Work, rest and stay – where to get it all.
One of the biggest attractions to the life of a long-haul truck driver is the promise of travel. New places. New people. Just you and the open road. What’s not to love?
However, when you’re on the road so often for long periods, you tend to look for some creature comforts. Like a bed, a decent meal instead of another sausage roll from the servo, or even somewhere you can have a quick shower.
If you’re a seasoned veteran of the open road, you’ll already know some great places to stop along various routes. But if you’re just starting out, or driving a new route, we thought we’d help by putting together a list of some of the best truck stops in Australia.
So, we took to Google Reviews to help determine the best places to stop in each state. Let’s see what the states have to offer.
QLD
Yungaburra Pitstop
4.4 Stars (138 reviews)
Cnr Gillies Range Rd and Fig Street, Yungaburra, QLD 488
Located just over 3 hours south of Cape Tribulation, you’ll be glad you came across this gem before making the 19-hour trek south to Brisbane. So, what’s good here? Based on the reviews they make a killer Burger:
“Very helpful friendly staff. Best hamburger, The Pit Stop burger. I don't usually eat hamburgers, but the picture looked good and the real one was even better!”
There is easy off-street parking for light and medium-duty trucks if you want to call in for a quick feed or fill-up. There is a mechanic conveniently located a nearby, and a public laundromat (washers and dryers) if your clothes are getting a little on the nose.
NSW
Tuckerwagon
4.8 Stars (194 reviews)
99 Jericho Rd, Moorland, NSW 2443
Making its triumphant return to our list is the 4.8-star Tuckerwagon in Moorland. Around 340km North of Sydney, the Tuckerwagon is a slight detour off the A1 Princes Hwy, and according to the reviews, it’s worth the stop. The food seems to be a hit with customers, and a favourite stop for truckies along the way.
“I ordered a BLT and boy it was a meal. I also ordered two potato scallops and had to leave them I was that full from the BLT! If the truckies eat there, that's a good sign”.
On top of just having great burgers and breakfast (according to another review it’s “just like how mum used to do it.”), there is also a 24-hour fuelling station next door, great parking, and clean toilets. Also, if you’re in a hurry, you can call ahead and order food, so you’re back on the road quickly. Convenient, right?
VIC
Hattah Roadhouse
4.5 Stars (117 reviews)
3478 Calder Hwy, Hattah, VIC 3501
Described as “a gem in the middle of nowhere”, the Hattah Roadhouse seems like the place to go. Located in Mildura just over 500km Northwest of Melbourne, this place has all the amenities you need to keep yourself fresh on the road (toilet and shower).
“Great place to stay hot showers and free camping. Fuel and food. Very friendly staff. I can't recommend this Highly enough.”
With top-notch coffee and food, this is the place to go if you want to avoid the big fast-food chains. You’ll generally find it filled with people heading back from the bike races, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of room for all (big rigs included).
TAS
Mood Food Kempton
4.2 Stars (813 reviews)
3001 Midland Hwy, Kempton, TAS 7030
Having gone through a renovation recently, the 51km trip north of Hobart to Mood Food Kempton is a hit with the locals. From food to service, it appears there is very little they can do wrong!
“It's a very popular pit stop on the way to Hobart or Launceston, the food is great, and the staff really make you feel welcome.”
SA
Tinman Roadhouse
4.3 Stars (358 reviews)
12236 Augusta Hwy, Napperby, SA 5540
Located 225km northwest of Adelaide on the Augusta Highway, this gem has everything the weary road warrior needs to reboot their system. When you’re getting a little tired and need somewhere comfortable to spend the night, the Tinman Roadhouse has single and double bedroom cabins, and great food and coffee to refresh your soul.
“Excellent value, clean rooms, great food, and friendly staff... would certainly recommend for an overnight stay if travelling in SA”.
WA
BP Cowaramup
4.4 Stars (54 reviews)
Cnr Bussell Hwy & 1 Roy Earl Dr, Cowaramup, WA 6284
If you’re heading south of Perth, specifically around 260km south, you’ll want to make a stop at BP Cowaramup. With B-double access, toilets, high flow diesel, and a good range of food options, you’ll definitely want to put this place into your GPS.
Google reviews also indicate that this place has great fuel prices… and who doesn’t want that on a long-haul drive?!
NT
Truck Central
4.5 Stars (34 reviews)
5 Wishart Rd, Wishart, NT 0822
A truck driver’s heaven, the Truck Central in Wishart has all the facilities you could ever want. Vehicle inspection facilities, road train assembly area, and a BP Truck Stop when you need a bite to eat.
According to one review, Truck Central has the “best beef burgers you'll ever have. It’s a great spot to stop, fuel up, and eat up! Big dining area, huge bathroom, and great amenities.”
There you have it, some of the great truck stops around Australia. Are there any that you feel didn’t make the list, but you felt should’ve been there? Let us know! But most importantly, be safe out there, and enjoy your drive.