Southcombe Caravan Park

Discover the charm and coastal beauty of Port Fairy with a stay at Southcombe Caravan Park, perfectly positioned between the Southern Ocean surf beaches and the tranquil Moyne River. This spacious park offers a fantastic base for exploring the historic fishing village, the stunning Shipwreck Coast, and the western end of the Great Ocean Road region. Ideal for families, couples, and solo travellers, Southcombe provides a range of accommodation options from grassy campsites to comfortable cabins, all within easy walking distance of Port Fairy’s main attractions, including beautiful beaches, boutique shops, art galleries, and acclaimed restaurants. Set within the Southcombe Park sporting complex, guests often have access to wide-open spaces, making it a great choice for those seeking relaxation and recreation.

Southcombe Caravan Park caters to a variety of needs, offering extensive grassy powered and unpowered sites suitable for caravans, motorhomes, campervans, and tents. Many sites benefit from shade provided by mature trees dotted throughout the park. For those seeking more comfort, a selection of self-contained cabins is usually available, ranging from basic layouts to more deluxe options. The park is known for its clean and well-maintained amenities, typically including multiple toilet and shower blocks, comprehensive camp kitchens with cooking facilities and seating areas, BBQ zones perfect for outdoor meals, and guest laundries. Families particularly appreciate the playgrounds and open spaces often available within or adjacent to the park grounds, linked to the wider Southcombe Park reserve. The park’s proximity to both the river and the ocean offers diverse recreational opportunities right on your doorstep.

Port Fairy itself is a major drawcard. Spend your days exploring the historic wharf area, watching fishing boats come and go, or take a stroll out to Griffiths Island to see the lighthouse and potentially spot wallabies or migratory birds. East Beach offers patrolled swimming in summer, while Pea Soup Beach provides calmer waters. Browse the unique shops and galleries along Sackville and Bank Streets, and indulge in the town’s excellent food scene, from casual fish and chips to award-winning dining. Nearby attractions include Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, a haven for native animals located in a dormant volcano crater, the stunning coastal formations along the Shipwreck Coast towards Warrnambool, and the charming inland town of Koroit. Whether you’re surfing, fishing, exploring history, or simply relaxing by the coast, Southcombe Caravan Park provides a convenient and enjoyable Port Fairy base.

Southcombe Caravan Park – VIC Location Map

Address: James St, Port Fairy VIC 3284
Website: www.southcombecaravanpark.com.au
GPS Coordinates: -38.38916, 142.23371

Site Details

Location: Adjacent to the Moyne River and Southcombe Beach, within walking distance of Port Fairy town centre. Part of the Southcombe Park sporting reserve.
Site Suitable For: Caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, RVs, tents, plus cabin accommodation.
Road Access: Sealed road access via James Street. Internal roads are typically sealed or gravel.
Site Surface: Primarily grass sites, some may have gravel or slab components.

Facilities and Features

Picnic Tables: Available in communal areas and potentially at some cabin sites.
Potable Water: Yes, town water available throughout the park at amenities and site taps.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally good coverage for major carriers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone) within Port Fairy.
TV Reception: Generally good, but can vary depending on site location and weather.
BBQ’s: Yes, multiple electric BBQs available in communal areas/camp kitchens.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, multiple amenities blocks with toilets and showers for guests.
Ullage (Dump Point): Yes, a dump point is available onsite for guests.
Drive Through Sites: Yes, a number of drive-through sites are usually available (confirm availability when booking).
Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins and recycling stations provided throughout the park.
Open Fires: No, open fires are generally prohibited in the park. Contained BBQ use is permitted.
Generator Use: Generally discouraged due to proximity of sites; check park rules, but usually not permitted.
Essentials to Bring: Standard camping/caravanning gear, beach gear, walking shoes, fishing rods (if interested).
Pet Friendly: Yes, the park is typically pet friendly on sites during off-peak periods (conditions apply – must confirm specific dates and policy when booking, pets usually not allowed in cabins or during peak summer/Easter periods).
Fishing: Yes, excellent opportunities in the Moyne River (wharf, banks) and surf fishing from nearby beaches. Boat ramp nearby.
Short Walks: Yes, easy walks along the Moyne River, to Griffiths Island, along Southcombe/East Beach, and into the town centre.

Local Amenities

Pubs

Star of the West Hotel: (Approx. 1 km) – Historic pub in the town centre.
The Caledonian Inn (The Stump): (Approx. 1 km) – Claimed to be one of Victoria’s oldest continuously licensed hotels.
Victoria Hotel: (Approx. 1 km) – Another central pub option with meals.

Places to Eat

Pubs listed above: Offer classic pub fare and bistro dining.
Bank St + Co: (Approx. 1 km) – Popular cafe for breakfast and lunch.
The Wharf @ Port Fairy: (Approx. 1.5 km) – Restaurant focusing on local seafood by the river.
Merrijig Kitchen: (Approx. 1 km) – Acclaimed restaurant often featuring local produce (bookings essential).
Various Cafes & Takeaways: (Approx. 1 km) – Numerous options along Bank and Sackville Streets (e.g., Driftwood Coffee & Eatery, Rebecca’s Cafe, fish and chip shops).

Local Attractions

Griffiths Island & Lighthouse: (Approx. 1.5 km walk) – Scenic island walk, lighthouse, possible Shearwater bird viewing (seasonal), wallabies.
Port Fairy Wharf: (Approx. 1.5 km) – Historic port area, fishing fleet, river views.
East Beach: (Approx. 500 m – 1 km) – Main patrolled surf beach.
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve: (Approx. 15 km East) – Dormant volcano crater teeming with emus, kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, birdlife.
Port Fairy History Centre: (Approx. 1 km) – Local museum showcasing the town’s maritime and whaling past.

Nearest Caravan Parks

Gardens Caravan Park (Port Fairy): (Approx. 1.5 km) – Sister park, also managed by Moyne Shire, located closer to the town centre and river mouth.
BIG4 Port Fairy Holiday Park: (Approx. 2 km) – Commercial park on the outskirts of town.

Nearest Free Camps

- Mount Eccles National Park (Budj Bim): (Approx. 50 km North) – Basic bush camping (check Parks Victoria for fees/bookings, may not be strictly ‘free’).
- Designated Rest Areas: (Varies) – Limited options nearby suitable for self-contained vehicles only along highways like the Princes Hwy (check signage and restrictions).

Nearest Dump Points

Onsite at Southcombe Caravan Park: Available for guests.
Gardens Caravan Park (Port Fairy): (Approx. 1.5 km) – Likely available for guests, potential fee for non-guests. Public dump point may also be near Visitor Centre/Showgrounds (confirm location).
Warrnambool Public Dump Points: (Approx. 30 km East) – Options available in the larger city.

Nearest Petrol Stations

BP Port Fairy: (Approx. 1.5 km) – Service station in town.
Shell/Viva Port Fairy: (Approx. 1.5 km) – Another option within Port Fairy.

Nearest Drinking Water Resupply

Onsite: Potable town water available.
Port Fairy Public Taps: (Approx. 1-2 km) – Taps likely available at public parks (e.g., Fiddlers Green), Visitor Centre, or boat ramps.

Nearest Public Toilets

Onsite: Amenities blocks available for guests.
Railway Place Public Toilets: (Approx. 1 km) – Central town location.
Fiddlers Green Public Toilets: (Approx. 1.5 km) – Near the wharf area.
Griffiths Island Car Park Toilets: (Approx. 1.5 km) – Before the causeway to the island.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Port Fairy (Coastal)

Summer (December – February)

Warm days, mild nights, often moderated by sea breezes. Can have occasional hot spells.
Mean Max: 21°C – 23°C
Mean Min: 13°C – 14°C
Mean Rain (mm): 30-40 mm
Mean Rain Days: 7-9

Autumn (March – May)

Mild sunny days cooling down, cool nights. Generally pleasant and settled.
Mean Max: Cools from 22°C down to 16°C.
Mean Min: Cools from 13°C down to 9°C.
Mean Rain (mm): 40-60 mm
Mean Rain Days: 11-15

Winter (June – August)

Cool and often cloudy/showery days, cold nights. Can be windy.
Mean Max: 13°C – 14°C
Mean Min: 7°C – 8°C
Mean Rain (mm): 70-80 mm
Mean Rain Days: 18-21 (Wettest and windiest period)

Spring (September – November)

Cool to mild days warming up, cold to cool nights. Variable weather, mixture of sun and showers, can be windy.
Mean Max: Warms from 15°C up to 19°C.
Mean Min: Warms from 8°C up to 11°C.
Mean Rain (mm): 50-60 mm
Mean Rain Days: 14-17