Anderson Rest Area | Free Bass Highway Camping Near Phillip Island & Bass Coast

For travellers exploring the stunning Bass Coast or heading to the world-famous Phillip Island, the Anderson Rest Area is an invaluable free camping and resting spot. Conveniently located right on the Bass Highway, this large and well-utilised reserve provides a safe and practical haven for self-contained caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs. It serves as a perfect staging point for an early start to Phillip Island to beat the crowds, or as a final rest stop after a long day exploring the scenic wonders of the coastline before heading back to Melbourne. The rest area is exceptionally spacious, with a thoughtful layout that includes separate parking areas for trucks and caravans, which helps to minimise noise and improve the comfort of an overnight stay.

The primary appeal of the Anderson Rest Area lies in its strategic location and practicality. As a designated 24-hour rest stop, it offers essential amenities like toilets and picnic tables at no cost, making it a reliable choice for budget-conscious travellers. Its position is second to none, acting as a gateway to the region’s premier attractions. The charming coastal town of Kilcunda, with its famous trestle bridge and stunning surf beach, is just minutes down the road. The bridge to Phillip Island at San Remo is also a very short drive away, putting the Penguin Parade, the Grand Prix Circuit, and the Koala Conservation Reserve within easy reach. While not a destination for a long holiday, its combination of safety, ample space, essential facilities, and unbeatable proximity to major tourist attractions makes the Anderson Rest Area a vital and much-appreciated resource for the Australian road-tripping community.

Campground Information

• Name: Anderson Rest Area
• Address: Bass Hwy, Anderson VIC 3995

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -38.526227, 145.447307

Website

• Website: This is a public rest area managed by VicRoads. Information can be found on the VicRoads website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Major highway rest area on the Bass Highway.
• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained Caravans, Motorhomes, and Big Rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed highway.
• Site Surface: Asphalt and grass areas.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, overnight resting for up to 24 hours is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Strictly 24 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. Tap water is non-potable.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Strictly not permitted.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of others. Best used in the truck parking area.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, with designated areas for cars/caravans and trucks.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, toilet paper.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Excellent surf and rock fishing at nearby Kilcunda and San Remo.
• Short Walks: Plenty of space to walk dogs and stretch your legs. The George Bass Coastal Walk starts at Kilcunda.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Kilcunda Hotel – Approx. 5 km
  • San Remo Hotel – Approx. 10 km
  • Westernport Hotel (San Remo) – Approx. 10 km
• Places to Eat:
  • The Kilcunda Hotel (Bistro) & General Store – Approx. 5 km
  • San Remo Bakehouse & numerous cafes/restaurants – Approx. 10 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Phillip Island Bridge (San Remo) – Approx. 10 km
  • Phillip Island Penguin Parade – Approx. 25 km
  • Kilcunda Trestle Bridge & Surf Beach – Approx. 5 km
  • Maru Koala and Animal Park – Approx. 15 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Kilcunda Oceanview Holiday Retreat – Approx. 5 km
  • San Remo Holiday Park – Approx. 10 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • The Gurdies Nature Conservation Reserve – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Grantville Public Dump Point – Approx. 20 km
  • Wonthaggi Public Dump Point – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Major 24-hour service centres on the Bass Highway near the Anderson interchange.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at Visitor Information Centres in San Remo or Wonthaggi.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm with frequent cool sea breezes, averaging 14-25°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and often calm and sunny, ideal for coastal walks, averaging 10-21°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool, windy, and often overcast with frequent showers, averaging 6-14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild but can be very windy and changeable, averaging 9-19°C.