The Eastlink Northbound Service Centre is a modern, comprehensive rest area strategically located on the Eastlink (M3) tollway in Melbourne’s bustling south-eastern suburbs. Serving as an essential stop for commuters, commercial drivers, and tourists, this facility provides a safe and convenient place to refuel, eat, and rest. The centre is easily accessible from the northbound lanes and features separate, expansive parking areas for light vehicles and heavy vehicles, ensuring ample space for cars, caravans, motorhomes, and B-double trucks. Designed with safety and convenience in mind, the entire site is well-lit and monitored by CCTV, offering travellers peace of mind around the clock.
This is not a traditional campsite but a fully-featured service centre. The main building houses a large food court with a variety of popular fast-food brands, catering to all tastes 24 hours a day. The adjoining Shell Coles Express provides a wide selection of fuels, including diesel and AdBlue at dedicated high-flow pumps for trucks, alongside a well-stocked convenience store for snacks, drinks, and essential travel items. The amenities are of a high standard, with clean and well-maintained toilets and parent rooms available. While overnight stays for fatigue management are permitted, visitors should be aware that this is a functional, high-traffic area with constant vehicle noise. It is perfect for a short break or a power nap but not intended for recreational camping. Its location offers easy access to major connecting freeways like the Monash (M1) and Eastern (M3), making it a crucial waypoint on any journey through Melbourne’s extensive motorway network.
Eastlink Rest Area Northbound – VIC Location Map
Eastlink Rest Area & Service Centre (Northbound)
- Address: Eastlink (M3) Northbound, Dandenong North, Victoria 3175, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.913458, 145.213962
Site Information
- Location: Directly on the Eastlink (M3) tollway, northbound lanes, between the Wellington Road and Monash Freeway (M1) interchanges.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicles. Dedicated parking for cars, caravans, and heavy vehicles including B-doubles.
- Road Access: Sealed tollway exit and entry ramps. An Eastlink pass/tag is required to access.
- Site Surface: Asphalt and concrete.
- Camping Permitted: Overnight parking for fatigue management is permitted. It is not a recreational campground.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Generally understood to be 24 hours.
- Facilities: 24/7 fuel (Shell), food court (McDonald’s, KFC, etc.), convenience store, toilets, parent rooms, ATM.
- Potable Water: Yes, taps are available in the toilets/amenities building.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent 5G coverage for all major carriers.
- TV Reception: Strong digital TV reception.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, 24/7.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, plentiful.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Not permitted and unnecessary due to high ambient noise from trucks.
- Number of Sites Available: Very large, with over 100+ spaces across car and truck parking areas.
- Essentials to Bring: All essentials are available for purchase on site.
Local Amenities & Services (Requires Exiting Eastlink)
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash in the designated outdoor pet rest areas. Not allowed inside buildings.
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: Not applicable onsite. Nearby parks like Jells Park require exiting the tollway.
- Local Pubs:
- The Vale Hotel, Mulgrave (approx. 5 km via Wellington Rd exit)
- The Wheelers Hill Hotel (approx. 6 km via Ferntree Gully Rd exit)
- Dandenong Club (approx. 7 km via Monash Fwy exit)
- Places to Eat:
- Onsite: Multiple 24/7 fast food options.
- Extensive options in nearby suburbs of Mulgrave, Wheelers Hill, and Dandenong (requires exiting tollway).
- Local Attractions:
- Jells Park (approx. 6 km)
- Dandenong Market (approx. 8 km)
- Caribbean Gardens and Market (approx. 10 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park (approx. 8 km)
- Crystal Brook Tourist Park, Doncaster East (approx. 20 km north on Eastlink)
- Next Free Camps:
- No designated free camps in the immediate suburban area. Nearest options are typically 50km+ from Melbourne.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park (fee will apply for non-guests) (approx. 8 km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Nearest Public Toilets:
Seasonal Weather Forecast – Melbourne South-East
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot. Temperatures average 14°C to 26°C, with occasional heatwaves exceeding 35°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and pleasant with calm, sunny days. Temperatures range from 11°C to 22°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often cloudy with showers. Temperatures average 6°C to 14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Variable weather, can be unpredictable. Temperatures range from 9°C to 20°C.
