Wangaratta Rest Area (Southbound) | Free Camping on the Hume Highway

The Wangaratta Rest Area on the southbound side of the Hume Highway is a welcome sight for travellers making their way from the NSW border towards Melbourne. Located just north of the regional hub of Wangaratta, this expansive rest stop provides an essential, safe, and free location for an overnight stay or a short break from driving. Its primary advantage is its sheer size; the large, open-plan layout allows for easy manoeuvring and parking for every type of vehicle, from passenger cars and campervans to the largest motorhomes, fifth-wheelers, and semi-trailers. Finding a spot here is rarely an issue, even during peak travel times.

Access is simple, with a dedicated slip lane directly off the highway. The surface is a mix of bitumen and gravel, offering a solid and relatively level base for setting up. The provided amenities are basic but crucial for roadside travel, including a toilet block and multiple rubbish bins to encourage campers to leave the area tidy. As with most highway rest stops, there is no potable water available, so visitors must be self-sufficient with their own drinking water. The proximity to the highway does result in some traffic noise, but many find it a reasonable trade-off for the convenience and security. Its strategic position just before Wangaratta means that supplies, fuel, and meals are only a short drive away. For anyone needing to manage fatigue on the long drive south, this rest area is a highly practical and reliable option.

Location Details

• Name: Wangaratta Rest Area (Southbound)
• Address: Hume Highway (Southbound), Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia

• GPS Coordinates: -36.334105, 146.376820

• Website: Not available

Site Information

• Location: Directly off the southbound lanes of the Hume Highway, approx. 10km north of Wangaratta town centre.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including cars, 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: Excellent coverage for Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone.
• TV Reception: Strong digital TV signal.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Not permitted.
• Generator Use: Permitted, please be considerate of others.
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, very large open area. Approximately 40+ spaces.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food supplies, insect repellent in summer.

Local Amenities & Services

• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing in the nearby Ovens and King Rivers in Wangaratta (approx. 10 km).
• Short Walks: Merriwa Park and river walks along the Ovens River in Wangaratta.

• Local Pubs:
  • The Vine Hotel, Wangaratta (approx. 9 km)
  • Pinsent Hotel, Wangaratta (approx. 10 km)
  • Grand Central Hotel, Wangaratta (approx. 10 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Extensive selection of cafes, restaurants, and fast food in Wangaratta (approx. 10 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Wangaratta Art Gallery (approx. 10 km)
  • King Valley wine region (Prosecco Road) starts approx. 20 km away.
  • Milawa gourmet region (cheese, mustard, etc.) (approx. 25 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Painters Island Caravan Park, Wangaratta (approx. 11 km)
  • Big4 Wangaratta North Cedars Holiday Park (approx. 8 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Mokoan Rest Area (Southbound) (approx. 20 km south)
  • Balldale Hotel (NSW, requires travel north) (approx. 70 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Wangaratta Showgrounds (fee may apply) (approx. 12 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations at the northern entrance to Wangaratta (approx. 8 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Wangaratta Visitor Information Centre (check availability) (approx. 10 km)
• Nearest Public Toilets:
  • Onsite
  • Multiple locations in Wangaratta, including Merriwa Park.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Wangaratta Area

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry. Temperatures typically range from 16°C to 34°C, with frequent days over 38°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days with cool nights. Temperatures range from 8°C to 26°C. Ideal for visiting local wineries.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold with overnight frosts. Daytime temperatures average 5°C to 14°C. Expect some rain.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becomes progressively warmer. Temperatures range from 7°C to 24°C. Can be windy with some showers.