Merton Racecourse Camping – Your Gateway to the High Country & Rail Trail

Set in the picturesque foothills of the Victorian High Country, the Merton Racecourse offers a unique and fantastic low-cost camping experience for travellers. This welcoming, community-focused facility provides a vast, open, and scenic space for caravans, motorhomes, and campers, making it a perfect base for exploring the region’s renowned natural attractions. Its prime location is a major drawcard, situated directly adjacent to the Great Victorian Rail Trail, making it an absolute haven for cyclists, walkers, and horse riders looking for direct access to one of the state’s best trails. The racecourse provides a peaceful, spacious, and quintessentially Australian country setting to unwind and plan your adventures.

For a low-cost camp, the amenities at Merton Racecourse are excellent. Visitors can access powered and unpowered sites, clean toilet and shower facilities, and potable water, all for a very reasonable fee. The huge, grassy, and level areas mean that even the largest rigs can find a comfortable spot with a sense of privacy. The historic Merton Hotel is just down the road for a classic pub meal, adding to the convenience. The racecourse is strategically positioned for exploring the best of the High Country, with the popular tourist town of Mansfield, the shores of Lake Eildon, and the ski fields of Mount Buller all within an easy day’s drive. Whether you’re planning a multi-day ride on the rail trail, heading up to the mountains, or simply seeking a quiet and well-equipped stopover, the Merton Racecourse is a winning choice that offers incredible value and a memorable stay.

Site Information

• Name: Merton Race Club
• Address: 3138 Merton-Euroa Rd, Merton VIC 3715, Australia
• Phone Number: (03) 407 888 121

• GPS Coordinates: -36.972628, 145.709018

• Website: country.racing.com/merton

Campground Details

• Location: At the Merton Racecourse on the Merton-Euroa Road, near the Maroondah Highway.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, from tents to the largest motorhomes. Excellent for groups.
• Road Access: Sealed road access.
• Site Surface: Mostly flat grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping with fees payable via honesty box or to a caretaker.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with the club, but suitable for stays of several days.
• Facilities: Powered sites, toilets, hot showers.
• Potable Water: Yes, available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra; can 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.
• Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for other campers, though powered sites are available.
• Number of Sites Available: Huge, unmarked area with space for hundreds of campers.
• Essentials to Bring: Bicycle or walking shoes for the rail trail, cash for fees.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are very welcome but must be on a leash.
• Fishing: Fishing opportunities in the nearby Goulburn River and Lake Eildon.
• Short Walks: Direct access to the Great Victorian Rail Trail for extensive walking and cycling.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Merton Hotel: Approx. 1 km
  • Bonnie Doon Hotel, Bonnie Doon: Approx. 20 km
  • The Delatite Hotel, Mansfield: Approx. 30 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Merton Hotel (pub meals): Approx. 1 km
  • Wide range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Mansfield (30 km) and Euroa (35 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • Great Victorian Rail Trail (adjacent to the racecourse)
  • Lake Eildon National Park: Approx. 25 km
  • Mansfield Zoo: Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Mansfield Holiday Park: Approx. 30 km
  • Euroa Caravan Park: Approx. 35 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Various bush camps in the surrounding state forests and along Lake Eildon.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Euroa Showgrounds Public Dump Point: Approx. 35 km
  • Mansfield Showgrounds Public Dump Point: Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Yarck: Approx. 10 km
  • Major stations in Mansfield and Euroa.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available on-site.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located in the main street parks of Mansfield and Euroa.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with cool evenings, perfect for getting out on the trail early. Temperatures average 14°C to 29°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Crisp, clear days and cool nights, with stunning autumn foliage in the High Country. Ideal for cycling. Temperatures average 8°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frequent heavy frosts and chilly winds from the nearby mountains. Average temperatures range from 2°C to 13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny, but weather can be highly changeable. The landscape is green and vibrant. Temperatures average 7°C to 20°C.