Coach Road Rest Area – Free Camping & Overnight Stop, Graytown VIC
Nestled just off the Heathcote-Nagambie Road, the Coach Road Rest Area offers travellers a peaceful and convenient free camping spot in the heart of Victoria. This secluded clearing is an ideal stopover for those exploring the region’s rich gold rush history or travelling between the Goulburn Valley and Central Victoria. Surrounded by the sparse beauty of the Australian bushland, it provides a genuine sense of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of major highways. The site is particularly well-suited for self-contained recreational vehicles, including caravans, motorhomes, and campervans, offering ample space to pull over and rest for the night. The ground is generally level, making it easy to set up camp.
While the facilities are basic, they cover the essentials for a short stay. Visitors will appreciate the presence of public toilets and rubbish bins, which help maintain the area’s cleanliness and natural charm. The simplicity of the site is its main appeal; it’s a place to unwind, listen to the sounds of local birdlife, and enjoy a starry night sky without the distractions of a commercial park. Its location makes it a practical base for daytime excursions to nearby towns like Heathcote and Nagambie, both known for their wineries, local produce, and scenic landscapes. Whether you need a quick break from a long drive or a simple, no-fuss overnight location, the Coach Road Rest Area provides a welcoming and valuable resource for the budget-conscious traveller in country Victoria. It’s a reminder of the simple pleasures of road-tripping through Australia.
Location Details
- Name: Coach Road Rest Area
- Address: Heathcote-Nagambie Road, Graytown, Victoria 3608, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -36.942444, 145.212612
- Website: Not available (Public rest area)
Site Information
- Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained RVs, caravans, campervans, and big rigs.
- Road Access: Sealed road (Heathcote-Nagambie Road), with a short gravel entry track into the rest area. Suitable for 2WD vehicles.
- Site Surface: Gravel and packed earth.
- Camping Permitted: Yes.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours (1 night).
- Facilities: Basic amenities suitable for a short stop.
- Potable Water: No. Visitors must bring their own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited coverage. Telstra may have some reception, other carriers are unlikely.
- TV Reception: Possible with a good antenna, but can be unreliable.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flushing toilets are available.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided. Please use them or take your rubbish with you.
- Open Fires: Prohibited. Check local fire restrictions, especially during summer (Total Fire Ban days).
- Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers and limit use to reasonable hours (e.g., 8 am – 8 pm).
- Number of Sites Available: Approximately 5-8 informal sites, depending on vehicle size.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food, levelling blocks, insect repellent, and a torch.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash and under control at all times. Please clean up after your pets.
- Fishing: No fishing at the site. Nearby fishing is available at Lake Nagambie.
- Short Walks: Informal bush tracks lead from the rest area, suitable for a short leg stretch. Graytown Historic Reserve is nearby for longer walks.
Nearby Services & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Nagambie Rowing Club (Tavern): Approx. 26 km
- The Royal Mail Hotel, Nagambie: Approx. 26 km
- Heathcote Hotel: Approx. 28 km
- Places to Eat:
- Nagambie Bakery (Nagambie): Approx. 26 km
- Zephyrz Restaurant & Wine Bar (Nagambie): Approx. 26 km
- Commercial Hotel Heathcote (Heathcote): Approx. 28 km
- Local Attractions:
- Nagambie Lakes and Waterways: Approx. 26 km
- Heathcote Wine Region Cellar Doors: Starting from approx. 25 km
- Graytown Historic Reserve & Powlett’s old Cemetery: Approx. 5 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Nagambie Lakes Leisure Park: Approx. 27 km
- Heathcote Queen Meadow Caravan Park: Approx. 28 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Major’s Creek Reserve (near Nagambie): Approx. 35 km
- Green’s Campground (Rushworth): Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Nagambie Showgrounds Dump Point: Approx. 26 km
- Heathcote Visitor Information Centre Dump Point: Approx. 28 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Puma Nagambie: Approx. 26 km
- BP Heathcote: Approx. 28 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Nagambie Visitor Information Centre: Approx. 26 km
- Heathcote Visitor Information Centre: Approx. 28 km
- Nearest Public Toilets (other than onsite):
- Buckley Park, Nagambie: Approx. 26 km
- High Street, Heathcote: Approx. 28 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast
The region experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons.
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 32°C, with occasional heatwaves. High fire danger season.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and pleasant with sunny days and cooler nights. Average temperatures range from 8°C to 25°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often damp. Average temperatures range from 3°C to 14°C, with occasional frosts.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild with increasing sunshine. A beautiful time to visit as the countryside turns green. Average temperatures range from 7°C to 22°C.