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Murrays Lagoon Rest Area, Federal Highway

The Murrays Lagoon Rest Area is a large, well-equipped, and popular stopping point on the Federal Highway at Collector, New South Wales. Located on the vital transport corridor between Sydney and Canberra, this rest area is an essential fatigue management zone for the thousands of motorists who travel the route daily. Its key feature is its position next to Murrays Lagoon, a natural body of water that provides a serene and scenic backdrop, making it a more pleasant place to stop than a standard roadside pull-bay. The lagoon attracts a variety of birdlife, offering a moment of natural tranquility amidst a long highway journey.

The facility is modern, sealed, and designed to accommodate all types of vehicles, with a safe, drive-through layout that includes separate parking areas for cars, caravans, and heavy vehicles. It is intended for short-term rests and is not a designated overnight camping spot. A major drawcard is its proximity to the historic village of Collector, home to the famous Bushranger Hotel, where the notorious bushranger Ben Hall’s gang member John Dunn was captured after the shooting of Constable Samuel Nelson in 1865. This piece of Australian history is just a short drive from the rest area, making it a convenient and informative stop. With good mobile phone reception and easy access, the Murrays Lagoon Rest Area is a perfect place to rest, eat, and learn a little about the region’s bushranging past.

Murrays Lagoon Rest Area – NSW Map

Name: Murrays Lagoon Rest Area
Address: Federal Highway, Collector NSW 2581, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -34.96748, 149.40205

Site Information

Location: On the Federal Highway (M23), adjacent to the town of Collector.
Site Suitable For: All vehicles, including big rigs, caravans, and motorhomes.
Road Access: Sealed motorway access.
Site Surface: Sealed (asphalt).
Camping Permitted: No, this is a day-use rest and picnic area only.
Maximum Overnight Stays: Not for overnight camping. Driver fatigue rest limits apply.
Picnic Tables: No.
Potable Water: No.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for all major carriers.
TV Reception: Good terrestrial TV reception.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a toilet block is on site.
Ullage / Dump Point: Not available onsite.
Drive Through: Yes, a large, well-designed layout with separated parking.
Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
Generator Use: Not appropriate for this busy location.
Number of Sites Available: Many marked parking bays.
Essentials to Bring: Binoculars for birdwatching over the lagoon.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
Fishing: Not applicable.
Short Walks: Paved pathways around the rest area.

Local Amenities (in Collector)

Pubs & Eateries

The Bushranger Hotel, Collector: Approx. 2km away. A must-visit historic pub with a bistro.
Some Cafe, Collector: Approx. 2km away. A popular cafe known for quality coffee and food.
The Hibernian Hotel, Goulburn: Approx. 45km north in the nearest major city.
Collector has limited services; Goulburn (north) and Canberra (south) have full facilities.

Local Attractions

Collector Village: The historic village itself, with its colonial-era buildings and the Bushranger Hotel.
Local Wineries: The Canberra wine district begins nearby, with several cellar doors within a short drive.
The Big Merino, Goulburn: Approx. 45km north. An iconic Australian “big thing”.

Caravanning & Camping Supplies

Nearest Caravan Parks: Available in Goulburn (45km north) and on the outskirts of Canberra (50km south).
Next Free Camps: Edmonson VC Rowes Lagoon Rest Area (north).
Nearest Dump Points: The closest public dump point is at the Goulburn Visitor Information Centre.
Nearest Petrol Station: A major service centre with all fuel types is located at the Collector exit.
Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Collector area is located in the Southern Tablelands and experiences a cool temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm to hot and can be dry, with thunderstorms possible. Winters are cold, with frequent heavy frosts and the potential for sleet or light snow. The region can be very windy, especially in the cooler months. Autumn and spring generally offer the most pleasant weather for travel, with mild, sunny days and cool, crisp nights.