The BP Rockbank Outbound Truckstop is a critical piece of infrastructure for professional drivers and long-distance travellers heading west from Melbourne. Located on the Western Freeway (M8), this expansive 24/7 service centre is one of the last major, fully-equipped rest areas before Ballarat. It is designed primarily to cater to the needs of the transport industry but is equally welcoming to tourists in caravans and motorhomes. The facility boasts a massive, sealed parking area with dedicated bays for heavy vehicles, ensuring ample space for trucks of all sizes to pull in for a mandatory break or an overnight stop. For caravanners, it provides a safe, well-lit, and convenient option for a short-term stay, especially for those who need to depart Melbourne late or arrive early.
Inside, the centre offers a comprehensive range of amenities. The 24-hour convenience store is stocked with snacks, drinks, and travel essentials, while the food court typically features popular fast-food outlets like McDonald’s and KFC, providing hot meals at any time of day or night. A key feature for long-haul drivers is the availability of clean, accessible showers and toilets. While it is fundamentally a functional, commercial stop rather than a scenic campsite, its value lies in its practicality and safety. The constant activity and good lighting provide a secure environment. Travellers should expect the background noise of running trucks, which is part and parcel of a working truck stop. For anyone needing fuel, food, a shower, or just a safe place to rest on their journey west, the BP Rockbank Outbound Truckstop is an indispensable and reliable resource.
BP Rockbank Outbound Truckstop – VIC Location Map
BP Rockbank Outbound Truckstop & Service Centre
- Address: Western Freeway (M8), Rockbank, Victoria 3335, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.739251, 144.680578
Site Information
- Location: Directly on the Western Freeway (M8) outbound (westbound lanes) from Melbourne.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicles, especially trucks, B-doubles, road trains, caravans, and large motorhomes.
- Road Access: Sealed freeway exit and entry ramps.
- Site Surface: Asphalt and concrete.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, overnight parking/stays are permitted. This is a service centre, not a campground.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours generally accepted.
- Facilities: Fuel (Petrol/Diesel/AdBlue), food court, convenience store, showers, toilets, ATM.
- Potable Water: Yes, taps are available inside the service centre.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent 4G/5G coverage for all major carriers.
- TV Reception: Strong digital TV reception.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, 24/7 access.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, numerous bins available.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Not recommended or necessary; the site has constant background noise from refrigerated trucks.
- Number of Sites Available: Large unmarked parking area with over 100+ vehicle spaces.
- Essentials to Bring: Mostly self-contained; everything is available for purchase onsite.
Amenities & Services
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash in the outdoor/parking areas. Not allowed inside the building.
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: Not applicable. Designated walkways around the parking area only.
- Local Pubs:
- Rockbank Inn (approx. 5 km)
- The Plough Hotel, Melton (approx. 10 km)
- Mac’s Hotel, Melton (approx. 10 km)
- Places to Eat:
- Onsite: McDonald’s, KFC, BP Wild Bean Cafe (subject to change).
- Extensive options in Melton (approx. 10 km).
- Local Attractions:
- This is a transit point; attractions are further afield in Melbourne or towards Ballarat.
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Melton Tourist Park (approx. 12 km)
- Big4 Melbourne Holiday Park (approx. 25 km back towards Melbourne)
- Next Free Camps:
- Myrniong Historic Bridge rest area (approx. 30 km west)
- Pentland Hills Eastbound Rest Area (approx. 45 km west, requires U-turn at next exit)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Melton Tourist Park (likely for guest use only, call to confirm) (approx. 12 km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Nearest Public Toilets:
Seasonal Weather Forecast – Melbourne Outskirts (Rockbank)
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry. Temperatures average 15°C to 27°C, but heatwaves over 35°C are common.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and calm. Clear, sunny days are common. Temperatures range from 10°C to 22°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often cloudy. Average temperatures range from 6°C to 14°C. Can be windy.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Unsettled weather, can change quickly from cool and windy to warm and sunny. Temperatures from 9°C to 20°C.
