Perfectly positioned in the charming high-country village of Yarck, the Yarck Recreation Reserve offers a fantastic free camping experience for travellers, especially those exploring the Great Victorian Rail Trail. This spacious and well-maintained reserve provides a welcoming and convenient stopover, with plenty of room for caravans, RVs, and tents to set up on the lush, grassy oval. The reserve is a hub of community life and offers a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal base to explore the scenic beauty of the Murrindindi Shire. Its direct access to the Rail Trail makes it a paradise for cyclists and walkers, who can easily venture towards Alexandra or Merton from their campsite.
The Yarck Recreation Reserve is exceptionally well-equipped for a free campground. Visitors have access to a range of facilities including public toilets, picnic tables, a rotunda, and barbecue areas, ensuring a comfortable stay. A playground and sports oval provide ample space for kids to play. The campground is proudly pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your dog along for the adventure. While there are no powered sites or showers, the convenience of being just a short stroll from the heart of Yarck is a major drawcard. You can easily walk to the iconic Yarck Hotel for a classic pub meal, or visit the town’s popular cafes for a coffee and a bite to eat. For a budget-friendly, convenient, and truly welcoming stay in a beautiful part of regional Victoria, the Yarck Recreation Reserve is an unbeatable choice.
Yarck Recreation Reserve – VIC Location Map
Campground Information
- Name: Yarck Recreation Reserve
- Address: 14 Yarck Road, Yarck, Victoria 3719, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.0997882,145.6161267
Features & Rules
- Location: Spacious recreation reserve in the heart of Yarck township.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
- Road Access: Excellent sealed road access.
- Site Surface: Mostly level grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check local signage for any stay limits.
- Facilities: Toilets, BBQs, picnic tables, rotunda, playground, and sports oval.
- Potable Water: No, the water on site is non-potable. Bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for major carriers.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, toilets are available.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
- Open Fires: Generally not permitted; use provided BBQs.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Numerous undesignated, unpowered sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water and your own supplies.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Possible in the nearby Goulburn River.
- Short Walks: Direct access to the Great Victorian Rail Trail.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Yarck Hotel – approx. 500 m
- Commercial Hotel (Alexandra) – approx. 13 km
- Royal Mail Hotel (Yea) – approx. 21 km
- Places to Eat:
- Giddy Goat Cafe (Yarck) – approx. 500 m
- Buck’s Country Bakehouse (Yarck) – approx. 500 m
- Local Attractions:
- Great Victorian Rail Trail – adjacent to the reserve
- Historic town of Alexandra – approx. 13 km
- Yea Wetlands – approx. 21 km
Nearby Parks & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Alexandra Tourist Park – approx. 13 km
- Yea Riverside Caravan Park – approx. 21 km
- Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
- There are free camps in the nearby state forests, but Yarck is the main designated reserve in the immediate area.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Alexandra Tourist Park (check for public access/fee) – approx. 13 km
- Yea Riverside Caravan Park (check for public access/fee) – approx. 21 km
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Yarck, Alexandra, and Yea.
- Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Alexandra or Yea.
- Nearest Public Toilets: On-site at the reserve.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry. Average maximum temperatures are around 29°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for cycling the rail trail. Average maximums range from 17°C to 26°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool days and cold nights with frequent frosts. Average maximums are around 11°C to 13°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer, with pleasant conditions and a green landscape. Average maximums range from 16°C to 24°C.
