Nestled amongst the tall gums just off the Melba Highway, the Kinglake West Rest Area is a simple yet welcome sight for travellers journeying between Melbourne’s northern suburbs and the picturesque Yarra Valley or the mountains beyond. This well-maintained stop provides a crucial opportunity to pause, stretch your legs, and use the facilities on a route that is popular with tourists, day-trippers, and commercial traffic alike. The area is primarily a day-use facility, designed to offer a comfortable break rather than an overnight stay. Its location makes it the perfect halfway point for those heading towards destinations like Yea, Alexandra, or the ski fields of Mt Buller.
The rest stop features a large, sealed circular driveway, making it easily accessible for all vehicle types, including cars towing caravans or boats. There are ample unmarked parking spots available in both sunny and shaded positions. The main amenities include a clean toilet block and several sturdy picnic tables, inviting visitors to enjoy a packed lunch amidst the serene bushland setting. While the facilities are basic—there is no potable water or cooking equipment—their presence is invaluable on this stretch of highway. The area is set back from the road, which helps to minimise traffic noise, creating a relatively peaceful atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for families to let children run around safely away from the traffic, or for drivers to simply enjoy a quiet cup of tea before continuing their journey. For those exploring the nearby Kinglake National Park, this rest area also serves as a convenient meeting point or a final comfort stop before heading into the park’s walking trails and lookouts.
Kinglake West Rest Area – VIC Location Map
Kinglake West Rest Area & Toilets (Melba Highway)
- Address: Melba Highway, Kinglake West, Victoria 3757, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.475801, 145.236418
Site Information
- Location: On the Melba Highway (B300), approximately 10km south of the Kinglake turn-off and 15km north of Yarra Glen.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicles – cars, caravans, motorhomes, and trucks.
- Road Access: Sealed highway entry and exit.
- Site Surface: Asphalt.
- Camping Permitted: No, this is a day-use area only. Overnight stays are not permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 0.
- Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for Telstra. Optus and Vodafone may be weaker.
- TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Not permitted in a day-use area.
- Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked parking area for 20+ vehicles.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food, and hand sanitiser.
Local Amenities & Services
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Not applicable. Nearby fishing spots in the Yarra River at Yarra Glen.
- Short Walks: Informal walks around the rest area. For formal trails, visit the nearby Kinglake National Park.
- Local Pubs:
- Kinglake Pub (The Middle) (approx. 12 km)
- Yarra Glen Grand Hotel (approx. 15 km)
- Dixons Creek Hotel (approx. 15 km)
- Places to Eat:
- Cafes and bakeries in Kinglake (approx. 12 km)
- Extensive options including bakeries, cafes, and restaurants in Yarra Glen (approx. 15 km)
- Local Attractions:
- Kinglake National Park (Wombelano Falls, Masons Falls) (approx. 10-15 km)
- Yarra Valley Wineries (De Bortoli, Yarrawood Estate) (approx. 15-20 km)
- Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery (approx. 18 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Yarra Glen Racecourse Caravan Park (approx. 16 km)
- BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park, Healesville (approx. 28 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Murrindindi Scenic Reserve (approx. 45 km north)
- Various state forest camps towards the Toolangi State Forest.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Yarra Glen Racecourse Caravan Park (fee likely for non-guests) (approx. 16 km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Yarra Glen (approx. 15 km)
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Public parks or service stations in Yarra Glen.
- Nearest Public Toilets:
- Onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast – Kinglake Ranges / Yarra Valley
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, but generally cooler than Melbourne. Temperatures average 13°C to 27°C. High fire danger risk on hot, windy days.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, calm, and often sunny days with cool nights. Beautiful autumn colours. Temperatures from 9°C to 21°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and wet, with frequent cloud cover and fog, especially on the ranges. Occasional light frosts. Temperatures average 4°C to 13°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and fresh, with conditions changing quickly. A mix of sunshine and showers. Temperatures from 7°C to 19°C.