Waverley Creek Rest Area – St Lawrence

The Waverley Creek Rest Area is a large and vital free 24-hour stopping place for travellers on the long and often isolated stretch of the Bruce Highway in Central Queensland. Located south of the historic town of St Lawrence, this is a classic highway rest area that provides a safe and very spacious environment for an overnight break. The site features separate, sealed parking loops for cars and heavy vehicles/caravans, ensuring a more organised and peaceful stay than many other roadside stops. Its size is a major advantage, easily accommodating a large number of vehicles, including the biggest rigs, without feeling cramped. The rest area is set in a pleasant bushland environment next to Waverley Creek, which, although often dry, adds to the natural setting. It is equipped with essential facilities for travellers, including a large toilet block, numerous covered picnic tables, and rubbish bins. While there are no showers or power, its reliability and scale make it an incredibly popular and necessary facility for managing driver fatigue. Its proximity to the St Lawrence Wetlands makes it a convenient stop for birdwatchers and nature lovers planning to visit the area, especially during the wet season when the wetlands come alive.

Site Information

• Location: On the Bruce Highway, approximately 10 km south of St Lawrence.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types. Features separate parking loops for cars and trucks/caravans.
• Road Access: Sealed highway to the site.
• Site Surface: Bitumen parking loops with some adjacent grass and dirt areas.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a free 24-hour maximum stay rest area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, rubbish bins, sheltered picnic tables. No showers or power.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited to non-existent. A Telstra signal may be found in St Lawrence.
• TV Reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but use with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large area that can accommodate many vehicles.
• Essentials to Bring: Best to be fully self-contained with water, power, and cooking facilities.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short Walks: Walking around the large rest area.

Local Amenities

The nearest services are in the very small town of St Lawrence (approx. 10 km). Major services are in Sarina (north) or Marlborough (south).

• Local Pubs:
  • St Lawrence Hotel (approx. 10 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The St Lawrence Hotel and a small cafe/store in town.
• Local Attractions:
  • St Lawrence Wetlands (best visited during the wet season)
  • Historic town of St Lawrence
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • St Lawrence Sportsgrounds (donation camp with facilities, approx. 10 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Clairview Rest Area (24hr, approx. 60 km north)
  • Yaamba Rest Area (24hr, approx. 120 km south)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Available at the St Lawrence Sportsgrounds.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Limited fuel available in St Lawrence. Major service stations are in Marlborough or Sarina.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the St Lawrence Sportsgrounds.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite and in St Lawrence.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The St Lawrence area has a subtropical climate with hot, wet summers and mild, very dry winters.