Upper Yarra Reservoir Park Camping Ground, Reefton VIC
For a truly immersive forest escape, the Upper Yarra Reservoir Park Camping Ground offers a magnificent back-to-nature experience deep within the Yarra Ranges National Park. This beautiful Parks Victoria campground is set in a stunning valley, surrounded by some of the world’s tallest flowering plants, the majestic Mountain Ash, and lush, green fern gullies. The drive to the campground is an adventure in itself, winding through breathtaking forest scenery. It’s a place of profound peace and natural beauty, perfect for self-sufficient campers who want to disconnect from the hustle of daily life and tune into the sounds of the Australian bush. The campground is a large, open, grassy area providing ample space for tents and camper trailers to find their own spot.
This is a classic bush camp that champions a simple, rustic style of camping. The facilities are basic but well-maintained, consisting of non-flushing toilets, picnic tables, and shared fireplaces. There are no showers or rubbish bins, so campers must come fully prepared and practice a ‘leave no trace’ ethic by taking all rubbish home. The opportunity to have a campfire under a canopy of towering trees and a sky full of stars is a highlight for many visitors. The area is a sanctuary for wildlife; it’s a prime location for spotting lyrebirds, wallabies, kangaroos, and a huge variety of forest birds.
The campground’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring the upper reaches of the Yarra River and the surrounding national park. It’s a fantastic starting point for bushwalking, with numerous trails of varying difficulty nearby, including the historic Upper Yarra Walking Track. While it feels incredibly remote, the charming tourist town of Warburton is just a scenic 30-minute drive away, offering cafes, supplies, and other attractions. For a serene, affordable, and authentic mountain forest getaway, the Upper Yarra Reservoir Park is an exceptional choice.
Site Information
- Location: In a mountain valley within the Yarra Ranges National Park, east of Warburton.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, and Camper Trailers. Not recommended for large caravans due to road access.
- Road Access: Access is via a sealed but narrow and winding mountain road. Drive with caution.
- Site Surface: Large, level grass area.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free, unpowered sites. No bookings taken; first-in, best-dressed.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified, but short stays are standard.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Large, undefined camping area with numerous sites.
Facilities
- Facilities: Non-flushing (pit) toilets, wood-fired BBQs/fire pits. No showers.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: No. Non-potable water is available from the river, but it must be boiled or treated before use.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Prohibited.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All food, drinking water, rubbish bags, firewood, warm and wet weather clothing (even in summer).
- Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are not permitted in the National Park.
- Fishing: Fishing for trout is popular in the Yarra River (Victorian fishing licence required).
- Short Walks: Excellent for bushwalking, with access to the Upper Yarra Walking Track and other trails.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Reefton Hotel (approx. 20 km)
- The Alpine Hotel, Warburton (approx. 25 km)
- The Sam Knott Hotel, Wesburn (approx. 30 km)
- Places to Eat: A wide range of excellent cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Warburton.
- Local Attractions:
- The Redwood Forest, East Warburton
- The Ada Tree Walk
- Warburton Rainforest Gallery
- The O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Warburton Holiday Park
- Next Free Camps: Various small, informal sites in nearby state forests (check regulations).
- Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is located in Warburton.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Warburton.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Warburton.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Mild to warm, but significantly cooler than Melbourne. Be prepared for rapid weather changes and rain. High fire danger period. Temperatures average 10°C to 24°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful time to visit, with stunning autumn colours. Days are cool and crisp, nights are cold. Temperatures average 6°C to 18°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold and wet. Nights are often freezing. Snowfall is common on the surrounding high peaks and can sometimes fall to the campground level, potentially closing roads. Alpine-rated gear is essential. Temperatures range from 0°C to 10°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A lovely season as the forest bursts with new growth. Weather is cool and can be very variable, with sunshine one minute and rain the next. Temperatures average 5°C to 17°C.