Beveridge Rest Area Southbound | Free Camping & Caravan Stop

Located directly on the Hume Highway just 45 kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, the Beveridge Rest Area (Southbound) is an essential stop for travellers, particularly those in caravans, RVs, and motorhomes. Offering a free, convenient, and accessible place for an overnight rest, this site serves as a perfect final pause before navigating the city’s busy roads or as a strategic starting point after departing Melbourne. The area is straightforward and practical, designed with the needs of the self-contained traveller in mind. While it lacks the amenities of a paid caravan park, its value lies in its simplicity and location.

The rest stop provides basic but crucial facilities, including public toilets and rubbish bins, allowing you to refresh and manage waste before continuing your journey. The surface is asphalt, providing a stable and relatively level base for vehicles of all sizes, including big rigs. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with space for approximately 15 to 20 vehicles, though this is not formally marked. As a designated 24-hour rest area, it’s an ideal spot for managing driver fatigue. Given its proximity to the highway, some traffic noise is inevitable, but for most, the convenience far outweighs this minor drawback. It is important for travellers to arrive with their own supplies, most notably drinking water, as none is available on-site. The rest area is also pet-friendly, making it a great place to give your furry companions a much-needed break from the road.

Location Map

Site Information & Features

• Site Suitable For: Caravans, RVs, motorhomes, campervans, big rigs, cars.
• Road Access: Sealed (direct access from Hume Highway).
• Site Surface: Asphalt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, informal overnight stays permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours recommended.
• Facilities: Basic rest stop facilities. No power or water hook-ups.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for major carriers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone).
• TV Reception: Variable. A boosted antenna may be required.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Strictly not permitted.
• Generator Use: Permitted, please be considerate of other users.
• Number of Sites Available: Approximately 15-20 unmarked spaces.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food, cooking equipment, levelling blocks.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be on a leash and cleaned up after.
• Fishing: No fishing available at this location.
• Short Walks: Limited to the rest area, suitable for stretching your legs and dog walking.

Local Amenities & Services

• Local Pubs:
  • Pretty Sally Bakehouse (Wallan) – Approx. 9 km
  • Hogan’s Hotel (Wallan) – Approx. 9.5 km
  • Royal Hotel (Wallan) – Approx. 10 km
• Places to Eat: A variety of cafes, bakeries, and fast-food restaurants are located in the nearby town of Wallan (approx. 9-10 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • Ned Kelly’s Birthplace & Memorial (Beveridge) – Approx. 4 km
  • Funfields Theme Park (Whittlesea) – Approx. 20 km
  • Mount Disappointment State Forest – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park (Coburg North) – Approx. 28 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Lions Park Rest Area (Broadford) – Approx. 30 km north
  • Northern Highway Rest Area (near Kilmore) – Approx. 25 km north
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Wallan Public RV Dump Point (near train station) – Approx. 10 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Northbound Service Centre (requires U-turn at next exit) or various stations in Wallan – Approx. 9 km.
• Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps may be available at parks in Wallan – Approx. 9 km.
• Public Toilets: Available on-site.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Beveridge experiences a temperate climate typical of southern Victoria.

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C, with occasional heatwaves.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and pleasant days with cooler nights. Average temperatures range from 10°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often cloudy with frequent light rain. Average temperatures range from 5°C to 14°C. Morning frosts are possible.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild with increasing sunshine, but can be unpredictable. Average temperatures range from 8°C to 20°C.