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Sapling Creek Rest Area
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Sapling Creek Rest Area, Lake Innes NSW

Sapling Creek Rest Area, Lake Innes NSW

The Sapling Creek Rest Area is a modern and spacious free camping facility located on the southbound carriageway of the Pacific Highway (M1) at Lake Innes, on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Perfectly positioned between the major centres of Port Macquarie and Taree, it is a crucial 24-hour stopover for travellers heading south towards Sydney. As a key part of the upgraded highway infrastructure, this rest area is built to accommodate a high volume of traffic, offering separate, dedicated parking areas for cars, caravans, and heavy vehicles like B-double trucks. This intelligent design ensures a safer and more peaceful environment for everyone, particularly those staying overnight.

The facilities at Sapling Creek are modern, clean, and well-maintained. Travellers have access to a large amenities block with public toilets, numerous sheltered picnic tables, and ample rubbish bins. The entire site is sealed with asphalt, providing a clean, level surface suitable for all vehicles. For those travelling with pets, there are pleasant grassy verges perfect for a walk on a leash. Being on a major national highway, mobile phone coverage for all major carriers is excellent, and digital TV reception is strong. As is standard for most highway rest areas, there is no potable water supply or a dump point, so it is essential for campers to be self-sufficient. All necessary services are just a short drive away in the nearby towns of Laurieton, Wauchope, and the major regional city of Port Macquarie, which offer everything from supermarkets and service stations to hospitals and a wide variety of dining options. For a comfortable, safe, and convenient free stop on the journey down the coast, Sapling Creek Rest Area is an exemplary choice.

Sapling Creek Rest Area – NSW Location Map

  • Name: Sapling Creek Rest Area
  • Address: Pacific Highway, Lake Innes NSW 2446, Australia
  • GPS Coordinates: -31.53273, 152.7882

Site Information

  • Location: On the southbound side of the Pacific Highway (M1), approximately 12km south of the Dennis Bridge (Port Macquarie turn-off).
  • Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, from cars to the largest big rigs and motorhomes.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway.
  • Site Surface: Asphalt/Bitumen.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
  • Picnic Tables: Yes, multiple modern and sheltered tables available.
  • Potable Water: No. Be self-sufficient.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
  • TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, large and modern amenities block.
  • Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
  • Drive Through Sites: Yes, designed with separate loops for light and heavy vehicles.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
  • Generator Use: Permitted. Be considerate of others and use designated areas where possible.
  • Number of Sites Available: Very large area with dozens of marked and unmarked spaces.
  • Essentials to Bring: Drinking water and personal supplies.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be leashed at all times.
  • Fishing: Not available.
  • Short Walks: Safe pathways and grassy areas provide good opportunities to stretch your legs.

Local Amenities

Pubs

  • Laurieton Hotel, Laurieton: A classic country town pub with a great bistro (approx. 15km).
  • Royal Hotel, Kew: A friendly local pub just off the highway (approx. 10km).
  • Bago Tavern, Wauchope: A family-friendly tavern known for its food and atmosphere (approx. 20km).

Places to Eat

  • Laurieton: Offers a good range of cafes, bakeries, takeaway shops, and a Coles supermarket.
  • Port Macquarie: A major centre with an extensive selection of restaurants, cafes, and all fast-food chains (approx. 20km north).

Local Attractions

  • North Brother Mountain Lookout: Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coast and Camden Haven River.
  • Bago Maze and Winery: A fun day out exploring one of the world’s largest hedge mazes.
  • Timbertown Heritage Theme Park, Wauchope: Experience the region’s rich timber history with steam trains and demonstrations.
  • Queens Lake: A beautiful spot for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking.

Nearest Caravan Parks

  • Laurieton Gardens Caravan Resort: A well-appointed park in the heart of Laurieton.
  • BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Bonny Hills: A large, popular holiday park right on the beach.

Next Free Camps

  • Newlys Creek Rest Area Southbound: The next major rest area further south, near Johns River.
  • Barrys Creek Rest Area Southbound: The previous major rest area to the north.

Nearest Dump Points

  • Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Works Depot: Public dump point available on Central Road in Port Macquarie.
  • Kendall Showground: Dump point available for a small fee.

Nearest Petrol Station

  • Kew Service Centre: A major 24/7 service centre with all fuel types, located at the Kew exit.

Drinking Water Resupply

  • Laurieton Foreshore Park: Public taps are available, but confirm suitability for drinking.

Nearest Public Toilets (offsite)

  • Apex Park, Laurieton: Clean facilities in the main park by the river.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Camden Haven region enjoys a beautiful subtropical climate with warm summers and mild, sunny winters.

  • Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot and humid, with average temperatures from 20°C to 28°C. Perfect beach weather.
  • Autumn (Mar – May): Typically stunning weather with warm, sunny days and lower humidity.
  • Winter (Jun – Aug): Mild and mostly sunny. Daytime temperatures average 9°C to 20°C, making it a popular destination for those escaping colder climates.
  • Spring (Sep – Nov): Weather warms up with pleasant days ideal for exploring the mountains, lakes, and coastline.

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