Port Albert Racecourse Reserve – Coastal Camping Near Historic Port Albert

Discover a peaceful and spacious coastal getaway at the Port Albert Racecourse and Recreation Reserve, a fantastic low-cost campground just minutes from one of Victoria’s oldest seaports. This welcoming, community-run facility offers a classic country racecourse setting, with vast, flat, and well-maintained grassy areas perfect for caravans, motorhomes, and campers. It provides an ideal and affordable base for exploring the rich maritime history of Port Albert, the pristine coastline of the Ninety Mile Beach, and the beautiful hinterland of South Gippsland. The reserve’s wide-open spaces ensure you can find a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy the tranquil rural atmosphere, with the fresh sea breeze never far away.

For a budget-friendly camp, the facilities at the Port Albert Racecourse are excellent. For a small nightly fee, visitors can access powered sites, toilets, and showers, making for a very comfortable stay. The reserve is the perfect launchpad for adventure. The charming village of Port Albert is just a couple of kilometres down the road, offering renowned fish and chip shops, a maritime museum, and a beautiful foreshore for walks and fishing from the jetty. The nearby Tarra River and the coastal waters are a paradise for anglers and boaters. For those seeking surf and sand, the endless stretches of the Ninety Mile Beach at Woodside are also within easy reach. Combining a unique and spacious setting with great value and a prime coastal location, the Port Albert Racecourse is a hidden gem for any Gippsland explorer.

Site Information

• Name: Port Albert Racecourse & Recreation Reserve
• Address: Port Albert-Tarraville Rd, Langsborough VIC 3971, Australia
• Phone Number: Not available (Community managed).

• GPS Coordinates: -38.653309, 146.688226

• Website: Not available.

Campground Details

• Location: Just outside the historic fishing village of Port Albert in South Gippsland.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including the largest motorhomes and caravans.
• 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 for short to medium-term stays.
• Facilities: Powered sites, toilets, showers.
• Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra; service 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.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring: Cash for fees, fishing gear, insect repellent in summer.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
• Fishing: Excellent estuary and offshore fishing opportunities from Port Albert.
• Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the racecourse and along the Port Albert foreshore.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Port Albert Hotel: Approx. 3 km
  • Yarram Club Hotel, Yarram: Approx. 15 km
  • Commercial Hotel, Yarram: Approx. 15 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Port Albert Fish & Chip Co: Approx. 3 km
  • Wildfish Restaurant, Port Albert: Approx. 3 km
  • Various cafes and bakeries in Yarram: Approx. 15 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Port Albert Maritime Museum: Approx. 3 km
  • Historic Port Albert township and jetty.
  • Ninety Mile Beach at Woodside Beach: Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Port Albert Caravan Park: Approx. 3 km
  • Yarram Holiday Park: Approx. 15 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Old Port Trail, Port Albert (basic): Approx. 4 km
  • Franklin River Reserve, Toora: Approx. 45 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Yarram Holiday Park (check for public access/fee): Approx. 15 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in Port Albert (limited hours). Multiple major stations in Yarram (15 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available on-site.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located on the Port Albert foreshore.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and often humid, with sea breezes. The peak season for fishing and tourism. Temperatures average 15°C to 27°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and often sunny, with stable weather. A great time for walking and exploring. Temperatures average 10°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool, windy, and often wet. Good for storm watching and quiet getaways. Average temperatures range from 6°C to 15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny but can be very windy and changeable. A beautiful time to see the landscape come alive. Temperatures average 9°C to 20°C.