Whorouly Recreation Reserve – Scenic Camping in the Ovens Valley

Set in the picturesque, rolling hills of the Ovens Valley, the Whorouly Recreation Reserve offers a fantastic, low-cost camping experience in the heart of Victoria’s High Country. This welcoming, community-run campground provides a spacious and shady retreat, perfect for caravans, motorhomes, and campers looking for a peaceful base to explore the region’s abundant attractions. The reserve is known for its beautiful, park-like setting, with large, flat, grassy areas nestled amongst mature native trees. It’s an ideal spot to relax, enjoy the fresh country air, and position yourself perfectly for adventures in the nearby gourmet food and wine regions, alpine towns, and scenic rail trails.

The facilities at the Whorouly Recreation Reserve are a major drawcard, providing outstanding value for a very modest fee. Visitors have access to powered sites, a clean and well-maintained amenities block with toilets and hot showers, and potable water, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. The reserve’s location is superb. It’s just a short walk to the local Whorouly Hotel for a classic pub meal, and the town is centrally located between the major hubs of Myrtleford and Wangaratta. This makes it a perfect launchpad for cycling a section of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, tasting world-class wines in the King Valley and Milawa Gourmet Region, or taking a scenic drive up towards the charming alpine village of Bright. For a friendly, well-equipped, and beautifully located camp that captures the essence of the Ovens Valley, the Whorouly Recreation Reserve is a top choice.

Site Information

• Name: Whorouly Recreation Reserve
• Address: Whorouly-Bowman Rd, Whorouly VIC 3735, Australia
• Phone Number: Not available (Community managed).

• GPS Coordinates: -36.507758, 146.586393

• Website: Not available.

Campground Details

• Location: In the town of Whorouly, in the scenic Ovens Valley.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large caravans and motorhomes.
• Road Access: Sealed road access.
• Site Surface: Mostly flat grass with excellent shade.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping with fees payable via an honesty box or to a caretaker.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Flexible, check local signage for any limits.
• Facilities: Powered sites, toilets, hot showers.
• 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: Permitted in contained fire pits only, subject to local fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days.
• Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for others, though powered sites are available.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring: Cash for fees, a bicycle for the rail trail, an esky for local produce.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
• Fishing: Good trout fishing opportunities in the nearby Ovens and King Rivers.
• Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the reserve and the quiet streets of Whorouly.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Whorouly Hotel: Approx. 1 km
  • Happy Valley Hotel, Ovens: Approx. 12 km
  • Myrtleford Hotel, Myrtleford: Approx. 18 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Whorouly Hotel (pub meals): Approx. 1 km
  • Cafe Fez, Myrtleford: Approx. 18 km
  • Extensive range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Myrtleford and Wangaratta.
• Local Attractions:
  • Murray to Mountains Rail Trail (nearby access)
  • Milawa Gourmet Region (Brown Brothers, cheese factory): Approx. 20 km
  • Mount Buffalo National Park: Approx. 40 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Myrtleford Holiday Park: Approx. 18 km
  • Painters Island Caravan Park, Wangaratta: Approx. 25 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Edi Cutting Reserve, Edi (King Valley): Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Myrtleford Showgrounds Public Dump Point: Approx. 18 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in Whorouly (check hours). Major stations in Myrtleford (18 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available on-site.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located in the main street park in Myrtleford.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, with temperatures often in the mid-to-high 30s (°C). Ideal for river activities.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Famous for stunning autumn colours. Days are warm and sunny, nights are cool. Perfect for cycling and wine tasting. Temperatures average 10°C to 25°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frequent heavy frosts and fog, often clearing to beautiful sunny days. The nearby peaks are often snow-capped. Average temperatures range from 3°C to 14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny, but weather can be changeable. The landscape is lush and green. Temperatures average 8°C to 22°C.