services of Kempsey and Macksville are just a short drive in either direction. For travellers heading along the coast, Paddys Rest is more than just a place to pull over; it’s a comfortable and convenient launching point to explore nearby attractions like the iconic Slim Dusty Centre, the historic Trial Bay Gaol at South West Rocks, or the vibrant V-Wall at Nambucca Heads.

Paddys Rest Rest Area – NSW Map

Name: Paddys Rest Rest Area<
Address: Pacific Hwy, Allgomera NSW 2441
GPS Coordinates: -30.81331, 152.87108

Site Details

Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers. Separate areas for cars.
Road Access: Sealed highway (Pacific Highway). Accessible from both northbound and southbound lanes.
Site Surface: Bitumen.
Camping Permitted: Yes.
Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
Number of Sites Available: Very large area with 40+ unpowered sites.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome.
Fishing: Available in the nearby Macleay River (Kempsey) and Nambucca River (Macksville).
Short Walks: Plenty of space for walking around the perimeter and adjacent bushland.

Facilities

Picnic Tables: Yes (sheltered).
Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water supply.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for major carriers.
TV Reception: Good terrestrial reception is generally available.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
Rubbish Bins: Yes.
Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.

Essentials to Bring

A sufficient supply of drinking water.
All food and cooking provisions for your stay.
Levelling blocks may be useful as some areas have a slight slope.

Local Amenities

Pubs

Nambucca Hotel, Macksville: Approximately 25 km north.
The Star Hotel, Macksville: Approximately 25 km north.
Kempsey Hotel, Kempsey: Approximately 30 km south.

Places to Eat

Fredo’s Pies, Frederickton: A famous pie shop, approx. 20 km south.
Various cafes, takeaways, and bakeries in Macksville: Approximately 25 km north.
Full range of dining options in Kempsey: Approximately 30 km south.

Local Attractions

Slim Dusty Centre, Kempsey: Approximately 25 km south.
Trial Bay Gaol, South West Rocks: Approximately 45 km south-east.
Nambucca Heads V-Wall Outdoor Gallery: Approximately 35 km north.

Caravan Parks

Nambucca River Tourist Park, Macksville: Approximately 25 km north.
Kempsey Tourist Village: Approximately 30 km south.
Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park, South West Rocks: Approximately 45 km south-east.

Next Free Camps

New Italy Rest Area (Northbound): A significant distance north.
Clybucca Rest Area (Southbound): Approximately 15 km south (smaller, more suited to trucks).

Services

Nearest Dump Point: Kempsey Showground, Kempsey (approx. 30 km).
Nearest Petrol Station: Service centres at Kempsey (south) and Nambucca/Macksville (north).
Drinking Water Resupply: Available at parks and visitor centres in Kempsey or Macksville.
Public Toilets: Available in both Kempsey and Macksville town centres.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Macleay Valley Coast

Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and humid, with coastal breezes providing some relief. High chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
Autumn (Mar-May): Typically the best time to visit, with warm, sunny days and mild nights.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. The driest time of the year.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Pleasant and mild, with temperatures warming up ahead of summer.