Excitement is building on the New South Wales Mid-North Coast as plans for a major twin-service centre, set to create around 100 new jobs, gain momentum. The project will resurrect the famous 'Rock' service station site on the Pacific Highway, just north of Newcastle near the Tea Gardens turn-off.
From Fire to Future: Resurrecting an Icon
Construction approval for the southbound complex, which will include a 200-plus seat roadhouse restaurant, is expected within weeks. This marks a significant revival for a location with a colourful history. The iconic southbound site first opened in 1990 as Leyland Brothers World, featuring a replica of Uluru, rides, a student camp, and a museum. Brothers Mike and Mal Leyland reportedly faced bankruptcy after investing over $1 million, leading to an auction sale in 1992.
The site's fortunes took another dramatic turn in August 2018, when a massive fire destroyed the original service centre and adjoining attractions. Now, a new chapter is beginning. A parallel rezoning proposal is also underway to duplicate the development on the northbound side of the highway, creating a comprehensive twin-service centre.
A Strategic Boost for Community and Commerce
Local business leaders have welcomed the project's potential. Rick Wraight, a committee member of the Myall Coast Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, expressed strong enthusiasm for the economic opportunities. "Personally I'm very excited about the economic opportunities it will bring to our community," Mr Wraight said. "I don't think it would be an exaggeration to say about 100 people could eventually be employed there."
The development is strategically significant, being the first major service centre development on the Pacific Highway between the Mid-North Coast and the Central Coast since the 24-hour centre opened at Taree in 2008. Luke Roberts, a spokesman for Coastal Service Centres, said community response has been positive. "It's a very strategic location on the highway and most people are delighted that the site where the Leyland Brothers were will be up and running again," he noted.
The planned roadhouse will feature four tenancies, which are currently generating interest but remain unleased. "There's been a lot of interest from different parties but we haven't signed anyone up yet," Mr Roberts confirmed.
Addressing Critical Freight and Rest Area Needs
The project aligns with broader infrastructure strategies for the busy transport corridor. Transport for NSW had previously identified the Station Creek rest area, north of Karuah, as a suitable site for new rest amenities. The development has also garnered support from the freight industry.
Wade Lewis, President of the NSW Livestock Bulk and Rural Carriers Association, endorsed the proposal, highlighting its consistency with the state government's rest area strategy. "The amount of freight on our roads is expected to double by 2030; we urgently need more service rest areas where heavy vehicles can stop," Mr Lewis stated. He praised the forward-thinking design, saying, "What I like about it is they have really thought about the future needs and designed it for higher productivity vehicles."
Mr Lewis also pointed out that the new centre will complement other projects, like the twin service centres under construction on the M1 motorway at Cooranbong. That $50 million project, being built by fuel and convenience chain OTR, will include 24-hour petrol stations and major food outlets like McDonald's, Hungry Jack's, KFC, and Taco Bell.
The revival of 'The Rock' site represents more than just new buildings; it signals renewed economic activity, addresses critical safety needs for Australia's growing freight task, and reconnects with a unique piece of Australian roadside history.
