Meeniyan Recreation Reserve: Your RV Friendly Hub in South Gippsland
Nestled in the heart of the vibrant and artistic town of Meeniyan, the Meeniyan Recreation Reserve offers a fantastic, low-cost camping experience for travellers exploring the stunning landscapes of South Gippsland. Known as ‘The Turning Point’ on the South Gippsland Highway, Meeniyan is a hub of creativity and culinary delights, and this campground places you right in the centre of it all. The spacious, grassy reserve provides ample room for all types of setups, from tents to large RVs, making it a popular and convenient stopover. It’s an ideal base for cyclists looking to tackle the renowned Great Southern Rail Trail, which runs directly through the town, or for those wanting to explore the nearby pristine beaches of Inverloch and Venus Bay, and the breathtaking beauty of Wilsons Promontory.
The Meeniyan Recreation Reserve is a shining example of a community-supported facility, offering excellent amenities for a very modest fee. Campers have access to clean public toilets and a public dump point, making it an incredibly convenient option for self-contained travellers. The reserve is proudly pet-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful surroundings with your furry friends. The adjacent parklands feature a playground and public BBQs, perfect for a family meal. From the campground, it’s just a short stroll to Meeniyan’s fantastic array of cafes, boutique shops, art galleries, and the iconic Meeniyan Hotel. For a comfortable, affordable, and perfectly located base to discover all that South Gippsland has to offer, the Meeniyan Recreation Reserve is an unbeatable choice.
Campground Information
- Name: Meeniyan Recreation Reserve
- Address: Hanily Street, Meeniyan, Victoria 3956, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -38.57459176189547, 146.0122395635889
- Website: Managed by the local community (no official website).
- Phone: 0428 644 354 (Faye Sinclair, Contact Person)
Features & Rules
- Location: Spacious recreation reserve within the Meeniyan township.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and RVs.
- Road Access: Excellent sealed road access.
- Site Surface: Mostly level grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping ($10 per vehicle per night).
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 3 nights.
- Facilities: Public toilets, public BBQ, playground, and a dump point.
- Potable Water: Water is available, but not all taps are guaranteed to be potable. Best to bring your own.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent coverage for all major carriers.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, two public toilet blocks are available.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
- Open Fires: Generally not permitted; use provided BBQ facilities.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Numerous undesignated, unpowered sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Your own supplies for a comfortable stay.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a pet-friendly campground.
- Fishing: Not applicable on-site.
- Short Walks: Direct access to the Great Southern Rail Trail and walks around the town.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Meeniyan Hotel – approx. 500 m
- Places to Eat:
- Trulli Pizzeria – approx. 500 m
- Moo’s at Meeniyan – approx. 500 m
- Meeniyan Pantry & Cellar – approx. 500 m
- Local Attractions:
- Great Southern Rail Trail – adjacent to the reserve
- Meeniyan Art Gallery – approx. 500 m
- Wilsons Promontory National Park – approx. 60 km
Nearby Parks & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Leongatha Caravan Park – approx. 13 km
- Prom Central Caravan Park (Foster) – approx. 19 km
- Korumburra Showgrounds Caravan Park – approx. 23 km
- Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
- Franklin River Reserve (Toora North) – approx. 35 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- On-site at the Meeniyan Recreation Reserve.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Shell Meeniyan – approx. 1 km.
- Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Available at the reserve (confirm potable status) or in town.
- Nearest Public Toilets: On-site at the reserve.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and generally pleasant, with coastal breezes. Average maximum temperatures are around 25°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. A beautiful time to explore the region. Average maximums range from 16°C to 23°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often wet, with cold nights. Average maximums are around 13°C to 14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer, with the rolling hills at their greenest. Average maximums range from 16°C to 21°C.