Tambo Upper Road Parking Area – Informal Stop near Swan Reach

Located just off the Princes Highway in the scenic East Gippsland region, the Tambo Upper Road Parking area is a simple, informal stopping place for travellers exploring the area around Swan Reach. This is not an officially designated rest area with amenities, but rather a basic gravel pull-over bay that offers a quiet and convenient spot to pause. It is particularly popular with self-contained caravan and motorhome users looking for a discreet location to take a short break or regroup before heading further into the Gippsland Lakes district. The site offers no facilities whatsoever – there are no toilets, no drinking water, no picnic tables, and no rubbish bins. Visitors must be entirely self-sufficient and adhere to leave-no-trace principles, taking all their rubbish with them.

The main appeal of this spot is its peaceful, rural setting. It’s situated close to the beautiful Tambo River, a popular spot for fishing and boating. While direct river access from the parking bay might be limited, it provides a great base from which to explore the local waterways. The nearby town of Swan Reach has a pub and a general store for basic supplies. For more comprehensive services, the larger towns of Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale are both within a comfortable driving distance. Given its lack of facilities, this parking area is not suitable for all travellers, but for those in self-contained vehicles who value tranquillity over amenities, it serves as a useful and peaceful stopping point in a beautiful part of Victoria.

Site Information

• Name: Tambo Upper Rd Parking
• Address: Tambo Upper Rd, Swan Reach VIC 3903, Australia

• GPS Coordinates: -37.822589, 147.863293

• Website: Not available

Rest Area Details

• Location: On a quiet side road off the Princes Highway, near the Tambo River at Swan Reach.
• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained vehicles only.
• Road Access: Sealed road.
• Site Surface: Gravel / Dirt.
• Camping Permitted: No, this is an informal parking area. Not a designated campground. Short, discreet overnight stops may be tolerated but are not guaranteed.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Not officially permitted.
• Facilities: None.
• Potable Water: Not available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally good for Telstra, may be patchy for other carriers.
• TV Reception: Variable.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Please take all rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
• Generator Use: Not recommended due to proximity to residences.
• Number of Sites Available: Small area, space for 2-3 vans.
• Essentials to Bring: Everything. You must be fully self-sufficient.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be contained and on a leash.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing opportunities in the nearby Tambo River.
• Short Walks: Pleasant walks along the quiet country roads.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Swan Reach Hotel: Approx. 2 km
  • Metung Hotel, Metung: Approx. 16 km
  • Waterwheel Beach Tavern, Lake Tyers Beach: Approx. 20 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Swan Reach General Store (basic takeaway): Approx. 2 km
  • Various cafes and restaurants in Metung: Approx. 16 km
  • Extensive options in Lakes Entrance: Approx. 22 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Tambo River and boat ramps: Approx. 1-3 km
  • Nyerimilang Heritage Park: Approx. 14 km
  • Lakes Entrance Footbridge and 90 Mile Beach: Approx. 22 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Swan Reach Holiday Park: Approx. 2 km
  • BIG4 Waters Edge Holiday Park, Lakes Entrance: Approx. 21 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Log Crossing Picnic Area, Cabbage Tree Creek: Approx. 50 km
  • Pettmans Beach, Lake Tyers Forest Park: Approx. 35 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bairnsdale Public Dump Point (Howitt Park): Approx. 25 km
  • Lakes Entrance Public Dump Point (Myer St): Approx. 22 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in Swan Reach (limited hours): Approx. 2 km
  • Multiple 24/7 options in Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • At visitor information centres or service stations in Bairnsdale or Lakes Entrance.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located at the boat ramp in Swan Reach: Approx. 2 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot with coastal sea breezes. A popular time for boating and beach activities. Temperatures average 15°C to 28°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and often very sunny, with calm conditions. Ideal for fishing and exploring. Temperatures range from 10°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and crisp with some rainfall. Can be quite still on the lakes. Average temperatures range from 5°C to 16°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant as the region comes to life. Temperatures average 9°C to 20°C.