East Bound Rest Area, Waurn Ponds – Princes Highway Stop

Strategically positioned on the Princes Highway for eastbound traffic, the Waurn Ponds Rest Area is a crucial facility for drivers heading towards Melbourne after travelling along the Great Ocean Road or through Victoria’s Western District. Located within the major Geelong suburb of Waurn Ponds, this stop offers a safe and convenient place to take a break before navigating the final stretch of highway into the city. The site is primarily a day-use facility, designed to combat driver fatigue and provide essential amenities for a short stop. It consists of a sealed parking area, set back from the busy highway, with dedicated spaces for cars, caravans, and trucks, ensuring easy access for all vehicle types.

The key feature is its clean and well-maintained toilet block, a welcome sight for any traveller. While it is not a camping area and overnight stays are not permitted, its value lies in its prime suburban location. Unlike remote rural stops, this rest area is just minutes away from a huge range of services. The Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, with its supermarkets, food court, and specialty stores, is nearby, as are numerous petrol stations and fast-food outlets. This makes it the perfect place to refuel both your vehicle and yourself, use the facilities, and have a final check of the map before merging with city-bound traffic. For tourists, it acts as the final gateway from the coast to the city, offering a moment of respite and preparation for the journey ahead.

Site Information

• Name: East Bound Rest Area
• Address: 325 Princes Hwy, Waurn Ponds VIC 3217, Australia

• GPS Coordinates: -38.215702, 144.267649

• Website: Not available

Rest Area Details

• Location: On the Princes Highway (M1) eastbound lanes, in Waurn Ponds, Geelong.
• Site Suitable For: Short-term stops for all vehicles.
• Road Access: Sealed highway.
• Site Surface: Bitumen / Asphalt.
• Camping Permitted: No, strictly a day-use rest area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Not permitted.
• Facilities: Public toilets.
• Potable Water: Not available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
• Generator Use: Not applicable.
• Number of Sites Available: Marked bays for approx. 20-30 cars and several long vehicles.
• Essentials to Bring: Food and drink, although many stores are nearby.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be leashed.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short Walks: Not applicable.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Waurn Ponds Hotel: Approx. 2 km
  • Grovedale Hotel: Approx. 4 km
  • Mount Moriac Hotel: Approx. 10 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre (food court, cafes): Approx. 2 km
  • Numerous fast food outlets (McDonald’s, KFC) along Princes Hwy: Approx. 1-3 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Gateway to the Surf Coast (Torquay): Approx. 15 km
  • Geelong Waterfront: Approx. 12 km
  • Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre: Approx. 8 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Geelong Riverview Tourist Park: Approx. 8 km
  • Discovery Parks – Geelong: Approx. 10 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Tanners Road Rest Area (Princes Hwy, west of Colac): Approx. 65 km
  • Meredith Park, Lake Colac: Approx. 70 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Geelong Showgrounds Public Dump Point: Approx. 10 km
  • Many local caravan parks offer dump point access for a fee.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple major service stations (Shell, BP) within 2 km on the Princes Highway.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at service stations in the area.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre: Approx. 2 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Generally warm to hot with coastal breezes helping to moderate temperatures. Averages range from 15°C to 28°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and pleasant with calm, sunny days. Ideal for travel. Temperatures average 10°C to 24°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often overcast, with occasional rain. Average temperatures range from 6°C to 15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild but can be windy. A popular time for visiting the nearby surf coast. Temperatures average 9°C to 21°C.