Oxley Recreation Reserve – Your Gateway to the King Valley & Gourmet Delights

Perfectly poised at the entrance to the celebrated King Valley wine region and the renowned Milawa Gourmet Region, the Oxley Recreation Reserve is a premier destination for foodies, wine lovers, and nature enthusiasts. This much-loved, low-cost campground offers a spacious and scenic base on the banks of the beautiful King River, providing a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for caravans, motorhomes, and campers. With its vast, shady, and well-maintained grassy areas, the reserve is an ideal spot to unwind and plan your exploration of North East Victoria’s most famous culinary landscape. It is also conveniently located on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, making it a haven for cyclists.

The facilities at the Oxley Recreation Reserve are excellent and offer incredible value for the small fee requested. Campers have access to powered and unpowered sites, a clean and reliable amenities block with toilets and hot showers, and potable water, ensuring a comfortable stay. The reserve’s location is its biggest drawcard. You are just a short stroll from the famous King River Cafe and the historic Oxley Hotel. A few minutes’ drive will take you to the heart of the Milawa Gourmet Region, home to institutions like Brown Brothers winery, the Milawa Cheese Factory, and the Milawa Mustards shop. Heading in the other direction takes you up the King Valley, famous for its Italian varietal wines like Prosecco and Sangiovese. For a perfectly positioned, well-equipped, and budget-friendly base to indulge in the best food, wine, and scenery the High Country has to offer, the Oxley Recreation Reserve is an unbeatable choice.

Site Information

• Name: Oxley Recreation Reserve
• Address: Oxley-Meadow Creek Rd, Oxley VIC 3678, Australia
• Phone Number: Not available (Community managed).

• GPS Coordinates: -36.470658, 146.385224

• Website: Not available.

Campground Details

• Location: In the village of Oxley, at the junction of the Snow Road and Wangaratta-Whitfield Road.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, from tents to the largest motorhomes.
• Road Access: Sealed road access.
• Site Surface: Mostly flat grass with excellent shade.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping with fees payable via an honesty box.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Flexible, suitable for week-long stays.
• Facilities: Powered and unpowered sites, toilets, hot showers.
• Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits only, subject to local fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days.
• Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for others, though powered sites are available.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring: Cash for fees, bicycle for the rail trail, an empty esky for gourmet goodies.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
• Fishing: Excellent trout and cod fishing in the King River.
• Short Walks: Direct access to the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail and lovely walks along the King River.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Oxley Hotel (Sam Miranda Cellar Door): Approx. 1 km
  • White Hart Hotel, Moyhu: Approx. 15 km
  • Mountain View Hotel, Whitfield: Approx. 30 km
• Places to Eat:
  • King River Cafe, Oxley: Approx. 1 km
  • The Milawa Kitchen (at Milawa Cheese): Approx. 6 km
  • Brown Brothers Restaurant, Milawa: Approx. 7 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Milawa Gourmet Region (cheese factory, mustards, wineries): Approx. 6 km
  • King Valley ‘Prosecco Road’ Wineries: Starting from Oxley.
  • Murray to Mountains Rail Trail (adjacent to the reserve).
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Painters Island Caravan Park, Wangaratta: Approx. 12 km
  • Wangaratta Caravan & Tourist Park: Approx. 13 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Edi Cutting Reserve, Edi: Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Wangaratta Showgrounds Public Dump Point: Approx. 12 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in Oxley. Major stations in Wangaratta (12 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available on-site.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located in the Milawa township park.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, with temperatures often in the mid-to-high 30s (°C). Ideal for river swimming.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Famous for stunning autumn colours. Days are warm and sunny, nights are cool. Perfect for cycling and wine tasting. Temperatures average 10°C to 25°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frequent heavy frosts and fog, often clearing to beautiful sunny days. Ideal for enjoying red wine by a fire. Average temperatures range from 3°C to 14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny, but weather can be changeable. The landscape is lush and green. Temperatures average 8°C to 22°C.