Nestled on the scenic banks of the Tambo River, the Tambo River Tourist Park offers a premium holiday experience in the heart of East Gippsland. This idyllic park, located just off the Princes Highway near Swan Reach, provides the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and avid anglers. With direct river access, it serves as a boater’s paradise, offering a private boat ramp and jetties that open up into the magnificent Gippsland Lakes system. The park boasts a wide range of accommodation, from lush, grassy powered and unpowered sites for caravans and campers to modern, fully-equipped cabins and villas, some with stunning waterfront views. The atmosphere is one of relaxation and recreation. Guests can spend their days fishing for the famous local bream, kayaking the calm river waters, or simply unwinding by the resort-style swimming pool. The park is exceptionally well-facilitated, featuring a camp kitchen, multiple BBQ areas, clean amenity blocks, and a kids’ playground, ensuring a comfortable stay for all. Its strategic location makes it a superb base for exploring the wider region; the charming villages of Metung and Paynesville are a short drive away, and the bustling town of Lakes Entrance with its iconic Ninety Mile Beach is also within easy reach. For travellers seeking a high-quality park that combines riverfront serenity with excellent facilities and easy access to Gippsland’s best attractions, the Tambo River Tourist Park is an outstanding choice.
Tambo River Tourist Park – VIC Location Map
Tambo River Tourist Park (also known as Ingenia Holidays Rivershore)
- Address: 2040 Princes Hwy, Swan Reach VIC 3903, Australia
- Website: ingeniaholidays.com.au/rivershore
- GPS Coordinates: -37.82286, 147.85863
Site Overview
- Location: Absolute riverfront on the Tambo River at Johnsonville, just minutes from Swan Reach and centrally located between Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance.
- Site Suitable For: All types of travellers, including those with large motorhomes, caravans, camper trailers, and tents. Excellent cabin and villa options available.
- Road Access: Sealed roads throughout the park, with easy and well-signed access from the Princes Highway.
- Site Surface: Well-maintained grass sites, with options for concrete slabs.
Facilities
- Picnic Tables: Yes, available in BBQ areas and throughout the park.
- Potable Water: Yes, connected to all powered sites.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage, particularly for Telstra. Other networks may be less reliable.
- TV Reception: Good reception for digital channels.
- BBQs: Yes, multiple free gas/electric BBQ areas and a camp kitchen.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, modern and clean amenity blocks.
- Drive Through Sites: Yes, available for larger rigs.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, general and recycling bins are conveniently located.
- Open Fires: Generally not permitted; some sites may have designated fire pits. Check with management and for seasonal fire bans.
- Generator Use: Not permitted due to the availability of powered sites.
Activities & Park Rules
- Essentials to Bring: Fishing gear, boat/kayak, 15-amp power lead, and drinking water hose.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on camping sites by prior arrangement. Not allowed in park accommodation.
- Fishing: Prime location for fishing. Excellent bream and flathead fishing from the park’s jetties or by boat.
- Short Walks: Pleasant walks are available along the riverfront within the park grounds.
Local Amenities
Pubs & Eateries
- Johnsonville Hotel Motel: Approx. 1 km
- Swan Reach Hotel: Approx. 2 km
- Metung Hotel: Approx. 15 km
- Places to Eat: The nearby hotels offer classic pub meals. A wider range of cafes and restaurants are in Lakes Entrance (approx. 18 km) and Bairnsdale (approx. 22 km).
Attractions
- Gippsland Lakes: Direct boating access from the park.
- Nyerimilang Heritage Park: Beautiful historic homestead and gardens overlooking the lakes (approx. 14 km).
- Lakes Entrance & Ninety Mile Beach: Major tourist hub (approx. 18 km).
- Metung Village: Charming waterfront village with galleries and cafes (approx. 15 km).
- Buchan Caves Reserve: A must-see natural wonder (approx. 52 km).
Caravanning & Camping Essentials
- Nearest Caravan Parks: Swan Reach Holiday Park (approx. 2 km), numerous options in Lakes Entrance (from 18 km).
- Nearest Free Camps: Log Crossing Campground (approx. 38 km) and other bush camps in the Colquhoun State Forest.
- Nearest Dump Points: Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre (approx. 22 km), Lakes Entrance Foreshore (approx. 18 km).
- Nearest Petrol Stations: Johnsonville (approx. 1 km), Swan Reach (approx. 2 km).
- Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite for guests.
- Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite. Public facilities also in Johnsonville and Swan Reach.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Johnsonville/Swan Reach, East Gippsland
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and sunny with pleasant coastal breezes, averaging 15°C to 27°C. Perfect for boating and swimming.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and often very calm, with clear sunny days. Temperatures range from 10°C to 23°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and crisp, ideal for fishing. Average temperatures are between 5°C and 16°C, with frosty mornings possible.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): The region comes to life. Mild temperatures from 9°C to 21°C, though weather can be changeable.