Step back in time and enjoy a slice of genuine country hospitality at the Serviceton Recreation Reserve. This fantastic, low-cost campground is located in the unique border town of Serviceton, a place steeped in the rich history of Australia’s railways. The reserve offers travellers a wonderfully peaceful and spacious stopover on the busy Western Highway between Melbourne and Adelaide. It’s a classic recreation ground stay, set on vast, level, grassy areas with plenty of shade from mature trees, providing ample room for rigs of all sizes to find a comfortable spot. The quiet, friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect place to relax and recharge.
Run with pride by the local community, the reserve is renowned for its excellent facilities and incredible value. For a small donation, campers have access to powered sites, clean toilets, and the much-appreciated comfort of hot showers. It’s an exceptionally pet-friendly location, with the huge open spaces of the reserve providing an ideal area for dogs to stretch their legs after a long day of travel. The sense of community spirit is palpable, making it feel less like a transit stop and more like a welcome break amongst friends.
The true magic of staying here is the opportunity to explore the fascinating history of Serviceton itself. The town was established as a border checkpoint for the Victorian and South Australian railways, and the magnificent, oversized railway station still stands today as a testament to this past. A short walk from the reserve will take you to this historic building and the informative displays that tell the story of the town’s heyday. For a quiet, comfortable, and historically fascinating stopover that offers outstanding value for money, the Serviceton Recreation Reserve is an absolute must-do.
Serviceton Recreation Reserve – VIC Location Map
Serviceton Recreation Reserve
- Address: 52 Baldocks-Grossers Rd, Serviceton VIC 3420
- GPS Coordinates: -36.38627, 140.98136
Site Information
- Location: At the local recreation reserve in the historic border town of Serviceton.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs.
- Road Access: Sealed roads.
- Site Surface: Large, level grass areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, donation-based camping with powered and unpowered options.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with the caretaker or local signage, but multi-day stays are common.
- 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.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, some are available.
- Potable Water: Yes.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra.
- TV Reception: Good.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No. The nearest public dump point is in Kaniva or Bordertown.
- 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: Cash for the donation box, walking shoes to explore the town’s history.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very pet-friendly location.
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: A fantastic short walk around the town to see the historic railway station and other heritage sites.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Commercial Hotel, Kaniva (approx. 25 km east)
- Bordertown Hotel (approx. 20 km west)
- Wolseley Hotel (approx. 10 km west)
- Places to Eat: Full range of supermarkets, pubs, cafes, and bakeries in Kaniva and Bordertown.
- Local Attractions:
- The historic Serviceton Railway Station
- The VIC/SA Border Crossing marker
- The Big Windmill and Fauna Park, Kaniva
- Bordertown Wildlife Park and White Kangaroo Sanctuary
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Kaniva Caravan Park
- Bordertown Caravan Park
- Next Free Camps: Lillimur North Rest Area, Dinyarrak Rest Area.
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are available in Kaniva and Bordertown.
- Nearest Petrol Station: 24/7 service stations are available in Kaniva and Bordertown.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Hot and dry, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 30-35°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime time to travel, with warm, sunny days and mild nights. Temperatures average 9°C to 24°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold. Days are often crisp and sunny but can be windy. Nights are very cold with heavy frosts. Temperatures range from 4°C to 15°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season as the surrounding Wimmera plains come to life. Days are pleasant and nights are cool. Temperatures average 8°C to 23°C.
