Garfield North Rest Area | Free Camping Near Gumbuya World | VIC
Strategically positioned on the Princes Freeway (M1), the Garfield North Public Rest Area serves as a vital stopping point for travellers exploring the beautiful West Gippsland region of Victoria. This free facility offers much more than just a parking bay; it’s a practical and convenient spot for an overnight stay, making it especially popular with the caravanning and motorhome community. Its greatest drawcard is arguably its close proximity to Gumbuya World, one of Victoria’s premier theme parks, located just a few minutes’ drive away. This makes the rest area an ideal, cost-effective base for families planning a visit, allowing them to rest up before or after a big day of fun and adventure.
The rest area is designed for easy access for all types of vehicles, from passenger cars to large big rigs. The sealed, tarmac surface provides a stable and clean environment, regardless of the weather. Key amenities include well-maintained public toilets and several rubbish bins, ensuring the essential needs of road-trippers are met. While it lacks features like potable water or power, its core function as a safe and legitimate overnight stop is what makes it so valuable. Travellers can pull in, prepare a meal, and get a solid night’s rest without the need to detour far from their main route between Melbourne and popular destinations further east.
Beyond its immediate utility, the Garfield North Rest Area is surrounded by charming rural landscapes. It’s a place to take a break, enjoy a short walk, and simply decompress from the demands of the highway. For those needing supplies or a meal out, the nearby towns of Garfield and Bunyip offer classic country pubs, bakeries, and small supermarkets. With good mobile phone coverage and TV reception, it’s easy to stay connected while enjoying the simplicity of the road. For anyone seeking a practical, no-fuss stopover with the bonus of being on the doorstep of major attractions, this rest area is an excellent choice that exemplifies the convenience of Australian roadside facilities.
Public Rest Area
2775 Princes Freeway, Garfield North VIC 3814, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -38.071869483154984, 145.66361933524541
Website: Not available
Campsite Information & Features
- Location: On the Princes Freeway (M1) at Garfield North, close to the Gumbuya World exit.
- Site suitable for: Caravans, motorhomes, campervans, big rigs, cars.
- Road access: Sealed, direct highway access.
- Site surface: Asphalt / Tarmac.
- Camping permitted: Yes, short overnight stays are permitted.
- Maximum overnight stays: 24 hours recommended, adhere to any local signage.
- Facilities: Picnic tables.
- Potable water: Not available. Ensure you bring your own water supplies.
- Mobile phone coverage: Generally good coverage for all major Australian networks.
- TV reception: Strong digital TV reception is usually available.
- Onsite public toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish bins: Yes.
- Open fires: Strictly not permitted.
- Generator use: Permitted, but please be considerate of noise and time of day.
- Number of sites available: Unmarked, approximately 10-15 spaces depending on vehicle size.
- Essentials to bring: Drinking water, food, and levelling blocks.
- Pet friendly: Yes, pets must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.
- Fishing: Not available onsite.
- Short walks: Possible around the rest area perimeter.
- Local pubs:
Garfield Hotel (~8 km),
Commercial Hotel Bunyip (~9 km),
The Gumbuya Hotel (~3 km). - Places to eat:
Takeaway shops and cafes in Garfield (~8 km) and Bunyip (~9 km). - Local attractions:
Gumbuya World (~3 km),
Mount Cannibal Flora and Fauna Reserve (~5 km),
Bunyip State Park entrance (~15 km). - Nearest caravan parks:
Sherwood Park
Orchard (~12 km),
Pakenham Caravan Park (~18 km). - Next Free Camps:
Longwarry North Rest Area (~15 km East),
Yarragon Lions Club Park (~45 km East). - Nearest dump points:
Check with Pakenham Caravan Park for public access/fee (~18 km),
Warragul Showgrounds (~35 km). - Nearest petrol station: Major service centres at Officer (~15 km West) and Longwarry (~15 km East).
- Drinking water resupply: Public taps in Garfield (~8 km) or Bunyip (~9 km).
- Public toilets: Onsite, with additional facilities in nearby towns.
- Seasonal weather forecast:
Warm to hot summers, mild autumns, cool and damp winters, and mild springs. Prepare for variable conditions.