Positioned at the scenic gateway to the Pyrenees wine region, the Elmhurst Recreation Reserve is a standout destination for budget-conscious travellers, offering exceptional facilities for a small donation. This spacious and well-maintained reserve provides a peaceful and friendly atmosphere, with plenty of large, grassy, and level sites perfect for caravans, motorhomes, and tents. It’s an ideal base for exploring the acclaimed wineries and rugged natural beauty of the Pyrenees Ranges, or as a convenient and comfortable stopover for those travelling between Western Victoria and the major centres of Ballarat and Melbourne.
What sets the Elmhurst Recreation Reserve apart from other low-cost camps is its impressive array of amenities. Visitors have access to a clean and modern amenities block complete with toilets and, most notably, hot showers – a true luxury for a donation-based camp. The community-run facility also offers potable water and a public dump point, making it an incredibly practical choice for self-contained and non-self-contained travellers alike. The reserve is located right in the small, charming township of Elmhurst, meaning the local pub is just a short stroll away for a classic country meal. With the larger town of Ararat nearby for all major services and the stunning landscapes of the Grampians National Park within day-tripping distance, the Elmhurst Recreation Reserve offers an unbeatable combination of value, comfort, and location for any explorer of this beautiful part of Victoria.
Elmhurst Recreation Reserve – VIC Location Map
Elmhurst Recreation Reserve
- Address: Green St, Elmhurst VIC 3469, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.182935, 143.243312
Campground Details
- Location: In the quiet township of Elmhurst, on the Pyrenees Highway.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicle sizes, from tents to big rigs.
- Road Access: Sealed road access.
- Site Surface: Mostly flat grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, camping is by donation (honesty box on site).
- Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short-term stays are encouraged.
- Facilities: Toilets, hot showers, dump point, potable water.
- Potable Water: Yes, available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, may be limited for other carriers.
- TV Reception: Good.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, but please use them responsibly.
- Open Fires: Generally not permitted. Check local fire restrictions and regulations.
- Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with plenty of room.
- Essentials to Bring: Cash for donation, levelers for your van.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome and must be on a leash.
- Fishing: Fishing opportunities in the nearby Wimmera River.
- Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the reserve and the quiet town.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Elmhurst Hotel: Approx. 400 m
- Avoca Hotel, Avoca: Approx. 25 km
- Amphitheatre Hotel, Amphitheatre: Approx. 30 km
- Places to Eat:
- Elmhurst Hotel (pub meals): Approx. 400 m
- Wider range of cafes and bakeries in Avoca (25 km) and Ararat (30 km).
- Local Attractions:
- Pyrenees Wine Region (cellar doors starting from Avoca): Approx. 25 km
- Ararat attractions (J Ward Gaol, Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre): Approx. 30 km
- Grampians National Park (eastern side): Approx. 60 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Avoca Caravan Park: Approx. 25 km
- Acacia Caravan Park, Ararat: Approx. 30 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Green Hill Lake, Ararat: Approx. 35 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Located on-site at the reserve.
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Available in Elmhurst, with more options in Ararat.
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Public Toilets (offsite):
- Located in the park opposite the general store.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Very warm to hot and dry. High fire danger period. Temperatures often in the low to mid-30s (°C).
- Autumn (Mar-May): Pleasant, with mild, sunny days and cool nights. Prime time for wine touring and hiking. Temperatures average 9°C to 24°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frequent frosts and occasional fog. Can be crisp and sunny. Average temperatures range from 3°C to 14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny but can be windy. The countryside is green and vibrant. Temperatures average 7°C to 20°C.
