Nestled conveniently on the Hamilton Highway, the Lismore Rest Area in Victoria offers a welcome respite for travellers exploring the picturesque Western District. Whether you’re driving between Geelong and Hamilton or seeking a peaceful spot for a break, this well-maintained area provides essential amenities and a comfortable setting. It’s an ideal location for a quick picnic lunch, a stretch of the legs, or even a free overnight stay for those in self-contained caravans, campervans, and motorhomes.
The site is characterised by its spacious, level surface, making it accessible for all types of vehicles, including big rigs. Shaded areas under mature trees provide relief during the warmer months, with several picnic tables available for public use. The presence of clean, onsite public toilets and rubbish bins adds a significant layer of convenience, ensuring your stop is both pleasant and tidy. For travellers with pets, the area is pet-friendly, allowing your four-legged companions to enjoy the break with you, provided they are kept on a leash and managed responsibly.
While the facilities are basic, they cover the core needs for a short-term stop. It’s a popular choice among the caravanning community as a 24-hour maximum stay campsite, perfect for breaking up a long journey. The surrounding landscape is typical of rural Victoria, offering quiet and calm, especially overnight. While mobile phone coverage can be variable depending on your provider, it is generally available. The Lismore Rest Area serves as a practical and valuable resource for drivers, offering a safe and free place to rest and recharge before continuing your journey through this beautiful part of Australia.
Lismore Rest Area – VIC Location Map
Lismore Rest Area Picnic Area
- Address: Hamilton Highway, Lismore VIC 3324, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.953887, 143.344182
Site Information & Features
- Location: On the Hamilton Highway (B140), just on the edge of Lismore township in Victoria.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including big rigs, caravans, motorhomes, and cars.
- Road Access: Sealed road (Hamilton Highway). Easy access directly off the highway.
- Site Surface: Asphalt. Mostly level.
- Camping Permitted: Uncertain if overnight stays permitted.
- Facilities: Picnic tables, some shade.
- Potable Water: No, potable water is not available onsite. Please bring your own supply.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Variable. Generally available for Telstra, with weaker signal for other carriers.
- TV Reception: Fair to good reception for digital TV channels.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a toilet block is available.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, rubbish bins are provided. Please help keep the area clean.
- Open Fires: No, open fires are not permitted.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, levelling blocks, firewood (for contained cookers only), insect repellent.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.
- Fishing: No fishing available at the rest area.
Local Amenities & Attractions
Note: Distances are approximate from the rest area.
- Local Pubs:
- Lismore Hotel: ~1.5 km
- Derrinallum Hotel (Derry Hotel): ~15 km
- Skipton Hotel: ~30 km
- Places to Eat:
- Lismore Hotel (Pub Meals): ~1.5 km
- Lismore Roadhouse (Takeaway): ~1.5 km
- Local Attractions:
- Mount Elephant Lookout: ~17 km
- Lake Tooliorook: ~25 km
- Historic town of Skipton: ~30 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Skipton Caravan Park: ~30 km
- Camperdown Lakes and Craters Holiday Park: ~45 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Lake Tooliorook Freedom Camping Area: ~25 km
- Wickliffe Recreation Reserve: ~40 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Skipton Recreation Reserve: ~30 km
- Camperdown Showgrounds: ~45 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Lismore Roadhouse / Service Station: ~1.5 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Check local council websites or visitor centres in nearby larger towns like Skipton or Camperdown for public water taps.
- Nearest Public Toilets:
- Onsite at the rest area.
- Additional toilets in Lismore township.
- Seasonal Weather Forecast:
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Generally warm to hot and dry. Average temperatures range from 12°C to 28°C, with occasional heatwaves.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and pleasant days with cooler nights. A great time for travel. Average temperatures range from 8°C to 22°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often wet, with frosty mornings. Average temperatures range from 4°C to 13°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild with increasing sunshine, but can be windy. A beautiful time with green landscapes. Average temperatures range from 7°C to 19°C.
