There are some fantastic tools around to help you plan your breaks while driving – some even allow you to pinpoint to official rest stops on a map.
Official stops area great. They give you a chance to stretch your legs, use the amenities and have a snack or even a powernap to make sure you’re refreshed and ready to drive safely for the next leg of your trip. However, it can be even better to build in a little time and take a detour – visit a town you’ve never been to and take a true break. Build it into your plan so it becomes not just something you need to do but part of the adventure.
Here’s a list of office rest stops around Australia:
- Australian Capital Territory: https://www.caravanontour.com/australia/australian-capital-territory/act-rest-areas (rest area locations and amenities)
- New South Wales: https://maps.transport.nsw.gov.au/egeomaps/rest-areas/index.html# (interactive map let’s you select the amenities you need)
- Northern Territory: https://nt.gov.au/driving/safety/road-rest-stops-in-nt (rest area locations and amenities)
- Queensland: https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/holiday-travel/stops/rest (information on rest stops with links to downloadables)
- South Australia: https://www.coastshop.com.au/maps/rest_areas/SA_restmaps.pdf (downloadable maps)
- Tasmania: https://www.caravanontour.com/australia/tasmania/rest-areas (rest area locations and amenities)
- Victoria: https://transport.vic.gov.au/plan-a-journey/maps/rest-area-map (interactive map let’s you select the amenities you need)
- Western Australia: https://travelmap.mainroads.wa.gov.au/Home/Map (interactive map and trip planner let’s you select the amenities you need and check road closures and other key issues)
Here’s an overview of rest areas in New Zealand
- https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1jtWr2DDCtILgjyDHJkmIqiRncpt9vk8
- https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner (watch for this sign for a great place to take a break)
This information is shared from external sites. We’ve done our best to get you the most up to date and useful links but please do your own research if the information provided doesn’t cover your area of travel.
