As holiday-makers flock to the south-west, Panmure becomes abuzz with people taking advantage of the free rest area.
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French tourist Carolyne Sturtzer and her family recently stayed overnight, saying she was drawn to the area because of the zero cost.
"I've been travelling around Australia for six months with my partner and this trip we are camping with our parents and travelling from Brisbane to Adelaide stopping in Sydney and Melbourne," the 26-year-old said.
"We stopped at the 12 Apostles and looked for a free camp site.
"There were lots of good comments about this camp which said it sometimes gets fully booked so we came at 4.30pm just in case.
"We've been free camping all of the way unless we need a shower, then we stay at a caravan park."
Beside the Princes Highway, the Panmure Rest Area is equipped with flushing toilets, an electric barbeque, shelter with seats undercover and a children's playground. The swimming hole is a short walk away for tourists to splash about in or fish.
Ms Sturtzer said by staying in free camping areas, she was more inclined to spend money in the local area.
"Because the campsites are free, we're more likely to go into town and eat in the restaurants or shop," she said.
"Without free camping, it becomes harder to spend money on experiences.
"Australia is cool and you can find a free campsite almost everywhere. There is no free camping in France.
"When we weren't travelling with our parents, we'd sometimes find a nice spot and stay for two or three nights.
"Panmure is a quiet place, it'd be cool if there were one or two more free camping sites in the area."
Moyne Shire mayor Daniel Meade believes free camping is beneficial for both tourists and the local economy.
"Our research suggests where there's no free camping, people camp where they shouldn't or they'll drive out of Moyne Shire to a free camping area," he said.
"Travellers do contribute to the local economy and build our smaller communities by spending money in the local areas.
"I've never heard of any major issue with the free camping areas. The locals are happy to welcome in visitors and share their area.
"Any extra activity in town, whether its just spending a bit of money at the local pub, is always positive."
Mr Meade said he'd heard similar positive reviews about the Hawkesdale Apex Park free camping area.
Ms Sturtzer discovered the Panmure Rest Area through her phone app Wiki Camp.
There are various camping apps which allow travellers leave photos and reviews of their experiences and rate the campsite a to inform others.
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