Johnny Mullagh Caravan Park | Historic Harrow & Glenelg River Camping
Step back in time and enjoy a tranquil country escape at the Johnny Mullagh Caravan Park, beautifully situated in the heart of Harrow, one of Victoria’s oldest inland towns. Named in honour of the legendary Aboriginal cricketer who led the first Australian cricket team to tour England in 1868, this park is steeped in history and offers a peaceful retreat on the banks of the serene Glenelg River. It’s the perfect base for exploring the rich pastoral and Indigenous history of the region. A short stroll from the park will take you to the Johnny Mullagh Interpretive Centre, the historic log gaol, and the town’s charmingly preserved 19th-century buildings.
This welcoming, community-run park offers spacious, grassy powered and unpowered sites, catering to a range of setups from tents to large caravans. The clean and well-maintained amenities, including a camp kitchen and laundry, ensure a comfortable and convenient stay. Being pet-friendly, the whole family can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. The park’s prime riverside location makes it a haven for anglers hoping to catch redfin and bream, while canoeists and kayakers can enjoy a quiet paddle on the gentle waters. For those who simply wish to unwind, it’s a wonderful spot to set up a chair, watch the abundant birdlife, and soak in the peaceful bush surroundings. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a keen fisher, or simply looking for a quiet stopover in a friendly town, the Johnny Mullagh Caravan Park provides an authentic and memorable Australian country experience.
Name: Johnny Mullagh Caravan Park
Address: 83 Blair St, Harrow VIC 3317
GPS Coordinates: -37.17046940489722, 141.5886600966948
Park Information
- Location: In the town of Harrow, on the banks of the Glenelg River.
- Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
- Road access: Sealed road access directly off the main street.
- Site surface: Level, grassy sites.
- Camping permitted: Yes, paid camping with powered and unpowered sites.
- Maximum overnight stays: Subject to booking and availability.
- Facilities: Amenities block with toilets and hot showers, laundry, camp kitchen, children’s playground.
- Potable water: Yes, available on site.
- Mobile phone coverage: Generally reliable in town, especially for Telstra.
- TV reception: Good.
- Onsite public toilets: Yes, for paying guests.
- Rubbish bins: Yes, provided within the park.
- Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. Check with park management.
- Generator use: Permitted with consideration for other campers (check for time restrictions).
- Number of sites available: Approximately 20-30 sites.
- Essentials to bring: Fishing gear, canoe/kayak, history guides, walking shoes.
- Pet friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
- Fishing: Good fishing for redfin and bream in the Glenelg River directly from the park.
- Short walks: Historic walks around the Harrow township, riverbank walks.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- The Hermitage Hotel, Harrow (approx. 500m)
- National Hotel, Coleraine (approx. 38 km)
- Western Hotel, Balmoral (approx. 50 km)
- Places to Eat:
- The Hermitage Hotel (pub meals) (approx. 500m)
- Harrow General Store (takeaway, coffee) (approx. 400m)
- Local Attractions:
- Johnny Mullagh Interpretive Centre (approx. 400m)
- Harrow Log Gaol (approx. 600m)
- Glenelg River (on-site)
- Historic Harrow Sound and Light Show (check for session times)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Coleraine Caravan Park (approx. 38 km)
- Lake Wallace Caravan Park, Edenhope (approx. 50 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Bailey’s Rocks, Dergholm State Park (approx. 40 km)
- Various spots along the Glenelg River (check for access and regulations).
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Harrow Public Dump Point (in town, near park).
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Available in Harrow (check hours).
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available on-site.
- Public Toilets (offsite):
- Located in the main street of Harrow.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry. Pleasant for sitting by the river. Average temperatures range from 14°C to 30°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal weather for exploring the town and fishing. Average temperatures range from 8°C to 23°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, particularly overnight, with a higher chance of rain making the countryside green. Average temperatures range from 4°C to 14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and cool conditions, with the landscape in full bloom. A beautiful time to visit. Average temperatures range from 7°C to 21°C.