Derrinallum Recreation Reserve Rest Area
The Derrinallum Recreation Reserve Rest Area offers a tranquil and convenient roadside stopover located at the recreation reserve in Derrinallum, Victoria. It provides abundant space for visitors to rest, with views of the majestic Mount Elephant. This rest area has a strict 24-hour limit for stays and is a popular choice for travellers needing a short break. It is accessible to RVs, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs, and is a dog-friendly spot.
Facilities:
The facilities at the Derrinallum Recreation Reserve Rest Area are designed for a comfortable short stop:
- Toilets: Toilet facilities are available.
- Drinking Water: Drinking water is accessible.
- Shade: Areas with shade are available.
- Bin: Bin facilities are provided for waste disposal.
- Dog Friendly: Dogs are permitted in the rest area.
- Playground: A fenced playground is available for children.
- Outdoor Gym Equipment: Exercise equipment is on hand for public use.
- Picnic Tables: Picnic tables are available for visitors.
- Other: There is ample space for parking various vehicle sizes. The rest area is located at a sporting ground, which includes an oval.
Distance to Tourist Spots Nearby:
Derrinallum is situated in the heart of Victoria's volcanic lakes and plains region, offering access to unique geological features and charming nearby towns. The recreation reserve is located in Derrinallum, providing easy access to local points of interest and a convenient base for exploring the wider area.
- Very Close (within Derrinallum or immediately adjacent):
- Mount Elephant: A prominent dormant volcano located approximately 1 km west of the township. The rest area offers views of it, and visitors can access walking tracks to the summit for panoramic views (Mount Elephant is typically open to walkers daily, with a visitor centre open on Sunday afternoons).
- Derrinallum Township: The rest area is either in or very close to Derrinallum, allowing easy access to local services like a supermarket, hotel/motel, cafes, and a rural transaction centre.
- Deep Lake: Located near Derrinallum (approximately 4.5 km from the town centre according to one source's distance to a nearby business), offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water activities.
- Within a Moderate Drive (20-60 km):
- Lake Tooliorook: Another nearby lake offering recreational activities.
- Lake Corangamite: Australia's largest permanent salt-water lake, part of the significant volcanic landscape, with views from points like Red Rock.
- Red Rock Volcanic Reserve: Located near Colac, offering stunning views of volcanic craters and lakes. Approximately a 30-40 minute drive from Derrinallum.
- Colac: A larger regional centre east of Derrinallum, offering a wider range of amenities, shops, and attractions, including the Colac Botanic Gardens. Approximately a 30-40 minute drive.
- Lismore: A nearby township to the west.
- Elephant Bridge (Darlington): A local point of interest.
- Ballarat: A major regional city to the north, known for attractions like Sovereign Hill and the Ballarat Wildlife Park. Approximately a 50-60 minute drive from Derrinallum.
- Further Afield (requires a longer drive):
- The Otway Ranges and Great Otway National Park: Located south, offering rainforest scenery and waterfalls (requires a significant drive).
- The Great Ocean Road: The iconic coastal drive is located further south (requires a significant drive).
The Derrinallum Recreation Reserve Rest Area provides a free and convenient stopover for up to 24 hours, offering essential facilities and a pleasant environment with views of Mount Elephant, making it a good base for a brief stay while exploring the local volcanic landscapes and nearby towns.