Gormandale Recreation Reserve – Gippsland’s Hidden Gem for Campers

Tucked away in the peaceful countryside of Central Gippsland, the Gormandale Recreation Reserve is a prime example of community spirit, offering an exceptionally well-equipped campground for a small donation. This hidden gem provides travellers with a spacious and tranquil base to explore the diverse attractions of the region, from the lush rainforests of the Strzelecki Ranges to the sandy shores of the Ninety Mile Beach. The reserve features a vast, flat, and grassy area perfect for all types of camping setups, whether you have a large motorhome, a caravan, or a simple tent. It’s a friendly, welcoming spot where you can enjoy the peace of a rural setting while benefiting from an impressive range of amenities.

What makes Gormandale a standout choice is the quality of its facilities, which are remarkable for a donation-based camp. Visitors can access powered sites, a clean amenities block with toilets and hot showers, and a convenient public dump point. These features ensure a comfortable and hassle-free stay, catering to the needs of all travellers. The reserve is managed by the local community, and their pride in the facility is evident. Its location is ideal for day trips to the magnificent Tarra-Bulga National Park, with its stunning fern gullies and suspension bridge, or to the coastal town of Port Albert for some fishing. The larger regional centre of Traralgon is also within easy reach for major shopping and services. For an authentic, comfortable, and incredibly affordable stay that puts you in the heart of Gippsland, the Gormandale Recreation Reserve is a top-tier choice.

Site Information

• Name: Gormandale Recreation Reserve
• Address: Gormandale VIC 3873, Australia

• GPS Coordinates: -38.292312, 146.701251

• Website: Not available (Community managed).

Campground Details

• Location: In the small rural town of Gormandale in Central Gippsland.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed road access.
• Site Surface: Mostly flat grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, camping is by donation in the provided honesty box.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short to medium-term stays are typical.
• Facilities: Powered sites, toilets, hot showers, dump point.
• Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, may be patchy for other carriers.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Generally not permitted. Please check local fire regulations, especially during summer.
• Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for others, though powered sites are available.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with plenty of room.
• Essentials to Bring: Cash for donation, walking shoes, and supplies as local shops are limited.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
• Fishing: Good fishing opportunities in nearby rivers and at the coast (Port Albert).
• Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the reserve and the quiet surrounding farmland.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Gormandale Hotel: Approx. 500 m
  • Yarram Club Hotel, Yarram: Approx. 20 km
  • Commercial Hotel, Yarram: Approx. 20 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Gormandale Hotel (pub meals): Approx. 500 m
  • Various cafes, bakeries, and hotels in Yarram: Approx. 20 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Tarra-Bulga National Park: Approx. 30 km
  • Holey Plains State Park: Approx. 20 km
  • Historic fishing village of Port Albert: Approx. 40 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Yarram Holiday Park: Approx. 20 km
  • Seaspray Caravan Park: Approx. 40 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Old Port Trail, Port Albert (basic): Approx. 40 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located on-site at the reserve.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Gormandale (limited hours), with major stations in Yarram and Traralgon.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available on-site.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located in the main street of Yarram.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot, with coastal breezes providing some relief. A popular time for visiting nearby beaches. Temperatures average 15°C to 28°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and often sunny, with stable weather. The best time for hiking in the national parks. Temperatures average 10°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often wet, with chilly nights. The landscape is lush and green. Average temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny but can be windy and changeable. A great time for seeing waterfalls and wildflowers. Temperatures average 9°C to 20°C.