Paradise Valley Campground: A Tranquil Riverside Escape in Glenmaggie
Nestled on the picturesque banks of the Macalister River, just a stone’s throw from the expansive waters of Lake Glenmaggie, Paradise Valley Campground offers a genuine escape into the heart of Gippsland’s stunning scenery. This privately-owned park provides a classic, back-to-basics Australian camping experience, perfect for families, couples, and groups looking to disconnect and enjoy the serenity of the bush. The campground is renowned for its large, grassy, and unpowered sites spread out beneath the shade of mature trees, offering plenty of space to set up your tent, camper trailer, or caravan.
The true highlight of Paradise Valley is its direct access to the river. The clear, flowing water is perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot summer’s day, floating on a lilo, or trying your luck fishing for trout and redfin. The natural environment is a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of native birds frequently visiting the campground, adding to the authentic bush atmosphere. While facilities are simple, they are clean and well-maintained, including toilet blocks and coin-operated hot showers. Being a pet-friendly destination, it’s the ideal spot to bring your four-legged family member for a holiday. For those seeking adventure, the campground serves as a perfect launching point for exploring the vast Lake Glenmaggie, renowned for boating and watersports, or for heading further afield into the rugged beauty of the Victorian High Country. For a peaceful retreat that combines riverside relaxation with outdoor adventure, Paradise Valley is an unbeatable choice.
Campground Information
- Name: Paradise Valley Campground
- Address: 51 Gells Road, Glenmaggie, VIC 3858, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.83915423884854, 146.70824539999967
- Website: View on Facebook
- Phone: 0409 168 886
- Email: Not publicly available.
Features & Facilities
- Location: Secluded bush setting on the banks of the Macalister River, near Lake Glenmaggie.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
- Road Access: Good access via sealed and a short stretch of unsealed road.
- Site Surface: Mostly level grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, paid camping with powered and unpowered sites. Bookings are essential, especially during peak periods.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with management for long-stay options.
- Facilities: Toilets, coin-operated hot showers, some powered sites.
- Potable Water: It’s recommended to bring your own drinking water, though water is available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited to none for most carriers. Expect a digital detox.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, toilets and showers are available for guests.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are generally provided, but taking rubbish with you is encouraged.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions. Firewood is often for sale on-site.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers (restricted hours may apply).
- Number of Sites Available: Numerous spacious sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood (or purchase on-site), insect repellent, and all camping supplies.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very popular pet-friendly park.
- Fishing: Excellent fishing in the Macalister River.
- Short Walks: Plenty of informal walking opportunities along the river and in the surrounding bush.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Heyfield Railway Hotel – approx. 16 km
- Maffra Hotel – approx. 26 km
- Tinamba Hotel – approx. 32 km
- Places to Eat:
- Cafes and bakeries in Heyfield – approx. 16 km
- A wider range of restaurants and takeaways in Maffra – approx. 26 km
- Local Attractions:
- Lake Glenmaggie (boating, waterskiing) – approx. 3 km
- Blores Hill Mountain Bike Park – approx. 10 km
- Gippsland Plains Rail Trail (at Heyfield) – approx. 16 km
Nearby Parks & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Lake Glenmaggie Caravan Park – approx. 3 km
- Heyfield RV Park – approx. 16 km
- Maffra Caravan Park – approx. 26 km
- Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
- Huggett’s Crossing (4WD recommended) – approx. 30 km
- Blue Pool Campground – approx. 50 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Heyfield RV Park (Recreation Reserve) – approx. 16 km
- Maffra Showgrounds Public Dump Point – approx. 26 km
- Nearest Petrol Station: Heyfield – approx. 16 km.
- Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Heyfield or Maffra.
- Nearest Public Toilets: On-site for guests. Next closest in Heyfield township.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days perfect for river activities. Average maximums are around 26°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and pleasant days, ideal for exploring. Average maximums range from 17°C to 24°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool days and cold nights. Can be damp. Average maximums are around 14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild days with the surrounding hills turning green. Average maximums range from 17°C to 22°C.