North of Cooma Rest Area, Monaro Highway

Located on the Monaro Highway just a few kilometres north of Cooma, this site is a large, basic, and practical breakdown or rest bay primarily designed for trucks and heavy vehicles. For travellers in caravans, campervans, or motorhomes, it serves as an effective and convenient spot to pull over for a short break, check maps, or have a meal before heading into Cooma or continuing north towards Canberra. Its main advantage is its size and simplicity, offering ample space for even the largest rigs to manoeuvre and park safely off the busy highway without the need to navigate town streets. It provides a straightforward, no-frills solution for managing driver fatigue.

As a basic highway bay, this location has no formal amenities. There are no toilets, no potable water, no picnic tables, and no rubbish bins. Travellers stopping here must be entirely self-sufficient and adhere to a strict leave-no-trace policy, taking all rubbish with them. While overnight stays are not officially designated, it can be used for a short-term stop in a pinch by self-contained vehicles. Its proximity to Cooma, the largest town in the Snowy Mountains region, is its greatest asset. Just a five-minute drive south, you will find a full suite of services, including multiple supermarkets, petrol stations, pubs, cafes, caravan parks, and a public dump point. This makes the rest area a handy staging point to prepare for exploring the alpine region or to simply rest before a final supply run in town.

North of Cooma (north of Yallakool Rd) BD – NSW Location Map

Name: North of Cooma Rest Area (north of Yallakool Rd)
Address: Monaro Highway, Cooma NSW 2630, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -36.21185, 149.15392

Site Information

Location: On the Monaro Highway (A23/B23), approximately 3-4km north of the Cooma town centre.
Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including the largest big rigs.
Road Access: Sealed highway access.
Site Surface: Gravel and dirt.
Camping Permitted: Not officially designated for camping, but suitable for short-term, self-contained rest stops.
Maximum Overnight Stays: Not specified. Recommended for short breaks.
Picnic Tables: Not available.
Potable Water: Not available.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally good coverage for major carriers.
TV Reception: Good reception is likely due to proximity to Cooma.
Onsite Public Toilets: Not available.
Ullage / Dump Point: Not available onsite.
Drive Through: Yes, a large open area.
Rubbish Bins: Not available. Please take all rubbish with you.
Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of others.
Number of Sites Available: Large unmarked area with plenty of space.
Essentials to Bring: All water, food, and self-containment facilities.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
Fishing: Fishing opportunities are available in the nearby Murrumbidgee River.
Short Walks: Informal walks around the open area.

Local Amenities (in Cooma, approx. 4km south)

Pubs & Eateries

The Royal Hotel Cooma: Sharp Street, Cooma.
The Alpine Hotel: Sharp Street, Cooma.
Cooma Hotel: Massie Street, Cooma.
Cooma offers a wide variety of cafes, bakeries, fast food outlets, and restaurants.

Local Attractions

Snowy Mountains Hydro Discovery Centre: Learn about the iconic Snowy Scheme.
Corrective Services NSW Museum (Cooma Gaol Museum): Offers a unique look into penal history.
Centennial Park and the Cooma Mosaic: Located in the town centre.

Caravanning & Camping Supplies

Nearest Caravan Parks: Cooma Snowy Mountains Tourist Park, Cooma Caravan Park.
Next Free Camps: Numeralla River Rest Area further south, various stops north towards Canberra.
Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is located at Cooma Showground.
Nearest Petrol Station: Numerous major brand service stations are available in Cooma.
Drinking Water Resupply: Available at service stations or caravan parks in Cooma.
Nearest Public Toilets: Multiple public toilet blocks are located throughout Cooma, including at Centennial Park.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Cooma is located in the Monaro region, which experiences distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm and dry. Autumn features mild days and cool nights with beautiful foliage. Winters are cold, with frequent frosts and occasional snowfall, so it is essential to be prepared with appropriate heating and insulation. Spring is cool and can be windy, with the landscape turning green. Travellers should always be prepared for cold snaps, even in the warmer months.