Winton Northbound Rest Area | Free Camping on the Hume Highway

For travellers making their way north from Melbourne towards Sydney along the Hume Highway, finding a safe and convenient place to rest is essential. The Winton Northbound Rest Area, situated just past Benalla in Victoria, offers a welcome respite from the long stretches of road. This large, well-maintained free camp is an official roadside rest stop, providing a reliable option for an overnight stay or a short break to recharge before continuing your journey. Its generous size makes it suitable for all types of vehicles, from cars and campervans to large caravans and big rigs, with ample space to pull off the highway safely.

The site’s primary appeal lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Being right on the highway means there are no tricky detours or unsealed roads to navigate, which is a significant advantage, especially when arriving after dark. While the facilities are basic, they cover the essentials needed for a comfortable stopover. Onsite public toilets and rubbish bins help keep the area clean and tidy for all users. The ground is a mix of bitumen and gravel, offering a stable surface in most weather conditions. As it is a popular spot, particularly during peak travel periods, arriving earlier in the afternoon is advisable to secure a good position away from the direct highway noise. Despite its proximity to the road, many travellers find the convenience outweighs the traffic sounds, which tend to lessen overnight. It’s an ideal, no-fuss location for breaking up the drive and ensuring you stay refreshed and alert on the road.

Location Details

• Name: Winton Northbound Rest Area
• Address: Hume Highway (Northbound), Winton, Victoria, Australia

• GPS Coordinates: -36.577390, 145.920888

• Website: Not available

Site Information

• Location: Directly off the northbound lanes of the Hume Highway, just north of Benalla.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including cars, campervans, caravans, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed (bitumen). Direct highway access.
• Site Surface: Bitumen and gravel.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, overnight stays are permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours recommended.
• Facilities: Basic, no power or showers.
• Potable Water: No, bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone.
• TV Reception: Generally good digital TV signal.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Not permitted.
• Generator Use: Permitted, please be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, large open area. Approximately 20+ spaces depending on vehicle size.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food supplies, levelling blocks.

Local Amenities & Services

• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Nearby in the Broken River and Lake Benalla (approx. 15-20 km).
• Short Walks: Benalla Botanical Gardens and Lake Benalla walking tracks (approx. 15 km).

• Local Pubs:
  • The North Eastern Hotel, Benalla (approx. 15 km)
  • The Royal Hotel, Benalla (approx. 15 km)
  • Tatong Tavern, Tatong (approx. 35 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Various cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Benalla (approx. 15 km)
  • Glenrowan (takeaway and cafes) (approx. 12 km south)
• Local Attractions:
  • Ned Kelly Museum & Homestead, Glenrowan (approx. 12 km)
  • Benalla Art Gallery (approx. 15 km)
  • Winton Motor Raceway (approx. 5 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Benalla Tourist Park (approx. 15 km)
  • BP Roadhouse Glenrowan (southbound, offers some caravan sites) (approx. 12 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Balmattum Rest Area (Northbound) (approx. 55 km south)
  • Chiltern Rest Area (Northbound) (approx. 60 km north)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Benalla Showgrounds (approx. 16 km)
  • Wangaratta Showgrounds (approx. 35 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • BP Truck Stop, Benalla (approx. 14 km)
  • Multiple stations in Benalla and Glenrowan.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Benalla Visitor Information Centre (check availability) (approx. 15 km)
• Nearest Public Toilets:
  • Onsite
  • Jaycee Island, Benalla (approx. 15 km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Winton Area

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, typically ranging from 15°C to 35°C. Can experience very hot days over 40°C. Mostly dry.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and pleasant days with cooler nights. Temperatures range from 8°C to 25°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold. Daytime temperatures average 5°C to 15°C, with overnight frosts common. Expect some rainfall.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild with increasing warmth. Temperatures range from 7°C to 22°C. A mix of sunny days and occasional showers.