Green Lake Rest Area, Western Highway
Free Camping & Rest Stop near Horsham, Victoria
Nestled conveniently along the Western Highway, the Green Lake Rest Area in Drung offers a welcome respite for travellers exploring regional Victoria. This spacious, full-width site provides an ideal free camping location for those in caravans, motorhomes, or tents seeking an overnight stop. Its proximity to the serene Green Lake and the major town of Horsham makes it a practical and popular choice. The area is characterised by its open, level ground, providing easy access for vehicles of all sizes, including big rigs. While facilities are basic, they cover the essentials for a short stay, allowing visitors to rest and recharge before continuing their journey. The location serves as an excellent base for exploring the local Wimmera region, with opportunities for fishing and water activities nearby. Whether you’re breaking up a long drive between Melbourne and Adelaide or looking for a simple, cost-effective camping experience, the Green Lake Rest Area delivers on convenience and accessibility for all types of travellers. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss stop that embodies the spirit of Australian roadside camping.
8372 Western Hwy, Drung VIC 3401
GPS Coordinates: -36.78464850260072, 142.29291249271026
Website: Not available (Public rest area)
Site Information & Facilities
- Location: Directly off the Western Highway, making it extremely accessible.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, motorhomes, RVs, camper trailers, big rigs, and tents.
- Road Access: Sealed road (Western Highway). Easy access into the rest area.
- Site Surface: A mix of dirt and gravel. Mostly level ground.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified, but standard practice for rest areas is typically 24-48 hours.
- Facilities: Basic but functional for a short stay.
- Potable Water: No potable (drinking) water available. Visitors must bring their own supply.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally good coverage for major providers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone).
- TV Reception: Good digital TV reception is generally available.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, toilet blocks are available.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, rubbish bins are provided. Please use them to keep the area clean.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to local fire bans. Check CFA regulations before lighting a fire.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers regarding noise and fumes.
- Number of Sites Available: Large open area with no designated sites. Ample room for many vehicles.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood (if permitted), levelling blocks, food supplies.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash and under control.
- Fishing: Fishing is possible in the nearby Green Lake. A Victorian fishing licence is required.
- Short Walks: Pleasant walks are available around the lake foreshore.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
All distances are approximate from the rest area.
Pubs
- The Royal Hotel Horsham: 15 km
- Victoria Hotel Horsham: 16 km
- The White Hart Hotel: 16 km
Places to Eat
- A wide range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants are available in Horsham: ~15-17 km
Local Attractions
- Horsham Botanic Gardens: 16 km
- Horsham Regional Art Gallery: 16 km
- Grampians National Park (Northern entrance): Approximately 50 km
Camping & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks: Horsham Caravan Park (~14 km), Wimmera Lakes Caravan Resort (~17 km)
- Next Free Camps: Taylors Lake (~9 km), Wail Rest Area (~35 km)
- Nearest Dump Points: An onsite dump point is reported to be available. Alternatively, Horsham Showgrounds has one (~15 km).
- Nearest Petrol Station: Various stations (BP, Shell, Ampol) in Horsham: ~14 km
- Drinking Water Resupply: Horsham Showgrounds or public taps in Horsham parks: ~15 km
- Nearest Public Toilets: Onsite. Additional facilities in Horsham.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Hot and dry. Average maximum temperatures are around 30°C, with frequent days over 35-40°C. Low rainfall.
- Autumn (Mar – May): Mild and pleasant days with cooler nights. Average maximums range from 21°C to 26°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cool and often overcast. Average maximum temperatures are around 14°C, with overnight lows dropping to 3-4°C. Frost is common.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): Becomes progressively warmer. A beautiful time to visit with wildflowers in the region. Average maximums range from 17°C to 25°C.