It may not be happening as fast as many grey nomads – or truckies – would like but there is a slow improvement in the number and quality of rest areas in various parts of Australia.
In New South Wales, for example, a huge heavy vehicle rest area is now open, marking the completion of a three-year project to upgrade the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Moree.
The upgrades have included intersection improvements, widened road shoulders and five new overtaking lanes, creating a safer and more efficient journey for all drivers.
The final completed element of the over $261.17 million project, which has been funded by both State and Federal Government, is the massive Spring Creek Rest Area.
Many of the newer rest areas, like this one on the Hunter Expressway near Newcastle in NSW, have clearly separated areas for trucks and caravans. PIC: Cizza
The new rest area provides short and long-term heavy vehicle parking for up to 18 vehicles, as well as separate parking for light vehicles and light vehicles with caravans or trailers in tow.
The area also provides access to amenities including two flushable toilets with disabled access, picnic shelters and bins.
The whole area is illuminated at night with solar lighting to increase safety and more than 500 trees have been planted in the vicinity of the rest area to provide shade.
While major construction work on the entire upgrade project has been completed, some minor work remains including fencing and installation of guard rail and signage, as well as applying the final seal to the upgraded areas in early 2026.
Former truck driver and Senator for WA, Glenn Sterle, said the work would make a tangible difference.
“The sheer size of this project, including how many drivers it will accommodate, should serve as a blueprint for large scale heavy vehicle rest stops in other regional areas across Australia,” he said.
And Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the new Spring Creek Rest Area would help motorists better manage their fatigue and avoid incidents on the road, ultimately saving lives.
“This section of the Newell Highway is an essential freight corridor and the Albanese Government’s $205 million investment will make the journey safer for truck drivers, locals and people passing through on long road trips,” she said.
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A very good idea
That one on Hunter Expressway is great, except that (like many similar rest areas) people in cars who are not towing a trailer, park in the trailer sites. Incredibly annoying.
The most frustrating thing is lots of drivers, with or without vans are unable to read the signs or are just plain ignorant ….. On the few parking bays like that in my day, I would enjoy parking beside a van which couldn’t be bothered parking in the van section with my fridge van……… Now I stay well away from major highways with my van. life is more enjoyable………..
My experience using these new rest areas on the Pacific Motorway exposes their poor design. The spaces designated for trailers and vans are too convenient resulting in cars parking in them instead of allocated car spaces. They are more convenient than the car park spaces as they are more accessible. Consequently, they are full of cars. There needs to be trailer and van spaces over the back near the truck parking. The only way to keep everyone happy.
We have used the rest areas along the new hwy between Ballina and Newcastle. They have cramped the car parking and limited caravan parking together . At most 3 parking spaces are for caravans and trailers. More parking for caravans away from the car park is required so we donot need to park in a truck bay overnight. Common-sense is all that is needed.
There is a need for more of these decent sized rest areas all around this country. I have always felt that they should be placed at least 2 to 3 hours apart when driven by a truck. The idea of the separation between heavy vehicles and cars/campers is a major need. Cars or motorhomes which insist on parking in truck areas need to be fined, via security camera observation. Decent toilets and seating is also a plus.