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Jugiong Hill Rest Area, Jugiong NSW

Jugiong Hill Rest Area, Jugiong NSW

The Jugiong Hill Rest Area is a large, modern, and exceptionally scenic free camping facility located on the Hume Highway in the beautiful South West Slopes of New South Wales. With separate, mirrored facilities on both the northbound and southbound carriageways, this vital 24-hour rest stop offers breathtaking panoramic views across the Murrumbidgee River valley and the surrounding rolling hills. It is perfectly positioned between the major historic towns of Gundagai and Yass, making it a popular and essential stop for the high volume of traffic on the main Sydney to Melbourne route.

As one of the newer, purpose-built facilities on the upgraded highway, the rest area is designed with safety and convenience in mind, featuring long, separate drive-through lanes for light vehicles (cars and caravans) and heavy vehicles.  The entire site is sealed, providing a clean and level surface suitable for any vehicle. It is pet-friendly, with ample space for walking dogs on a leash while taking in the magnificent views. Mobile phone coverage is excellent. As is standard, travellers must be fully self-contained with their own drinking water and power, as there is no dump point on-site. The key advantage of this location is its proximity to the charming village of Jugiong, home to the famous Sir George hotel and the Long Track Pantry cafe. For a safe, spacious, and stunningly scenic free stop on the Hume Highway, the Jugiong Hill Rest Area is a premier choice.

Jugiong Hill Rest Area NSW Location Map

  • Name: Jugiong Hill Rest Area
  • Address: Hume Highway, Jugiong NSW 2726, Australia
  • GPS Coordinates: -34.82794, 148.31192

Site Information

  • Location: On the Hume Highway (M31), overlooking the village of Jugiong. Facilities are on both northbound and southbound sides.
  • Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including the largest caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway.
  • Site Surface: Asphalt/Bitumen.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
  • Picnic Tables: Yes, multiple modern, sheltered tables available.
  • Potable Water: No. Be self-sufficient.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
  • TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: No.
  • Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
  • Drive Through Sites: Yes, with separate, clearly marked loops for cars/caravans and heavy vehicles.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for others. Truck parking is well-separated.
  • Number of Sites Available: Very large, with dozens of marked and unmarked spaces on each side.
  • Essentials to Bring: Drinking water and all personal supplies.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be leashed at all times.
  • Fishing: Not available at the rest area, but excellent fishing is in the nearby Murrumbidgee River.
  • Short Walks: Safe pathways within the rest area for stretching your legs and enjoying the views.

Local Amenities

Pubs

  • The Sir George, Jugiong: A famous, beautifully restored historic hotel with a renowned restaurant and brewery (approx. 5km).
  • Beehive Hotel, Coolac: A classic country pub in the next village south (approx. 15km).
  • Royal Hotel, Yass: A popular and historic pub in the heart of Yass (approx. 45km).

Places to Eat

  • Jugiong: Home to the acclaimed Sir George restaurant, the famous Long Track Pantry cafe, and a wine cellar.
  • Gundagai: Offers a wide range of bakeries, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, plus an IGA supermarket (approx. 30km).

Local Attractions

  • Historic Village of Jugiong: A charming village on the Murrumbidgee River with great food, a winery, and boutique shops.
  • The Dog on the Tuckerbox: An iconic Australian monument located at the service station 5 miles (8km) from Gundagai.
  • Gundagai Historic Bridges: See the remarkable historic Prince Alfred Bridge and the old railway bridge.
  • Burrinjuck Dam: A major dam offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and scenic drives.

Nearest Caravan Parks

  • Jugiong Showground: A popular low-cost camping option in the village of Jugiong.
  • Gundagai Tourist Park: A full-facility park on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River in Gundagai.

Next Free Camps

  • Jugiong Wine Cellar Free Camp: A very popular stop right in the charming village of Jugiong.
  • Black Springs Rest Area: Another large rest area located just north of this site towards Gundagai.

Nearest Dump Points

  • Jugiong Showground: A public dump point is available for travellers.
  • Gundagai Showground: A public dump point is also available here.

Nearest Petrol Station

  • Jugiong, Coolac and Gundagai: All have service stations, including major 24/7 truck stops just off the highway.

Drinking Water Resupply

  • Jugiong Showground, Gundagai or Yass Visitor Information Centres: These are all reliable locations to fill RV water tanks.

Nearest Public Toilets (offsite)

  • Onsite: The rest area has its own public toilet block.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The South West Slopes region experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters.

  • Summer (Dec – Feb): Days are typically hot and dry, with average temperatures from 16°C to 31°C.
  • Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful season with mild, sunny days and cool nights, showcasing the region’s vibrant colours.
  • Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold, with heavy morning frosts and cool, crisp days. Daytime temperatures average 3°C to 14°C.
  • Spring (Sep – Nov): Weather warms up with pleasant days. The landscape is lush and green, often with fields of flowering canola.

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