Nagambie Rest Area – Free 24hr Camping on Hume Freeway VIC

Positioned strategically on the Hume Freeway, the Nagambie Rest Area is a well-known and highly frequented free camp for travellers journeying through central Victoria. Its prime location, just a short drive from the charming town of Nagambie, makes it more than just a roadside stop; it’s a gateway to the celebrated Nagambie Lakes and the surrounding Goulburn Valley wine region. This large, sealed rest area caters primarily to self-contained caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs, offering a safe and designated spot for a 24-hour break from the road. The convenience of easy, dual-lane highway access for both northbound and southbound travellers is a significant drawcard, eliminating the need for complex detours.

The site itself is practical and functional, featuring a large bitumen surface that provides plenty of space for numerous vehicles without feeling overly crowded. While shade is limited, the open layout ensures easy manoeuvrability for even the largest of setups. The basic amenities are a key feature, with onsite public toilets and rubbish bins available, covering the essential needs for an overnight stay. Travellers should note, however, that there is no access to potable water, power, or shower facilities, underscoring the requirement for vehicles to be self-sufficient. The proximity to the freeway means there is some inevitable traffic noise, but for most, this is a minor trade-off for the safety and convenience offered. Its role as a vital fatigue management stop cannot be overstated, providing a crucial service for drivers on one of Australia’s busiest transport corridors. Furthermore, being just minutes from Nagambie allows campers to easily access supermarkets, bakeries, cafes, and fuel stations to restock before continuing their journey.

Site Information

• Name: Nagambie Rest Area (also known as Balmattum Rest Area)
• Address: Hume Freeway, Mitchell Shire, Nagambie VIC, Australia

• GPS Coordinates: -36.859817, 145.142234

• Website: Not available

Rest Area Details

• Location: Directly beside the Hume Freeway, south of Nagambie exit.
• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained caravans, RVs, motorhomes, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed highway access.
• Site Surface: Bitumen / Asphalt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, 24-hour stays are permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
• Facilities: Basic, no showers or powered sites.
• Potable Water: Not available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent coverage for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Strictly not permitted.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but must be used considerately.
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, approximately 20+ depending on vehicle size.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food supplies.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be leashed and supervised at all times.
• Fishing: Not available onsite. Excellent fishing opportunities at nearby Nagambie Lakes.
• Short Walks: No designated tracks, but space to walk pets.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Royal Mail Hotel, Nagambie: Approx. 9 km
  • Top Pub, Nagambie: Approx. 9 km
  • Nagambie Brewery & Distillery: Approx. 8 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Nagambie Bakery: Approx. 9 km
  • Various cafes and restaurants in Nagambie town centre: Approx. 9 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Nagambie Lakes: Approx. 8 km
  • Black Caviar Statue: Approx. 8 km
  • Tahbilk Winery: Approx. 5 km
  • Mitchelton Wines: Approx. 15 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Nagambie Lakes Leisure Park: Approx. 10 km
  • Discovery Parks – Nagambie Lakes: Approx. 10 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Lions Park, Avenel (Southbound): Approx. 10 km
  • Major Creek Rest Area (Northbound on Goulburn Valley Hwy): Approx. 35 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Nagambie Showgrounds (requires key from Info Centre): Approx. 9 km
  • Seymour Rogers Park: Approx. 19 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Shell & BP Nagambie: Approx. 8 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Nagambie Visitor Information Centre: Approx. 8 km
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Buckley Park, Nagambie: Approx. 8 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and generally dry, with average temperatures from 15°C to 31°C. Heatwaves can push temperatures higher.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Pleasant and mild, with temperatures between 9°C and 24°C. Ideal for visiting local wineries.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold with frequent cloud cover. Average temperatures range from 4°C to 14°C. Morning frosts are common.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny days become more frequent, with temperatures averaging 8°C to 22°C.