Elmhurst Recreation Reserve
Elmhurst Recreation Reserve is a pleasant country campground situated in Elmhurst, Victoria. It offers a spacious and shady environment with level grassed areas, making it suitable for tents, motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs. The reserve is dog-friendly and provides a range of facilities for a comfortable stay in a quiet setting. It also caters to equestrian enthusiasts with the availability of horse yards.
Facilities:
Elmhurst Recreation Reserve provides a range of facilities for campers:
- Powered Sites: Power hookups are available.
- Unpowered Sites: Ample space is available for unpowered camping.
- Toilets: Toilet facilities are provided (possibly requiring a key from the local store).
- Showers: Hot showers are available (older information suggests a small fee or requiring a key).
- Drinking Water: Drinking water is available.
- Shade: The reserve offers ample shade from trees.
- BBQ Facilities: An electric BBQ is available, though older reports mention broken wood BBQs.
- Sheltered Area: There is a covered area with tables and a fireplace.
- Horse Yards: Facilities are available for horses.
- Dog Friendly: Dogs are permitted at the reserve.
- Accessibility: Accessible to various vehicle sizes.
Distance to Tourist Spots Nearby:
Elmhurst is located in the Pyrenees region of Victoria, known for its wineries, natural landscapes, and historical towns. The recreation reserve provides a good base for exploring the local area and is within a reasonable driving distance of several attractions.
- Very Close (within a few km):
- Elmhurst Township: The reserve is located in or very close to Elmhurst, providing access to the local Post Office/General Store (where camping fees are likely handled) and other basic amenities.
- Wimmera Hills Winery: Located in Elmhurst, offering cellar door tastings and meals.
- Within a Moderate Drive (20-40 km):
- Mount Cole State Forest: Located south of Elmhurst, offering opportunities for bushwalking, camping, and exploring natural areas like waterfalls (e.g., Ferntree Falls, Middle Creek). Various camp areas like Chinaman's Camp Area and Ditchfields Camp Area are within the forest.
- Mount Buangor State Park: Adjacent to Mount Cole State Forest, also offering walking tracks and natural beauty.
- Pyrenees Wine Region: Elmhurst is situated within this renowned wine region, with numerous wineries located in surrounding areas like Avoca and throughout the Pyrenees Ranges. Avoca is approximately 22 km east of Elmhurst.
- Ararat: A regional town located approximately 30 km west of Elmhurst, offering attractions such as the Aradale Ghost Tours, J Ward Museum Complex, and Alexandra Gardens.
- Further Afield (requires a longer drive):
- Langi Ghiran State Park: Another natural park in the wider region.
- Silo Art Trail: Some silo art locations are within a reasonable driving distance in the wider Wimmera Mallee region, though not immediately close to Elmhurst. Avoca has a silo art.
- Ballarat: A major regional city located approximately 77 km southeast of Elmhurst, offering a wide range of historical, cultural, and family attractions like Sovereign Hill and the Ballarat Wildlife Park.
- Grampians National Park: While not immediately adjacent, the Grampians are a significant natural attraction west of Elmhurst (Halls Gap is approximately 40 km from Elmhurst), offering spectacular mountains, hiking, and waterfalls.
Elmhurst Recreation Reserve provides a pleasant and well-equipped camping option with powered sites in a peaceful country setting. Its location offers good access to the local town, nearby state forests for outdoor activities, and is a convenient base for exploring the wineries of the Pyrenees