BBQ
Richards Campground, Raglan VIC
Spend a weekend exploring the natural and historical treasures on the Victorian Goldfields on foot, from mineral springs to mountain views and everything in between!
I know I'm always on the lookout for free campgrounds near me, so I thought I'd put together this handy list. I've gathered together this collection of some of the region's best campgrounds for hiking, where you'll discover excellent visitor facilities and fantastic walking trails.
Check them out below and start planning your next weekend adventure in the Victorian Goldfields.
Vaughan Springs, Vaughan VIC
Vaughan Springs, Vaughan VIC
Spend an weekend exploring at the beautiful Vaughan Springs, a scenic destination for swimming, bushwalking and picnics. Sample the mineral water and stroll along the Loddon River, all to the peaceful sound of birds singing in the trees. Walk to the nearby Central Springs and Glenluce Springs, or embark on a section of the renowned Goldfields Track, which passes through here.
Cork Oaks Campground, Mount Beckworth VIC
Cork Oaks Campground, Mount Beckworth VIC
Surrounded by rocky peaks, bushland and beautiful views, Cork Oaks is a fantastic free campground and picnic area in the Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve. This is the perfect place to set up camp and explore the natural and historical features of Mount Beckworth. Several walking tracks from the campground take you to nearby attractions such as the summit of Mount Beckworth, a nearby mine site, a giant boulder, and the oval.
Richards Campground, Raglan VIC
Richards Campground, Raglan VIC
Richards Campground is a fantastic free campsite in the Mt Cole State Forest. A large clearing surrounded by trees, ferns, and moss-lined logs, features excellent picnic facilities for visitors. Several excellent walks start out from Richards Campground, including the short Raglan Falls and Grevillea walks, and the 17 km Beeripmo Walk.
Leanganook Campground, Harcourt North VIC
Leanganook Campground, Harcourt North VIC
Set within the scenic Mount Alexander Regional Park, Leanganook Campground is a fantastic spot where multiple campsites are spread around the central picnic area. Facilities include picnic tables, wood fire barbecues, fire pits, toilets and water taps. Visitors can enjoy the Mount Alexander Regional Park through picnicking, bushwalking and birdwatching, and beautiful views can be appreciated from multiple nearby lookout points including Lang's Lookout, Dog Rocks and Shepherd's Flat. The stunning West Ridge Walking Track begins at Lang's Lookout and connects these lookouts in a four kilometre adventure across the mountain!
Ferntree Falls, Raglan VIC
Ferntree Falls, Raglan VIC
Ferntree Falls is a stunning waterfall nestled among the huge ferns and moss covered rocks within the spectacular Mount Buangor State Park. Experience the beauty of upper Middle Creek, a tributary which meanders through the park among the forest of tree ferns and water ferns. Just around the corner from the picnic area you will find five secluded campsites in a bushland setting, each with a picnic table, fire pit and wood fire barbecue. Bookings and payment must be made to camp here, you can book online with Parks Victoria. As well as the short walks to Ferntree Falls and the Waterfalls Nature walk, several longer walks set out from here, including the Beeripmo Walk, Mount Buangor Walk, and Mount Sugarloaf Circuit.
PADDYS RANGES STATE PARK, ADELAIDE LEAD VIC
Paddys Ranges State Park, Adelaide Lead VIC
Spend a weekend exploring the historical relics, scenic walks, and seasonal wildflower displays throughout the beautiful Paddys Ranges State Park. Encompassing Box-Ironbark forest is home to over 130 species of wildflower and over 140 native bird species, and there are several excellent walk options setting out from both the free camping area and the picnic ground.
Melville Caves, Brenanah VIC
Melville Caves, Brenanah VIC
Melville Caves lie atop a spectacular rocky mountain within the Kooyoora State Park in Brenanah, Victoria. Featuring a scenic lookout, walking tracks and caves, Melville Caves are a fantastic place to spend the weekend exploring. The spacious campground features multiple separate campsites with picnic tables, fire pits with barbecue plates, and toilets. From the campground, you can set out on multiple scenic walks including Melville Caves, Long Rock Walking Track, McLeods Lookout and Southern Lookout.
Friday's Campground, Steiglitz VIC
Friday's Campground, Steiglitz VIC
Friday's Campground is a great camp site for exploring the Brisbane Ranges National Park and the Steiglitz Historic Park. The campground is well structured with excellent amenities including picnic tables, wood fire barbecues, bench seating and toilets, and huge pine trees provide shade over the camp sites. There are several fantastic walks in the area, including the historic 8.5 km Steiglitz Circuit Walk and the Burchell Trail, a three day hike. Friday's Campground is managed by Parks Victoria and requires bookings/fees.
Also of interest
The beautiful, varied landscape of the Victorian Goldfields provides countless fantastic settings for bushwalkers to enjoy. Along with the epic 210 km Goldfields Track, you can take many scenic walks throughout the region which showcase our rich history and stunning natural treasures. Take a look through this huge collection of local bushwalks and start planning your next day out exploring in the Victorian Goldfields. Read more...
On the hunt for family-friendly campgrounds? There are plenty of fantastic options throughout the Victorian Goldfields! We've compiled some of our favourite spots for camping with kids to help inspire your next family weekend away. These campgrounds all offer great visitor facilities, fun things for the kids to do while you're there, and lots of interesting places to explore in the surrounding areas. Read more...
There are so many beautiful waterfalls to explore throughout the Victorian Goldfields. From charming cascades to stunning twin falls, check out this list and start planning your next adventure! Read more...
The Victorian Goldfields is filled with fascinating ruins and relics, where abandoned mines, diggings, boilers, machinery foundations and gold puddlers are scattered in abundance throughout the region. We've gathered together this list of abandoned mine sites where you can safely explore and learn a bit about this remarkable aspect of our local heritage. Read more...
Over the past few years we've visited over 550 places across the Victorian Goldfields, taking photos and sharing them on Goldfields Guide for others to explore. My favourite spot changes all the time, as it seems every few weeks I come across something even more remarkable! I have gathered some of these favourites together to make this list, and believe me, it was definitely hard to narrow down just twenty amazing places. Take a look, I hope a few of these will inspire your next adventure in the Victorian Goldfields! Read more...
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