Best Camping and Caravanning Sites in Australia

A great place to start your adventure

Westaroo Rest Area
by: Posted on:

Westaroo Rest Area, Coolac NSW

Westaroo Rest Area, Coolac NSW

The Westaroo Rest Area is a large and practical free camping spot located on the Hume Highway in the beautiful South West Slopes region of New South Wales. This essential 24-hour rest stop is a popular choice for the high volume of traffic on the main Sydney to Melbourne route, perfectly positioned between the major historic towns of Gundagai and Yass. It offers a safe and convenient place to manage driver fatigue, with a spacious layout that can easily accommodate all vehicle types, from cars and campervans to the largest caravans, motorhomes, and B-double trucks.

As a designated highway rest area, it provides the fundamental amenities needed for a comfortable short stay. Mobile phone coverage is generally excellent for all major carriers. As is standard, travellers must be fully self-contained with their own drinking water and power, and there is no dump point on-site. The key advantage of this free camp is its strategic location. It is just minutes from the charming village of Coolac and its pub, and serves as an excellent free base to explore the region’s rich history, including the famous Dog on the Tuckerbox and the beautiful riverside village of Jugiong. For a simple, spacious, and well-located free stop on the Hume Highway, the Westaroo Rest Area is a reliable and popular choice.

Westaroo Rest Area NSW Location Map

  • Name: Westaroo Rest Area
  • Address: 6631 Hume Highway, Coolac NSW 2727, Australia
  • GPS Coordinates: -34.84739, 148.29657

Site Information

  • Location: On the Hume Highway (M31), approximately 20km south of Gundagai and near the village of Coolac.
  • Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large caravans and big rigs.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway.
  • Site Surface: Asphalt/Gravel.
  • Picnic Tables: No.
  • Potable Water: No. Be self-sufficient.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
  • TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: No.
  • Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
  • Drive Through Sites: Yes, large loop road for easy access.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
  • Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
  • Essentials to Bring: Drinking water and all personal supplies.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be leashed.
  • Fishing: Not available at the rest area, but good fishing is in the nearby Murrumbidgee River.
  • Short Walks: Plenty of space for walking around the large rest area.

Local Amenities

Pubs

  • Beehive Hotel, Coolac: A classic country pub in the nearby village (approx. 10km).
  • The Sir George, Jugiong: A famous, beautifully restored historic hotel with a renowned restaurant and brewery (approx. 15km).
  • Criterion Hotel, Gundagai: A popular and historic pub in the heart of Gundagai (approx. 20km).

Places to Eat

  • Coolac: The Beehive Hotel serves meals.
  • Jugiong: Home to the acclaimed Sir George restaurant and the Long Track Pantry cafe.
  • Gundagai: Offers a wide range of bakeries, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, plus an IGA supermarket.

Local Attractions

  • The Dog on the Tuckerbox: An iconic Australian monument located at the service station 5 miles (8km) from Gundagai.
  • Historic Village of Jugiong: A charming village on the Murrumbidgee River with great food, a winery, and boutique shops.
  • Gundagai Historic Bridges: See the remarkable historic Prince Alfred Bridge and the old railway bridge.
  • Burrinjuck Dam: A major dam offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and scenic drives.

Nearest Caravan Parks

  • Jugiong Showground: A popular low-cost camping option in the village of Jugiong.
  • Gundagai Tourist Park: A full-facility park on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River in Gundagai.

Next Free Camps

  • Jugiong Wine Cellar Free Camp: A very popular stop in the charming village of Jugiong.
  • Black Springs Rest Area: Another large rest area located just a few kilometres south of this site.

Nearest Dump Points

  • Gundagai Showground: A public dump point is available for travellers.
  • Jugiong Showground: A dump point is also available here.

Nearest Petrol Station

  • Coolac and Gundagai: Both have service stations, including major 24/7 truck stops just off the highway.

Drinking Water Resupply

  • Gundagai or Yass Visitor Information Centres: Both are reliable locations to fill RV water tanks.

Nearest Public Toilets (offsite)

  • Onsite: The rest area has its own public toilet block.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The South West Slopes region experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters.

  • Summer (Dec – Feb): Days are typically hot and dry, with average temperatures from 16°C to 31°C.
  • Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful season with mild, sunny days and cool nights, showcasing the region’s vibrant colours.
  • Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold, with heavy morning frosts and cool, crisp days. Daytime temperatures average 3°C to 14°C.
  • Spring (Sep – Nov): Weather warms up with pleasant days. The landscape is lush and green, often with fields of flowering canola.

Leave a Reply