West Bound Rest Area, Princes Freeway (M1), Waurn Ponds

Located conveniently on the Princes Freeway (M1) just past Geelong, the West Bound Rest Area at Waurn Ponds is a practical and welcome stop for travellers heading towards Colac, the Great Ocean Road, or further into Victoria’s western districts. As a designated rest area, it provides a safe and legal spot for drivers to pull over, recharge, and combat fatigue. While it offers no-frills camping, its strategic location makes it an invaluable resource for those needing a break from the road without a major detour.

The site is primarily designed for self-contained vehicles like caravans, campervans, and motorhomes, offering a straightforward, sealed parking area. Its main purpose is to ensure road safety, so the facilities are basic but essential for a short stay. The accessibility is excellent, with direct entry and exit from the freeway, eliminating the need to navigate regional roads in search of a resting place. It’s a functional stop, not a destination, but it serves its purpose exceptionally well for thousands of commuters, tourists, and long-haul drivers every year. For anyone planning their journey along this popular route, knowing this rest area is available provides great peace of mind for managing travel times and driver fatigue effectively.

Location and GPS Coordinates

Address: West Bound Rest Area, Princes Freeway (M1), Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3217

GPS Coordinates: -38.21809893451411, 144.27067458620695

Site Features and Information

• Is camping permitted: Yes, informal overnight stays are permitted for rest purposes.
• Maximum overnight stay: 24 hours is the generally accepted maximum.
• Facilities: Basic amenities are available.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food, and cooking equipment.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage on Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone networks.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes, a toilet block is available.
• Rubbish bins: Yes, bins are provided. Please use them responsibly.
• Road access: Sealed, direct access from the Princes Freeway (M1).
• Site surface: Asphalt/bitumen parking bays.
• Pet friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.
• Fishing: No fishing available at the rest area.
• Short walks: Limited to the rest area itself. Good for stretching your legs.

Local Amenities and Attractions

• Local pubs and places to eat: Waurn Ponds Hotel (approx. 5 km), various fast-food and cafe options at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre (approx. 6 km).
• Local attractions: Geelong Waterfront (approx. 15 km), Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre (approx. 10 km), start of the Great Ocean Road at Torquay (approx. 18 km).
• Nearest caravan parks: Geelong Discovery Parks (approx. 12 km), Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park (approx. 18 km).
• Next Free Camps: Inverleigh Rest Area (approx. 25 km west), Tanners Road Rest Area (approx. 40 km west).
• Nearest dump points: Geelong Showgrounds (public dump point, approx. 14 km), various local caravan parks (may require a fee).
• Nearest petrol station: BP and Shell located at the Waurn Ponds interchange (approx. 5 km).
• Drinking water resupply: Public taps available in parks in Geelong or at petrol stations.
• Nearest public toilets: Onsite. Additional facilities at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre (approx. 6 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 28°C, with occasional heatwaves.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and calm weather. Average temperatures range from 10°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and damp with occasional rain. Average temperatures range from 6°C to 15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild with increasing sunshine, can be windy. Average temperatures range from 9°C to 20°C.