Best Camping and Caravanning Sites in Australia

A great place to start your adventure

Pevensey Rest Area
by: Posted on:

Pevensey Rest Area, Sturt Hwy, Hay South NSW

<

Pevensey Rest Area, Sturt Hwy, Hay South NSW

A Quiet Stop on the Iconic Hay Plains

The Pevensey Rest Area is a quiet and practical free camping spot located on the Sturt Highway, set amidst the famously flat and expansive Hay Plains of New South Wales. Positioned roughly 30 kilometres east of the historic town of Hay, this rest area provides a simple, safe, and accessible place for travellers to take a much-needed break from the long and often hypnotic drive. It is an ideal spot for fully self-contained campers who value simplicity and convenience, offering a no-fuss solution for a 24-hour overnight stay.

The site itself is a basic, unsealed drive-through loop that is set back from the highway, surrounded by low-lying saltbush and native scrub, which is typical of the region’s unique landscape. This positioning helps to reduce the noise from passing traffic. The rest area is suitable for various vehicle sizes, including caravans and motorhomes. While facilities are minimal—with only a picnic table and rubbish bins available—its main appeal lies in its convenience and its role as a fatigue management stop. The close proximity to Hay means that all essential services, including public toilets, drinking water, fuel, and groceries, are just a short drive away. This allows travellers to enjoy a peaceful night under the vast, star-filled sky of the plains, knowing that the amenities of a major service town are easily within reach. For those looking for a simple, cost-free place to rest and recharge on the journey across the Riverina, the Pevensey Rest Area is a perfectly functional choice.

Pevensey Rest Area – NSW Location Map

  • Name: Pevensey Rest Area
  • Address: Sturt Hwy, Hay South NSW 2711
  • GPS Coordinates: -34.60391, 144.56747

Site Details

  • Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Camper Trailers.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway (Sturt Highway).
  • Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
  • Number of Sites Available: Approximately 8-10 unpowered sites.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes.
  • Fishing: Not available at this site. Excellent fishing in the Murrumbidgee River at Hay.
  • Short Walks: Yes, around the immediate rest area.

Facilities

  • Picnic Tables: Yes.
  • Potable Water: No. You must bring your own or source it in Hay.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra.
  • TV Reception: Good.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: No. Nearest toilets are in Hay.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Prohibited.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, with courtesy to other campers.

Essentials to Bring

  • A full supply of drinking water.
  • Your own toilet facilities as none are provided.
  • Levelling blocks may be useful for finding a flat spot.

Local Amenities (in nearby Hay, approx. 30 km west)

Pubs

  • The Commercial Hotel Hay: A classic Aussie pub with a popular bistro.
  • The Riverina Hotel: Another great option for a hearty meal and cold drink.
  • Hay Services Club: A large club offering extensive dining and bar facilities.

Places to Eat

  • Bistro dining at the local hotels and clubs.
  • Jappalou Cafe for coffee and light meals.
  • Several bakeries and takeaway shops on the main street.

Local Attractions

  • Shear Outback – The Australian Shearers Hall of Fame.
  • The Murrumbidgee River at Sandy Point Beach.
  • Bishop’s Lodge Historic House and Heritage Rose Garden.

Caravan Parks

  • Hay Plains Holiday Park.
  • Hay Riverside Caravan Park.

Next Free Camps

  • Ravensworth Rest Area Eastbound: Approximately 25 km west, closer to Hay.
  • Rest areas further east towards Narrandera.

Services

  • Nearest Dump Point: Located at the Hay Visitor Information Centre.
  • Nearest Petrol Station: Numerous service stations are available in Hay.
  • Drinking Water Resupply: Available at the Hay Visitor Information Centre.
  • Public Toilets: Not on-site. Available in public parks in Hay.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Riverina Region

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching the high 30s.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and mild nights make this the best time to visit.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to mild days with very cold nights and heavy frosts.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Conditions are warm and pleasant, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.

Leave a Reply