Licola is located in the East Gippsland Region of Victoria Australia
To visit Licola you need to wind your way up through the mountains the road following the Macalister River as it cuts its way through the Macalister Valley and around mountains. The drive up to Licola is amazing with its natural beauty in all directions makes it feel untouched and unspoilt by today’s modern society. The drive is very popular with road motorbikes, the twist and turns of the road really appeal to these speedsters.
Along the way you see 4WD tracks leading off the mainraod in both directions, you drive over Cheynes Bridge a popular base for motor bike riders who tackle the bushland tracks of the area. There are numerous places to stop and admire the view of this amazing high country area of Gippsland
The Township of Licola
Licola lies on the banks beside the Macalister River, 254 kilometres east of Melbourne. The township of Licola is owned entirely by the Lions Clubs of Victoria and southern New South Wales. It is the only privately owned town in Victoria and the only one not on mains power.
The road into Licola splits in two at the old wooden bridge on the edge of town. If you cross the bridge you head straight into Licola. The Jamieson Licola road runs through the township and heads north to Jamieson at the foot of Mount Buller (the road is closed in winter due to snow). If you turn right before the bridge you can follow Tamboritha Road and the river further into the high country
The township of Licola generates its own power, pumps and treats its own water and is responsible for its waste management.
Licola is a very small town, one shop, a few small houses, Caravan Park and the Lions club, Licola Wilderness Village that caters for school group camps and other organisations. The Licola General Store is the only place to get petrol within a 60-kilometre radius. Be prepared and fill up before you leave home. The shop sells a range of general supplies, ice creams, coffee, pies, alcohol and food.
The Licola Wilderness Village is mainly a place for camp groups that come from schools, underprivileged kids and special needs groups. In saying that you can also book a single cabin house. Each house is self-contained with ensuite and cooking facilities. You will have bunk bed style accommodation in the 3 or 4 bedrooms house. The village has activities such as canoeing, abseiling, archery, disk golf, flying fox and more.
The Licola Caravan Park provides Licola camping opportunities right in the town. The Caravan park at Licola has powered and unpowered sites for caravans and camping tents. There are cabins and bunkhouses for up to 8 people. Some cabins contain an ensuite while others need to access the toilet block. Cabins and bunkhouse both contain catering facilities
The prices at the Licola Carvan Park are as follows (November 2020)
- Bunk Houses $100 per night
- Cabins $60 per night
- Powered site $38 per night
- Unpowered site $30 per night
There is a great BBQ area on the side of the river with electric BBQs and information signs about the region. The information signs tell you about surrounding attractions such as Lake Tali Karng, The wildlife that inhabits the region, walking trails and more. The BBQ at Licola is a great spot to teach the kids about the joys of fishing while BBQing a sausage just meters away.
We thought you might like this related article on another of Gippslands small towns, Dargo. A great place to camp. fish and explore
Licola camping in the high country
The town of Licola is the gateway to the Victorian high country. Beyond this mountain, the township is one of many of Gippsland National Parks. here are many camping sites which are very popular in the summer months with people who love getting away from it all.
The getaway you do with no showers, basic toilet facilities, no Wi-Fi, no phone reception. Licola camping is popular on the river and provides good fishing for trout and redfin, not to mention swimming for all.
Many hunters and shooters frequent this area tracking Deer. 4WD tracks litter the land shooting off the main road in all directions and are very popular with city folk. Two popular Licola camping spots are Barkly River camping spot and the Wild Cherry Tree campsite.
There are 13 numbered campsites on the Tamboritha Road, north of the Licola township. These maintained sites have facilities such as toilets, fireplaces and picnic tables. These Licola campsites are well shaded and provide campers with easy access to the river
In the winter snow can be accessed beyond this beautiful mountain township. as you climb higher in the mountains. No resorts are located here, but fun access to snow in the wilderness is possible. As a child I remember going to the snow beyond Licola, hiring a toboggan and flying down the hills between the tree’s free as a bird.
I travel to the area regularly with my work as a disability support worker, taking clients for BBQ’s and drives into the mountains, it is peaceful and relaxing, at times you feel like you are the only person for miles. Licola makes a great vacation idea for those looking to get away from it.
We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel has you inspired to visit the Licola in Gippsland. There are so many things to do in Gippsland with kids, singles and couples. For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Australia click through to our Australia Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration.
That is beautiful countryside! I can see why you’d want to call it home. I didn’t know there were any privately-owned towns left in the world – you heard about them when the company’s used to have towns to house their staff but I thought those days were long gone.
it looks like a paradise. and what’s better than a natural paradise with BBQ! I can’t imagine.
Hello Maffra. How beautiful is Licola. In fact have not heard of it. The Victorian high country is stunning, and I did check out where you are on Google Maps. Gorgeous photos.
Wow, these photos of the ambiance are drop-dead gorgeous! And soooo colourful too!
Amazing