For weary travellers making their way south towards Melbourne along the Hume Freeway, this conveniently located rest area offers a welcome opportunity to pause, recharge, and break up the journey. Situated just north of the Wallan exit, it serves as a crucial stop for drivers needing a short break or an overnight rest before tackling the final stretch into the city’s metropolitan area. This is a practical, no-frills rest stop designed for functionality, catering to a wide range of vehicles from standard cars and family caravans to large B-double trucks, with ample space for all.The site’s primary appeal is its 24-hour accessibility and its status as a free camping spot, making it an invaluable resource for budget-conscious adventurers and long-haul drivers alike.
While facilities are basic, they cover the essentials needed for a comfortable short-term stay. The sealed surface provides a stable and clean environment for parking, and the availability of public toilets and rubbish bins ensures a level of convenience not always found at roadside stops. It’s an ideal location for a quick meal, a power nap, or a full night’s sleep to ensure you arrive at your destination safely and well-rested.
The area is generally well-maintained, though travellers should always be prepared with their own supplies, particularly drinking water. Its strategic position away from the main townships offers a relatively quiet night’s sleep, with the hum of the freeway being the predominant background noise. Whether you are pulling over for a 20-minute legislated break or planning a longer overnight stop, this rest area provides a safe and reliable option for all those travelling south on one of Australia’s busiest national highways. Remember to be self-sufficient and leave the area cleaner than you found it for the next traveller to enjoy.
Hume Freeway Rest Area (Southbound) – VIC Location Map
Hume Freeway Rest Area (Southbound)
- Address: Hume Freeway, near Wallan, Victoria, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.328526, 145.031192
Site Information & Facilities
- Location: Located directly on the Hume Freeway, southbound lane, north of Wallan.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including cars, caravans, campervans, motorhomes, and large trucks (B-doubles).
- Road Access: Sealed highway access. Direct entry from the freeway.
- Site Surface: Asphalt / Bitumen.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free overnight camping is permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Generally accepted as 24 hours.
- Facilities: Basic facilities for travellers.
- Potable Water: No confirmed potable water. It is recommended to bring your own supply.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for major providers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone).
- TV Reception: Generally good digital TV reception.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, toilet blocks are available.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
- Open Fires: Prohibited.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other users.
- Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, large open area with space for many vehicles.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food, and levelling blocks if required.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash. Please clean up after them.
- Fishing: Not applicable at this location.
- Short Walks: Limited to the rest area perimeter.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Hogan’s Hotel (Wallan) – Approx. 14 km
- Magpie and Stump Hotel (Wallan) – Approx. 14 km
- Royal Hotel (Kilmore) – Approx. 16 km
- Places to Eat:
- Various fast food and cafes in Wallan Township – Approx. 14 km
- Kilmore Trackside (Bistro) – Approx. 16 km
- Rose Cafe (Kilmore) – Approx. 16 km
- Local Attractions:
- Old Kilmore Gaol – Approx. 16 km
- Australian Lighthorse Memorial Park (Seymour) – Approx. 35 km
- Funfields Theme Park (Whittlesea) – Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Big4 Taggerty Holiday Park (further afield, different direction) – Approx. 90 km
- Discovery Parks (Melbourne) – Approx. 55 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Goulburn River Bushland Reserve (Northbound, Seymour) – Approx. 35 km
- Various smaller rest areas further south towards Melbourne.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Kilmore Public Dump Point – Approx. 16 km
- Wallan Public Dump Point – Approx. 14 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Multiple service centres in Wallan (south) and Beveridge (south) – Approx. 14-20 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available at service stations in Wallan or Kilmore townships.
- Nearest Public Toilets (off-highway):
- Hadfield Park, Wallan – Approx. 14 km
- Hudson Park, Kilmore – Approx. 16 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, typically ranging from 25°C to 35°C, with potential for hotter spells. Nights are mild.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and pleasant days with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. Nights become cooler.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often overcast. Daytime temperatures average 10°C to 14°C, with frequent frosts overnight.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine. Temperatures range from 15°C to 22°C, but can be variable with some rainfall.
