Strategically located on the Mallee Highway, the Murrayville Rest Area is a welcome sight for weary travellers navigating the long, straight stretches of road between Victoria and South Australia. This well-maintained free camp provides an essential service, offering a safe and convenient place to pull over, rest, and break up the journey through Victoria’s vast Mallee region. Situated on the edge of the small farming town of Murrayville, the rest stop combines the convenience of highway access with the benefit of nearby town facilities, making it an ideal choice for an overnight stay for those in fully self-contained vehicles.
The rest area itself is a large, sealed drive-through bay, providing easy entry and exit for all types of vehicles, including large caravans and big rigs. The bitumen surface ensures a level and clean base for setting up for the night. While the amenities are basic, they are practical and well-kept, featuring a clean toilet block and several rubbish bins. It is a classic example of a functional Australian roadside stop, prioritising safety and convenience over scenery. There are no provisions for power or potable water, so visitors must arrive with full water tanks and be entirely self-sufficient. Its proximity to the town means that fuel, basic groceries from the local store, and a classic pub meal at the Murrayville Hotel are just a short walk or drive away. For those journeying across the country, the Murrayville Rest Area is a reliable and highly practical free camping option that delivers exactly what is needed: a safe place to rest and recharge before tackling the next leg of the drive.
Murrayville Rest Area – VIC Location Map
Murrayville Rest Area
- Address: Mallee Highway, Murrayville VIC 3512, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -35.262393, 141.183844
Rest Area Details
- Location: On the Mallee Highway (B12) at the eastern edge of Murrayville township.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including big rigs, caravans, and motorhomes.
- Road Access: Sealed highway.
- Site Surface: Bitumen / Asphalt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, overnight stays are permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 24-48 hours recommended.
- Facilities: Basic amenities available.
- Potable Water: Not available. Must bring your own.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good Telstra coverage. Other carriers may be limited.
- TV Reception: Good.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Strictly forbidden.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of fellow travellers.
- Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, large area can accommodate numerous vehicles.
- Essentials to Bring: All drinking water, food, and camping supplies.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be kept on a leash.
- Fishing: Not available.
- Short Walks: A short walk into the town of Murrayville.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Murrayville Hotel: Approx. 1 km
- Pinnaroo Hotel (SA): Approx. 45 km
- Underbool Hotel: Approx. 55 km
- Places to Eat:
- Murrayville Hotel (Pub meals): Approx. 1 km
- Mallee Track Cafe & Roadhouse: Approx. 1 km
- Local Attractions:
- ‘Big Lizzie’ Tractor Replica: Approx. 1 km
- Murrayville Historical Society Museum: Approx. 1.2 km
- Wyperfeld National Park (Northern Section): Approx. 60 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Murrayville Caravan Park: Approx. 1.5 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Pinnaroo Recreation Reserve (SA, donation requested): Approx. 45 km
- Underbool Rest Area: Approx. 55 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Murrayville Caravan Park (fee may apply): Approx. 1.5 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Mallee Track Roadhouse, Murrayville: Approx. 1 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Check with local businesses or the Caravan Park in Murrayville.
- Public Toilets (offsite):
- Pioneer Park, Murrayville: Approx. 1.2 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot to very hot and dry. Temperatures often exceed 35°C. High fire danger.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm days and cool nights. Pleasant travelling weather, with averages between 10°C and 26°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, especially overnight. Average temperatures from 4°C to 16°C. Frosts are common.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm weather, often windy. A good time for seeing wildflowers in nearby parks. Temperatures average 9°C to 24°C.
