Windmills Rest Area Northbound, Hume Highway

The Windmills Rest Area is a large, modern, and visually striking rest stop located on the northbound side of the Hume Highway at Breadalbane, in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. Its name is derived from its prominent position adjacent to the Cullerin Range Wind Farm, with dozens of towering white wind turbines dominating the surrounding rolling hills. This unique and futuristic landscape makes it one of the most memorable rest stops on the entire Hume Highway. It serves as an essential facility for managing driver fatigue for the thousands of travellers journeying north from Canberra and Yass towards Goulburn and Sydney.

The expansive views of the wind farm and the surrounding countryside are a major drawcard, offering a great photo opportunity. Given its location on a major national highway, mobile phone reception is generally reliable. Its proximity to the historic city of Goulburn means that all major services and supplies are just a short drive away, making the Windmills Rest Area a perfect place to pause, refresh, and appreciate a landmark of Australia’s renewable energy infrastructure.

Windmills Rest Area Northbound

Name: Windmills Rest Area Northbound
Address: Hume Highway, Breadalbane NSW 2581, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -34.82245, 149.39867

Site Information

Location: Northbound on the Hume Highway (M31), between Gunning and Goulburn.
Site Suitable For: All vehicles, including big rigs, caravans, and motorhomes.
Road Access: Sealed motorway access.
Site Surface: Sealed (asphalt).
Camping Permitted: No, this is a day-use rest area only.
Maximum Overnight Stays: Not for overnight camping. Time limits apply for driver rests.
Picnic Tables: No.
Potable Water: No
Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for major carriers.
TV Reception: Good terrestrial TV reception.
Onsite Public Toilets: No.
Ullage / Dump Point: Not available onsite.
Drive Through: Yes, a large, well-designed drive-through layout.
Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
Generator Use: Not appropriate for this busy day-use area.
Number of Sites Available: Many marked parking bays for all vehicle types.
Essentials to Bring: Not applicable.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
Fishing: Not applicable.
Short Walks: Paved pathways around the rest area to view the wind farm.

Local Amenities (in Goulburn, approx. 30km north-east)

Pubs & Eateries

The Hibernian Hotel Goulburn: A classic corner pub with a popular bistro.
Tattersalls Hotel Goulburn: A historic hotel in the city centre offering meals and accommodation.
The Astor Hotel: A well-known local pub with a family-friendly restaurant.
Goulburn is a major regional city with a huge range of cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, and fast-food chains.

Local Attractions

The Big Merino: An iconic Australian ‘big thing’, a giant concrete ram with a gift shop and exhibit.
Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum: Offers panoramic views of Goulburn and houses a significant collection of war memorabilia.
Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre: A must-see for train enthusiasts, featuring a large roundhouse and historic locomotives.

Caravanning & Camping Supplies

Nearest Caravan Parks: Several options are available in Goulburn, such as Goulburn South Caravan Park.
Next Free Camps: Other highway rest areas further north or south. Low-cost camping is available at local dams and reserves.
Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is located at the Goulburn Visitor Information Centre.
Nearest Petrol Station: All major service stations are available in nearby Goulburn and Gunning.
Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Breadalbane area is located in the Southern Tablelands, which experiences a cool temperate climate. Summers are warm to hot, with the possibility of thunderstorms. The elevated position can make it windy. Winters are cold, with frequent heavy frosts and occasional snowfall, which can make for scenic but hazardous driving conditions. Autumn and spring are generally the most pleasant seasons for travel, with mild, sunny days and cool, crisp nights.