Moora Racecourse Reserve – Peaceful Camping Near Rushworth & Waranga Basin

For travellers looking for a quiet and spacious country escape, the Moora Racecourse and Recreation Reserve offers an authentic, low-cost camping experience in the heart of the Goulburn Valley. This classic bush racecourse provides a vast, open, and peaceful setting for caravans, motorhomes, and campers, far from the noise of the main highways. It’s an ideal base for exploring the rich gold rush history of nearby Rushworth and the aquatic playground of the Waranga Basin. The reserve’s wide-open spaces mean there is ample room for even the biggest rigs to find a private, level spot on the well-maintained grassy grounds, making it a relaxing and hassle-free stopover.

The facilities at Moora are excellent for a community-run campground, offering great value for a small nightly fee. Visitors can access a good number of powered sites, along with a clean amenities block featuring toilets and hot showers. The friendly, laid-back atmosphere is a hallmark of the experience, providing a true taste of country life. The historic town of Rushworth is just a short drive away, offering a beautiful streetscape of 19th-century buildings, a classic country pub, and essential supplies. The main attraction for many is the proximity to the Waranga Basin, a huge reservoir popular for boating, fishing for redfin and yellowbelly, and birdwatching. The nearby Whroo Historic Area also offers a fascinating insight into the region’s gold mining past. For a peaceful, spacious, and well-located camp that puts you close to history, nature, and water, the Moora Racecourse is a hidden gem.

Site Information

• Name: Moora Racecourse And Recreation Reserve
• Address: 49 Heathcote-Moora Rd, Moora VIC 3612, Australia
• Phone Number: Not available (Community managed).

• GPS Coordinates: -36.598594, 144.946973

• Website: Not available.

Campground Details

• Location: In the rural locality of Moora, a short drive from Rushworth.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large caravans and motorhomes.
• Road Access: Sealed road to the entrance.
• 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 for short to medium-term stays.
• Facilities: Powered sites, toilets, hot showers.
• Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra; service may be limited for other 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 other campers, though powered sites are available.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring: Cash for fees, fishing gear for the basin, walking shoes for the historic areas.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing at the nearby Waranga Basin.
• Short Walks: Plenty of space for walks around the large reserve.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Criterion Hotel, Rushworth: Approx. 7 km
  • Stanhope Hotel, Stanhope: Approx. 20 km
  • Colbinabbin Hotel, Colbinabbin: Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Rushworth Bakery: Approx. 7 km
  • Criterion Hotel (pub meals): Approx. 7 km
  • Various cafes in Rushworth.
• Local Attractions:
  • Waranga Basin (boating, fishing): Approx. 12 km
  • Historic town of Rushworth: Approx. 7 km
  • Whroo Historic Area and Balaclava Mine: Approx. 15 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Rushworth Lakeside Caravan Park: Approx. 7 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Greens Lake, Corop: Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Rushworth Old Railway Station Public Dump Point: Approx. 7 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in Rushworth: Approx. 7 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available on-site.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located in the main street park in Rushworth.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb):** Hot and typically 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 and fishing. Temperatures average 11°C to 27°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 15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov):** Mild and pleasant, though weather can be changeable. The region is green and productive. Temperatures average 8°C to 23°C.