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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.

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