Serviceton Rest Area – Free Camping on the VIC/SA Border

Positioned strategically on the Western Highway, the Serviceton Rest Area marks the significant crossing point between Victoria and South Australia, offering a much-needed and convenient free stop for travellers undertaking the long journey between Melbourne and Adelaide. This large, sealed rest area is more than just a place to stretch your legs; its generous size and designated spaces make it a popular and practical choice for overnight stays for caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs. Its key advantage is its accessibility and simplicity, providing the essential facilities needed for a comfortable break without any cost, making it a staple for budget-conscious drivers and grey nomads.

The site is well-equipped for a highway rest stop, featuring a functional toilet block and several picnic tables, some of which are located under shelters. The entire area is bitumen, providing a clean and level surface regardless of the weather, which is a significant plus for heavy vehicles. While it lacks amenities like potable water, showers, or power, its core offerings are reliable. Rubbish bins are provided, helping to keep the area tidy. Being located directly on the highway means there is some traffic noise, but most find it acceptable for a single night’s sleep. The historic Serviceton Railway Station, a grand and now-disused building, is a point of interest just a short distance away. For those needing supplies or a pub meal, the small town of Kaniva is a short drive east into Victoria, while Bordertown is the first major service centre west into South Australia. For a safe, easy, and well-located free camp right on the border, the Serviceton Rest Area is an excellent and dependable option.

Site Information

• Name: Serviceton Rest Area
• Address: Western Highway, Serviceton VIC 3420, Australia

• GPS Coordinates: -36.343943, 140.969186

• Website: Not available

Rest Area Details

• Location: On the Western Highway, directly at the Victoria and South Australia border.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including big rigs and large caravans.
• Road Access: Sealed highway.
• Site Surface: Bitumen / Asphalt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, overnight stays permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours is standard.
• Facilities: Toilets, sheltered picnic tables.
• Potable Water: Not available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for Telstra. Other providers may vary.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of others and limit use to reasonable hours.
• Number of Sites Available: Large unmarked area, suitable for 20+ vehicles.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food supplies.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be leashed at all times.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short Walks: Walk around the rest area or to the nearby historic Serviceton Railway Station.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Commercial Hotel, Kaniva: Approx. 20 km
  • Bordertown Hotel, Bordertown SA: Approx. 22 km
  • Woolshed Inn, Bordertown SA: Approx. 23 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Kaniva’s Purple Pimp cafe: Approx. 20 km
  • Various bakeries and cafes in Bordertown SA: Approx. 22 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Serviceton Railway Station: Approx. 1 km
  • Kaniva Silo Art: Approx. 20 km
  • Clayton Farm Heritage Museum, Bordertown SA: Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Kaniva Caravan Park: Approx. 20 km
  • Bordertown Caravan Park: Approx. 23 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Kaniva Showgrounds (Donation): Approx. 20 km
  • Coonalpyn Rest Area SA: Approx. 120 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Kaniva Showgrounds: Approx. 20 km
  • Bordertown Caravan Park (fee may apply): Approx. 23 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Kaniva: Approx. 20 km
  • Bordertown: Approx. 22 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Kaniva or Bordertown town facilities.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Available in Kaniva and Bordertown.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, with average temperatures often reaching 30-35°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Pleasant and mild, with warm days and cool evenings. Average temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and sometimes wet, with daytime averages around 14°C and cold nights that can drop near freezing.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and generally sunny, an ideal time for travelling. Temperatures average 9°C to 22°C.