Balmattum Rest Area Southbound: A Convenient Free Camp

Located on the Hume Freeway just north of Euroa, the Balmattum Rest Area (Southbound) is a popular and highly regarded stop for travellers making their way towards Melbourne. This large, well-maintained site offers a welcome respite from the long stretches of highway, providing a safe and convenient location for a short break or a 24-hour overnight stay. Its separation from the main carriageway, combined with a generous number of trees, offers a degree of peace and shade that is often hard to find at freeway rest stops. The easy drive-through loop is perfect for all vehicle types, from cars to the largest caravans and big rigs, ensuring stress-free entry and exit.

The rest area is praised for its clean facilities and thoughtful layout. It features a dedicated toilet block, numerous rubbish bins, and several undercover picnic tables, making it a comfortable spot to stop for a meal. The parking area is a mix of sealed asphalt and gravel, with many relatively level spots available for overnight campers. While you need to be fully self-contained with your own water and power, the site provides the essential basics for a comfortable stay. Its pet-friendly policy is a major bonus for those travelling with four-legged companions, offering ample space for them to stretch their legs away from the traffic. Given its proximity to the charming town of Euroa, it also serves as an excellent base to unhitch and explore the local shops, cafes, and historical attractions before continuing your journey south.

GPS Coordinates: -37.328509759412285, 145.03109054043009

Site Information & Features

• Location: Directly off the Hume Freeway, southbound lane, Balmattum, near Euroa, Victoria.
• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained RVs, caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed, easy access for all vehicle types directly from the highway.
• Site Surface: Asphalt and gravel sections.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, overnight stays are permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
• Facilities: Picnic tables (some undercover), shaded areas.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone.
• TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, toilet block available.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
• Open Fires: Not permitted.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, approximately 25-35 informal spots.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food, levelling ramps.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.
• Fishing: No fishing available at this location.
• Short Walks: Plenty of space to walk around the large rest area.

Nearby Services & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • The Northern Hotel (Euroa) – Approx. 8 km
  • The Euroa Hotel – Approx. 8 km
  • Seven Creeks Hotel (Euroa) – Approx. 8 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Numerous cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Euroa township – Approx. 8 km
  • Mcdonald’s & BP Service Station (Euroa) – Approx. 6 km
• Local Attractions:
  • VC Memorial Park (Euroa) – Approx. 8 km
  • Gooram Falls – Approx. 25 km
  • Polly McQuinns Weir – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Euroa Caravan Park – Approx. 8 km
  • Big4 Shepparton Park Lane Holiday Park – Approx. 45 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Beveridge Rest Area Southbound – Approx. 115 km south
  • Yea Railway Station Reserve – Approx. 70 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Euroa Showgrounds Dump Point – Approx. 9 km
  • Violet Town Recreation Reserve – Approx. 25 km north (requires backtracking)
• Nearest Petrol Station: BP & Shell located in Euroa – Approx. 6-8 km.
• Drinking Water Resupply: Euroa Showgrounds (via dump point access) – Approx. 9 km.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Onsite at the rest area. Also available in Euroa.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and often dry days, typically ranging from 28°C to 40°C. Nights are warm.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and sunny days, typically 18°C to 26°C, with cool, crisp nights.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold days, typically 10°C to 15°C, with very cold nights and frequent frosts.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant days with increasing sunshine, typically 17°C to 24°C. Can be windy.