Nestled conveniently on the South Gippsland Highway, the Pattison Rest Area offers a welcoming respite for travellers exploring the stunning landscapes of Victoria. Whether you’re driving a big rig, towing a caravan, or simply seeking a peaceful spot to break your journey, this spacious and accessible location provides a practical and cost-effective solution for an overnight stay. As a designated free camp, it has become a popular choice for those journeying between the Latrobe Valley and the iconic Ninety Mile Beach, offering a safe harbour to rest and recharge without the expense of a commercial caravan park.
The site’s primary appeal lies in its simplicity and functionality. It provides the essential amenities needed for a comfortable stopover, including public toilets and rubbish bins, which help maintain the area’s cleanliness. The large, flat surface caters to vehicles of all sizes, from the largest motorhomes to smaller campervans, ensuring easy parking and setup. Being pet-friendly, it’s an excellent option for those travelling with their four-legged companions, allowing them space to stretch their legs after a long drive. While the facilities are basic, they are perfectly adequate for self-contained travellers who value convenience and accessibility above all else. Its strategic position makes it an excellent base for a short period, allowing you to explore nearby towns like Sale and Rosedale or prepare for your next adventure into the Gippsland Lakes region. For anyone seeking a no-fuss, reliable, and free place to park for the night, Pattison Rest Area is a standout choice.
Pattison Rest Area – VIC Location Map
Pattison Rest Area
- Address: South Gippsland Highway, Longford, VIC 3851, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -38.431059,146.537158
Features & Facilities
- Location: South Gippsland Highway, Longford, Victoria.
- Site suitable for: Caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, big rigs, and tents.
- Road access: Sealed highway access, easy entry and exit for all vehicle sizes.
- Site surface: Gravel and dirt.
- Camping permitted: Yes, overnight stays are permitted.
- Maximum overnight stays: Generally accepted as 24-48 hours. Please obey any local signage.
- Facilities: Picnic tables.
- Potable water: No, potable water is not available on site.
- Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage for major providers (Telstra, Optus, etc.).
- TV reception: Fair to good reception.
- Onsite public toilets: Yes, basic toilet facilities are available.
- Rubbish bins: Yes, rubbish bins are provided.
- Open fires: Not permitted. Use of personal cooking equipment should be done with care.
- Generator use: Permitted, please be considerate of other campers regarding noise and fumes.
- Number of sites available: Unmarked, large open area accommodating numerous vehicles.
- Essentials to bring: Drinking water, cooking equipment, levelling blocks.
- Pet friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.
- Fishing: Not on site, but nearby in the Gippsland Lakes region.
- Short walks: Limited to the rest area itself.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- The Star Hotel Sale (~17 km)
- Criterion Hotel Sale (~17 km)
- Rosedale Hotel (~19 km)
- Places to Eat:
- A wide variety of cafes, restaurants, and takeaways are located in Sale (~17 km).
- Local Attractions:
- Gippsland Armed Forces Museum (~11 km)
- Sale Common Nature Conservation Reserve (~16 km)
- The Port of Sale (~18 km)
- Ninety Mile Beach at Golden Beach (~40 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Sale Motor Village (~16 km)
- BIG4 Waterside Holiday Park, Sale (~18 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Seaspray Recreation Reserve (~35 km)
- Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve (~55 km)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Sale Showgrounds, Sale (~16 km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Multiple stations in Sale (~15-17 km) and Rosedale (~19 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available at public parks in Sale or via service stations. Sale Showgrounds often has a tap near the dump point.
- Nearest Public Toilets:
- On site, and also available in Sale and Rosedale town centres.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, typically ranging from 15°C to 30°C. Can experience hot spells and higher humidity. Good for coastal activities.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and pleasant weather, with average temperatures between 10°C and 22°C. Calm conditions make it ideal for travel.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often wet, with temperatures from 5°C to 15°C. Expect overnight frosts. Pack warm clothing.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild with increasing sunshine, though can be windy. Temperatures range from 8°C to 20°C. A beautiful time to see the region come to life.
