Tempy Rest Area – Calder Highway Free Camping Stop VIC

For travellers making the long journey along the Calder Highway through Victoria’s sweeping Mallee district, the Tempy Rest Area offers a straightforward and much-needed place to pause. Located right on the highway in the small locality of Tempy, this stop is a practical choice for drivers needing to rest, especially those heading north to Mildura or south towards Bendigo and Melbourne. While it is a basic facility, its value lies in its convenience and accessibility, providing a safe, sealed pull-over bay for all types of vehicles, from cars to large caravans. It is particularly useful as a free overnight stopping point for self-contained campers, allowing for a break in what can be a long and monotonous drive.

The rest area consists of a simple drive-through design on a bitumen surface, making it easy to enter and exit the flow of highway traffic. The site is relatively level and can accommodate a handful of vehicles comfortably. Onsite amenities are limited to the essentials for a roadside stop: a public toilet block and rubbish bins. As is common for such sites, there is no access to potable water or power, so travellers must be completely self-sufficient with their own supplies. The small community of Tempy has limited services, but the larger town of Ouyen is approximately 25 kilometres to the north, offering fuel, a supermarket, a bakery, and pubs. For those seeking a no-frills, no-cost spot to break their drive or spend a night, the Tempy Rest Area serves its purpose perfectly as a functional and safe harbour on the Calder Highway.

Site Information

• Name: Tempy Rest Area
• Address: Calder Highway, Tempy VIC 3489, Australia

• GPS Coordinates: -35.345086, 142.424202

• Website: Not available

Rest Area Details

• Location: Directly on the Calder Highway (A79) in the town of Tempy.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed highway.
• Site Surface: Bitumen / Asphalt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, informal overnight stays are permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours recommended.
• Facilities: Basic roadside amenities.
• Potable Water: Not available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Primarily Telstra coverage in this area. Service with other carriers may be unreliable.
• TV Reception: Fair to good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Strictly forbidden.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other users.
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, space for approximately 5-7 vehicles.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water and all camping/food supplies.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be on a leash.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short Walks: Limited to the immediate rest area.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Victoria Hotel, Ouyen: Approx. 26 km
  • Royal Hotel, Sea Lake: Approx. 60 km
  • Terminus Hotel, Wycheproof: Approx. 100 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Ouyen Mallee Bakery: Approx. 26 km
  • Ouyen Club: Approx. 26 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Lake Tyrrell, near Sea Lake: Approx. 65 km
  • The Big Mallee Root, Ouyen: Approx. 26 km
  • Hattah-Kulkyne National Park: Approx. 85 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Ouyen Caravan Park: Approx. 26 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Tchum Lake (charges may apply): Approx. 55 km
  • Lake Lascelles / Hopetoun (donation requested): Approx. 75 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Ouyen Caravan Park (fee may apply): Approx. 26 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • BP or Shell, Ouyen: Approx. 26 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at public parks or visitor centres in Ouyen (check locally).
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Oke Street, Ouyen: Approx. 26 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Very hot and dry, with temperatures frequently reaching 35-40°C. High risk of bushfires.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm and pleasant days with cooler evenings. Ideal for travel, with temperatures from 11°C to 27°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold days and very cold nights. Averages range from 5°C to 16°C, with frequent frosts.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm, with blooming wildflowers in the region. Temperatures average between 9°C and 25°C.