Newry RV Rest Area – Quiet Rural Camping in Gippsland’s Food Bowl

For travellers seeking a simple, quiet, and authentic country stopover, the Newry RV Rest Area provides a low-cost camping option in the heart of Gippsland’s rich agricultural district. This community sports ground offers a spacious, flat, and grassy area for self-contained caravans and motorhomes to park for the night. It’s a no-frills facility, embodying the essence of a classic rural recreation reserve, where peace and quiet are the main luxuries. Located in the small farming community of Newry, it’s an ideal base for exploring the renowned foodie destinations and natural attractions of the Macalister Irrigation District, including the nearby towns of Maffra and Tinamba.

The charm of camping at the Newry RV Rest Area lies in its simplicity and tranquility. While facilities are basic, they cover the essentials, with access to public toilets. Campers must be largely self-sufficient, carrying their own water and power supplies. The reserve’s location is its strongest asset. It is just a short drive from Maffra, a major regional town with a full range of services, including supermarkets, pubs, and the fascinating Gippsland Vehicle Collection museum. Even closer is the tiny hamlet of Tinamba, which is famous for its award-winning pub, the Tinamba Hotel, a must-visit for any food lover. The camp is also perfectly positioned for a day trip to the beautiful Glenmaggie Weir for boating and fishing, or for exploring the scenic back roads of this productive farming region. For a peaceful night’s rest away from the highway, surrounded by the open spaces of the countryside, the Newry RV Rest Area is a great-value choice.

Site Information

• Name: Newry RV Rest Area
• Address: Main St, Newry VIC 3859, Australia
• Phone Number: Not available (Community managed).

• GPS Coordinates: -37.905304, 146.907917

• Website: Not available.

Campground Details

• Location: In the small township of Newry, near Maffra in Central Gippsland.
• Site Suitable For: Best suited for self-contained caravans and motorhomes.
• Road Access: Sealed road access.
• Site Surface: Mostly flat grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, informal low-cost or donation-based camping is often available.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified, but short-term stays of 24-48 hours are standard.
• Facilities: Public toilets. No showers or power.
• Potable Water: Not guaranteed. It is recommended to bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra; may be patchy for other carriers.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: May not be available. Please be prepared to take all rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for the quiet town environment.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring: All water, power, and cooking supplies.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
• Fishing: Good fishing opportunities in the nearby Macalister and Thomson Rivers.
• Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the sports ground and the quiet streets of Newry.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Tinamba Hotel, Tinamba: Approx. 7 km
  • Macalister Hotel, Maffra: Approx. 8 km
  • Metropolitan Hotel, Maffra: Approx. 8 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Tinamba Hotel (award-winning restaurant): Approx. 7 km
  • Wide range of cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Maffra: Approx. 8 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Gippsland Vehicle Collection, Maffra: Approx. 8 km
  • Glenmaggie Weir: Approx. 25 km
  • Maffra Sugar Beet Museum: Approx. 8 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Maffra Caravan Park: Approx. 8 km
  • Sale Motor Village, Sale: Approx. 30 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Cowwarr Weir (day use, limited camping): Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Maffra Showgrounds Public Dump Point: Approx. 8 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple major stations in Maffra: Approx. 8 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Best sourced from Maffra.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located in the main street park in Maffra.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot, with temperatures often in the low 30s (°C).
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and often sunny, with stable weather. A great time for exploring the region. Temperatures average 10°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often wet, with chilly nights. The landscape is lush and green. Average temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny but can be windy and changeable. A great time to see the countryside in bloom. Temperatures average 9°C to 20°C.