Newmerella Rest Area | Free Roadside Camping Near Orbost, Victoria
Nestled just off the Princes Highway in the heart of East Gippsland, the Newmerella Rest Area offers a convenient and welcome stop for travellers exploring this scenic corner of Victoria. Located only a few kilometres west of the historic town of Orbost, this free campsite provides a practical solution for those needing a place to rest overnight. Its strategic position makes it an ideal base for breaking up a long journey along the coast or for exploring the nearby Snowy River region without the cost of a formal caravan park.
The site itself is a simple, no-frills affair, catering primarily to self-contained vehicles. The large, open gravel area can comfortably accommodate a variety of setups, from campervans and single cars to large motorhomes and caravans, including big rigs. While the facilities are basic, they cover the essentials for a short stay. You will find public toilets and several rubbish bins, allowing you to manage waste responsibly. However, it’s important to note that there is no potable water available on site, so visitors must arrive with their own full water tanks. Similarly, there are no power hookups or dump points within the rest area itself.
One of the key advantages of Newmerella is its accessibility. Being right on the main highway means no difficult detours or challenging road conditions to navigate. This makes it perfect for a late-night arrival or an early-morning departure. The proximity to Orbost is another major benefit, providing easy access to supermarkets for supplies, petrol stations, pubs for a hearty meal, and cafes for your morning coffee. Despite its highway location, the area is relatively quiet overnight, with traffic noise being minimal for most. For those seeking a simple, free, and accessible place to pull over for up to 24 hours, the Newmerella Rest Area is a reliable and practical choice in East Gippsland.
Newmerella Rest Area
Princes Hwy, Newmerella VIC 3886, Australia
- Location: Princes Highway, Newmerella, VIC 3886.
- Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained RVs, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs, and campervans.
- Road Access: Sealed (Princes Highway).
- Site Surface: Gravel and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
- Facilities: Basic, no-frills.
- Potable Water: No.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Yes (Telstra is generally reliable; other carriers may have weaker signal).
- TV Reception: Possible, depending on equipment.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Not permitted.
- Generator Use: Permitted (be considerate of other campers).
- Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, large open area.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food supplies, levelling blocks.
- Pet Friendly: Yes (must be kept on a leash).
- Fishing: Nearby in the Snowy River at Orbost and Marlo.
- Short Walks: Limited on-site, but nearby trails in Orbost and along the East Gippsland Rail Trail.
- Local Pubs: The Orbost Club Hotel (~4km), The Commonwealth Hotel Orbost (~4km), Marlo Hotel (~18km).
- Places to Eat: Various cafes, bakeries, and takeaway shops in Orbost (~4km).
- Local Attractions: East Gippsland Rail Trail, Snowy River National Park, Marlo Estuary.
- Nearest Caravan Parks: Orbost Caravan Park (~5km), Marlo Ocean Views Caravan & Camping Park (~18km).
- Next Free Camps: Woods Point Camping Area (Forestry), Brodribb River Camping Area (check accessibility).
- Nearest Dump Points: Orbost Caravan Park (~5km, fee may apply for non-guests).
- Nearest Petrol Station: Orbost (~4km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Orbost Visitor Information Centre (check availability).
- Nearest Public Toilets: Onsite, or in the main street of Orbost (~4km).
- Seasonal Weather Forecast: Warm to hot summers with occasional rain. Mild autumns and springs. Cool to cold winters, often with rain and morning frost. Always check current forecasts before travelling.