East Bound Rest Area | Free Princes Freeway Camping Near Geelong & Great Ocean Road

For travellers completing their journey along the Great Ocean Road or heading towards Melbourne, the East Bound Rest Area on the Princes Freeway at Waurn Ponds is an exceptionally convenient and valuable free overnight stop. This large, well-designed rest area provides a safe and practical haven for self-contained caravans and motorhomes needing a break before tackling the final stretch into the city or after a long day exploring the coast. Located on the southern outskirts of Geelong, it offers much more than a typical roadside stop, with a spacious layout that includes separate parking areas for trucks and cars/caravans, helping to reduce noise and increase comfort. Grassy areas with mature trees provide a pleasant, park-like atmosphere, making it a surprisingly relaxing place to recharge.

The primary advantage of this rest area is its strategic location. It is the perfect final stop after coming off the Great Ocean Road at Torquay, allowing drivers to rest and avoid peak hour traffic into Melbourne the next morning. It also serves as a brilliant launchpad for exploring the myriad attractions of the Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula region. The vibrant Geelong waterfront, with its famous bollards, restaurants, and gardens, is just a short drive away. The beautiful surf beaches of Torquay, the official start of the Great Ocean Road, are also easily accessible. The rest area provides the essential amenities for a comfortable overnight stay, including toilets and picnic shelters. While not a holiday destination in itself, its convenience, safety, and proximity to major tourist hubs make the East Bound Rest Area an indispensable resource for the budget-conscious Australian road tripper.

Campground Information

• Name: East Bound Rest Area, Waurn Ponds
• Address: Princes Freeway (M1), Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3217

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -38.21380959842958, 144.2635936340045

Website

• Website: This is a public rest area managed by VicRoads. Information can be found on the VicRoads website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Major highway rest area on the Melbourne-bound side of the Princes Freeway.
• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained Caravans, Motorhomes, and Big Rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed highway.
• Site Surface: Asphalt and grass areas.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, overnight resting for up to 24 hours is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Strictly 24 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, shelters. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. Tap water is non-potable.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Strictly not permitted.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of others. Best used in the truck parking area.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, with designated areas for cars/caravans and trucks.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, toilet paper.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Fishing opportunities in the Barwon River in Geelong or surf fishing at Torquay.
• Short Walks: Plenty of space to walk dogs and stretch your legs within the reserve.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Waurn Ponds Hotel – Approx. 5 km
  • The Grovedale Hotel – Approx. 8 km
  • The Torquay Hotel (Torquay) – Approx. 15 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre (extensive food court and restaurants) – Approx. 5 km
  • Numerous options along the Torquay Rd and in Belmont – Approx. 8-10 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Start of the Great Ocean Road (Torquay) – Approx. 15 km
  • Geelong Waterfront & Eastern Beach – Approx. 15 km
  • Bellarine Peninsula wineries (e.g., Mt Duneed Estate) – Approx. 8 km
  • Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre – Approx. 10 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Geelong Riverview Tourist Park – Approx. 12 km
  • Barwon River Tourist Park – Approx. 14 km
  • Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park – Approx. 15 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Meredith Park Camping Grounds (Lake Colac) – Approx. 55 km
  • Bunjil’s Lookout (Brisbane Ranges) – Approx. 45 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Geelong Showgrounds Public Dump Point – Approx. 15 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple 24-hour service stations at the Waurn Ponds exit – Approx. 4 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the Geelong Visitor Information Centre.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm with frequent cool changes from the coast, averaging 14-25°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and often calm and sunny, ideal for exploring, averaging 10-21°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often overcast with frequent showers, averaging 6-14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild but can be very windy and changeable, averaging 9-19°C.