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Yarra Truck Parking Bay, Yarra NSW

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Yarra Truck Parking Bay, Yarra NSW

The Yarra Truck Parking Bay is a large, modern, and essential free camping facility located on the Federal Highway in the beautiful Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. This vital 24-hour rest stop is a crucial point for managing driver fatigue on the main Sydney to Canberra route, perfectly positioned between the major regional city of Goulburn and the nation’s capital. Designed primarily for heavy vehicles, 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 and motorhomes.

As one of the newer, purpose-built facilities on the upgraded highway, the rest area is designed with safety and convenience in mind. The amenities are of a high standard, including a clean, well-maintained public toilet block, sheltered picnic tables, and rubbish bins. The entire site is sealed with asphalt, providing a clean and level surface suitable for any vehicle. Set amongst the rolling hills of the Yarra region, 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 strategic position, offering easy access to the full range of services in nearby Goulburn, and putting the world-class attractions of Canberra within easy reach. For a safe, spacious, and perfectly located free stop on the Federal Highway, the Yarra Truck Parking Bay is a premier facility.

Yarra Truck Parking Bay – NSW Map

  • Name: Yarra Truck Parking Bay
  • Address: 7615 Federal Highway, Yarra NSW 2580, Australia
  • GPS Coordinates: -34.81551, 149.60414

Site Information

  • Location: On the Federal Highway (M23), approximately 15km south of Goulburn.
  • 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: Yes, sheltered tables are available.
  • Potable Water: No. Be self-sufficient.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
  • TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, modern amenities block.
  • Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
  • Drive Through Sites: Yes, designed as a large truck parking facility.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • 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. 15km).
  • Tattersalls Hotel, Goulburn: A grand historic hotel with a well-regarded restaurant (approx. 15km).
  • Goulburn Soldiers Club: A large, modern club with multiple bars and dining options (approx. 16km).

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, Goulburn: 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.
  • Canberra: The nation’s capital, with its many national museums, galleries, and Parliament House, is less than an hour’s drive away.
  • Collector: A small, historic village just off the highway, home to the popular Some Cafe.

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 further north on the Hume Highway.
  • Lake George Rest Area (Northbound): A scenic rest area overlooking the mysterious Lake George, closer to 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.

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