Bypass is open either way and free camp located on south side of town besides the river with a few folk camped when we went through a couple of weeks ago......went in to town for our usual early breakfast at the Caltex Roadhouse and to top up with LPG only to be disappointed that the servo is no longer open and when heading north you need to get to the Taree turnoff for food & fuel....I think the little township will go ok as there are a few nice restaurants in the main street coupled with other services.