Strategically positioned on the Calder Highway, the Marong Rest Area is a practical and essential stop for motorists travelling through Central Victoria. Located in the small township of Marong on the western fringe of Bendigo, this facility offers a safe and convenient place to take a break from driving. It’s a simple, no-frills rest stop, designed primarily for fatigue management. The site consists of a sealed pull-over bay, set off the main highway, with a basic amenities block containing public toilets. Its key purpose is to provide a necessary comfort stop and a chance for drivers to stretch their legs before continuing their journey along one of Victoria’s busiest regional highways.
While the rest area itself lacks elaborate features like playgrounds or barbecue facilities, its strength lies in its location. It serves as a gateway to Bendigo for those travelling from the west, and as a final opportunity to pause before heading towards Mildura or Melbourne. The parking area is suitable for cars, caravans, and larger vehicles, although space can be limited during peak times. There are a few trees providing some shade, but no formal picnic tables. Overnight camping is not permitted, as this is strictly a short-term rest zone. However, travellers are not without services; the main street of Marong is just moments away and features a well-known hotel, a general store, and a petrol station. For those needing more comprehensive supplies or a meal, the extensive amenities of Bendigo are only a 15-minute drive east, making this rest area a perfectly placed and functional stopover.
Marong Rest Area – VIC Location Map
Marong Rest Area
- Address: 1360 Calder Hwy, Marong VIC 3515, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -36.735537, 144.137864
Rest Area Details
- Location: On the Calder Highway (A79) in the township of Marong, west of Bendigo.
- Site Suitable For: Cars, caravans, and motorhomes for short breaks.
- Road Access: Sealed highway.
- Site Surface: Bitumen / Asphalt.
- Camping Permitted: No. Day use only for short-term rest.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Not permitted.
- Facilities: Public 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 permitted.
- Number of Sites Available: A single pull-through bay for approximately 10-15 vehicles.
- Essentials to Bring: Your own food and drinking water.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be on a leash.
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: Limited to the immediate rest area grounds.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Marong Family Hotel: Approx. 1 km
- Axedale Tavern, Bendigo: Approx. 14 km
- Brougham Arms Hotel, Bendigo: Approx. 14 km
- Places to Eat:
- Marong Eats (takeaway): Approx. 1 km
- Wide variety of cafes and restaurants in Bendigo CBD: Approx. 15 km
- Local Attractions:
- Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo: Approx. 15 km
- Bendigo Art Gallery: Approx. 15 km
- The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion: Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- BIG4 Bendigo Marong Holiday Park: Approx. 3 km
- Avondel Caravan Park, Bendigo: Approx. 11 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Melville Caves Picnic Area (basic): Approx. 45 km
- Laanecoorie Reservoir Camping Area: Approx. 35 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Bendigo Showgrounds Public Dump Point: Approx. 12 km
- Many Bendigo caravan parks offer casual use for a fee.
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Available in Marong: Approx. 1 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available at service stations or caravan parks in Bendigo.
- Public Toilets (offsite):
- Located at various parks and locations throughout Bendigo.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and very dry. Temperatures regularly exceed 35°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm and sunny days with mild evenings. A very pleasant time to visit. Temperatures average 10°C to 25°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, especially overnight with heavy frosts. Days can be crisp and clear or overcast. Average temperatures range from 3°C to 14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny with colourful gardens, though it can be prone to showers. Temperatures average 8°C to 22°C.
