Serviceton Recreation Reserve – Historic VIC/SA Border Stopover Camping
Located in the unique and historic border town of Serviceton, the Serviceton Recreation Reserve offers travellers an excellent, low-cost camping experience right on the line between Victoria and South Australia. This friendly, community-run facility is the perfect stopover for those journeying on the Western Highway between Melbourne and Adelaide, providing a peaceful and well-equipped place to rest and recharge. The reserve features a spacious, flat, and grassy area with plenty of room for all types of setups, from large motorhomes to caravans and campervans. It’s a place steeped in the fascinating history of a town that was once a bustling railway hub, responsible for changing train crews and locomotives between the two states.
The amenities at the Serviceton Recreation Reserve are a major drawcard and represent incredible value for the small donation requested. Campers have access to powered sites, a clean and functional amenities block with toilets and hot showers, and potable water. This level of comfort is a welcome sight after a long day on the road. The reserve’s location invites exploration of the town’s unique past. The magnificent, heritage-listed Serviceton Railway Station stands as a grand reminder of a bygone era and is a must-see for any visitor. The town itself is quiet and peaceful, offering a true sense of rural Australia. For services, the larger towns of Kaniva in Victoria and Bordertown in South Australia are just a short drive away. For a comfortable, affordable, and historically rich stay right on the border, the Serviceton Recreation Reserve is a top-quality choice.
Site Information
- Name: Serviceton Recreation Reserve
- Address: 52 Baldocks-Grossers Rd, Serviceton VIC 3420, Australia
- Phone Number: Not available (Community managed).
- GPS Coordinates: -36.386441, 140.981197
- Website: Not available.
Campground Details
- Location: In the historic border town of Serviceton, just off the Western Highway.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large 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.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Flexible for short-term stays.
- Facilities: Powered sites, toilets, hot showers.
- Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra; service for other carriers may be limited.
- 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: Large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
- Essentials to Bring: Cash for donation, a camera for the historic railway station.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: Excellent walks around the historic town and railway precinct.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Kaniva Commercial Hotel, Kaniva: Approx. 25 km
- Club Hotel, Kaniva: Approx. 25 km
- Wolseley Hotel, Wolseley SA: Approx. 20 km
- Places to Eat:
- Kaniva’s main street offers bakeries, cafes, and pubs: Approx. 25 km
- Bordertown’s main street offers similar options: Approx. 40 km
- Local Attractions:
- Serviceton Railway Station: Approx. 1 km
- Kaniva Silo Art: Approx. 25 km
- Bordertown Wildlife Park: Approx. 40 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Kaniva Caravan Park: Approx. 25 km
- Bordertown Caravan Park: Approx. 40 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Rest Area, Serviceton (basic truck stop): Approx. 2 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Kaniva Showgrounds Public Dump Point: Approx. 25 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Major 24/7 stations at Kaniva (25 km) and Bordertown (40 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available on-site.
- Public Toilets (offsite):
- Located near the Serviceton Railway Station.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Very hot and dry, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35-40°C. High fire danger.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for travel. Temperatures average 10°C to 27°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold with chilly nights, often with frost. Days can be clear and sunny or overcast. Average temperatures range from 4°C to 16°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant with wildflowers blooming after rain. Weather can be variable and windy. Temperatures average 9°C to 24°C.