Strategically located on the busy Princes Highway, the Longwarry North Rest Area is a crucial safety stop for drivers travelling through the scenic Gippsland region. Officially designated as a ‘Power Nap Area’, its primary purpose is to combat driver fatigue on one of Victoria’s major transport corridors. This is not a destination for an extended holiday, but rather a functional and essential facility for taking a short, reviving break from the road. Its simple, no-frills layout provides a sealed, off-highway space where drivers of all vehicles, from cars to the largest B-doubles, can pull over safely. The convenience of 24/7 access and direct entry from the highway makes it an invaluable resource for long-haul truck drivers and road-trippers alike.
The facilities are basic and align with its role as a short-term rest stop. A toilet block and rubbish bins are provided, covering the essential needs for a quick comfort break. There are no picnic tables, barbecues, or recreational features, reinforcing its focus on rest and road safety. While overnight stays are technically permitted to manage fatigue, the site is not designed for comfortable camping. Proximity to the highway means constant traffic noise, and the lighting required for safety can make it difficult to sleep soundly. Travellers looking for a more peaceful overnight experience would be better served by seeking out nearby caravan parks or designated campgrounds. However, for its intended purpose—a safe, accessible place to pull over, use the amenities, and have a power nap before continuing the journey—the Longwarry North Rest Area is a perfectly practical and important piece of road infrastructure.
Longwarry North Rest Area – VIC Location Map
Rest Area, Power Nap Area and Toilet
- Address: Princes Highway, Longwarry North VIC 3816, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -38.090699, 145.807268
Rest Area Details
- Location: Directly on the Princes Highway (M1), eastbound side, in Longwarry North.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicles, including cars, caravans, and heavy vehicles (trucks/big rigs).
- Road Access: Sealed highway.
- Site Surface: Bitumen / Asphalt.
- Camping Permitted: Permitted for fatigue management (short overnight stays), but not a recreational campsite.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Recommended for short rests; 24-hour limit is standard.
- Facilities: Toilets.
- Potable Water: Not available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
- TV Reception: Excellent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Not recommended due to being a short-term rest area; constant traffic noise is already present.
- Number of Sites Available: Large unmarked area for numerous vehicles.
- Essentials to Bring: Your own drinking water and food.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be on a leash at all times.
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: Not applicable; area is for resting from driving.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Longwarry Hotel: Approx. 8 km
- Drouin Family Hotel: Approx. 11 km
- Robin Hood Hotel, Drouin: Approx. 11 km
- Places to Eat:
- Service centres at Longwarry and Drouin exits offer fast food: Approx. 8-11 km
- Cafes and bakeries in Drouin town centre: Approx. 11 km
- Local Attractions:
- Gumbuya World (Theme Park): Approx. 20 km
- Mount Cannibal Flora and Fauna Reserve: Approx. 18 km
- Drouin town centre: Approx. 11 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Drouin Caravan Park: Approx. 11 km
- Pakenham Caravan Park: Approx. 25 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Moe Botanic Gardens (day use, check local signs): Approx. 35 km
- Latrobe River Camping Area (further afield): Approx. 50 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Drouin Caravan Park (fee will apply): Approx. 11 km
- Warragul Showgrounds (check for public access): Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Multiple major service centres at Longwarry and Drouin exits: Approx. 8-11 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in towns like Drouin or Warragul.
- Public Toilets (offsite):
- Available in all nearby towns and service centres.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and can be humid. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 28°C, with days over 35°C possible.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and generally stable weather. A very pleasant time to travel with temperatures between 10°C and 23°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool, damp, and often overcast with frequent rain. Average temperatures are 6°C to 15°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild with increasing sunshine, though can be windy. A beautiful time as the Gippsland countryside becomes green and lush. Temperatures range from 9°C to 21°C.
