Willaura Recreation Reserve – Your Perfect Base Camp for the Grampians

Perfectly positioned for exploring the majestic Grampians National Park (Gariwerd), the Willaura Recreation Reserve is a standout low-cost campground offering exceptional facilities and a warm country welcome. This fantastic, community-run facility provides a spacious, green, and friendly environment for caravans, motorhomes, and campers, making it an ideal base for adventures into the mountains or as a peaceful stopover on the touring route between the Great Ocean Road and Adelaide. The reserve boasts a large, flat, grassy area with plenty of room for all rig sizes, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay with stunning views of the nearby ranges.

What makes the Willaura Recreation Reserve so popular is the incredible value it offers. For a very small donation, campers gain access to an impressive suite of amenities, including numerous powered sites, a clean and well-maintained amenities block with toilets and hot showers, and a convenient public dump point. These facilities, a credit to the local community, provide all the comforts of a commercial park at a fraction of the cost. The reserve is located within the charming township of Willaura, putting the local hotel and bakery within easy walking distance. The major regional centre of Ararat is just a short drive away for all essential services. From here, you are perfectly placed to explore the southern Grampians, tackle stunning hikes, visit the acclaimed wineries of the Grampians and Pyrenees regions, or discover the rich gold rush history of Ararat. For a comfortable, convenient, and incredibly affordable stay at the gateway to one of Victoria’s greatest natural treasures, the Willaura Recreation Reserve is an unbeatable choice.

Site Information

• Name: Willaura Recreation Reserve
• Address: 13 Delacombe Way, Willaura VIC 3377, Australia
• Phone Number: Not available (Community managed).

• GPS Coordinates: -37.546118, 142.745646

• Website: Not available.

Campground Details

• Location: In the town of Willaura, south of Ararat, on the edge of the Grampians region.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large motorhomes and caravans.
• Road Access: Sealed road access.
• Site Surface: Mostly flat grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, camping is by donation, payable via an honesty box.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Flexible, but short to medium-term stays are standard.
• Facilities: Powered sites, toilets, hot showers, dump point.
• Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra; service for other carriers can be patchy.
• 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 others, though powered sites are available.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring: Cash for donation, hiking boots for the Grampians.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are very welcome but must be on a leash.
• Fishing: Good fishing opportunities in nearby lakes such as Lake Bolac.
• Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the reserve and the quiet streets of Willaura.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Willaura Hotel: Approx. 1 km
  • Glenthompson Hotel, Glenthompson: Approx. 15 km
  • Ararat Hotel, Ararat: Approx. 30 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Willaura Bakery: Approx. 1 km
  • Willaura Hotel (pub meals): Approx. 1 km
  • Extensive range of cafes and restaurants in Ararat: Approx. 30 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Grampians National Park (Southern entrance): Approx. 30 km
  • J Ward Asylum and Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, Ararat: Approx. 30 km
  • Grampians and Pyrenees Wine Regions.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Acacia Caravan Park, Ararat: Approx. 30 km
  • Lake Bolac Caravan Park: Approx. 40 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Green Hill Lake, Ararat: Approx. 35 km
  • Moyston Sports Ground: Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located on-site at the reserve.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in Willaura. Multiple major stations in Ararat (30 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available on-site.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located in the main street park in Willaura.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Very warm to hot and typically dry. High risk of bushfires. Temperatures often exceed 30°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Pleasant, with mild, sunny days and cool evenings. A beautiful time for hiking. Temperatures average 9°C to 23°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often damp, with frequent frosts and occasional light snow on the peaks. Average temperatures range from 3°C to 13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny but weather can be very changeable. The best time for wildflowers in the Grampians. Temperatures average 7°C to 20°C.