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Run O Waters Rest Area, Run-O-Waters NSW

The Run O Waters Rest Area is a large, modern, and highly convenient free camping facility on the Hume Highway, located just on the southern outskirts of Australia’s first inland city, Goulburn. This vital 24-hour rest stop is a crucial point for managing driver fatigue on the main Sydney to Melbourne route, perfectly positioned for travellers needing a break near a major service centre. Its enormous size and easy drive-through access make it an exceptionally popular and convenient choice for all types of travellers, especially those in large caravans, motorhomes, and B-double trucks.

As one of the newer, purpose-built facilities on the upgraded highway, the rest area is designed with safety and convenience in mind. The entire site is sealed with asphalt, providing a clean and level surface suitable for any vehicle. Set amongst native trees, it offers a surprisingly peaceful environment set well back from the main traffic lanes. It is a pet-friendly location, with ample space for walking dogs on a leash. Mobile phone coverage is excellent. As is standard, travellers must be fully self-contained with their own drinking water and power, as there is no dump point on-site. The key advantage of this location is its immediate proximity to Goulburn, offering easy access to a full range of services and attractions, including the famous Big Merino. For a safe, spacious, and perfectly located free stop on the Hume Highway, the Run O Waters Rest Area is a premier facility.

Run O Waters Rest Area – NSW Map

Name: Run O Waters Rest Area
Address: 18957 Hume Highway, Run-O-Waters NSW 2580, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -34.78383, 149.66183

Site Information

Location: On the Hume Highway (M31), approximately 5km south of the Goulburn city centre.
Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including the largest caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs.
Road Access: Sealed highway.
Site Surface: Asphalt/Bitumen.
Camping Permitted: Yes.
Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
Picnic Tables: No.
Potable Water: No. Be self-sufficient.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
Onsite Public Toilets: No.
Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
Drive Through Sites: Yes.
Rubbish Bins: No.
Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for others.
Number of Sites Available: Very large, with dozens of marked and unmarked spaces.
Essentials to Bring: Drinking water and all personal supplies.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be leashed at all times.
Fishing: Not available at the rest area.
Short Walks: Safe pathways within the rest area for stretching your legs.

Local Amenities

Pubs

The Hibernian Hotel, Goulburn: A classic, popular pub in the heart of Goulburn (approx. 5km).
Tattersalls Hotel, Goulburn: A grand historic hotel with a well-regarded restaurant (approx. 5km).
Goulburn Soldiers Club: A large, modern club with multiple bars and dining options (approx. 6km).

Places to Eat

Goulburn: A major regional city with a full range of supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths, ALDI), bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and all major fast-food outlets.

Local Attractions

The Big Merino: An iconic “big thing” of Australia, featuring a gift shop and museum about the wool industry.
Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum: Offers panoramic views over Goulburn and a moving tribute to Australia’s service history.
Goulburn Historic Waterworks Museum: A rare, steam-powered municipal water supply.
Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre: Explore a significant collection of rolling stock and railway history.

Nearest Caravan Parks

Goulburn South Caravan Park: One of several full-facility parks in Goulburn.
Goulburn Bungonia Caravan Park: Another great option in the city.

Next Free Camps

Derrick VC Rest Area: Another large rest area located just north of this site on the Hume Highway.
Yarra Truck Parking Bay: A very large rest area further south on the Federal Highway towards Canberra.

Nearest Dump Points

Goulburn Showground: A public dump point is available for travellers.

Nearest Petrol Station

Goulburn: Multiple major 24/7 service stations are located just off the highway at the Goulburn exits.

Drinking Water Resupply

Goulburn Visitor Information Centre: A reliable location to fill RV water tanks.

Nearest Public Toilets (offsite)

Onsite: The rest area has its own public toilet block.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Southern Tablelands experiences a cool temperate climate with four distinct seasons, featuring warm summers and cold winters.

Summer (Dec – Feb): Days are typically warm to hot, with average temperatures from 14°C to 28°C.
Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful season with mild, sunny days and cool, crisp nights.
Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold, with frequent heavy frosts and very cold days. Daytime temperatures average 1°C to 12°C. Snowfall is possible, and roads can be icy.
Spring (Sep – Nov): Weather warms up with pleasant sunny days, though it can often be windy.