Golton Rest Area – Free Camping at Dadswells Bridge

The Golton Rest Area, located on the Western Highway at Dadswells Bridge, is one of the most recognisable and popular free camps for travellers journeying between Melbourne and Adelaide. This large, sealed rest area offers a convenient and safe place to pull over, suitable for all vehicles from standard cars to the largest caravans and B-double trucks. Its primary appeal is the ability to stop for a free 24-hour period, making it an excellent option for breaking up the long and often monotonous drive through Victoria’s Wimmera region.

While the facilities are basic, they cover the essentials for a short stay. A toilet block is available, though visitors should be prepared for varying levels of cleanliness typical of a busy highway stop. There are no showers or potable water, so travellers must be self-sufficient, bringing their own drinking water and supplies. The site’s surface is entirely bitumen, offering a level and stable base for all setups, but this also means there is very little shade from the hot summer sun. The proximity to the highway ensures constant traffic noise, which may be a consideration for light sleepers. However, the convenience and novelty factor often outweigh these drawbacks. Being able to wake up, grab a coffee, and take a photo with a giant marsupial before hitting the road is a memorable part of any Australian road trip. For its purpose as a functional, accessible, and memorable free overnight stop, Golton Rest Area is an essential pin on the map.

Site Information

• Name: Golton Rest Area
• Address: 6604 Western Hwy, Dadswells Bridge VIC 3385, Australia

• GPS Coordinates: -36.877211, 142.453174

• Website: Not available

Rest Area Details

• Location: On the Western Highway (A8) at Dadswells Bridge, directly opposite the Giant Koala.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicles, including big rigs, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road Access: Sealed highway.
• Site Surface: Bitumen / Asphalt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, 24-hour stop permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
• Facilities: Public toilets.
• Potable Water: Not available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, may be limited for other carriers.
• TV Reception: Generally good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of others.
• Number of Sites Available: Large unmarked area capable of holding 50+ vehicles.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food, and cooking supplies.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be on a leash at all times.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short Walks: Walk across to the Giant Koala complex.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Dadswells Bridge Motel & Tavern: Approx. 1 km
  • Stawell Hotel: Approx. 25 km
  • Gift Hotel, Stawell: Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Dadswells Bridge General Store / Roadhouse: Approx. 1 km
  • Various cafes, bakeries, and fast food in Stawell: Approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • The Giant Koala: Directly opposite
  • Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Northern Entrance: Approx. 15 km
  • Brambuk the National Park & Cultural Centre, Halls Gap: Approx. 45 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Dadswells Bridge Caravan Park: Approx. 1 km
  • Stawell Grampians Gate Caravan Park: Approx. 25 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Green Lake Regional Park (south of Horsham): Approx. 40 km
  • Lubeck Truck Stop (basic): Approx. 45 km east
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Stawell Grampians Gate Caravan Park (fee may apply): Approx. 25 km
  • Horsham Showgrounds Public Dump Point: Approx. 35 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Dadswells Bridge Roadhouse: Approx. 1 km
  • Multiple major service stations in Stawell: Approx. 25 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at service stations or information centres in Stawell or Horsham.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located in Stawell town centre.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry conditions are common. Temperatures often exceed 35°C. High risk of bushfires in the nearby Grampians.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Generally pleasant with warm days and cooler nights. A great time for visiting the national park. Temperatures average 10°C to 26°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold, with frequent overnight frosts. Days can be crisp and clear or overcast. Average temperatures range from 4°C to 15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny. Wildflower season in the Grampians makes it a popular time to visit. Temperatures average 8°C to 23°C.