Coolac Rest Area, Hume Hwy, Coolac NSW

Your Premier Stopover Between Sydney and Melbourne

The Coolac Rest Area is a well-known and highly regarded stop for travellers journeying along the Hume Highway, Australia’s busiest transport corridor. Situated conveniently between the major hubs of Sydney and Melbourne, this expansive rest area offers a safe, accessible, and free location for a much-needed break or an overnight stay. Its large, sealed surface can accommodate a significant number of vehicles, from the biggest rigs and caravans to motorhomes and camper trailers, making it a reliable choice for all types of road users. Surrounded by pastoral landscapes and shady trees, it provides a surprisingly peaceful setting just off the main highway.

This isn’t just a parking bay; it’s a comprehensive facility designed with the traveller in mind. The Coolac Rest Area is equipped with essential amenities, including clean public toilets, numerous picnic tables for a comfortable meal break, and rubbish bins to help maintain the site’s cleanliness. Being pet-friendly, it’s the perfect place for your furry co-pilots to have a run and stretch their legs in the designated grassy areas. While there’s no potable water on site, its proximity to the historic town of Gundagai means that supplies are just a short drive away. Mobile phone reception is strong, allowing you to easily check maps, weather, or connect with family. For those seeking a strategic and well-serviced stopover without the cost of a caravan park, the Coolac Rest Area is an outstanding option, perfectly embodying the practical spirit of Australian road travel. It’s an ideal base to rest before exploring local icons like the Dog on the Tuckerbox or the historic bridges of Gundagai.

Coolac Rest Area – NSW Map

Name: Coolac Rest Area
Address: 8431 Hume Hwy, Coolac NSW 2727
GPS Coordinates: -34.9427, 148.17635

Site Details

• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers.
• Road Access: Sealed highway (Hume Highway). Easy on/off access for both northbound and southbound traffic.
• Site Surface: Bitumen.
• Camping Permitted: Yes.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
• Number of Sites Available: Large area with approximately 30+ unpowered sites.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome.
• Fishing: Available in the nearby Murrumbidgee River at Gundagai. A NSW fishing licence is required.
• Short Walks: Plenty of space to walk around the perimeter of the rest area.

Facilities

• Picnic Tables: Yes.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent coverage for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Good terrestrial reception for most channels.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of others, especially at night.

Essentials to Bring

• Sufficient drinking water for your stay.
• Food and cooking supplies.
• Chairs and other comfort items.

Local Amenities (in Gundagai)

Pubs

• Criterion Hotel, Gundagai: Approximately 16 km.
• Gundagai District Services Club: Approximately 16 km.
• Family Hotel, Gundagai: Approximately 16 km.

Places to Eat

• The Dog on the Tuckerbox Cafe: Approximately 6 km.
• Gundagai Bakery: Approximately 16 km.
• Various cafes and takeaways in Gundagai town centre: Approximately 16 km.

Local Attractions

• The Dog on the Tuckerbox Statue: Approximately 6 km.
• Historic Prince Alfred Bridge & Old Gundagai Gaol: Approximately 16 km.
• Rusconi’s Marble Masterpiece: Approximately 16 km.

Caravan Parks

• Gundagai River Caravan Park: Approximately 16 km.
• Gundagai Tourist Park: Approximately 17 km.

Next Free Camps

• Jugiong Park (Northbound): Approximately 40 km north.
• Tarcutta Truck and Trailer Exchange (Southbound): Approximately 60 km south.

Services

• Nearest Dump Point: Gundagai Showgrounds, Gundagai (approx. 17 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Liberty and Ampol service stations adjacent to the rest area.
• Drinking Water Resupply: Carberry Park in Gundagai often has a public tap (approx. 16 km).
• Public Toilets: Available in the town centre of Gundagai.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Gundagai Region

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and generally dry days, with temperatures often reaching the mid-to-high 30s (°C). Mild to warm nights.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm and pleasant sunny days with mild nights that become cooler towards May.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold days with very cold nights. Frost is common, especially in the mornings.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm days, perfect for travelling. Conditions are generally sunny and pleasant.