French VC Rest Area, Hume Highway

The French VC Rest Area is a large, modern, and well-maintained rest stop located on the Hume Highway near Yarra, between the major regional centres of Goulburn and Yass in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. This facility is one of a series of rest areas along the Hume Highway dedicated to Australian recipients of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry. This one honours Corporal John Alexander French, who was posthumously awarded the VC for his extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Milne Bay in the Second World War. [Image of the Victoria Cross medal] This dedication lends a sense of solemnity and national pride to what is an essential piece of road safety infrastructure.

As a key fatigue management zone on Australia’s busiest highway, the French VC Rest Area is designed to cater to all travellers. It is a high-quality, sealed facility with a safe, drive-through layout that includes separate and clearly marked parking bays for light vehicles, caravans, and heavy vehicles. It is intended for short-term rests and is not a designated overnight camping spot. The amenities are excellent, featuring a clean toilet block, numerous covered picnic shelters, and rubbish bins, providing a comfortable environment for a break. Surrounded by the rolling pastoral landscapes of the Southern Tablelands, it offers a peaceful setting to relax and recharge. Its convenient location, with easy access to the full services of nearby Goulburn, makes it an ideal and informative stop for anyone travelling the Hume corridor.

French VC Rest Area – NSW Location Map

Name: French VC Rest Area
Address: Hume Highway, Yarra NSW 2580, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -34.78708, 149.6398

Site Information

Location: On the Hume Highway (M31), south-west of Goulburn.
Site Suitable For: All vehicles, including big rigs, caravans, and motorhomes.
Road Access: Sealed motorway access.
Site Surface: Sealed (asphalt).
Camping Permitted: No, this is a day-use rest area only.
Maximum Overnight Stays: Not for recreational camping. Time limits apply for driver fatigue rests.
Picnic Tables: Yes, numerous covered picnic tables are available.
Potable Water: Yes, drinking water is typically available.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for major providers.
TV Reception: Good terrestrial TV reception.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a modern toilet block is on site.
Ullage / Dump Point: Not available onsite.
Drive Through: Yes, a large, well-designed layout with separate parking.
Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
Generator Use: Not appropriate for this busy location.
Number of Sites Available: Many marked parking bays.
Essentials to Bring: Not applicable.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
Fishing: Not applicable.
Short Walks: Paved pathways around the rest area.

Local Amenities (in Goulburn, approx. 15km north-east)

Pubs & Eateries

The Hibernian Hotel Goulburn: A popular pub in the city centre with a family-friendly bistro.
Tattersalls Hotel Goulburn: A heritage-listed hotel offering quality meals and accommodation.
The Astor Hotel: A well-known Goulburn institution with a vibrant atmosphere and restaurant.
Goulburn is a major city offering a full suite of services including all major supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, and fast-food outlets.

Local Attractions

The Big Merino: Located in Goulburn, this is one of Australia’s most famous “big things”.
Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum: Offers commanding views over Goulburn and a moving tribute to Australia’s service personnel.
Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre: Features a historic roundhouse and an impressive collection of rolling stock.

Caravanning & Camping Supplies

Nearest Caravan Parks: Goulburn South Caravan Park and other options are available in Goulburn.
Next Free Camps: Other rest areas along the Hume Highway. Low-cost camping options are available near Goulburn and Yass.
Nearest Dump Points: A free public dump point is located at the Goulburn Visitor Information Centre.
Nearest Petrol Station: All major service stations are available in Goulburn.
Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Yarra and Goulburn region is part of the Southern Tablelands and experiences a cool temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm to hot, and often dry, though thunderstorms can occur. Winters are cold, with frequent heavy frosts and a chance of snowfall, particularly on higher ground. The area can be very windy. Autumn and spring are generally the most pleasant times for travel, featuring mild, sunny days and cool nights.