Butts Reserve: Free Goldfields Camping at the Base of Mt Tarrengower, Maldon

Nestled at the foot of Mt Tarrengower and on the fringe of Australia’s first ‘Notable Town’, Butts Reserve offers one of the best free camping experiences in the Victorian Goldfields. This spacious and well-equipped campground provides a peaceful bushland setting, making it the perfect base for exploring the rich history and natural beauty of Maldon and its surrounds. The reserve is a favourite among travellers of all kinds, from tent campers to those in large RVs, thanks to its excellent facilities and generous stay limit. The grassy, open areas are dotted with shady trees, and the surrounding hillsides feature huge granite boulders that are a delight for kids and photographers alike. It’s a place where you can truly relax, enjoy a campfire under the stars, and wake up to the sounds of native birdlife.

What sets Butts Reserve apart from many other free camps is its level of amenity. The site boasts a block of flushing toilets with taps providing potable water, a large undercover picnic shelter, and numerous wood-fired barbecues and fire pits. This level of comfort, combined with its unbeatable location, makes it an incredibly popular spot. From the campground, you can embark on a scenic drive or a vigorous hike up to the Mt Tarrengower lookout tower for breathtaking panoramic views. The historic streetscape of Maldon, with its beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, quaint shops, classic pubs, and the Victorian Goldfields Railway, is just a couple of minutes’ drive away. Being pet-friendly and offering easy access for all vehicle types, Butts Reserve is a fantastic, budget-friendly choice for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the heart of Victoria’s gold rush history.

Campground Information

• Name: Butts Reserve Campground
• Address: Mt Tarrengower Road, Maldon, Victoria 3463, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -36.9861015570886, 144.05411607335802
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria (no direct website for the campground).

Features & Rules

• Location: Peaceful bushland setting at the base of Mt Tarrengower, on the edge of Maldon.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, campervans, caravans, and large RVs.
• Road Access: Sealed road to the entrance, with good gravel tracks within the reserve. Can become boggy after heavy rain.
• Site Surface: Grass and natural earth.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, in undesignated areas.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 42 days.
• Facilities: Flushing toilets, large undercover picnic shelter, picnic tables, wood BBQs/fire pits.
• Potable Water: Yes, taps are available on the toilet block.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for major carriers.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, flushing toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided, but taking rubbish with you is encouraged.
• Open Fires: Permitted in provided fireplaces, subject to seasonal fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers regarding noise and hours.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous undesignated, unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Firewood.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash.
• Fishing: Not applicable at this location.
• Short Walks: A walking track leads up Mt Tarrengower from the reserve.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • The Kangaroo Hotel, Maldon – approx. 2 km
  • Maldon Hotel, Maldon – approx. 2 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Various cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Maldon’s town centre – approx. 2 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Mt Tarrengower Lookout Tower – approx. 2 km drive/walk
  • Maldon Historic Township – approx. 2 km
  • Victorian Goldfields Railway (Maldon Station) – approx. 3 km
  • Carman’s Tunnel Goldmine – approx. 4 km

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Maldon Caravan Park – approx. 1.5 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Laanecoorie River Reserve Camping Area – approx. 23 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Maldon Caravan Park (check for public access/fee) – approx. 1.5 km
  • Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre – approx. 18 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Maldon – approx. 2 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: On-site at the campground.
• Nearest Public Toilets: On-site at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry. Average maximum temperatures are around 28°C to 30°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. A beautiful time to visit. Average maximums range from 17°C to 25°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, especially overnight with frosts. Can be damp. Average maximums are around 12°C to 14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer, with green hills and wildflowers. Average maximums range from 16°C to 23°C.