St Pauls Rest Area, Sturt Hwy, Maude NSW

A Basic Fatigue Stop on the Hay Plains

The St Pauls Rest Area is a very basic roadside stopping bay located on the Sturt Highway, on the vast and open Hay Plains of New South Wales. It’s important for travellers to understand that this is primarily a fatigue management stop, designed for short breaks, rather than a dedicated overnight camping area with extensive facilities. Its main purpose is to provide a safe place for drivers, particularly truck drivers, to pull off the long and monotonous stretch of highway between the towns of Hay and Balranald to rest and avoid fatigue. While an overnight stay is permissible for self-contained vehicles, it should be considered a functional stop rather than a destination.

The site consists of a simple, unsealed pull-over area directly beside the highway. There are no facilities such as toilets or picnic tables, and space can be limited. Due to its nature as a truck stop, it can experience considerable noise from vehicles coming and going throughout the night. For travellers seeking a more comfortable and better-equipped free overnight camp, larger sites such as the Willowvale Rest Area (approximately 25 kilometres to the west) or the numerous options closer to Hay would be a more suitable choice. However, for a quick lunch break, a chance to stretch the legs, or as a necessary safety stop when feeling tired, the St Pauls Rest Area serves its essential purpose on this iconic Australian highway.

St Pauls Rest Area – NSW Location Map

Name: St Pauls Rest Area
Address: Sturt Hwy, Maude NSW 2711
GPS Coordinates: -34.66431, 144.16313

Site Details

Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained vehicles for short-term stops.
Road Access: Sealed highway (Sturt Highway).
Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
Camping Permitted: Yes, for short stays (e.g., 24 hours).
Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
Number of Sites Available: Limited space, approximately 5-8 sites.
Pet Friendly: Yes.
Fishing: Not available.
Short Walks: Limited to the immediate roadside area.

Facilities

Picnic Tables: Yes.
Potable Water: No.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra.
TV Reception: Good.
Onsite Public Toilets: No.
Rubbish Bins: Yes.
Open Fires: Prohibited.
Generator Use: Not recommended due to proximity to the road and other vehicles.

Essentials to Bring

Your own water, food, and toilet facilities.
It is a basic stop; be fully self-sufficient.

Local Amenities (in nearby Hay, approx. 35 km east)

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

Willowvale Rest Area: A much larger and better-equipped site approximately 25 km west.
Rest areas closer to Hay.

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 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.