The Morse Park stop has been manned by volunteers from Bathurst SES, the CWA and St Vincent de Paul, who were ready with a cuppa, biscuits and chocolate, as well as a few more surprising little touches.

It was operating on Friday, Saturday and yesterday, and will remain open until 6pm tonight.

Marina Gray, the Bathurst Driver Reviver co-ordinator, said the stop was getting around 50 people through per day.

She said a number of travellers said they stopped at the Bathurst Driver Reviver because they had stopped there before and enjoyed it.

Ms Gray said a lot of visitors were heading to Cowra and also to Orange.

There were a lot of people on their way towards Sofala to camp for the weekend, and others were heading to Penrith and Sydney. Wellington and Dubbo were also popular.

“There were a lot of people taking advantage of the long weekend,” Ms Gray said.

She said the local Driver Reviver was only possible thanks to the generosity of local suppliers Phil and Sandy Bromhead, who provided the milk, and Mars, which donated the chocolates, as well as Arnotts and Bushells, which supplied the tea and biscuits.

The local Vinnies donated pencils, toys, colouring-in pads and books for the children. 

“We have a table set up for the kids, and they are able to take the books they are reading away with them,” Ms Gray said. “The parents are very appreciative.”

She said there weren’t as many families travelling through as at Christmas time.

“I don’t know if it’s a trend, or if people are getting their kids ready to go back to school,” Ms Gray said.

“At Christmas time we had oodles of kids.

“There were, however, a lot more people travelling through with pets.

“Our dog bowl is getting plenty of use.” 

The big kids were certainly having heaps of fun. The Bathurst Driver Reviver has a collection of footballs, tennis racquets and balls and quoits to encourage people to run around and have a really good break from driving.

“We have a really great rest stop and we are always adding to it,” Ms Gray said.

“Hopefully by this time next year, we will have a fridge with cold water in it.”

Ms Gray is always looking for volunteers to share manning the Bathurst Driver Reviver stop. 

If you would like to help out, call 0427 722 700.