East Bound Rest Area, Princes Freeway (M1), Waurn Ponds

The East Bound Rest Area at Waurn Ponds is a crucial stop for motorists travelling on the Princes Freeway (M1) towards Geelong, Melbourne, and beyond. Positioned perfectly for those concluding a journey along the Great Ocean Road or coming from Victoria’s west, this rest area offers a safe and convenient location to take a break before navigating the busier stretches of road ahead. As a designated 24-hour stop, it allows drivers to manage fatigue by providing a legal and accessible place to pull over for a short nap or an overnight stay in a self-contained vehicle.

This facility is straightforward and functional, designed with the needs of travellers in mind. It features a sealed, drive-through layout suitable for all vehicles, including caravans and large rigs, ensuring easy entry and exit directly from the freeway. While the amenities are basic, they cover the essentials needed for a comfortable rest stop, such as public toilets and rubbish bins. For those who have spent a few days exploring the coast, it serves as an excellent staging point to reorganise the vehicle, have a meal, and prepare for the final leg of the journey into the city. Its value lies not in luxury, but in its strategic placement and commitment to road safety, making it an indispensable part of the Princes Freeway infrastructure.

Location and GPS Coordinates

Address: East Bound Rest Area, Princes Freeway (M1), Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3217

GPS Coordinates: -38.21380959842958, 144.2635936340045

Site Features and Information

• Is camping permitted: Yes, informal overnight stays are permitted for rest purposes.
• Maximum overnight stay: 24 hours is the generally accepted maximum.
• Facilities: Basic amenities are available.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food, and cooking equipment.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage on Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone networks.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes, a toilet block is available.
• Rubbish bins: Yes, bins are provided. Please use them responsibly.
• Road access: Sealed, direct access from the Princes Freeway (M1).
• Site surface: Asphalt/bitumen parking bays.
• Pet friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.
• Fishing: No fishing available at the rest area.
• Short walks: Limited to the rest area itself. Good for stretching your legs.

Local Amenities and Attractions

• Local pubs and places to eat: Waurn Ponds Hotel (approx. 5 km), various fast-food and cafe options at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre (approx. 6 km).
• Local attractions: Geelong Waterfront (approx. 15 km), Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre (approx. 10 km), start of the Great Ocean Road at Torquay (approx. 18 km).
• Nearest caravan parks: Geelong Discovery Parks (approx. 12 km), Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park (approx. 18 km).
• Next Free Camps: This is one of the last free camps before Melbourne. Other options are off the main freeway.
• Nearest dump points: Geelong Showgrounds (public dump point, approx. 14 km), various local caravan parks (may require a fee).
• Nearest petrol station: BP and Shell located at the Waurn Ponds interchange (approx. 5 km).
• Drinking water resupply: Public taps available in parks in Geelong or at petrol stations.
• Nearest public toilets: Onsite. Additional facilities at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre (approx. 6 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 28°C, with occasional heatwaves.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and calm weather. Average temperatures range from 10°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and damp with occasional rain. Average temperatures range from 6°C to 15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild with increasing sunshine, can be windy. Average temperatures range from 9°C to 20°C.