Calder Woodburn Rest Area – Free Overnight Camping Victoria

Nestled in the heart of Victoria’s picturesque Goulburn Valley, the Calder Woodburn Rest Area offers travellers a simple and convenient place to pause their journey. Located directly off the Goulburn Valley Highway near Tabilk, this site serves as an essential stopover for those exploring the region or travelling between major centres. While it presents a no-frills approach to roadside camping, its value lies in its accessibility and status as a designated free camping spot, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious adventurers in self-contained vehicles.

The rest area is primarily a large, sealed bitumen surface, providing a stable and level base for caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs. Its straightforward layout allows for easy entry and exit from the highway, minimising hassle for drivers of larger vehicles. Although shaded areas are limited, the open space ensures ample room for manoeuvring. It’s an ideal location for a quick overnight stay to break up a long drive, allowing travellers to rest and recharge before continuing their trip. The basic amenities, including public toilets and rubbish bins, cover the essential needs for a short stop. However, visitors should be aware that facilities such as potable water, showers, and power are not available, reinforcing the need for self-sufficiency. This makes it particularly suitable for fully equipped RVs that can operate off-grid. Its proximity to nearby towns like Nagambie means that supplies, fuel, and dining options are only a short drive away, offering a balance between peaceful isolation and convenient access to services.

Site Information

• Name: Calder Woodburn Rest Area
• Address: Goulburn Valley Hwy, Tabilk VIC, Australia

• GPS Coordinates: -36.573522, 145.341042

• Website: Not available

Rest Area Details

• Location: Directly beside the Goulburn Valley Highway.
• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained caravans, RVs, motorhomes, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed road, direct highway access.
• Site Surface: Bitumen / Asphalt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, overnight stays are permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours (1 night).
• Facilities: Basic, no showers or powered sites.
• Potable Water: Not available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for Telstra. Patchy for Optus and Vodafone.
• TV Reception: Fair, a good quality antenna is recommended.
• 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, approximately 10-15 depending on vehicle size.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food supplies, levelling blocks.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.
• Fishing: Not available onsite. Nearby fishing in the Goulburn River at Nagambie.
• Short Walks: No designated walking tracks onsite.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Nagambie Rowing Club: Approx. 14 km
  • Royal Mail Hotel, Nagambie: Approx. 14 km
  • Top Pub, Nagambie: Approx. 14 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Nagambie Bakery: Approx. 14 km
  • Various cafes and eateries in Nagambie: Approx. 14 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Nagambie Lakes: Approx. 14 km
  • Tahbilk Winery: Approx. 11 km
  • Mitchelton Wines: Approx. 17 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Nagambie Lakes Leisure Park: Approx. 15 km
  • Discovery Parks – Nagambie Lakes: Approx. 15 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Major Creek Rest Area (Northbound): Approx. 35 km
  • Lions Park, Avenel (Southbound): Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Nagambie Showgrounds (requires key): Approx. 14 km
  • Seymour Rogers Park: Approx. 40 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • BP Nagambie: Approx. 13 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Nagambie Visitor Information Centre: Approx. 14 km
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Buckley Park, Nagambie: Approx. 14 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 31°C. Days can frequently exceed 35°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and pleasant, with average temperatures between 9°C and 24°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often overcast, with average temperatures of 4°C to 14°C. Frost is common.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild with increasing sunshine, with temperatures averaging 8°C to 22°C.