For travellers seeking an affordable and practical base to explore Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, the Geelong Showgrounds offers an excellent low-cost camping solution. Managed by the Royal Geelong Agricultural & Pastoral Society, this community-focused facility provides a no-frills, convenient option for self-contained caravans and motorhomes. Its key advantage is its strategic location; situated just a few minutes from the Geelong city centre, it allows easy access to the stunning waterfront, vibrant cultural precincts, and the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. The showgrounds provide a vast, open area with plenty of space, ensuring that even during busy periods, finding a spot is rarely an issue.
The campground caters primarily to the RV community, offering a good number of powered sites alongside ample unpowered areas. The facilities are basic but functional, including access to toilets, showers, and a public dump point, covering all the essential needs for a comfortable short stay. The surface is a mix of grass and gravel, and the sites are generally level. One of the standout features is that the campground is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for your journey. While open fires are not permitted for safety reasons, the proximity to Geelong’s fantastic dining scene means a great meal is never far away. The showgrounds are an active hub, especially on weekends when local markets or events might be taking place, adding a lively community atmosphere to your stay. For budget-conscious travellers, event-goers, or those needing a convenient stopover with essential services, the Geelong Showgrounds provides a straightforward and highly practical camping option.
Geelong Showgrounds Camping – VIC Location Map
Geelong Showgrounds Camping
Features & Facilities
- Location: City fringe, part of the large Geelong Showgrounds complex.
- Site Suitable For: Primarily self-contained caravans, RVs, and motorhomes. Tents may be permitted by arrangement.
- Road Access: Sealed road access.
- Site Surface: Grass and gravel.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping. Bookings are recommended.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with management for current stay limits.
- Facilities: Powered and unpowered sites, toilets, showers, dump point.
- Number of Powered and Unpowered Sites: A large number of sites are available, especially outside of major event times.
- Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
- TV Reception: Excellent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
- Open Fires: Strictly not permitted.
- Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for other campers (restricted hours likely).
- Essentials to Bring: Levelling blocks are highly recommended.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
- Fishing: Excellent bay and river fishing available in the Geelong area.
- Short Walks: Walking around the showgrounds complex and nearby Barwon River trails.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- The Telegraph Hotel (Geelong West) – approx. 4 km
- The Cremorne Hotel (Newtown) – approx. 4 km
- The Sporting Globe (Geelong) – approx. 3 km
- Places to Eat:
- An extensive range of cafes, restaurants, and takeaways in Geelong CBD and Pakington Street – approx. 3-5 km
- Local Attractions:
- Geelong Waterfront & Eastern Beach – approx. 3 km
- Geelong Botanic Gardens – approx. 3 km
- National Wool Museum – approx. 3 km
- Adventure Park (seasonal) – approx. 12 km
- Gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road
Nearby Parks & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Discovery Parks – Geelong – approx. 4 km
- Riverglen Holiday Park – approx. 5 km
- Bellarine Bayview Caravan Park – approx. 15 km
- Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
- Meredith Park Camping Ground (Lake Colac) – a significant drive away, limited free options close to Geelong.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Onsite at the Showgrounds
- Discovery Parks – Geelong (for guests) – approx. 4 km
- Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple stations within a 1-2 km radius.
- Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm with cooling bay breezes. Perfect for beach activities. Average maximums are around 25°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and generally sunny. A great time to explore the region. Average maximums range from 17°C to 23°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often overcast, with brisk winds. Average maximums are around 14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine. Average maximums range from 16°C to 21°C.
