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Mitchell Highway rest area
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Mitchell Highway Rest Area, Vittoria NSW

Mitchell Highway Rest Area, Vittoria NSW

The Mitchell Highway Rest Area at Vittoria is a simple yet highly effective free camping spot located in the scenic Central Tablelands of New South Wales. Perfectly positioned on the major route between the historic cities of Bathurst and Orange, this rest area offers travellers a safe and convenient place to pull over for a 24-hour break. It’s an open, spacious site suitable for all types of vehicles, from cars and campervans to large caravans and motorhomes, with an easy drive-through layout that makes access straightforward for even the biggest rigs.

As a basic highway rest stop, the facilities are functional, providing the essentials for a short stay. It includes public toilets, picnic tables, and rubbish bins. The large gravel and dirt surface is reasonably level, and the site is set amongst the gums of the Vittoria State Forest, providing a pleasant rural atmosphere. Being pet-friendly, it’s a great spot to let your furry companions stretch their legs on a leash after being on the road. Mobile phone coverage can be variable due to the hilly terrain, with Telstra typically offering the most reliable service. Travellers need to be self-sufficient, as there is no potable water supply or a dump point on site. Its key advantage is its strategic location, providing easy access to explore the surrounding region. The world-famous Mount Panorama racing circuit in Bathurst, the cool-climate wineries of Orange, and the charming historic villages of Millthorpe and Blayney are all just a short drive away. For a no-fuss, practical, and well-located free camp, this Vittoria rest area is an excellent choice.

Mitchell Highway rest area – NSW Location Map

  • Name: Mitchell Highway Rest Area
  • Address: 2200 Mitchell Highway (A32), Vittoria NSW 2799, Australia
  • GPS Coordinates: -33.43231, 149.38042

Site Information

  • Location: On the Mitchell Highway (A32), approximately 25km west of Bathurst and 30km east of Orange.
  • Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large caravans and motorhomes.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway.
  • Site Surface: Gravel/Dirt.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
  • Picnic Tables: Yes.
  • Potable Water: No. Be self-sufficient.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Variable. Telstra is likely to have the best reception.
  • TV Reception: Unreliable; a satellite dish is recommended.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
  • Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
  • Drive Through Sites: Yes, it is a large open area that is easy to navigate.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
  • Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
  • Essentials to Bring: Drinking water and levelling blocks.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be leashed.
  • Fishing: Not available at the rest area.
  • Short Walks: Informal walks around the rest area and into the adjacent Vittoria State Forest.

Local Amenities

Pubs

  • The Victoria Hotel, Bathurst: A popular and historic pub in the centre of Bathurst (approx. 25km).
  • The Royal Hotel, Orange: A classic large pub with a bistro in Orange (approx. 30km).
  • The Commercial Hotel, Millthorpe: A beautiful historic pub in the charming village of Millthorpe (approx. 15km).

Places to Eat

  • Bathurst and Orange: Both cities have an extensive range of cafes, restaurants, clubs, supermarkets, and all major fast-food chains.
  • Millthorpe: Known for its hatted restaurants and excellent cafes.

Local Attractions

  • Mount Panorama Racing Circuit, Bathurst: Drive the world-famous track and visit the National Motor Racing Museum.
  • Orange Wine Region: Explore dozens of cool-climate wineries and cellar doors.
  • Historic Villages: Discover the beautifully preserved 19th-century villages of Millthorpe and Carcoar.
  • Abercrombie House, Bathurst: A magnificent historic mansion open for tours.

Nearest Caravan Parks

  • Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park: Located at the base of Mount Panorama.
  • Colour City Caravan Park, Orange: A large council-run park in Orange.

Next Free Camps

  • Macquarie Woods Recreation Area: A large, popular free camp located between Bathurst and Orange, just off the highway.
  • Cheshire Creek Rest Area: A smaller rest area further east towards Lithgow.

Nearest Dump Points

  • Bathurst Showground: A public dump point is available for travellers.
  • Orange Showground: A public dump point is also available here.

Nearest Petrol Station

  • Bathurst and Orange: Both cities have multiple 24/7 service stations with all fuel types.

Drinking Water Resupply

  • Bathurst and Orange Visitor Information Centres: Both are reliable locations to fill RV water tanks.

Nearest Public Toilets (offsite)

  • Machattie Park, Bathurst: Beautiful central park with well-maintained public toilets.
  • Cook Park, Orange: Another stunning historic park with public facilities.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Central Tablelands experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters.

  • Summer (Dec – Feb): Days are typically warm to hot and dry, with average temperatures from 15°C to 28°C.
  • Autumn (Mar – May): Famous for its spectacular autumn colours. Days are mild and sunny, and nights are cool.
  • Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold, with frosty mornings and cool, crisp days. Daytime temperatures average 2°C to 12°C. Snowfall is possible but not common at this altitude.
  • Spring (Sep – Nov): Weather warms up with pleasant sunny days, and the region’s gardens come to life.

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