Discover convenient and affordable camping right in the heart of Warrnambool at the Warrnambool Showgrounds Reserve. Located centrally, the showgrounds provide an excellent base for exploring this vibrant coastal city, known as the unofficial capital of the Great Ocean Road, and the surrounding Shipwreck Coast. Ideal for caravans, motorhomes, and self-contained campers, the reserve offers spacious sites and essential facilities, often serving as a hub during the popular Warrnambool Show, Wunta Fiesta, and various equestrian or community events, while also welcoming casual campers year-round. Its proximity to the city centre, beaches, and key attractions like Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and the Logans Beach Whale Watching Platform makes it a practical choice for travellers. Enjoy the ease of access to Warrnambool’s amenities combined with the open space typical of a showgrounds setting.
Camping at the Warrnambool Showgrounds typically offers straightforward, practical amenities suited for touring vehicles. Expect expansive, mostly flat grassy areas, allowing flexibility in parking, although marked sites may not always be defined outside of peak event times. Powered sites are generally available, scattered throughout the grounds, along with access to amenities blocks providing toilets and hot showers. Potable water taps are usually accessible for filling tanks. A key feature for RV travellers is the availability of a dump point (ullage) located within or adjacent to the showgrounds, facilitating easy waste disposal. While basic, facilities like picnic tables might be found in certain areas, and communal BBQ facilities could be available, though self-sufficiency is recommended. Mobile phone reception for all major carriers is excellent in Warrnambool, and digital TV reception is generally very good. Given the large open spaces, drive-through access for larger rigs is often possible. Pets are commonly permitted on leads, but it’s essential to confirm the current policy with the management or caretaker. Rules regarding generator use and campfires (usually prohibited) should also be checked upon booking or arrival. Bookings are often managed through an on-site caretaker or the Warrnambool Agricultural Society.
Staying at the showgrounds places you within easy reach of Warrnambool’s many attractions. Explore the award-winning Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, stroll along the promenade, or visit the stunning beaches like Lady Bay. Between June and September, the Logans Beach Whale Watching Platform offers incredible views of Southern Right Whales. Take a walk or cycle along the scenic coastal paths, visit the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens, or explore the nearby Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, an extinct volcano teeming with native animals. The city centre boasts numerous pubs, cafes, restaurants, and shops. The showgrounds provide a functional and centrally located base camp for discovering the Shipwreck Coast and the western end of the Great Ocean Road.
Warrnambool Showgrounds Reserve – VIC Location Map
Warrnambool Showgrounds Reserve
- Address: 331 Koroit St, Warrnambool VIC 3280
- Website: warrnamboolshow.com.au (Warrnambool Agricultural Society – Contact details for camping usually available here)
- GPS Coordinates: -38.37812, 142.46628
Site Details
- Location: Central Warrnambool, close to the city centre and major roads.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, motorhomes, campervans, large rigs. Tent camping may be possible but check suitability. Primarily geared towards self-contained vehicles.
- Road Access: Sealed road access (Koroit St). Internal access roads are typically gravel or grass tracks.
- Site Surface: Primarily large, open grassed areas. Can become soft after heavy rain. Some gravel areas may exist.
Facilities and Features
- Picnic Tables: Limited availability, likely in specific areas.
- Potable Water: Yes, available from taps.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent coverage for major carriers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone).
- TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
- BBQ’s: Possible communal BBQ facilities, best to be self-sufficient.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, amenities blocks with toilets and showers available for campers.
- Ullage (Dump Point): Yes, a public dump point is available within the showgrounds precinct.
- Drive Through Sites: Yes, generally possible due to the open layout, but not specifically marked.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are usually provided.
- Open Fires: No, strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Permitted, usually with time restrictions (e.g., between 8 am – 8 pm). Confirm rules with management.
- Essentials to Bring: Levelling blocks (ground can be uneven), long power leads/hoses depending on site location, standard camping gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, typically allowed on leash (confirm rules and any fees with management). Not allowed inside buildings.
- Fishing: Yes, excellent options nearby in rivers (Merri, Hopkins), Hopkins estuary, and surf beaches.
- Short Walks: Walks around the showgrounds, along nearby Merri River trails, or Warrnambool’s coastal promenade.
Local Amenities (Warrnambool City)
Pubs
- Whalers Hotel: (Approx. 1-2 km) – Popular city centre pub.
- The Cally Hotel (Caledonian Inn): (Approx. 1-2 km) – Historic pub with dining.
- Hotel Warrnambool: (Approx. 1-2 km) – Another central pub option with meals.
- (Numerous other pubs located within 1-3 km radius)
Places to Eat
- Warrnambool City Centre: (Approx. 1-3 km) – Extensive range including cafes (e.g., Bohemia Cafe, Rough Diamond), restaurants (various cuisines), bakeries, fast food outlets, supermarkets.
- Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village Cafe/Tearooms: (Approx. 3 km) – Dining within the attraction.
- Pavilion Cafe & Bar (Lady Bay): (Approx. 4 km) – Beachfront dining.
Local Attractions
- Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village: (Approx. 3 km) – Award-winning maritime museum and heritage park.
- Logans Beach Whale Watching Platform: (Approx. 6 km) – Prime viewing spot for Southern Right Whales (June-Sept).
- Warrnambool Main Beach / Lady Bay: (Approx. 3-4 km) – Popular swimming and walking beach.
- Warrnambool Botanic Gardens: (Approx. 2 km) – Beautiful heritage gardens.
- Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve: (Approx. 15 km West) – Extinct volcano crater with abundant wildlife (emus, koalas, kangaroos).
Nearest Caravan Parks
- BIG4 Warrnambool Figtree Holiday Park: (Approx. 2 km) – Large commercial park nearby.
- Discovery Parks – Warrnambool: (Approx. 4 km East, near Hopkins River) – Another major park option.
- (Several other caravan parks are located in and around Warrnambool).
Nearest Free Camps
- Panmure Rest Area (Princes Hwy East): (Approx. 25 km) – Basic roadside stop, suitable for self-contained vehicles, short stay.
- Mount Shadwell Scenic Reserve (Mortlake North): (Approx. 50 km) – Town reserve allowing free camping, donations appreciated.
- Note: Very limited options immediately around Warrnambool city.
Nearest Dump Points
- Warrnambool Showgrounds Public Dump Point: (Onsite).
- Warrnambool Visitor Information Centre Dump Point: (Approx. 3 km) – Often available near the VIC on Raglan Parade.
- Koroit Railway Station Public Dump Point: (Approx. 18 km West).
Nearest Petrol Stations
- Multiple options within 1-2 km: Including Shell, BP, Caltex, United, APCO located along Raglan Parade (Princes Hwy) and connecting streets.
- BP Truckstop Warrnambool: (Approx. 3-4 km East) – Large facility on Princes Hwy East.
Nearest Drinking Water Resupply
- Onsite: Potable water available at the showgrounds.
- Warrnambool Visitor Information Centre: (Approx. 3 km) – Often has designated water taps for travellers.
- Public Taps in Parks: (Various) – Check Lake Pertobe, Botanic Gardens, Foreshore reserves.
Nearest Public Toilets (Outside Showgrounds)
- Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground: (Approx. 3 km) – Multiple facilities in this large park.
- Warrnambool Foreshore / Promenade: (Approx. 3-4 km) – Toilets located along the m
