Whittlesea Showgrounds Camping – Convenient RV & Caravan Stopover VIC

Discover practical and convenient camping at the Whittlesea Showgrounds, located on the northern fringe of Melbourne’s metropolitan area in Whittlesea, Victoria. Offering a spacious and generally accessible place to stay, the showgrounds serve as an excellent stopover point for travellers heading north towards the Hume region or exploring the Kinglake National Park area. Ideal for caravans, motorhomes, and self-contained campers, it provides essential amenities in a functional setting, often utilised during the annual Whittlesea Show and other community events, but frequently available for casual camping at other times. Its proximity to the Whittlesea township ensures easy access to shops, eateries, and local services, while still providing a relatively open, semi-rural feel. Whether you’re attending an event, need a base to explore the surrounding countryside, or require a straightforward overnight halt, Whittlesea Showgrounds offers a no-fuss camping option.

Camping at Whittlesea Showgrounds typically involves parking on large, open grassy areas, characteristic of showground facilities. While specific marked sites might not always be present outside of major events, ample space is usually available. Powered sites are generally offered, along with access to basic but functional amenities blocks containing toilets and showers. Potable water is readily available for filling tanks. Depending on the management (often the local Agricultural Society or council), a dump point (ullage) might be accessible onsite or nearby for the disposal of grey and black water, catering well to self-contained RVs. Facilities often include picnic tables dotted around the grounds and possibly BBQ areas. Mobile phone reception is typically reliable given its location near the township. The large, flat areas can often accommodate drive-through parking for larger rigs, though this isn’t always guaranteed or formally marked. Rules regarding pets, generator use, and open fires should be confirmed directly with the showgrounds management or caretaker, as policies can vary and may be stricter during event periods. Bookings are usually made via a caretaker or booking officer.

The location on the Whittlesea-Yea Road provides easy access to explore the local area. The Whittlesea township itself offers historic buildings, local pubs, cafes, and supermarkets for supplies. Just a short drive away is the picturesque Yan Yean Reservoir Park, perfect for picnics, walking, and birdwatching. For nature enthusiasts, the Kinglake National Park offers extensive forests, walking trails, lookouts (like Masons Falls), and opportunities for scenic drives. Funfields Theme Park is also relatively close, providing family entertainment during its operating season. Further exploration could include visiting the wineries around the Yarra Valley region, accessible via a scenic drive. The showgrounds’ position makes it a practical launchpad for diverse day trips into both Melbourne’s northern reaches and the Victorian countryside.

Whittlesea Showgrounds – VIC Map

Campground Information

Name: Whittlesea Showgrounds
Address: Whittlesea-Yea Rd (Gate 1 entrance often cited), Whittlesea VIC 3757
Website: whittleseashow.org.au (Website for the Whittlesea Agricultural Society – may have camping info/contacts)

Note: Casual camping details might require contacting the caretaker or Society directly; specific camping booking pages are not always available online.

Location and Map

GPS Coordinates: -37.50917, 145.12723

Site Details

• Location: Edge of Whittlesea township, north of Melbourne.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, motorhomes, campervans, potentially tents (check suitability). Primarily geared towards self-contained vehicles.
• Road Access: Sealed road access (Whittlesea-Yea Rd). Internal access roads are typically gravel or grass tracks.
• Site Surface: Primarily large, open grassed areas. Can become soft after heavy rain.

Facilities and Features

• Picnic Tables: Likely available in some areas.
• Potable Water: Yes, generally available from taps.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage expected for major carriers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone).
• TV Reception: Good digital TV reception expected.
• BBQ’s: Possible communal BBQ facilities, but best to be self-sufficient.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, amenities blocks with toilets (and usually showers) available.
• Ullage (Dump Point): Yes, a public dump point is located within the showgrounds precinct, accessible near McPhees Rd.
• Drive Through Sites: Possible in open areas, but not specifically marked.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are generally provided.
• Open Fires: No, generally prohibited. Check specific rules, especially during fire season.
• Generator Use: Permitted, usually with time restrictions (e.g., between 8 am – 8 pm). Confirm rules with management.
• Essentials to Bring: Levelling blocks (ground can be uneven), power leads, hoses, standard camping gear.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, typically allowed on leash, confirm specific rules with management. Not allowed in buildings.
• Fishing: Limited nearby; potentially in local creeks/rivers or Yan Yean Reservoir (check regulations).
• Short Walks: Walks around the showgrounds perimeter or into Whittlesea township.

Local Amenities (Whittlesea & nearby)

Pubs

• Royal Mail Hotel Whittlesea: (Approx. 1-2 km) – Historic pub in town centre.
• Bridges Restaurant (Hurstbridge – further afield): (Approx. 15 km) – More of a restaurant/function venue but notable locally.
• Flowerdale Hotel (Flowerdale – further afield): (Approx. 25 km North) – Country pub option towards Yea.

Places to Eat

• Whittlesea Township Cafes/Takeaways: (Approx. 1-2 km) – Includes bakeries (Whittlesea Bakehouse), cafes (e.g., Cafe 59), pizza, fish & chips.
• Royal Mail Hotel Bistro: (Approx. 1-2 km) – Pub meals.
• Restaurants in Doreen/Mernda (South): (Approx. 10-15 km) – Wider suburban range of dining options.

Local Attractions

• Whittlesea Township: (Approx. 1-2 km) – Historic streetscape, local shops.
• Yan Yean Reservoir Park: (Approx. 8 km) – Picnic areas, walking tracks, historic valve houses, birdwatching.
• Funfields Theme Park (Whittlesea): (Approx. 3 km) – Water slides and rides (seasonal operation).
• Kinglake National Park (Mason Falls Entrance): (Approx. 15-20 km) – Waterfalls, bushwalking, scenic views.
• Toorourrong Reservoir Park: (Approx. 10 km) – Picnic areas and walks near Kinglake NP foothills.

Nearest Caravan Parks

• Crystal Brook Tourist Park (Doncaster East – further south): (Approx. 30 km) – Major commercial park closer to Melbourne.
• Big4 Melbourne Holiday Park (Coburg North – further south): (Approx. 30 km) – Another large park towards the city.
• Note: There are fewer commercial caravan parks in the immediate northern vicinity compared to other tourist regions.

Nearest Free Camps

• Rest Areas along Hume Freeway (North): (Approx. 30 km+) – Options like Beveridge North/South suitable for self-contained vehicles (time limits apply).
• Mount Disappointment State Forest (further North West): (Approx. 30 km+) – Basic forest campsites (e.g., Andersons Garden, Regular Camp), check accessibility and conditions.
• Note: Limited formal free camps very close by; primarily highway rest areas or forest sites further out.

Nearest Dump Points

• Whittlesea Showgrounds Public Dump Point: (Onsite/Adjacent – near McPhees Rd).
• Wallan Public Dump Point (BP Truckstop, Hume Fwy): (Approx. 25 km North).
• Broadford Public Dump Point (High St): (Approx. 35 km North).

Nearest Petrol Stations

• BP Whittlesea: (Approx. 1-2 km) – In the township.
• Shell Whittlesea: (Approx. 1-2 km) – In the township.
• Multiple options south in Mernda/Doreen: (Approx. 10-15 km).

Nearest Drinking Water Resupply

• Onsite: Potable water available at the showgrounds.
• Whittlesea Public Taps: (Approx. 1-2 km) – Check local parks (e.g., near AF Walker Reserve).
• Yan Yean Reservoir Park: (Approx. 8 km) – Drinking fountains/taps usually available in picnic areas.

Nearest Public Toilets (Outside Showgrounds)

• Whittlesea Township: (Approx. 1-2 km) – Public toilets available in the main street/shopping area (e.g., near library or AF Walker Reserve).
• Yan Yean Reservoir Park: (Approx. 8 km) – Toilets available within the park during opening hours.
• Toorourrong Reservoir Park: (Approx. 10 km) – Toilets available.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Whittlesea (Northern Melbourne Fringe)

Summer (December – February)

• Warm to hot and often dry days, mild nights. Can experience heatwaves.
• Mean Max: 28°C – 30°C (Can exceed 40°C)
• Mean Min: 13°C – 14°C
• Mean Rain (mm): 40-50 mm
• Mean Rain Days: 5-6

Autumn (March – May)

• Mild sunny days cooling down significantly, cool to cold nights. Morning fog can occur.
• Mean Max: Cools from 27°C down to 17°C.
• Mean Min: Cools from 13°C down to 6°C.
• Mean Rain (mm): 45-60 mm
• Mean Rain Days: 7-10

Winter (June – August)

• Cool and often cloudy/showery days, cold nights with frequent frosts.
• Mean Max: 13°C – 15°C
• Mean Min: 3°C – 4°C (Can drop below 0°C)
• Mean Rain (mm): 50-60 mm
• Mean Rain Days: 11-13 (Wettest period by days)

Spring (September – November)

• Cool to mild days warming up, cool nights. Variable weather with sunny periods, showers, and potential for windy conditions.
• Mean Max: Warms from 18°C up to 25°C.
• Mean Min: Warms from 5°C up to 10°C.
• Mean Rain (mm): 55-65 mm
• Mean Rain Days: 9-11