Loch Memorial Reserve – Peaceful Camping in the South Gippsland Hills

Escape to the serene, rolling green hills of South Gippsland with a stay at the Loch Memorial Reserve Camping Ground. Located in the quiet dairy farming town of Poowong, this community-run reserve offers a peaceful and picturesque setting for self-contained caravans and RVs. It’s a classic country recreation ground, providing a spacious, grassy, and relatively level area where travellers can unwind and enjoy the tranquil rural atmosphere. For a small donation, visitors can enjoy a quiet night’s sleep, making it an excellent and affordable base for exploring the charming nearby villages of Loch and Nyora, and the larger regional hub of Korumburra.

The facilities are practical and well-suited to the self-sufficient traveller. The reserve provides access to public toilets and, most importantly, a public dump point, allowing campers to manage their waste responsibly. While there are no showers or powered sites, the appeal of this spot lies in its simplicity and its beautiful, open setting. It’s a place to be self-reliant and enjoy the basics of camping in a scenic location. The reserve is ideally positioned for day trips around the stunning South Gippsland countryside. You can explore the antique shops and craft breweries of Loch Village, ride a section of the Great Southern Rail Trail, or delve into the coal mining history at the Coal Creek Community Park and Museum in Korumburra. For travellers seeking an authentic, no-fuss country stopover away from the main tourist trails, the Loch Memorial Reserve is a delightful and welcoming choice.

Site Information

• Name: Loch Memorial Reserve Camping Ground
• Address: 32 Loch-Poowong Rd, Poowong VIC 3988, Australia
• Phone Number: (03) 492 911 213

• GPS Coordinates: -38.368264, 145.711776

• Website: Not available.

Campground Details

• Location: In the town of Poowong, in the heart of the South Gippsland hills.
• Site Suitable For: Best suited for self-contained caravans, motorhomes, and RVs.
• Road Access: Sealed road access.
• Site Surface: Mostly flat grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, short-term camping is available for a donation.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 48 hours.
• Facilities: Public toilets, dump point.
• Potable Water: A tap is available, but bringing your own drinking water is recommended.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, can be patchy for other carriers in the hilly terrain.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, but please consider taking your rubbish with you to support the volunteers.
• Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with strict consideration for the nearby residences and other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with plenty of room.
• Essentials to Bring: Cash for donation, all your own power and cooking supplies.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the reserve and the quiet streets of Poowong.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Poowong Hotel: Approx. 1 km
  • Loch Village Hotel, Loch: Approx. 10 km
  • Nyora Hotel, Nyora: Approx. 14 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Poowong Hotel (pub meals): Approx. 1 km
  • Loch Village Foodstore & Cafe, Loch: Approx. 10 km
  • The Loch Grocer, Loch: Approx. 10 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Loch Brewery & Distillery: Approx. 10 km
  • Coal Creek Community Park and Museum, Korumburra: Approx. 20 km
  • Great Southern Rail Trail (access from Nyora or Korumburra)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Korumburra Caravan Park: Approx. 20 km
  • Drouin Caravan Park: Approx. 35 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Franklin River Reserve, Toora: Approx. 60 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located on-site at the reserve.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in Poowong (limited hours). More options in Korumburra.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available on-site (limited). Best to fill main tanks in a larger town like Korumburra.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located in the main street of Loch.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and generally mild, with cool evenings. A great escape from hotter inland areas. Temperatures average 14°C to 26°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and often sunny, with crisp air. The hills are at their greenest. Temperatures average 9°C to 21°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold, windy, and often wet with frequent drizzle. Average temperatures range from 5°C to 14°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 8°C to 19°C.