EPIC Caravan Park, Mitchell ACT
As Canberra’s largest and most versatile camping facility, the EPIC (Exhibition Park in Canberra) Caravan Park is a vital hub for travellers visiting the nation’s capital. This is a classic Australian showgrounds camping experience on a grand scale, renowned for its vast, open spaces, practical facilities, and an unbeatable location for convenience and transport. The park truly comes alive during major Canberra events like the National Folk Festival, the Royal Canberra Show, and Summernats, when it transforms into a bustling, vibrant community of thousands of campers. For the rest of the year, it offers a quiet, spacious, and budget-friendly base for exploring the city.
The key appeal of EPIC is its sheer size and flexibility. With acres of level, grassy land, it can accommodate every type of rig imaginable, from the largest fifth-wheelers to the smallest tents, with a huge number of powered and unpowered sites available. The atmosphere is relaxed and no-fuss, focusing on providing the essentials for a comfortable stay. The park is equipped with multiple amenity blocks, laundry facilities, and a public dump point, catering efficiently to large numbers of visitors. It’s also one of Canberra’s most popular pet-friendly parks, with plenty of room for dogs to get their exercise.
Strategically, its location is second to none for transport links. The Canberra Light Rail stops directly outside the main gate, offering a direct, hassle-free tram ride straight into the city centre, connecting you to the CBD, Braddon’s popular dining precinct, and Lake Burley Griffin. This means you can park your vehicle and explore the capital’s major attractions like Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial without worrying about city driving or parking. For a practical, convenient, and centrally located stay, especially during peak event times, EPIC is the go-to destination for camping in Canberra.
Site Information
- Location: At the Exhibition Park showgrounds in Mitchell, on the Light Rail line to the city.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs.
- Road Access: Sealed roads.
- Site Surface: Mostly level grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, powered and unpowered sites are available. Can be closed for certain major events.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with management, but generally flexible for tourist stays.
- Number of Powered Sites: Hundreds available.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Extensive unpowered areas.
Facilities
- Facilities: Multiple amenity blocks with toilets and showers, laundry facilities, public dump point.
- Picnic Tables: Limited. Best to be self-sufficient.
- Potable Water: Yes.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent.
- TV Reception: Excellent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: Yes, a public dump point is available on site (Donation requested for non-guests).
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Permitted in unpowered areas, with considerate use regarding timing and neighbours.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: MyWay card or credit card for the light rail, bicycles.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very pet-friendly park. Conditions apply.
- Fishing: Available in nearby Lake Ginninderra or Lake Burley Griffin.
- Short Walks: Plenty of space for walking around the showgrounds. Connects to Canberra’s extensive cycle path network.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Old Canberra Inn, Lyneham (approx. 4 km)
- The Gungahlin Lakes Club (approx. 5 km)
- The Duxton at O’Connor Shops (approx. 6 km)
- Places to Eat: The nearby precincts of Dickson, Braddon, and Gungahlin Town Centre offer a huge variety of restaurants and cafes.
- Local Attractions:
- Canberra CBD (accessible via Light Rail from the gate)
- Australian War Memorial (approx. 7 km)
- Cockington Green Gardens (approx. 8 km)
- National Dinosaur Museum (approx. 8 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Alivio Tourist Park Canberra (approx. 6 km)
- Southside Village (Canberra South Motor Park) (approx. 12 km)
- Next Free Camps: Cotter Campground (low-cost, approx. 28 km). Free camping is very limited near Canberra.
- Nearest Dump Points: Onsite.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Numerous major service stations in Mitchell and Dickson.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Generally warm to hot and dry. Days can be very hot. Average temperatures range from 13°C to 28°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): Famous for its beautiful autumn colours. Days are mild and sunny, with cool, crisp nights. A prime time to visit. Temperatures average 7°C to 20°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold. Days are often clear and sunny but cool. Nights are very cold with heavy frosts being common. Snow is rare in the city itself but can fall on the nearby Brindabella ranges. Temperatures range from 0°C to 12°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season known for the Floriade flower festival. Days become progressively warmer, but nights can still be cool. Temperatures average 6°C to 20°C.