Cann River Rainforest Caravan Park, Free 48-Hour Stopover in East Gippsland
Nestled on the tranquil banks of the Cann River, the Cann River Rainforest Caravan Park offers a welcome respite for travellers exploring the majestic landscapes of Far East Gippsland. This peaceful campground, ideally located on the Princes Highway, serves as the perfect crossroad between Melbourne and Sydney, providing a crucial stopover point for those navigating the coastal drive. Now operated by the East Gippsland Shire Council, this site generously offers free camping for a maximum of 48 hours, making it an invaluable resource for nomads, families, and budget-conscious adventurers.
The campground itself is set within a leafy, green environment, with the calming sounds of the river and resident bellbirds providing a natural soundtrack. While the facilities are basic, they are practical and well-maintained, catering perfectly to the self-sufficient traveller. You won’t find powered sites or hot showers, but you will find flushing toilets, cold running town water, rubbish bins, and even an onsite dump point and sullage facilities. The park features a mix of approximately 30 marked and unmarked sites, including several drive-through bays ideal for those who prefer not to un-hitch their caravan or camper for the night.
One of the park’s most delightful features is the 2.25-kilometre rainforest walk located at the rear of the property. This easy stroll allows visitors to stretch their legs and immerse themselves in a lush canopy of ancient trees, offering a genuine rainforest experience just steps from their camp. The park is also pet-friendly, requiring dogs to be on a lead, so your four-legged companion can enjoy the break with you. With its prime location, practical amenities, and the unbeatable price of ‘free’, the Cann River Rainforest Caravan Park is a shining example of regional hospitality and a must-stay location for anyone travelling through this beautiful corner of Victoria.
Cann River Rainforest Caravan Park – VIC Map
Park Information & Location
- Name: Cann River Rainforest Caravan Park
- Address: 7536 Princes Hwy, Cann River VIC 3890
- Website: East Gippsland Shire Council Campgrounds
- GPS Coordinates: -37.56647, 149.14613
Site Features & Amenities
- Location: On the banks of the Cann River, in the town of Cann River.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Camper Trailers, Tents, and Big Rigs (Mobile Homes).
- Road Access: Sealed (Directly off Princes Highway).
- Site Surface: Grass, mostly level with some undulating areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes (Free).
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 48 Hours (2 nights).
- Picnic Tables: Yes (Basic camp kitchen shelter available).
- Potable Water: Yes (Cold tap water only).
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Yes (Good Telstra and Optus coverage reported).
- TV Reception: Information not available.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes (Flushing toilets).
- Ullage / Sullage: Yes, sullage facilities available.
- Drive Through Sites: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fireplaces only. Not on campsites. Prohibited during total fire bans.
- Generator Use: Information not available (be mindful of neighbours).
- Number of Sites Available: Approximately 30 marked and unmarked sites.
- Pet Friendly: Yes (Must be on a lead at all times).
- Fishing: Yes, in the adjacent Cann River.
- Short Walks: Yes (A 2.25km rainforest loop starts from the park).
Essentials to Bring
- Levelling blocks (sites can be uneven).
- Ear plugs (highway noise from trucks can be loud).
- Portable shower (showers are cold water only).
- Firewood (if planning a fire in the designated pits).
- All food and cooking supplies.
- Solar panels or battery setup (no power available).
Local Amenities (Approximate Distances)
- Local Pubs:
- Cann River Hotel (approx. 150m walk)
- Bemm River Hotel (approx. 27km)
- Bendoc Hotel (approx. 52km)
- Places to Eat (Walking Distance):
- Cann River Hotel (Pub meals)
- Pelican Point Coffee Lounge (Cafe)
- Relics Cafe
- Wild Rye’s Bakery
- Leon Palace (Chinese Restaurant)
- Local Attractions:
- Lind National Park (Nearby)
- Alfred National Park (Nearby)
- Croajingolong National Park (Nearby)
- Point Hicks Lighthouse (Nearby drive)
- Thurra River Dunes (Nearby drive)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Genoa Caravan Park (Stopover) (Nearby drive)
- Next Free Camps:
- Drummer Rest Area (Nearby drive)
- Ada River Campground (Nearby drive)
- Nearest Dump Points: Onsite at this campground.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Cann River Service Station (approx. < 500m walk).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Onsite at this campground (cold tap).
- Public Toilets: Onsite. Also at Cann River Hall (approx. 200m).
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Cann River
Summer (December – February): Warm and pleasant. Expect mean maximum temperatures around 25-27°C, with overnight lows around 12-14°C. A good time for swimming in the river.
Autumn (March – May): Mild days cooling off significantly. March sees maximums around 24°C, but by May, the average maximum is closer to 17°C, with lows dropping to 5°C. May can be a wetter month.
Winter (June – August): Cool and often wet. Mean maximum temperatures hover around 14-16°C, with overnight lows dropping to a chilly 2-3°C. Frosts are possible, and June is historically the wettest month.
Spring (September – November): Warming up, with increasing sunshine. Maximum temperatures rise from 18°C in September to 22°C by November. A beautiful time to see the rainforest come to life.