Coach Road Rest Area, Avenel VIC

Description

Nestled just off the busy Hume Freeway, the Coach Road Rest Area in Avenel, Victoria, offers a welcome respite for weary travellers. This large, sealed rest stop provides a convenient and, most importantly, free location for an overnight stay, making it a popular choice for truck drivers, caravanners, and road-trippers alike. Surrounded by native Australian bushland, dominated by hardy peppermint gums and casuarinas, the area provides a pleasant, natural setting, though shade can be limited, particularly during the sun-drenched summer months. While the facilities are basic, they are generally well-maintained and provide the essential comforts needed for a short break from the road.

The rest area is particularly suited to those in self-contained vehicles, such as caravans and motorhomes, who can rely on their own amenities. Its proximity to the freeway means there is some inevitable traffic noise, particularly from trucks coming and going throughout the night, so light sleepers may want to pack earplugs. However, this constant presence also lends a sense of security for those staying overnight. The location serves as an excellent base for exploring the local Strathbogie region, with the charming town of Avenel just a short drive away. Whether you’re breaking up a long journey between Melbourne and Sydney or seeking a simple, no-fuss spot to rest for the night, the Coach Road Rest Area is a practical and valuable resource for travellers navigating one of Australia’s most vital transport corridors.

Campsite Details

Star Rating: 3.5 / 5 ★★★☆☆
Address: Hume Freeway, Avenel, VIC 3664
Location GPS Coordinates: -36.941944, 145.211945
Camping Permitted: Yes, informal overnight stays are generally accepted.
Maximum Overnight Stay: Recommended 24 hours.
Facilities: Basic amenities available.
Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, cooking equipment, earplugs.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for major providers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone).
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, available.

Rubbish Bins: Yes, available. Please use them responsibly.
Road Access: Sealed road, easily accessible for all vehicle types.
Site Surface: Asphalt / Bitumen.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.
Fishing: Not available onsite, but nearby in the Goulburn River.
Short Walks: Limited to the rest area grounds.

Local Amenities & Attractions

Pubs & Places to Eat

The Imperial Hotel, Avenel: ~5 km
Bank Street Pizza, Avenel: ~5 km
Fowles Wine: ~8 km

Local Attractions

Avenel Maze: ~6 km
Hughes Creek Estate: ~10 km
Black Caviar Statue, Nagambie: ~20 km

Nearest Caravan Parks

Avenel Caravan Park: ~5 km
Nagambie Lakes Leisure Park: ~20 km

Next Free Camps

Grasstree Northbound Rest Area: ~4 km
Balmattum Rest Area: ~25 km

Essential Services

Nearest Dump Point: Nagambie (~20 km) or Seymour (~20 km)
Nearest Petrol Station: Avenel (~5 km)
Drinking Water Resupply: Avenel (~5 km, check local sources)
Nearest Public Toilets: Avenel Jubilee Park (~5 km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Summer (Dec-Feb)

Hot and dry. Avg. Temp: 15-30°C. Expect warm nights.

Autumn (Mar-May)

Mild and pleasant days with cooler nights. Avg. Temp: 8-22°C.

Winter (Jun-Aug)

Cold, especially overnight, with some frost. Avg. Temp: 3-14°C.

Spring (Sep-Nov)

Mild days with increasing sunshine. Avg. Temp: 7-20°C.