Goulburn to Gundagai: country rest stops from summer holidays of the past

And the lunch breaks, naps and leg stretches at scenic rest stops were opportunities to snap a picture on the Canon 35mm.

An archive of 300,000 analogue photographs from NSW rest stops dating back to 1950 has been restored using "state-of-the-art cultural heritage capture technology".

Archivists aimed to preserve every detail for generations to come.

NSW Regional Roads and Transport minister Jenny Aitchison said "these photos are a real blast from the past and I'm sure they'll trigger memories of summer drives in the days before podcasts and air-conditioning".

"Compared to the 1950s, summer getaways are faster and safer thanks to bypasses and better roads," she said.

But the importance of stopping, reviving and surviving remain.

"These images are a fun and timely reminder to everyone travelling these holidays to take a break when road tripping. Remember getting there is part of the adventure, and we want you to arrive safely," Ms Aitchison said.

In NSW 360 people have died on the roads in the past 12 months and 9,663 people suffered serious injuries.

Ms Aitchison said "we know fatigue and speed are leading causes of road trauma in regional NSW".

"It's important to take a break when you are on long car trips."