Ensay Recreation Reserve – Great Alpine Road’s Stopover

Perfectly positioned on the iconic Great Alpine Road, the Ensay Recreation Reserve is a true oasis for travellers exploring the stunning landscapes between the Gippsland Lakes and the Victorian High Country. This community-managed campground is renowned for offering exceptional facilities at a very low cost, making it an essential stopover for caravans, motorhomes, and campers. Set on a vast, flat, and grassy expanse next to the local sports oval, the reserve provides a peaceful and spacious environment to rest and recharge. Its location in the charming and historic township of Ensay, nestled on the banks of the Tambo River, offers a beautiful setting and a taste of authentic rural life.

The amenities at Ensay are what truly set it apart. For a small donation, campers can access powered sites, a clean toilet block with hot showers, potable water, and a dump point – a comprehensive list of features that provides outstanding value. This makes the reserve suitable for all types of travellers, from fully self-contained big rigs to smaller campervans looking for a comfortable night. The local pub, the historic Little River Inn, is just a short walk away, offering hearty meals and a chance to mingle with the friendly locals. The reserve is also a fantastic base for activities like fishing in the Tambo River, known for its healthy trout population, or taking scenic drives through the surrounding mountain country. For anyone tackling the Great Alpine Road, the Ensay Recreation Reserve isn’t just a convenient stop; it’s a destination that enhances the journey.

Site Information

• Name: Ensay Recreation Reserve
• Address: Great Alpine Rd, Ensay VIC 3895, Australia

• GPS Coordinates: -37.383048, 147.821119

• Website: Community managed.

Campground Details

• Location: In the township of Ensay, directly on the B500 Great Alpine Road.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle sizes, including tents, caravans, and large motorhomes.
• Road Access: Sealed road access.
• Site Surface: Mostly flat grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping with fees payable via an honesty box or to a caretaker.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Flexible, check for local signage. Short-term stays are standard.
• Facilities: Powered sites, toilets, hot showers, dump point, potable water.
• Potable Water: Yes, available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, can be limited for other providers.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Generally not permitted. Check local fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days.
• Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for others, but powered sites are available.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with ample space.
• Essentials to Bring: Cash for fees, fishing rod, walking shoes.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
• Fishing: Excellent trout fishing opportunities in the nearby Tambo River.
• Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the reserve and through the quiet town.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Little River Inn, Ensay: Approx. 500 m
  • Swifts Creek General Store & Pub, Swifts Creek: Approx. 25 km
  • Bruthen Inn Hotel, Bruthen: Approx. 60 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Little River Inn (pub meals): Approx. 500 m
  • Ensay General Store may offer limited takeaway.
• Local Attractions:
  • Tambo River (fishing, swimming)
  • Scenic drive along the Great Alpine Road
  • Historic gold mining areas around Swifts Creek and Omeo.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Swifts Creek Caravan Park: Approx. 25 km
  • Omeo Caravan Park: Approx. 50 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Anglers Rest Campground: Approx. 80 km
  • Various bush camps in the surrounding state forests.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located on-site at the reserve.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available at the Ensay General Store (check hours). More options in Swifts Creek.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available on-site.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located near the general store.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with cool evenings due to the altitude. Perfect for river activities. Temperatures average 14°C to 29°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Crisp, clear days and cool nights. The autumn foliage is a major highlight. Temperatures average 7°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frequent heavy frosts and occasional light snow. The nearby peaks are often snow-dusted. Average temperatures range from 1°C to 12°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny, but the weather can be highly unpredictable. The landscape is lush and green. Temperatures average 6°C to 20°C.