Tooradin Caravan & Tourist Park: Your Gateway to Western Port Bay and the South Gippsland Coast
Tooradin Caravan & Tourist Park offers a unique coastal escape located on the northern fringes of Western Port Bay. Situated on Tooradin Station Road, this park serves as a vital link between the urban sprawl of Melbourne’s outer southeast and the rugged, natural beauty of the South Gippsland region. Tooradin is a historic fishing village renowned for its tidal inlets, mangrove-lined coastlines, and a relaxed atmosphere that harks back to simpler times. For travellers looking for a convenient base to explore the Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island, or the local wetlands, this park provides a functional and accessible setting for both short-term stays and long-term touring.
The area surrounding Tooradin is a haven for birdwatchers and maritime enthusiasts. The town is famous for its unique airfield, its heritage-listed buildings, and the Tooradin Inlet, which serves as a popular spot for those looking to launch a boat or cast a line into the silty, nutrient-rich waters of the bay. Staying at the Tooradin Caravan & Tourist Park allows visitors to enjoy the best of "village life," where fresh local seafood, quaint cafes, and the famous Tooradin ice creamery are all within a short distance. The park itself is shaded by established trees and offers a quiet retreat for those who appreciate the gentle coastal breezes and the rhythm of the tides.
Key highlights for planning your stay in the Tooradin region include:
- Strategic location only an hour's drive from Melbourne CBD, making it an ideal weekend "quick getaway."
- Proximity to the Tooradin boat ramp, providing direct access to the world-class snapper and King George Whiting fishing grounds of Western Port.
- Direct access to the Tooradin township, allowing for easy walking to local retail, historic sites, and the picturesque foreshore.
- A perfect base for visiting the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park or the various botanical gardens in the Casey region.
- Spacious, level sites designed to accommodate a variety of setups, from traditional tents to large motorhomes.
- Close proximity to the South Gippsland Highway, offering a seamless route for those heading further east towards Wilson’s Promontory.
Whether you are a professional angler chasing the legendary Western Port snapper or a family looking for a base to explore the local wildlife and aviation history, Tooradin Caravan & Tourist Park delivers a practical and hospitable environment. The town’s unique geography—where the plains of the Koo Wee Rup swamp meet the sea—creates a distinctive landscape that is both fascinating and serene. Visitors are encouraged to explore the local jetties at sunset or take a scenic flight from the nearby airfield to truly appreciate the scale of the bay. Tooradin remains a cherished secret among Victorian travellers, offering a coastal experience that is as authentic as it is convenient.
Tooradin Caravan & Tourist Park
- Address: 13 Tooradin Station Rd, Tooradin VIC 3980
- Phone: +61 3 5998 3349
- GPS Coordinates: -38.21045, 145.37969
Location & Access
- Location: Located on the northern end of Tooradin, just off the South Gippsland Highway.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Sealed road access via Tooradin Station Road. Easily accessible for all vehicle types.
- Site Surface: Primarily level grassed sites with some gravelled areas.
Facilities & Preparation
- Available Facilities: Amenity block (toilets/showers), laundry facilities, BBQ area, and on-site management.
- Essentials to Bring: Insect repellent (mangrove areas can have midges/mosquitoes), fishing gear, and sun protection.
- Pet Friendly: Please contact management directly to confirm current pet policies and seasonal availability.
- Fishing: Excellent opportunities at the Tooradin Inlet, public jetties, and boat ramp (~1.2 km).
- Short Walks: Tooradin Foreshore Walk, Sawtells Inlet Trail, and the Tooradin Jetty loop.
Local Amenities & Distance
Local Pubs
- Tooradin Hotel (Historic Pub) - ~0.8 km
- The Tooradin Sports Club - ~1.1 km
- The Royal Hotel (Koo Wee Rup) - ~8.5 km
Places to Eat
- Tooradin Fish & Chips - ~0.9 km
- Wings and Fins Restaurant (Tooradin Airfield) - ~3.8 km
- Tideways Cafe & Ice Creamery - ~0.9 km
Local Attractions
- Tooradin Airfield - ~3.5 km
- Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park - ~13.5 km
- Warrook Farm - ~11.2 km
- Moonlight Head lookout / Foreshore - ~1.2 km
- The Old Tooradin Post Office Museum - ~0.7 km
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Warneet Caravan Park - ~14.5 km
- Lang Lang Foreshore Caravan Park - ~19.5 km
Nearest Free Camps
- Lang Lang Jetty (Limited/Low Cost) - ~19.8 km
- Koo Wee Rup Overnight Rest Area (Self-contained only) - ~9.0 km
Nearest Dump Points
- Koo Wee Rup Dump Point (Rossiter Rd) - ~8.8 km
- Cranbourne Dump Point (Sladen St) - ~16.5 km
Nearest Petrol Stations
- BP Tooradin (South Gippsland Hwy) - ~0.6 km
- Shell / Coles Express Koo Wee Rup - ~8.2 km
Drinking Water Resupply
- Tooradin Foreshore Public Taps - ~1.1 km
- Cranbourne Botanic Gardens Public Water - ~14.5 km
Public Toilets
- Tooradin Foreshore Park - ~0.9 km
- Tooradin Recreation Reserve - ~0.7 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C. Sea breezes from Western Port often provide relief from the heat.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and stable (14°C - 22°C). Best time for calm water fishing and sunset photography.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often windy (8°C - 14°C). Expect misty mornings over the bay and some high-tide surges.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Refreshing and breezy (15°C - 20°C). Active bird migration season in the wetlands and mangroves.