Hughie Edwards VC Rest Area, ACT ^Popular

As one of the largest and most significant roadside rest areas on the main corridor between Sydney and Canberra, the Hughie Edwards VC Rest Area serves as a vital stop for countless travellers. Located on the Federal Highway, just north of the ACT border, this facility is more than just a place to park; it’s a crucial safety beacon encouraging drivers to take a break on one of Australia’s busiest routes. Named in honour of Air Commodore Sir Hughie Edwards, a decorated World War II pilot and Victoria Cross recipient, the site has both northbound and southbound sections, providing extensive, separated areas for trucks and cars, including caravans and motorhomes.

This is a classic, functional, and well-maintained highway rest stop. Its primary purpose is to provide a safe, 24-hour location for drivers to pull over, rest, and manage fatigue. The area is large and sealed, with ample room for even the biggest rigs to manoeuvre easily. While it is not a destination campground, it is an extremely popular and accepted free overnight camping spot for self-contained travellers. The facilities are basic but essential, featuring clean toilet blocks and numerous sheltered picnic tables, making it a convenient spot for a meal break or a simple overnighter.

The constant presence of other travellers, particularly long-haul truck drivers, provides a sense of security through the night. However, this also means it is not a silent retreat; the noise from the highway is constant and unavoidable. Its main advantage is its strategic location. It’s the perfect final stop before making the last push into Canberra or the first stop on a long journey north. Its proximity to the city allows for easy access to all of Canberra’s attractions while offering a free alternative to commercial caravan parks for a night. For its intended purpose, the Hughie Edwards VC Rest Area is an excellent and indispensable piece of road safety infrastructure.

Hughie Edwards VC Rest Area – ACT Location Map

Hughie Edwards VC Rest Area

• Address: Federal Hwy, Majura ACT 2609
  GPS Coordinates: -35.21158, 149.19043

Site Information

• Location: On the Federal Highway, about 15km north of the Canberra CBD.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers.
• Road Access: Sealed highway access.
• Site Surface: Primarily bitumen and concrete.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, 24-hour stay limit is signposted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.

Facilities

• Facilities: Flushing toilets.
• Picnic Tables: Yes, many are sheltered.
• Potable Water: Yes, drinking water is generally available from taps.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent.
• TV Reception: Excellent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Ullage: No dump point.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be very considerate of others, especially truck drivers who need to sleep.

Essentials & Activities

• Essentials to Bring: Supplies for an overnight stay. Earplugs can be beneficial due to highway noise.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash and away from picnic areas.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short Walks: Plenty of space to walk around the rest area to stretch your legs.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Gungahlin Lakes Club (approx. 10 km)
  • The Old Canberra Inn, Lyneham (approx. 12 km)
  • The Duxton at O’Connor Shops (approx. 14 km)
• Places to Eat: Nearest options are in the Gungahlin Town Centre or the inner-north suburbs of Canberra.
• Local Attractions:
  • Canberra’s National Attractions (War Memorial, Parliament House etc.) (approx. 15-20 km)
  • Cockington Green Gardens (approx. 12 km)
  • National Dinosaur Museum (approx. 12 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • EPIC Caravan Park (approx. 6 km)
  • Alivio Tourist Park Canberra (approx. 10 km)
• Next Free Camps: Low-cost camping at EPIC. The next major free rest area is further north towards Goulburn.
• Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available at EPIC (approx. 6 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station: A major service centre is located at the junction of the Federal and Barton Highways (approx. 5 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
• Public Toilets: Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec – Feb): Generally warm to hot and dry. Days can be very hot. Average temperatures range from 13°C to 28°C.
• Autumn (Mar – May): Famous for its beautiful autumn colours. Days are mild and sunny, with cool, crisp nights. Temperatures average 7°C to 20°C.
• Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold. Days are often clear and sunny but cool. Nights are very cold with heavy frosts being common. Temperatures range from 0°C to 12°C.
• Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season known for the Floriade flower festival. Days become progressively warmer, but nights can still be cool. Temperatures average 6°C to 20°C.