The Burnt Creek Rest Area is a vast and highly practical free camping spot strategically located on the Western Highway between Horsham and Stawell. As one of the largest designated rest areas on this major route between Melbourne and Adelaide, it’s a vital stop for long-haul truck drivers and a popular choice for caravanners and road-trippers needing a safe and convenient place to stay overnight. The site is essentially a open gravel expanse set well back from the highway, which helps to slightly reduce traffic noise compared to other roadside stops. Its sheer size means there is ample room for dozens of vehicles, including the largest big rigs, with plenty of space to manoeuvre and maintain privacy from other campers.
Facilities at Burnt Creek are functional but basic, aligning with its purpose as a transit stopover. There is a toilet block and a few scattered picnic tables, some under shelter. However, travellers must be fully self-sufficient, as there is no potable water, no power, and no showers. The ground surface is a mix of gravel and dirt, which can get dusty in summer and potentially muddy after heavy rain. Despite its simplicity, the rest area’s value lies in its accessibility and capacity. It provides a reliable 24-hour haven where drivers can manage fatigue and families can break their journey without cost. For those exploring the region, it also serves as a no-frills base, located within a short drive of the Grampians National Park’s northern attractions and the amenities of nearby regional centres.
Burnt Creek Rest Area – VIC Location Map
Burnt Creek Rest Area
- Address: 8836 Western Hwy, Bungalally VIC 3401, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -36.760665, 142.250109
Rest Area Details
- Location: On the Western Highway (A8) between Horsham and Stawell.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicle sizes, including big rigs, buses, and large caravans.
- Road Access: Sealed highway.
- Site Surface: Gravel and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, 24-hour stop permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
- Facilities: picnic tables.
- Potable Water: Not available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra; may be patchy for other networks.
- TV Reception: Fair to good.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Permitted, be considerate of other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Very large unmarked area, can easily accommodate 100+ vehicles.
- Essentials to Bring: Your own drinking water, food, and cooking equipment.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be kept on a leash.
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: Informal walking around the large rest area.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Exchange Hotel, Horsham: Approx. 20 km
- Commercial Hotel, Horsham: Approx. 20 km
- Gift Hotel, Stawell: Approx. 35 km
- Places to Eat:
- Extensive options including cafes, bakeries and restaurants in Horsham: Approx. 20 km
- Multiple options in Stawell: Approx. 35 km
- Local Attractions:
- Horsham Regional Art Gallery: Approx. 20 km
- Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park: Approx. 40 km to northern entry points
- Giant Koala, Dadswells Bridge: Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Horsham Riverside Caravan Park: Approx. 20 km
- Wimmera Lakes Caravan Resort, Horsham: Approx. 22 km
- Stawell Grampians Gate Caravan Park: Approx. 35 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Golton Rest Area (Dadswells Bridge): Approx. 20 km east
- Green Lake Regional Park: Approx. 25 km west
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Horsham Showgrounds Public Dump Point: Approx. 20 km
- Stawell Leisure Complex Public Dump Point: Approx. 35 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Numerous service stations in Horsham: Approx. 20 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available at information centres or service stations in Horsham or Stawell.
- Public Toilets (offsite):
- Located in Horsham and Stawell town centres.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C. High bushfire risk in the region.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Pleasant and mild. Warm days and cool nights make it ideal for travel. Temperatures average 10°C to 25°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, particularly overnight with regular frosts. Days are typically crisp and cool. Average temperatures range from 4°C to 15°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild with sunny days, perfect for seeing the regional wildflowers. Temperatures average 8°C to 22°C.
