Butts Reserve
Maldon Butts Reserve is a free campground and rest area situated beneath Mount Tarrengower, on the outskirts of the historic gold mining town of Maldon in Victoria's Goldfields region. It offers a peaceful bushland setting for visitors to enjoy camping and explore the surrounding historical and natural attractions.
The reserve is set among gum trees and features a large camping area with scattered sites in a lightly treed environment, surrounded by hillsides with large boulders. It is accessible by 2WD vehicles, caravans, campervans, and large recreational vehicles, although the ground can become boggy after rain. Butts Reserve is part of the Maldon Historic Reserve, an area rich in gold mining history and natural bushland. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a lead.
Facilities: The reserve provides a range of basic facilities for campers and day visitors:
- Flushing toilets
- Picnic tables
- Wood fire barbecues/fireplaces (fires permitted only within constructed fireplaces, subject to conditions including a three-metre cleared area, 10 litres of water availability, and adult supervision. No fires on Total Fire Ban days).
- Undercover area
- Bins
- Water taps (note that some sources suggest this may be non-potable, so bringing your own drinking water is advisable)
- Shade
- Grassy areas
- Rocky slopes for climbing (suitable for children)
Distance to Tourist Spots Nearby: Butts Reserve is located in close proximity to the historic town of Maldon and offers easy access to numerous attractions in the Victorian Goldfields.
- Maldon Town Centre: A short drive from the reserve (approximately 5 minutes). Maldon is a remarkably well-preserved 19th-century gold mining town with a gazetted "Notable Town" status. Attractions in Maldon include:
- Historic streetscape with shops, cafes, and buildings
- Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum
- Maldon Museum and Archive (in the old Market Hall)
- Beehive Mine Chimney and other mining relics
- Maldon Market (held on the 2nd Sunday of the month)
- Maldon Gardens Playground
- Mount Tarrengower Lookout Tower: Located further up Mount Tarrengower Road from the reserve. This lookout, utilising an old mining poppet head, offers panoramic views over Maldon and the surrounding countryside. The drive to the summit is short, likely under 10 minutes from the reserve.
- Victorian Goldfields Railway: This heritage steam train operates between Maldon and Castlemaine, offering a scenic journey through the fields. The Maldon railway station is located in the town, a short drive from the reserve.
- Maldon Historic Reserve: Butts Reserve is part of this larger reserve, which contains numerous relics of the gold mining era, walking tracks, and opportunities for birdwatching and gold prospecting (check regulations for permitted areas).
- Castlemaine: Approximately a 15-20 minute drive from Maldon. Castlemaine is another historic Goldfields town with attractions such as the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, The Mill Castlemaine (arts, antiques, food), and the Theatre Royal.
- Other nearby attractions: Within a reasonable driving distance are places like Cairn Curran Reservoir (water activities), and other towns and reserves within the wider Goldfields region, offering further historical sites, natural landscapes, and outdoor activities.
The reserve's location provides a convenient balance between a bush camping experience and easy access to the historic charm and attractions of Maldon and the surrounding area.
Entrance to Butts Reserve
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