Loch Memorial Reserve
If you're heading to South Gippsland and fancy a straightforward, budget-friendly place to set up your caravan or tent, the Loch Memorial Reserve Camping Ground is a solid option. It's not a fancy resort-style park, but it's clean, well-kept, and its best feature is its cracker location right next to the charming village of Loch. It's run by a local committee and offers a relaxed camping experience, popular with those who appreciate being close to a country town's amenities and attractions.
The Loch Memorial Reserve Camping Ground is a public camping area situated within the grounds of the Loch Memorial Reserve, right on the edge of the picturesque village of Loch in Victoria's South Gippsland region. It provides powered and unpowered sites in a pleasant, open setting, often with some nice shade from established trees. It's known for being a peaceful spot and very convenient for accessing the village.
Facilities:
The facilities at Loch Memorial Reserve are practical and sufficient for camping needs:
- Toilets and Showers: An amenities block is available with toilet and shower facilities.
- Sites: Offers both powered and unpowered grassed sites.
- Suitability: Can accommodate caravans, motorhomes (including larger rigs).
- Pet Friendly: The reserve is generally pet-friendly, but you'll need to keep your dogs on a lead at all times within the reserve grounds.
Distance to Tourist Spots Nearby:
The location of the Loch Memorial Reserve is a major plus for exploring the area:
- Loch Village: You are literally just a minute or two's walk from the main street of Loch. This means super easy access to the village's cafes, bakery, pub, antique shops, and the notable Loch Brewery & Distillery.
- Great Southern Rail Trail: The reserve is located very close to the route of the Great Southern Rail Trail. This is perfect if you enjoy cycling, walking, or jogging, as you can easily join the trail and explore the surrounding rural landscapes.
- Korumburra: A larger nearby town offering supermarkets, more extensive shopping, and services. It's approximately a 10-15 minute drive away.
- Poowong: Another small local village, just a quick 5-10 minute drive down the road.
- Warragul: For a bigger regional centre with a wider range of amenities and shopping, Warragul is about a 25-30 minute drive.
- Phillip Island: A popular tourist destination famous for the Penguin Parade, Seal Rocks, and beautiful coastline. It's roughly a 40-50 minute drive from Loch, making it an easy day trip.
- Wilsons Promontory National Park: Known as "The Prom," this national park offers stunning beaches, bushwalks, and wildlife. It's a longer drive, typically 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the main areas like Tidal River.
In summary, Loch Memorial Reserve offers a convenient, affordable, and pet-friendly camping option with essential facilities, perfectly positioned for you to wander into Loch village and explore the local area or use it as a base for day trips to wider South Gippsland attractions.