Located strategically at the junction of the Princes Highway and the Monaro Highway, the Cann River Rainforest Caravan Park offers one of the most convenient and scenic stopovers in East Gippsland. Managed by the East Gippsland Shire Council, this park currently operates as a free 48-hour camping area, making it an incredibly popular choice for travellers moving between Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra. It provides a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment to rest and recharge before continuing your journey through the spectacular wilderness of Victoria’s far east.
Despite being a free camp, the facilities here rival many paid parks. Set against a backdrop of lush temperate rainforest, the park offers spacious grassy sites that can easily accommodate large caravans, motorhomes, and fifth-wheelers. While there is no power available, guests have access to clean amenities blocks with flushing toilets and cold showers. The park’s location right in the heart of town means you are just a short stroll away from excellent local cafes, a bakery, and the classic country pub, allowing you to support the local community while enjoying a cost-free stay.
Cann River is known as the “Gateway to the Croajingolong National Park,” and staying here puts you on the doorstep of ancient rainforests, pristine rivers, and rugged coastlines. From the park, you can take a short walk to explore the local rainforest trails or drive a little further to discover the towering trees of the Lind National Park. Whether you are just passing through or planning to explore the nearby Point Hicks Lighthouse and Tamboon Inlet, the Cann River Rainforest Caravan Park offers an unbeatable combination of convenience, natural beauty, and value.
Cann River Rainforest Caravan Park – VIC Location Map
Cann River Rainforest Caravan Park
- Address: 7536 Princes Hwy, Cann River VIC 3890, Australia
- Managed By: East Gippsland Shire Council (Free 48hr Camp)
- GPS Coordinates: -37.56647, 149.14613
Site Information
- Location: Situated centrally in the Cann River township, directly off the Princes Highway. It backs onto a rainforest reserve.
- Site Suitable For: Big rigs, caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, and tents. No bookings required (First come, first served).
- Road Access: Excellent sealed road access from the highway. Internal roads are suitable for large vehicles.
- Site Surface: Mostly flat, grassy sites with some shade provided by established trees.
Available Facilities
- Free Camping (48-hour limit)
- Amenities Block with Flushing Toilets
- Cold Showers Only (No hot water)
- Potable Water Taps (Available at most sites)
- Dump Point (On-site)
- Picnic Tables & BBQ Facilities
- Rubbish Bins
- Playground (Nearby in town park)
- Walking distance to shops and cafes
- Note: No powered sites available.
Essentials to Bring
- Power: You must be self-sufficient for power (solar/batteries) as there are no powered sites.
- Hot Water: If you require a hot shower, you will need your own on-board system.
- Drinking-water-safe hose for filling tanks.
- Levelling blocks.
- Insect repellent (can be mosquitoes in the rainforest area).
- Warm clothing (nights can be cool to cold year-round).
Park Policies & Features
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept on a lead at all times and cleaned up after.
- Fishing: The Cann River flows nearby, offering opportunities to fish for Black Bream and Estuary Perch (downstream) or Trout (upstream). Tamboon Inlet is a short drive away for excellent estuarine fishing.
- Short Walks: The ‘Rainforest Walk’ begins right near the park/amenities block, offering a gentle stroll through ferns and ancient trees.
Local Amenities (Cann River Township)
Local Pubs
- Cann River Hotel: (Princes Hwy) Walking distance – The only pub in town, offering meals and drinks.
- Note: The nearest other pubs are in Orbost (75km) or Genoa (46km).
Places to Eat
- Wild Rye’s Bakery Cann River: (Princes Hwy) Famous for pies and artisan bread.
- Relics Cafe: (Princes Hwy) Burgers and coffee.
- Pelican Point Coffee Lounge: (Princes Hwy) Cafe meals and snacks.
- Cann River Hotel Bistro: (Princes Hwy) Pub meals.
Local Attractions
- Lind National Park: (Approx. 15km West) Rainforest walks and mining history.
- Alfred National Park: (Approx. 20km East) Warm temperate rainforest.
- Point Hicks Lighthouse: (Approx. 45km South) Historic lighthouse and stunning coastal scenery (unsealed road access).
- Tamboon Inlet: (Approx. 20km South) Fishing, boating, and camping.
- Thurra River Dunes: (Approx. 40km South) Massive sand dunes and river walks.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Bemm River Caravan Park: (Sydenham Inlet Rd) Approx. 27km South-West.
- Genoa Caravan Park (Council): (Park Rd, Genoa) Approx. 46km East.
Nearest Free Camps
- This location (Cann River Rainforest CP) is a free camp.
- Genoa Campground: (Genoa) Approx. 46km East (Free 72hr council camp).
- Thurra River Campground: (Croajingolong NP) Approx. 40km South (National Park fees apply).
Nearest Dump Points
- On-site at Cann River Rainforest Caravan Park: Available for use.
- Bemm River: (Sydenham Inlet Rd) Approx. 27km.
Nearest Petrol Stations
- United Petroleum Cann River: (12 Princes Hwy) In town.
- Shell Cann River: (28 Princes Hwy) In town.
Nearest Drinking Water Resupply
- On-site at Cann River Rainforest Caravan Park: Taps available.
- Cann River Hall/Public Toilets: May have taps available.
Nearest Public Toilets
- On-site at Cann River Rainforest Caravan Park: Amenities block.
- Cann River Hall: (Tamboon Rd) In town.
Seasonal Weather Forecast for Cann River
- Summer (December – February): Warm to hot days, generally mild nights. Average highs 25°C – 30°C. Can be humid. Great for exploring the coast.
- Autumn (March – May): Mild and pleasant. Cooler nights begin to set in. Highs around 20°C. A beautiful time to see the rainforests.
- Winter (June – August): Cool to cold with frequent rain. Highs around 14°C – 16°C. Nights can be cold (4°C – 6°C). The rainforest is lush and green.
- Spring (September – November): Mild days with increasing sunshine, though rain is still common. Highs around 18°C – 22°C.