Longwood Recreation Reserve – Hume Highway Stopover
For travellers seeking a convenient, comfortable, and budget-friendly stopover just off the Hume Highway, the Longwood Recreation Reserve is an absolute standout. This well-appointed, community-run campground offers exceptional value, providing a wide range of facilities that are a welcome surprise for such a low-cost site. Located in the quiet, historic town of Longwood, the reserve boasts a huge, flat, grassy area that can accommodate the largest of rigs, ensuring plenty of space for everyone. It’s an ideal spot to break the long journey between Melbourne and Sydney, or to use as a peaceful base for exploring the nearby Strathbogie Ranges and the Goulburn Valley wine region.
The amenities at Longwood are a major drawcard and are a credit to the local community that maintains them. For a small fee, campers gain access to powered sites, a clean and functional amenities block with toilets and hot showers, potable water, and a public dump point. This fantastic range of services provides all the comforts of a commercial caravan park at a fraction of the price. The reserve’s location within the town means the local pub, famous for its character and good meals, is just a short walk away. The surrounding region offers plenty to see and do, from scenic drives through the granite-strewn hills of the Strathbogie Ranges to wine tasting at renowned Nagambie Lakes wineries or fishing in the Goulburn River. Offering a perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and country charm, the Longwood Recreation Reserve is a must-stay for any RVer travelling the Hume corridor.
Site Information
- Name: Longwood Recreation Reserve
- Address: Down St, Longwood VIC 3665, Australia
- Phone Number: Not publicly listed. Managed by local community.
- GPS Coordinates: -36.805566, 145.428054
- Website: Not available.
Campground Details
- Location: In the town of Longwood, just a few minutes off the Hume Freeway.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including tents, caravans, and the largest motorhomes.
- Road Access: Sealed road access.
- Site Surface: Mostly flat grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping with fees payable via an honesty box or to a caretaker.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Flexible, check with the caretaker for stays longer than one week.
- Facilities: Powered sites, toilets, hot showers, dump point.
- Potable Water: Yes, available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for all major carriers.
- 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 others, but powered sites are available.
- Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with capacity for 100+ vans.
- Essentials to Bring: Cash for fees, walking shoes for exploring the town.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
- Fishing: Good fishing opportunities in the nearby Goulburn River and Nagambie Lakes.
- Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the reserve and the historic Longwood township.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- The White Hart Hotel, Longwood: Approx. 1 km
- Royal Mail Hotel, Nagambie: Approx. 20 km
- Avenel Hotel, Avenel: Approx. 15 km
- Places to Eat:
- The White Hart Hotel (pub meals): Approx. 1 km
- Extensive range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Euroa (15 km) and Nagambie (20 km).
- Local Attractions:
- Strathbogie Ranges (scenic drives, rock formations): Approx. 20 km
- Nagambie Lakes (wineries, boating): Approx. 20 km
- Gooram Falls: Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Nagambie Lakes Leisure Park: Approx. 20 km
- Euroa Caravan Park: Approx. 15 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Balmattum Rest Area (basic stop), Euroa: Approx. 15 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Located on-site at the reserve.
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Major service centres located on the Hume Freeway at Avenel and Euroa.
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available on-site.
- Public Toilets (offsite):
- Located in the main park in Euroa and Nagambie.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb):** Hot and generally dry, with temperatures often in the mid-to-high 30s (°C).
- Autumn (Mar-May):** Pleasant and stable weather with warm days and mild evenings. Ideal for touring. Temperatures average 10°C to 25°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug):** Cool to cold with frequent morning frosts and fog, often clearing to sunny days. Average temperatures range from 3°C to 14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov):** Mild and pleasant, though weather can be changeable. The ranges are green and vibrant. Temperatures average 8°C to 21°C.