Mokoan Rest Area (Northbound) | Free Camping on the Hume Highway

The Mokoan Rest Area (Northbound) is a popular and expansive free camping spot for those journeying north along Victoria’s Hume Highway. Positioned conveniently between Benalla and Wangaratta, this rest stop serves as an excellent point to break up the long drive towards the New South Wales border. As an officially designated rest area, it provides a safe and legal option for an overnight stay, helping drivers combat fatigue and stay refreshed. Its key advantage is the sheer amount of space available; the large, open layout easily accommodates all manner of vehicles, from standard cars and campervans to the largest caravans and semi-trailers, ensuring you can find a spot without difficulty.

Access is straightforward and safe, with dedicated entry and exit lanes directly off the highway. The ground surface is a reliable combination of bitumen and gravel, providing a solid base for setting up camp. While the amenities are basic, they are practical and well-maintained, featuring clean public toilets and several large rubbish bins to encourage tidiness. There is no potable water on site, so travellers must ensure they bring an adequate supply for drinking and cooking. Due to its location right beside a major transport artery, some traffic noise is inevitable, though it typically subsides during the night. For many, this is a small trade-off for the convenience and security of a well-lit, easily accessible site. Whether you need a quick power nap or a full night’s sleep, the Mokoan Rest Area is a dependable choice for your northbound travels.

Location Details

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

• GPS Coordinates: -36.498650, 146.106566

• Website: Not available

Site Information

• Location: Directly off the northbound lanes of the Hume Highway, near the Winton Motor Raceway exit.
• 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, very large open area. Approximately 30+ spaces.
• 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)
  • Plough Inn, Tarrawingee (approx. 30 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Various cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Benalla (approx. 15 km)
  • Glenrowan (takeaway and cafes) (approx. 12 km south)
• Local Attractions:
  • Winton Motor Raceway (approx. 2 km)
  • Ned Kelly Museum & Homestead, Glenrowan (approx. 12 km)
  • Benalla Art Gallery (approx. 15 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Benalla Tourist Park (approx. 15 km)
  • BP Roadhouse Glenrowan (southbound, offers some caravan sites) (approx. 12 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Winton Northbound Rest Area (the previous location, approx. 10km 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/Mokoan 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.