Kyneton Rest Area | Free Camping on the Calder Freeway (M79)

Nestled alongside the Calder Freeway (M79), the Kyneton Rest Area is a highly convenient and essential stop for travellers exploring central Victoria. Perfectly positioned roughly halfway between Melbourne and Bendigo, it offers a safe and legal spot for a short break or an overnight stay to combat driver fatigue. Its location serves as an excellent launching pad into the historic town of Kyneton and the broader Macedon Ranges, an area renowned for its gourmet food, fine wines, and stunning natural landscapes. The rest area is designed for easy access, featuring a long, sealed drive-through layout that accommodates all vehicle sizes, from standard cars to large caravans and motorhomes.

The site itself is practical and functional, with a mix of sealed and gravel surfaces providing a stable footing for parking. While it’s a no-frills location, it provides the core amenities needed for roadside travel, including public toilets and rubbish bins. As there is no potable water available on site, visitors must be self-sufficient with their own drinking water and cooking supplies. Being adjacent to a major freeway, some traffic noise is unavoidable, but it is often considered a minor inconvenience for the safety and convenience the stop provides. The key appeal of this rest area is its proximity to Kyneton, just a few minutes’ drive away. This allows travellers to easily access the town’s famous Piper Street for its boutique shops and cafes, restock on supplies, or enjoy a meal at a historic pub before continuing their journey through this picturesque part of Victoria.

Location Details

• Name: Kyneton Rest Area
• Address: Calder Freeway (M79), Kyneton, Victoria, Australia

• GPS Coordinates: -37.235667, 144.419341

• Website: Not available

Site Information

• Location: Directly off the Calder Freeway (M79), just south-west of the main Kyneton exits.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, cars, campervans, caravans, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed (bitumen), direct freeway access.
• Site Surface: Bitumen and gravel.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, overnight stays are permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours recommended.
• Facilities: Basic, no power or showers.
• Potable Water: No, bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone.
• TV Reception: Strong digital TV signal.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Strictly forbidden.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, large open area. Approx 25+ spaces.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food supplies, leveling blocks.

Local Amenities & Services

• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be on a leash at all times.
• Fishing: Campaspe River which flows through Kyneton (approx. 4 km).
• Short Walks: Kyneton Botanic Gardens, Campaspe River Walk in Kyneton.

• Local Pubs:
  • Albion Kyneton (approx. 4 km)
  • Royal George Hotel, Kyneton (approx. 5 km)
  • The Kyneton Hotel (approx. 5 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Numerous cafes, bakeries and restaurants on Piper Street, Kyneton (approx. 5 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Kyneton Historic Precinct (Piper Street) (approx. 5 km)
  • Kyneton Botanic Gardens (approx. 4 km)
  • Hanging Rock Reserve (approx. 20 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Kyneton Mineral Springs Caravan Park (approx. 6 km)
  • Kyneton Bushland Resort (approx. 7 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Malmsbury Rest Area (approx. 10 km north)
  • Black Forest Rest Area (Macedon) (approx. 25 km south)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Kyneton Showgrounds (check for accessibility and fees) (approx. 5 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Kyneton township (approx. 4 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Kyneton Visitor Information Centre (check availability) (approx. 5 km)
• Nearest Public Toilets:
  • Onsite
  • Various locations in Kyneton township.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Kyneton / Macedon Ranges Area

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and pleasant. Temperatures typically range from 12°C to 28°C. Can have hot, dry spells.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild days and cool nights, known for beautiful autumn colours. Temperatures range from 7°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, crisp and often damp. Temperatures average 3°C to 12°C with frequent overnight frosts. Occasional light snowfall on higher peaks nearby.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild and becomes warmer. Temperatures range from 6°C to 19°C. A beautiful season with blooming gardens but can be windy.