Coach Road Rest Area | Free Hume Highway Camping Near Avenel

For travellers journeying on the busy Hume Freeway between Melbourne and Sydney, the Coach Road Rest Area is a well-known and highly valued free overnight camping spot. This large and easily accessible rest area provides a safe and convenient haven for self-contained caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs needing a break from the long drive. Located near the historic town of Avenel, it offers a more pleasant and spacious alternative to a simple truck stop, with a large, sealed parking area complemented by grassy sections shaded by mature gum trees. While it is a highway rest area and subject to traffic noise, its size allows campers to find a spot away from the main thoroughfare, ensuring a reasonable night’s sleep.

The primary appeal of the Coach Road Rest Area is its practicality and strategic location. It provides the essential amenities for an overnight stop, including toilets and picnic tables, all at no cost. It’s an ideal staging point for exploring the surrounding regions. Just a few minutes down the road, the charming town of Avenel offers a glimpse into Victoria’s past, with links to the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly. A short detour off the highway leads to the celebrated Nagambie Lakes wine region, home to iconic wineries like Tahbilk and Mitchelton, where you can enjoy wine tasting and superb meals. The rest area’s pet-friendly policy is another major drawcard for those travelling with their furry companions. While it may not be a destination for a long holiday, its combination of convenience, space, and proximity to notable local attractions makes the Coach Road Rest Area an excellent and indispensable part of the Australian road trip experience.

Campground Information

• Name: Coach Road Rest Area
• Address: Hume Freeway, Avenel, VIC 3664

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -36.8835, 145.2655

Website

• Website: This is a public rest area managed by VicRoads. Information can be found on the VicRoads website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Highway-side rest area on the Hume Freeway.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Sealed highway access.
• Site Surface: Asphalt, gravel, and grass areas.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free overnight camping/resting is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Strictly 24 hours as per rest area regulations.
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. The tap water is non-potable. Bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, available.
• Open Fires: Strictly not permitted.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other travellers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area suitable for many vehicles.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, toilet paper.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Fishing opportunities in the nearby Goulburn River at Nagambie or Seymour.
• Short Walks: Enjoy a leg stretch around the large reserve or visit the historic Avenel bridge.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Imperial Hotel (Avenel) – Approx. 4 km
  • The Royal Mail Hotel (Nagambie) – Approx. 18 km
  • The Royal Hotel (Seymour) – Approx. 20 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Bank Street Wood Fired Pizza & Garden (Avenel) – Approx. 4 km
  • Fowles Wine (Restaurant) – Approx. 10 km
  • Numerous cafes and bakeries in Nagambie – Approx. 18 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Avenel historical sites (Ned Kelly connection) – Approx. 4 km
  • Nagambie Lakes Wine Region – Approx. 15-20 km
  • Mitchelton & Tahbilk Wineries – Approx. 25 km
  • Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail (Seymour) – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Discovery Parks – Nagambie Lakes – Approx. 17 km
  • Nagambie Lakes Leisure Park – Approx. 18 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Balmattum Rest Area (Hume Fwy Northbound) – Approx. 40 km
  • Kirwans Bridge Camping Area (near Nagambie) – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Nagambie Lakes Regatta Centre Public Dump Point – Approx. 18 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple 24-hour service stations are located at the Avenel interchange on the Hume Freeway – Approx. 4 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at Visitor Information Centres in Nagambie or Seymour.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and sunny, with average temperatures of 15-31°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, clear days and mild nights, ideal for exploring, averaging 8-24°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often crisp, with frosty mornings, averaging 3-13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, a great time to visit the wineries, averaging 7-21°C.