Flat Rock Southbound Rest Area, Hume Freeway VIC
Located directly on the southbound side of the Hume Freeway in Victoria, the Flat Rock Rest Area offers travellers a convenient and essential stop to rest, recharge, and break up a long journey. This popular free camp is particularly valued by those driving between Melbourne and Sydney, providing a safe and accessible space for an overnight stay without needing to detour far from the main highway. The site is best suited for self-contained caravans, campervans, and motorhomes, offering a no-frills, practical solution for travel-weary drivers.
The rest area is characterised by its straightforward layout, with a large, sealed surface providing ample room for numerous vehicles of various sizes. Its proximity to the freeway means there is noticeable road noise, which is a trade-off for its exceptional convenience. While the facilities are basic, they cover the essentials needed for a short stopover. Onsite public toilets are available, and rubbish bins are provided to help keep the area tidy. Travellers should note that there is no potable water available for filling tanks, so it’s crucial to arrive with an adequate supply. Similarly, there are no power hook-ups or dump points on site.
Despite its simplicity, Flat Rock is a pet-friendly location, allowing furry companions to stretch their legs after being cooped up in a vehicle. The surrounding area offers limited recreational activities, but it serves its primary purpose as a functional rest stop perfectly. For provisions or a meal, the nearby towns of Euroa and Avenel are just a short drive away. Before planning a stop, it’s always wise to check local fire restrictions, particularly during the summer months, as open fires are generally not permitted. For travellers seeking an easy, cost-effective, and safe place to pull over for the night on one of Australia’s busiest highways, the Flat Rock Southbound Rest Area is an excellent and reliable choice.
Hume Freeway
Longwood East, VIC 3666
Australia
GPS Coordinates: -36.781362, 145.500995
Website: Not Available
Site Information & Features
- Location: Directly on the southbound lanes of the Hume Freeway, near Longwood East.
- Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained RVs, caravans, campervans, and big rigs.
- Road Access: Sealed highway access.
- Site Surface: Asphalt / Tarmac.
- Camping Permitted: Yes.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours recommended.
- Facilities: Basic, no power or showers.
- Potable Water: No.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone).
- TV Reception: Variable, depends on equipment.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Not permitted.
- Generator Use: Permitted, be considerate of neighbours.
- Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, approximately 15-20 depending on vehicle size.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food supplies, levelling blocks.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be on a leash.
- Fishing: No.
- Short Walks: Limited to the rest area grounds.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
White Hart Hotel (Longwood, ~10km),
Avenel Hotel (Avenel, ~18km),
The Euroa Hotel (Euroa, ~20km). - Places to Eat:
Various cafes and bakeries in Euroa (~20km),
Fowles Wine (Avenel, ~18km). - Local Attractions:
Gooram Falls (~25km),
Strathbogie Ranges wineries,
VC Memorial Park (Euroa, ~20km). - Nearest Caravan Parks:
Euroa Caravan Park (~20km),
Avenel Caravan Park (~18km). - Next Free Camps:
Balmattum Rest Area (Northbound, ~15km),
Seven Creeks Park (Euroa, ~20km). - Nearest Dump Points:
Euroa Showgrounds (~21km),
Nagambie Lakes Leisure Park (~40km). - Nearest Petrol Station:
Caltex/Woolworths Euroa (~20km),
BP Truck Stop (Avenel, ~18km). - Drinking Water Resupply:
Euroa Visitor Information Centre (~20km). - Public Toilets:
Onsite, plus additional facilities in Euroa and Avenel town centres. - Seasonal Weather Forecast:
Expect warm to hot, dry summers and cool, damp winters. Spring and autumn are generally mild. Always check current forecasts before travelling.