Best Camping and Caravanning Sites in Australia

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Dumosa Rest Area, Calder Highway

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Dumosa Rest Area, Calder Highway

 

Convenient Highway Stopover in the Mallee

Positioned directly on the Calder Highway, the Dumosa Rest Area serves as a vital and convenient stop for those journeying through Victoria’s vast Mallee region. As a straightforward, no-frills free camping spot, it offers travellers a safe place to pull over, rest, and break up the long drive between Melbourne and Mildura. This full-width site is easily accessible for all vehicle types, from passenger cars to large caravans and big rigs, with ample open space making parking a simple affair. While the amenities are basic, they are well-maintained and provide the core necessities for an overnight stay, including public toilets and picnic tables. Its primary appeal lies in its strategic location, offering a much-needed pause without requiring a significant detour from the main route. The surrounding landscape is typical of the Mallee, with wide-open skies and hardy vegetation, providing a sense of quiet isolation. The Dumosa Rest Area is not a destination in itself, but rather an essential piece of road trip infrastructure that ensures a safer and more comfortable journey through this unique part of Australia. It’s perfect for the self-sufficient traveller who needs a simple, free, and accessible place to recharge for the night.

★★☆☆☆ (2.6 stars)
Dumosa Rest Area
Calder Hwy, Dumosa VIC 3527

GPS Coordinates: -35.93610734869805, 143.22765494037128

Website: Not available (Public rest area)

Site Information & Facilities

  • Location: Directly on the Calder Highway, between Bendigo and Ouyen.
  • Site Suitable For: All vehicle types including caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway access.
  • Site Surface: Primarily dirt and gravel.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes, free overnight camping is permitted.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: Generally accepted as 24 hours.
  • Facilities: Basic amenities, including toilets and picnic tables.
  • Potable Water: No drinking water is available. You must bring your own supply.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Telstra coverage is generally reliable; other carriers may be intermittent.
  • TV Reception: Variable, a good antenna is recommended.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a toilet block is available.
  • Rubbish Bins: Bins are provided, but taking your rubbish with you is encouraged.
  • Open Fires: Not permitted. Total fire bans are common in this area. Use a contained gas or electric BBQ.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
  • Number of Sites Available: Large, open area with no defined sites.
  • Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food, and all necessary camping supplies.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are allowed but must be on a leash.
  • Fishing: Not applicable at this location.
  • Short Walks: Limited to the rest area grounds.

Nearby Amenities & Attractions

All distances are approximate from the rest area.

Pubs

  • Criterion Hotel (Charlton): 38 km
  • Wycheproof Hotel (Wycheproof): 42 km
  • Royal Hotel (Wycheproof): 42 km

Places to Eat

  • Bakery and cafes in Charlton: ~38 km
  • Bakery and cafes in Wycheproof: ~42 km

Local Attractions

  • Mount Wycheproof: 43 km (the world’s smallest registered mountain)
  • The Rex Theatre (Charlton): 38 km
  • Lake Tyrrell (near Sea Lake): Approximately 90 km

Camping & Services

  • Nearest Caravan Parks: Charlton Lakeside Caravan Park (~37 km), Wycheproof Caravan Park (~42 km)
  • Next Free Camps: Tchum Lake (~30 km), Wooroonook Lakes (~45 km)
  • Nearest Dump Points: Charlton Travellers Rest (~38 km), Wycheproof Caravan Park (~42 km).
  • Nearest Petrol Station: Charlton (~38 km) or Wycheproof (~42 km).
  • Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps available in Charlton or Wycheproof.
  • Nearest Public Toilets: Onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

  • Summer (Dec – Feb): Very hot and dry. Temperatures frequently exceed 35-40°C.
  • Autumn (Mar – May): Warm, sunny days and cooler nights. A very pleasant time to travel.
  • Winter (Jun – Aug): Cool to cold days with very cold nights. Frost is common. Average maximums around 14-16°C.
  • Spring (Sep – Nov): Mild to warm weather, often with windy conditions.

 

 

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