Smythesdale Gardens
Smythesdale Public Gardens, located in Smythesdale, Victoria, is a public reserve that offers camping facilities. It is known for being a community-managed space that provides a convenient and often free or low-cost stop for travellers, particularly those with caravans and RVs.
Smythesdale Public Gardens is widely described as a "free camp" or free camping area. While there is no mandatory fee for camping, visitors are strongly encouraged to leave a donation to assist with the maintenance and upkeep of the facilities.
Facilities:
The gardens offer a range of facilities for campers and day visitors, including:
- Public toilets and showers (a code may be required for shower access, obtainable by contacting the caretakers).
- Running water and water taps at some camp sites (vehicles must not be connected to water taps).
- Undercover picnic areas with tables.
- Electric barbecue facilities.
- Powerpoints in the main picnic shelter.
- Fireplaces (subject to fire restrictions - check local conditions; fires are generally not permitted except in the designated BBB shelter on non-total fire ban days).
- A children's playground with slides and swings.
- A caravan dump point.
- Large open areas suitable for caravans, RVs, and tents.
- Rubbish bins are located at the dump point.
Distance to Tourist Spots Nearby:
Smythesdale Public Gardens is situated within easy reach of various attractions, particularly those in and around the city of Ballarat. Distances to some notable tourist spots include:
- Ballarat CBD: Approximately 20-25 kilometres (a short driving distance).
- Sovereign Hill: An open-air museum depicting the gold rush era, located about 15-20 kilometres away.
- Ballarat Wildlife Park: Situated around 10-15 kilometres from Smythesdale.
- Ballarat Botanical Gardens and Lake Wendouree: Located in Ballarat, roughly 20-25 kilometres away.
- Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail: This trail runs through Smythesdale, offering direct access for walking and cycling.
- Other Goldfields Region Attractions: Smythesdale is a good base for exploring other historic towns and natural attractions within the wider Goldfields region.
Visitors should note that the maximum stay is typically limited to 3 nights. Dogs are permitted but must be kept restrained at all times. Local caretakers manage the site, and their contact details are often provided on-site for obtaining shower codes and other assistance.
Listing Details
Telephone
0418 503 938 or 03 5342 8752
Address
35 Garden Street, Smythesdale, 3351, Victoria
Sat Nav Coordinate
-37.639367325620064, 143.68576526159882
Suitable for
Caravans and Motorhomes
Campsite Fees Contact Details
Donation pay at P.O. or Service Station & receive the pin number for the showers.
Campsite Fees
No Fees to Camp Here that I'm Aware Of
Road Access
Asphalt Road Surface
Parking Area
Some Suitable Grass Areas Available
Drive through site
Yes - Some Drive through sites available
Big Rigs
Yes - there is room to maneuver
Power Available
Yes - Mains Power is available here
Toilets
Yes - At least one public toilet block available
Dump Point
Yes - Free dump point for black water cassettes
Rubbish Bins
Yes - At least one rubbish bin located here
Drinking Water
Yes - Water is available onsite
Showers
Yes - there are Shower facilities available here
Shade
Yes - Quite a few Shady Spots to select from
Picnic Tables
Yes - At least one Picnic Table located here
Fixed Fire places
Yes - At least one fixed fireplace onsite - Remember to bring your own supply of firewood
Fixed BBQ's
Yes - At least one BBQ facility is available
Pet Friendly
Yes - Dogs are Permitted Conditions Apply
Childrens Playground
Yes - Some playground infrastructure in place for the children to play on
Short Walks
Yes - Room to stretch your legs on short walks
TV Reception
Unknown if you can get a TV signal here
Mobile Phone Reception
Mobile phone coverage is available depending on your carrier
Internet Access
Yes - Uses your Mobile Phones Internet Data Plan
Facilities Available
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
Camping Info
, 
, 
, 
Map
Reviews (0)