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.

Campground Information

• Name: Yarck Recreation Reserve
• Address: 14 Yarck Road, Yarck, Victoria 3719, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.0997882,145.6161267
• Website: Managed by Murrindindi Shire Council.

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.