Macarthur Recreation Reserve | Low Cost Camping Near Budj Bim & Port Fairy

The Macarthur Recreation Reserve is a legendary destination on the Australian free camping trail, celebrated for its outstanding community-run facilities and perfect location. This exceptional campground offers a comfortable, convenient, and incredibly budget-friendly base for exploring the rich volcanic landscapes of Western Victoria, including the world-heritage-listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape. Set on a huge, flat, and well-maintained grassy reserve, the campground provides an abundance of space for all types of setups, from the largest motorhomes and big rigs to tents and campervans. The atmosphere is famously friendly and welcoming, a testament to the local community that maintains the grounds with immense pride.

What makes Macarthur a must-visit destination are the facilities, which are truly remarkable for a donation-based camp. Travellers are treated to clean flushing toilets, hot showers, a public dump point, and even access to powered sites for a very modest fee. This level of amenity makes it a perfect stop to refresh and recharge on a long journey. Its strategic location is a major drawcard. Macarthur is the closest town and the ideal gateway to the ancient aquaculture systems and volcanic wonders of the Budj Bim National Park. It’s also just a short, scenic drive from the stunning Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and the charming historic fishing village of Port Fairy, with its beautiful beaches and acclaimed restaurants. For an unbeatable combination of top-tier facilities, a strategic location for world-class sightseeing, and incredible community spirit, the Macarthur Recreation Reserve is an iconic and essential stop for any traveller in the region.

Campground Information

• Name: Macarthur Recreation Reserve
• Address: Hamilton-Port Fairy Rd, Macarthur VIC 3286

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -38.038422168896474, 142.0077907758937

Website

• Website: This is a community-run reserve. Information is available on the Moyne Shire website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Town recreation reserve.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Sealed road.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass, very level.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free/donation for unpowered sites. Small fee for powered sites.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage; short-term stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: Flushing toilets, hot showers (donation), dump point, powered sites, potable water, playground.
• Potable Water: Yes, available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Generally not permitted. Check local restrictions.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring: Donation money for the honesty box, coins for power/showers.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Nearby Lake Condah and the Surry River offer freshwater fishing opportunities.
• Short Walks: Enjoy walks around the reserve and the historic Macarthur township.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Macarthur Hotel – Approx. 1 km
  • Hawkesdale Hotel (Hawkesdale) – Approx. 20 km
  • The Star of the West (Port Fairy) – Approx. 35 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Macarthur Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 1 km
  • Macarthur General Store / Cafe – Approx. 1 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Budj Bim National Park (Mount Eccles) – Approx. 15 km
  • Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve – Approx. 25 km
  • Port Fairy historic fishing village – Approx. 35 km
  • Mount Rouse (Penshurst) – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Various caravan parks in Port Fairy – Approx. 35 km
  • Hamilton Caravan Park – Approx. 45 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Hawkesdale Apex Campsite – Approx. 20 km
  • Sawpit Free Campground (Narrawong) – Approx. 50 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located onsite at the Macarthur Recreation Reserve.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Macarthur – Approx. 1 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and generally dry, with moderating coastal influences, averaging 13-26°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and cool nights, ideal for walking and exploring, averaging 9-21°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often damp, with chilly days, averaging 6-14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine, a great time to see the region’s lush green landscapes, averaging 8-19°C.