The Port Albert Racecourse & Recreation Reserve is a stellar example of community-run country camping, offering travellers an incredibly spacious, friendly, and well-equipped base in the heart of coastal Gippsland. This is a classic Victorian recreation reserve, beloved by caravanners and campers for its vast, open, grassy spaces that can accommodate rigs of any size with ease. Located just a stone’s throw from the historic and charming fishing village of Port Albert, it provides a peaceful, rural setting where you can truly relax and spread out, a welcome change from crowded coastal parks. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, with a friendly on-site caretaker ensuring everything runs smoothly.
What makes this reserve so popular is the outstanding value and the quality of its facilities. For a very reasonable fee, campers have access to powered sites, clean toilets, hot showers, and even a convenient on-site dump point. The grounds are impeccably maintained by the local community committee, whose pride in the facility is evident. It’s an exceptionally pet-friendly location, with the huge open spaces of the old racecourse providing a perfect area for dogs to run and play. It’s the kind of place you pull into for a night and end up wanting to stay for a week, thanks to the serene environment and the friendly vibe from fellow travellers.
The location is perfect for exploring one of Victoria’s most significant maritime regions. Port Albert, one of the state’s oldest ports, is just down the road, offering a fascinating museum, charming cafes, and some of the best fish and chips you’ll find anywhere. It’s a paradise for anglers, with excellent fishing from the jetties and boat ramps providing access to the pristine waters of the Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park. For an authentic, affordable, and perfectly positioned coastal stay, the Port Albert Recreation Reserve is an absolute gem.
Port Albert Racecourse & Recreation Reserve – VIC Location Map
Port Albert Racecourse & Recreation Reserve
Site Information
- Location: At the local recreation reserve, just outside the historic village of Port Albert.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs.
- Road Access: Sealed roads.
- Site Surface: Large, level grass areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping with powered and unpowered options available.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with the caretaker, but multi-week stays are possible.
- Number of Powered Sites: Yes, a good number of powered sites are available.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Yes, an extensive unpowered area.
Facilities
- Facilities: Toilets, hot showers, dump point.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, some are available.
- Potable Water: Yes.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra.
- TV Reception: Good.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: Yes, a dump point is available on site.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Generally not permitted. Please confirm with the caretaker.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use regarding timing and neighbours.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Fishing gear, kayaks, cash for fees, walking shoes.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very pet-friendly location.
- Fishing: Excellent fishing and boating opportunities in Port Albert.
- Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the reserve and into the historic Port Albert township.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Port Albert Hotel (approx. 2 km)
- The Royal Standard Hotel, Toora (approx. 20 km)
- Yarram Club Hotel (approx. 15 km)
- Places to Eat: Excellent fish and chip shops and cafes in Port Albert. A full range of supermarkets and pubs in Yarram.
- Local Attractions:
- Port Albert Maritime Museum
- The historic Port Albert waterfront and jetties
- Tarra-Bulga National Park (cool temperate rainforest)
- The Ninety Mile Beach
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Sea Days Holiday Units & Caravan Park, Port Albert
- Yarram Holiday Park
- Next Free Camps: Hiawatha Recreation Reserve, various rest areas on the South Gippsland Highway.
- Nearest Dump Points: Onsite.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Port Albert (check hours) and Yarram.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm and generally pleasant with cooling sea breezes. A popular time for fishing and boating. Temperatures average 13°C to 24°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A lovely season with mild, sunny days and cool nights. Great for exploring the national parks. Temperatures average 9°C to 21°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold and often wet and windy. Days are cool and nights are very cold. Good for those seeking solitude. Temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful time as the countryside is green and vibrant. Weather can be variable, from cool and windy to warm and sunny. Temperatures average 8°C to 20°C.
