Hume Freeway Rest Area (Southbound), Free Camping & Facilities Guide

For weary travellers making their way south towards Melbourne along the Hume Freeway, this conveniently located rest area offers a welcome opportunity to pause, recharge, and break up the journey. Situated just north of the Wallan exit, it serves as a crucial stop for drivers needing a short break or an overnight rest before tackling the final stretch into the city’s metropolitan area. This is a practical, no-frills rest stop designed for functionality, catering to a wide range of vehicles from standard cars and family caravans to large B-double trucks, with ample space for all.The site’s primary appeal is its 24-hour accessibility and its status as a free camping spot, making it an invaluable resource for budget-conscious adventurers and long-haul drivers alike. While facilities are basic, they cover the essentials needed for a comfortable short-term stay. The sealed surface provides a stable and clean environment for parking, and the availability of public toilets and rubbish bins ensures a level of convenience not always found at roadside stops. It’s an ideal location for a quick meal, a power nap, or a full night’s sleep to ensure you arrive at your destination safely and well-rested. The area is generally well-maintained, though travellers should always be prepared with their own supplies, particularly drinking water. Its strategic position away from the main townships offers a relatively quiet night’s sleep, with the hum of the freeway being the predominant background noise. Whether you are pulling over for a 20-minute legislated break or planning a longer overnight stop, this rest area provides a safe and reliable option for all those travelling south on one of Australia’s busiest national highways. Remember to be self-sufficient and leave the area cleaner than you found it for the next traveller to enjoy.

Hume Freeway Rest Area (Southbound) – VIC Map

Name: Hume Freeway Rest Area (Southbound)
Address: Hume Freeway, near Wallan, Victoria, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -37.328526, 145.031192

Site Information & Facilities

• Location: Located directly on the Hume Freeway, southbound lane, north of Wallan.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including cars, caravans, campervans, motorhomes, and large trucks (B-doubles).
• Road Access: Sealed highway access. Direct entry from the freeway.
• Site Surface: Asphalt / Bitumen.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free overnight camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Generally accepted as 24 hours.
• Facilities: Basic facilities for travellers.
• Potable Water: No confirmed potable water. It is recommended to bring your own supply.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for major providers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone).
• TV Reception: Generally good digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, toilet blocks are available.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
• Open Fires: Prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other users.
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, large open area with space for many vehicles.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food, and levelling blocks if required.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash. Please clean up after them.
• Fishing: Not applicable at this location.
• Short Walks: Limited to the rest area perimeter.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Hogan’s Hotel (Wallan) – Approx. 14 km
  • Magpie and Stump Hotel (Wallan) – Approx. 14 km
  • Royal Hotel (Kilmore) – Approx. 16 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Various fast food and cafes in Wallan Township – Approx. 14 km
  • Kilmore Trackside (Bistro) – Approx. 16 km
  • Rose Cafe (Kilmore) – Approx. 16 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Old Kilmore Gaol – Approx. 16 km
  • Australian Lighthorse Memorial Park (Seymour) – Approx. 35 km
  • Funfields Theme Park (Whittlesea) – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Big4 Taggerty Holiday Park (further afield, different direction) – Approx. 90 km
  • Discovery Parks (Melbourne) – Approx. 55 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Goulburn River Bushland Reserve (Northbound, Seymour) – Approx. 35 km
  • Various smaller rest areas further south towards Melbourne.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Kilmore Public Dump Point – Approx. 16 km
  • Wallan Public Dump Point – Approx. 14 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service centres in Wallan (south) and Beveridge (south) – Approx. 14-20 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at service stations in Wallan or Kilmore townships.
• Nearest Public Toilets (off-highway):
  • Hadfield Park, Wallan – Approx. 14 km
  • Hudson Park, Kilmore – Approx. 16 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, typically ranging from 25°C to 35°C, with potential for hotter spells. Nights are mild.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and pleasant days with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. Nights become cooler.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often overcast. Daytime temperatures average 10°C to 14°C, with frequent frosts overnight.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine. Temperatures range from 15°C to 22°C, but can be variable with some rainfall.