The Kilmore Northbound Rest Area is another vital fatigue management facility situated on the Hume Freeway, catering to the thousands of drivers heading north from Melbourne. Located conveniently close to the historic town of Kilmore, this stop provides a safe and well-equipped environment for a necessary break from the road. It’s a large, sealed area set well back from the freeway, with separate, clearly marked parking zones for cars, caravans, and heavy vehicles, ensuring a safe and organised space for everyone. The rest area is a popular choice for truck drivers and travelling families alike, offering a chance to recharge before continuing the long journey towards Sydney or regional Victoria.
The facility is thoughtfully laid out with a central amenities block containing public toilets. Surrounding this are several sheltered picnic tables on a generous grassy expanse, perfect for enjoying a packed lunch or simply letting kids and pets stretch their legs. While camping or overnight stays are strictly prohibited to ensure the area remains available for short-term stops, it provides a far more pleasant environment than a simple roadside pull-bay. There are no commercial services like petrol or food available directly at the rest stop. However, its major advantage is its proximity to Kilmore, one of Victoria’s oldest inland towns. A quick exit from the freeway provides immediate access to a full range of services, including supermarkets, charming country pubs, cafes, and fuel stations. This makes the rest area an excellent strategic point to pause, use the facilities, and then head into town for supplies without a significant detour.
Kilmore Northbound Rest Area – VIC Location Map
Site Information
- Name: Rest Area (Northbound)
- Address: Hume Fwy, Kilmore VIC 3764, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.321643, 145.035850
Rest Area Details
- Location: On the Hume Freeway (M31) northbound lanes, near the Kilmore East exit.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicle sizes. Separate parking for cars, caravans, and trucks.
- Road Access: Sealed highway.
- Site Surface: Bitumen / Asphalt parking with large grassed areas.
- Camping Permitted: No. This is a day-use and short-term rest area only.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Not permitted.
- Facilities: Public toilets, sheltered picnic tables.
- Potable Water: Not available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
- TV Reception: Good.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Not encouraged due to the short-stay nature of the site.
- Number of Sites Available: Large area with parking for 50+ vehicles.
- Essentials to Bring: Your own food and drinking water.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be on a leash.
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: Plenty of space to walk around the grassed areas.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Mac’s Hotel, Kilmore: Approx. 6 km
- Red Lion Hotel, Kilmore: Approx. 6 km
- The Royal Oak Hotel, Broadford: Approx. 15 km
- Places to Eat:
- Kilmore has numerous cafes, bakeries, and takeaway shops: Approx. 6 km
- Fast food options (McDonald’s) in Wallan: Approx. 18 km (south)
- Local Attractions:
- Old Kilmore Gaol: Approx. 6 km
- Kilmore Racing Club: Approx. 8 km
- Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk, Seymour: Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Kilmore Caravan Park: Approx. 7 km
- Broadford Caravan Park: Approx. 15 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Goulburn River Camping (various sites), Seymour: Approx. 30 km
- Balmattum Rest Area, Euroa: Approx. 90 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Kilmore Caravan Park may offer casual use for a fee.
- Broadford Caravan Park may offer casual use for a fee.
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Multiple service stations in Kilmore town centre: Approx. 6 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available at service stations in Kilmore.
- Public Toilets (offsite):
- Located in Hudson Park, Kilmore: Approx. 6 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry. Temperatures can often exceed 30°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Pleasant, with mild days and cool evenings. A great time for travelling. Temperatures average 10°C to 23°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and damp, with frequent frosts, particularly overnight. Average temperatures range from 3°C to 13°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild with a mix of sunny days and showers. The surrounding countryside is green and scenic. Temperatures average 8°C to 20°C.
