Lions Park Rest Area, Huntly – Family Friendly Stop Near Bendigo

Nestled in the heart of Huntly on the Midland Highway, the Lions Park Rest Area is a fantastic and highly-regarded stop for travellers, particularly those with children. Located just a short drive north of the major regional city of Bendigo, this park offers far more than a typical roadside pull-over. It functions as a vibrant community hub and a welcoming oasis for those needing a proper break from their journey. The park is spacious and well-maintained, featuring a large, modern playground that is a guaranteed highlight for younger travellers needing to burn off some energy after being in the car. The play equipment is varied and suitable for a range of ages, making it an easy choice for families.

Beyond the playground, the park is equipped with all the essential amenities for a comfortable stop. There is a clean toilet block, numerous picnic tables (some sheltered), and free electric barbecue facilities, inviting visitors to stay for lunch. The grounds include large, shady trees and plenty of open grassed areas for picnicking or recreation. While it’s a popular spot, there is ample parking available for cars, caravans, and motorhomes. It’s important to note that this is a day-use park, and overnight camping is not permitted, ensuring it remains a clean and accessible space for all visitors during the day. Its prime location means that essential services are right at your fingertips, with a supermarket, bakery, and the historic Huntly pub just a stone’s throw away. For anyone travelling the Midland Highway through Central Victoria, the Huntly Lions Park is a top-tier rest stop that perfectly blends recreation with convenience.

Site Information

• Name: Lions Park Rest Area
• Address: Midland Hwy, Huntly VIC 3551, Australia

• GPS Coordinates: -36.669971, 144.326836

• Website: Not available

Rest Area Details

• Location: In the town of Huntly, on the Midland Highway (A300), approximately 12km north of Bendigo.
• Site Suitable For: Cars, caravans, and motorhomes. Ample parking.
• Road Access: Sealed highway.
• Site Surface: Bitumen car park, grassed park areas.
• Camping Permitted: No. Day use only.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Not permitted.
• Facilities: Public toilets, playground, sheltered picnic tables, electric BBQs.
• Potable Water: Yes, a drinking fountain is available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
• Generator Use: Not permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: Large public park with plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring: Just your picnic supplies; BBQs are provided.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be on a leash.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short Walks: Plenty of space to walk around the park.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Huntly Hotel: Approx. 400m
  • National Hotel Complex, Bendigo: Approx. 9 km
  • The Foundry Hotel Complex, Bendigo: Approx. 11 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Huntly Bakery: Approx. 200m
  • George’s Bakehouse, Huntly: Approx. 300m
  • Extensive options in Bendigo city centre: Approx. 12 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Bendigo Joss House Temple: Approx. 10 km
  • Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo: Approx. 13 km
  • Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo: Approx. 12 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • BIG4 Bendigo Park Lane Holiday Park: Approx. 7 km
  • Bendigo Goldfields Motor Inn & Caravan Park: Approx. 8 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Nottingham Park, Raywood: Approx. 30 km
  • Melville Caves Picnic Area (basic): Approx. 60 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bendigo Showgrounds Public Dump Point: Approx. 13 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple options within Huntly and Epsom: Approx. 1-2 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • At the park, or at service stations in Huntly/Bendigo.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Multiple public toilets throughout Bendigo.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and very dry. Temperatures regularly exceed 35°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm and sunny days with mild evenings. A very pleasant time to visit. Temperatures average 10°C to 25°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, especially overnight with heavy frosts. Days can be crisp and clear or overcast. Average temperatures range from 3°C to 14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny with colourful gardens, though it can be prone to showers. Temperatures average 8°C to 22°C.