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Colinton Rest Area Northbound, Monaro Hwy, Colinton NSW

Your Gateway Stopover to the Snowy Mountains and Beyond

Perfectly positioned on the Monaro Highway, the Colinton Rest Area (Northbound) serves as an essential and convenient stop for travellers heading towards Canberra or venturing south to the iconic Snowy Mountains and the beautiful Sapphire Coast. This well-maintained, free camping spot offers a welcome break from the road, providing a safe and accessible place for an overnight stay. Surrounded by the rolling hills and sparse woodlands characteristic of the Monaro region, it provides a peaceful country atmosphere to rest and recharge.

Designed for self-sufficient travellers, the site caters to a variety of vehicles, from large caravans and motorhomes to camper trailers and tents, with a generous, relatively level gravel surface for easy parking. The rest area is equipped with fundamental amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, including public toilets, sheltered picnic tables, and rubbish bins to help keep the area tidy. As a pet-friendly location, it’s a great spot for your travelling companions to have a good run around after being cooped up in the car. While facilities are basic, its strategic location is its greatest asset. It’s an ideal launching point for exploring the nearby historic towns of Bredbo and Michelago, or for making the final push into the nation’s capital. Mobile phone service is generally reliable, which is a bonus for planning your next steps. For anyone journeying along this key touring route, the Colinton Rest Area is a practical and pleasant part of the travel experience, allowing you to wake up refreshed and ready for the adventures that lie ahead.

Colinton Rest Area Northbound – NSW Map
Name: Colinton Rest Area Northbound
Address: Monaro Hwy, Colinton NSW 2626
GPS Coordinates: -35.83745, 149.16118

Site Details

Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
Road Access: Sealed road (Monaro Highway).
Site Surface: Gravel and bitumen.
Camping Permitted: Yes.
Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
Number of Sites Available: Approximately 10-15 unpowered sites.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
Fishing: Fishing opportunities are available in the nearby Murrumbidgee River; a NSW fishing licence is required.
Short Walks: Plenty of open space for informal walks around the rest area.

Facilities

Picnic Tables: Yes (sheltered).
Potable Water: No, bring your own supply.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Yes, generally good coverage for major carriers.
TV Reception: Variable, may require a boosted antenna.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
Rubbish Bins: Yes.
Open Fires: Not permitted. Use of personal cooking appliances is allowed, subject to fire bans.
Generator Use: Permitted, but please be mindful of time and your neighbours.

Essentials to Bring

Ample supply of drinking water.
Food and all cooking equipment.
Chocks or levelling ramps for your vehicle.
Warm clothing, as nights can be cold year-round.

Local Amenities

Pubs

Bredbo Inn: Approximately 15 km south in Bredbo.
Michelago Hotel: Approximately 20 km north in Michelago.
Royal Hotel Cooma: Approximately 45 km south in Cooma.

Places to Eat

Bredbo Pie Shop: Famous for its pies, approx. 15 km south.
Pubs in Bredbo and Michelago offer classic counter meals.

Local Attractions

Canberra’s National Attractions: Parliament House, War Memorial etc. (approx. 55 km north).
Snowy Mountains Scheme: Start exploring from Cooma (approx. 45 km south).
Namadgi National Park: Access points are a short drive away.

Caravan Parks

Bredbo Inn & Caravan Park: Approximately 15 km south.
Snowy Mountains Tourist Park, Cooma: Approximately 45 km south.
Canberra’s various caravan parks: Starting from approx. 50 km north.

Next Free Camps

Rose Valley Rest Area (Southbound): Directly opposite on the highway.
Billilingra Rest Area: Further south towards Cooma.

Services

Nearest Dump Point: Cooma or Queanbeyan. Check local council websites for details (approx. 45-50 km).
Nearest Petrol Station: Bredbo (approx. 15 km south) or Calwell in Canberra (approx. 45 km north).
Drinking Water Resupply: Cooma or Queanbeyan visitor centres often have public taps.
Public Toilets: Available in Bredbo and Michelago townships.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Monaro Region

Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with cool evenings. Temperatures are generally pleasant, but can get hot. High chance of thunderstorms.
Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days with cool to cold nights. A beautiful time of year with calm weather.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold days and very cold nights, with heavy frosts common. Occasional snowfall on surrounding peaks and sometimes at road level.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days that warm up progressively. Can be windy. A great time for seeing wildflowers in the region.