Moyston Sports Ground – Camping at the Birthplace of AFL Football

Camp on a unique piece of Australian history at the Moyston Sports Ground, widely celebrated as the birthplace of Australian Rules Football. This fantastic, community-run campground offers a spacious and welcoming environment for a small donation, making it the perfect gateway to the majestic Grampians National Park (Gariwerd). Set against a stunning backdrop of the mountain ranges, the reserve provides vast, flat, and grassy areas ideal for caravans, motorhomes, and campers of all sizes. It’s a place where you can soak up the incredible sporting heritage, enjoy the peace of a small country town, and position yourself perfectly for exploring one of Victoria’s most spectacular natural wonders.

The facilities at the Moyston Sports Ground are a credit to the local community, offering outstanding value. Campers have access to powered sites and a well-maintained amenities block with toilets and hot showers, ensuring a very comfortable stay. There is also a convenient dump point and potable water available. The reserve’s location is its greatest asset. You are just a short drive from the entrance to the Grampians, ready to tackle iconic hikes like The Pinnacle or visit MacKenzie Falls. The nearby towns of Ararat and Great Western provide access to major supermarkets, fascinating historical attractions like J Ward Gaol, and the acclaimed wineries of the Grampians wine region. Whether you’re a footy fanatic, a nature lover, a wine connoisseur, or simply looking for a friendly and well-equipped stopover, the Moyston Sports Ground offers an unbeatable combination of history, scenery, and community hospitality.

Site Information

• Name: Overnight Moyston Sports Ground
• Address: 1 Moyston-Great Western Rd, Moyston VIC 3377, Australia
• Phone Number: Not available (Community managed).

• GPS Coordinates: -37.298468, 142.765769

• Website: Not available.

Campground Details

• Location: In the town of Moyston, at the foot of the Grampians National Park.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, from tents to the largest motorhomes.
• Road Access: Sealed road access.
• Site Surface: Mostly flat grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, camping is by donation, payable via an honesty box.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Flexible, but short to medium-term stays are standard.
• Facilities: Powered sites, toilets, hot showers, dump point.
• Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra; service for other carriers can be patchy.
• 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 others, though powered sites are available.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring: Cash for donation, hiking boots for the Grampians, a football to kick on the oval.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are very welcome but must be on a leash.
• Fishing: Fishing opportunities in nearby lakes and reservoirs like Lake Bellfield.
• Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the sports ground and the historic town of Moyston.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Great Western Hotel, Great Western: Approx. 20 km
  • Ararat Hotel, Ararat: Approx. 25 km
  • National Hotel, Ararat: Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Moyston General Store (limited takeaway): Approx. 1 km
  • Salingers Cafe, Great Western: Approx. 20 km
  • Extensive range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Ararat: Approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) entrance: Approx. 15 km
  • Grampians Wine Region (Seppelt, Bests), Great Western: Approx. 20 km
  • J Ward Asylum and Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, Ararat: Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, Halls Gap: Approx. 25 km
  • Acacia Caravan Park, Ararat: Approx. 25 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Green Hill Lake, Ararat: Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located on-site at the reserve.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in Moyston (limited hours). Major stations in Ararat.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available on-site.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located at the Moyston General Store.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Very warm to hot and typically dry. High risk of bushfires. Temperatures often exceed 30°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Pleasant, with mild, sunny days and cool evenings. A beautiful time for hiking and wine tasting. Temperatures average 9°C to 23°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often damp, with frequent frosts and occasional light snow on the peaks. Average temperatures range from 3°C to 13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny but weather can be very changeable. The best time for wildflowers in the Grampians. Temperatures average 7°C to 20°C.