Yarrawonga Riverlands Tourist Park

I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Yarrawonga Riverlands Tourist Park on Brears Road, I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star caravan park. But you know what? This place actually surprised me in the best way possible. It’s tucked away just far enough from the main Yarrawonga strip to feel peaceful, but close enough that you can walk to the decent cafes and that little bakery everyone raves about (though let’s be real, you’ll probably drive because it’s Australia and we’re lazy like that).

The thing about this park is that it gets the basics really, really right. The powered sites are properly spaced out – none of that sardine-can nonsense you get at some tourist parks where you can hear your neighbor’s entire phone conversation. I mean, you’re still camping adjacent to other people, but there’s actual breathing room. The amenities block was honestly cleaner than some hotel bathrooms I’ve stayed in, which says something because caravan park bathrooms can be… well, let’s just say the bar isn’t always high. The showers have decent water pressure too, which matters more than you’d think after a day exploring the Murray River area.

What really won me over was how the staff actually know the area – not just the touristy stuff, but the real local gems. They pointed me toward this little swimming spot along the river that wasn’t packed with families (nothing against families, but sometimes you want to float around without dodging pool noodles). The location makes sense for exploring both sides of the border too. You’re basically equidistant from Mulwala and Yarrawonga proper, so whether you want to hit up the golf course, try your luck at the club, or just cruise around Lake Mulwala, you’re sorted. There’s something quietly satisfying about being right on the Murray River without the premium prices you’d pay for a resort – you get that riverside vibe with the sound of water lapping nearby, especially if you snag one of the sites closer to the water. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward (no endless forms or sales pitches for upgrades), and parking is never an issue because, well, it’s a caravan park – space is kind of the whole point. The 8.4 rating makes complete sense once you’re there for a night or two.