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.