Located just off the Princes Highway in the scenic East Gippsland region, the Tambo Upper Road Parking area is a simple, informal stopping place for travellers exploring the area around Swan Reach. This is not an officially designated rest area with amenities, but rather a basic gravel pull-over bay that offers a quiet and convenient spot to pause. It is particularly popular with self-contained caravan and motorhome users looking for a discreet location to take a short break or regroup before heading further into the Gippsland Lakes district. The site offers no facilities whatsoever – there are no toilets, no drinking water, no picnic tables, and no rubbish bins. Visitors must be entirely self-sufficient and adhere to leave-no-trace principles, taking all their rubbish with them.
The main appeal of this spot is its peaceful, rural setting. It’s situated close to the beautiful Tambo River, a popular spot for fishing and boating. While direct river access from the parking bay might be limited, it provides a great base from which to explore the local waterways. The nearby town of Swan Reach has a pub and a general store for basic supplies. For more comprehensive services, the larger towns of Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale are both within a comfortable driving distance. Given its lack of facilities, this parking area is not suitable for all travellers, but for those in self-contained vehicles who value tranquillity over amenities, it serves as a useful and peaceful stopping point in a beautiful part of Victoria.
Tambo Upper Road Parking Area – VIC Location Map
Tambo Upper Rd Parking
- Address: Tambo Upper Rd, Swan Reach VIC 3903, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.822589, 147.863293
Rest Area Details
- Location: On a quiet side road off the Princes Highway, near the Tambo River at Swan Reach.
- Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained vehicles only.
- Road Access: Sealed road.
- Site Surface: Gravel / Dirt.
- Camping Permitted: No, this is an informal parking area. Not a designated campground. Short, discreet overnight stops may be tolerated but are not guaranteed.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Not officially permitted.
- Facilities: None.
- Potable Water: Not available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally good for Telstra, may be patchy for other carriers.
- TV Reception: Variable.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. Please take all rubbish with you.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Not recommended due to proximity to residences.
- Number of Sites Available: Small area, space for 2-3 vans.
- Essentials to Bring: Everything. You must be fully self-sufficient.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be contained and on a leash.
- Fishing: Excellent fishing opportunities in the nearby Tambo River.
- Short Walks: Pleasant walks along the quiet country roads.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Swan Reach Hotel: Approx. 2 km
- Metung Hotel, Metung: Approx. 16 km
- Waterwheel Beach Tavern, Lake Tyers Beach: Approx. 20 km
- Places to Eat:
- Swan Reach General Store (basic takeaway): Approx. 2 km
- Various cafes and restaurants in Metung: Approx. 16 km
- Extensive options in Lakes Entrance: Approx. 22 km
- Local Attractions:
- Tambo River and boat ramps: Approx. 1-3 km
- Nyerimilang Heritage Park: Approx. 14 km
- Lakes Entrance Footbridge and 90 Mile Beach: Approx. 22 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Swan Reach Holiday Park: Approx. 2 km
- BIG4 Waters Edge Holiday Park, Lakes Entrance: Approx. 21 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Log Crossing Picnic Area, Cabbage Tree Creek: Approx. 50 km
- Pettmans Beach, Lake Tyers Forest Park: Approx. 35 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Bairnsdale Public Dump Point (Howitt Park): Approx. 25 km
- Lakes Entrance Public Dump Point (Myer St): Approx. 22 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Available in Swan Reach (limited hours): Approx. 2 km
- Multiple 24/7 options in Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance.
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- At visitor information centres or service stations in Bairnsdale or Lakes Entrance.
- Public Toilets (offsite):
- Located at the boat ramp in Swan Reach: Approx. 2 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot with coastal sea breezes. A popular time for boating and beach activities. Temperatures average 15°C to 28°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and often very sunny, with calm conditions. Ideal for fishing and exploring. Temperatures range from 10°C to 22°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and crisp with some rainfall. Can be quite still on the lakes. Average temperatures range from 5°C to 16°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant as the region comes to life. Temperatures average 9°C to 20°C.
