Strategically positioned on the busy Princes Freeway (M1) corridor, the Little River HWY Rest Stop serves as a vital break point for countless travellers commuting between Melbourne and Geelong. This rest area offers a no-frills, practical solution for drivers needing to comply with fatigue management rules or for tourists in self-contained vehicles seeking a convenient, short-term overnight stay. The site is essentially a large, sealed parking bay set just off the westbound lanes, providing easy drive-through access for all vehicle types, including cars towing caravans and large motorhomes. While it lacks the scenic charm of more secluded campsites, its primary advantage is its accessibility and function as a legal and free place to rest.
The facilities provided are basic but essential, consisting of a toilet block and several rubbish bins. There is no potable water, power, or any form of cooking facilities, so all visitors must be fully self-sufficient. As it is located directly beside one of Australia’s busiest highways, travellers should expect significant and continuous traffic noise throughout the day and night. For light sleepers, this may be a considerable drawback. However, the constant presence of other vehicles, particularly trucks, can offer a sense of security. The rest stop is well-lit at night. Its proximity to both the Little River township and the major suburban centre of Werribee means that fuel, food, and other supplies are only a short drive away, making it a useful staging point for exploring the local area, including the popular Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Little River HWY Rest Stop – VIC Location Map
Little River HWY Rest Stop (Westbound)
- Address: Princes Freeway (M1), Little River, Victoria 3211, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -38.000659, 144.493923
Site Information
- Location: On the Princes Freeway (M1) westbound lanes, approximately 5km west of the Little River exit.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicles. Best for self-contained caravans, motorhomes, and campervans.
- Road Access: Sealed freeway exit and entry ramps.
- Site Surface: Asphalt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, overnight parking/stays are permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
- Facilities: Toilets only. No power or showers.
- Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent 4G/5G coverage for all major carriers.
- TV Reception: Strong digital TV reception.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but unlikely to be heard over freeway noise. Be considerate of others.
- Number of Sites Available: Large unmarked area, suitable for 50+ vehicles.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food, earplugs for light sleepers.
Local Amenities & Services
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash in the designated areas.
- Fishing: Not applicable. Fishing is available in the nearby Little River and Werribee River.
- Short Walks: Not applicable. On-site walking only.
- Local Pubs:
- Little River Hotel (approx. 7 km)
- The Bridge Hotel, Werribee (approx. 15 km)
- Park Hotel, Werribee (approx. 16 km)
- Places to Eat:
- Little River General Store (basic takeaways) (approx. 7 km)
- Extensive range of restaurants and cafes in Werribee (approx. 15 km)
- Local Attractions:
- Werribee Open Range Zoo (approx. 12 km)
- Werribee Park Mansion & State Rose Garden (approx. 14 km)
- You Yangs Regional Park (approx. 15 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Werribee South Caravan Park (approx. 20 km)
- Geelong Gateway Tourist Park (approx. 25 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- West Bound Rest Area, near Winchelsea (approx. 50 km west)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Geelong Showgrounds (check for public access) (approx. 28 km)
- Various caravan parks in Geelong/Werribee (fee may apply)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Shell Coles Express Little River (Eastbound, requires exit and re-entry) (approx. 8 km)
- Multiple service stations in Werribee (approx. 15 km)
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Service stations or public parks in Werribee or Lara.
- Nearest Public Toilets:
Seasonal Weather Forecast – Melbourne-Geelong Corridor
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot, often windy. Temperatures average 14°C to 26°C, with frequent days over 30°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and generally calm with clear, sunny days. Temperatures range from 10°C to 23°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often overcast with showers. Temperatures average 6°C to 15°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Variable weather, can change quickly from cool and windy to warm and sunny. Temperatures from 9°C to 21°C.
