Yea Recreation Reserve: Free, Pet-Friendly Camping in the Heart of Town
The Yea Recreation Reserve offers a wonderfully convenient and welcoming free camping experience for travellers exploring the scenic heart of Victoria. Located within the charming township of Yea, this spacious reserve is a favourite amongst RV and caravan owners, providing ample flat, grassy space to set up for a night or two. Its prime location is a major highlight, offering direct access to the celebrated Great Victorian Rail Trail, making it a perfect stopover for cyclists and walkers. The reserve is a hub of local life, adjacent to the town’s sporting facilities, and provides a safe and friendly atmosphere for visitors.
While the camping is free, the reserve is well-serviced with essential amenities, including clean public toilets. This makes it a comfortable and hassle-free option for those on the road. The park is proudly pet-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful parklands and nearby walking trails with your dog. One of the best features is its unbeatable proximity to the town centre. A very short stroll will take you to Yea’s historic main street, where you can enjoy a classic pub meal, browse boutique shops, or relax in one of the excellent cafes. This blend of a peaceful, spacious camping environment with the full amenities of a vibrant and historic country town at your doorstep makes the Yea Recreation Reserve a top choice for a comfortable and convenient High Country getaway.
Campground Information
- Name: Yea Recreation Reserve
- Address: 18-20 Snodgrass Street, Yea, Victoria 3717, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.2098569,145.4249869
- Website: Managed by Murrindindi Shire Council.
Features & Rules
- Location: Spacious recreation reserve in the Yea 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: Public toilets.
- Potable Water: Yes, drinking water is available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent coverage for all major carriers.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, toilets are available.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
- Open Fires: Generally not permitted.
- 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, pets are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Possible in the nearby Yea River.
- Short Walks: Direct access to the Great Victorian Rail Trail and walks around the Yea Wetlands.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Country Club Hotel – approx. 1 km
- Royal Mail Hotel – approx. 1 km
- Yea Peppercorn Hotel – approx. 1 km
- Places to Eat:
- A wide variety of cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Yea – approx. 1 km
- Local Attractions:
- Great Victorian Rail Trail – adjacent to the reserve
- Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre – approx. 1 km
- Cheviot Tunnel – approx. 10 km along the rail trail
Nearby Parks & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Yea Riverside Caravan Park – approx. 2 km
- Molesworth Recreation Reserve Caravan and Camping Park – approx. 11 km
- Alexandra Tourist Park – approx. 25 km
- Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
- Yarck Recreation Reserve – approx. 21 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Yea Public Dump Point (1 Hood Street) – approx. 1 km
- Nearest Petrol Station: Several options in Yea – approx. 1 km.
- Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: On-site at the reserve.
- 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.