Dollys Creek Campground | Free Goldfields Bush Camping Near Ballarat

Venture into the heart of Victoria’s historic gold rush country with a stay at Dollys Creek Campground, a classic free bush camp located in the Morrisons Diggings Historic Area. This serene and rustic campground offers a genuine back-to-nature experience for self-sufficient travellers looking to immerse themselves in the region’s rich history and tranquil bushland. Set in a peaceful clearing surrounded by native forest, the campground provides a quiet escape where the sounds of the bush and the gentle trickle of the nearby creek are the main soundtrack. It’s an ideal spot for those keen on gold prospecting, bushwalking, or simply finding a peaceful corner of the Goldfields to relax and unwind.

The area is steeped in history, with the surrounding landscape dotted with remnants of the 1850s gold rush. For many visitors, the main attraction is the opportunity to try their hand at gold fossicking in Dollys Creek, which runs adjacent to the camping area. The campground itself offers a spacious, informal layout suitable for tents, camper trailers, and small to medium-sized caravans, with plenty of shady spots under the gums. While facilities are basic, they provide the essentials for a comfortable bush camp. The location is wonderfully secluded yet remains accessible, situated conveniently between Ballarat and Ballan. This makes it a great base for exploring major attractions like Sovereign Hill, the historic city of Ballarat, or the natural beauty of the nearby Lal Lal Falls. For a truly authentic, pet-friendly, and budget-free camping experience that connects you with both nature and history, Dollys Creek Campground is a fantastic choice.

Campground Information

• Name: Dollys Creek Campground
• Address: Dollys Creek Track, Morrisons VIC 3334

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.72454068967193, 144.0963479148789

Website

• Website: This is a free campground in a State Forest. Information is available via the Forest Fire Management Victoria website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Bush camp in the historic Morrisons Diggings area.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, small Caravans and Motorhomes.
• Road Access: Unsealed dirt road. Can be slippery and is best suited for 4WD in wet conditions.
• Site Surface: Natural dirt and grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Short stays are expected; please observe any local signage.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, fire pits. No power, showers, or picnic tables.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very unreliable to non-existent.
• TV Reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of the peaceful bush environment.
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked sites, space for about 10 setups.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, toilet paper, rubbish bags, shovel, gold pan.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a lead in State Forest areas.

Activities

• Fishing: Limited opportunities for small Redfin in the creek.
• Short Walks: Excellent area for bushwalking and exploring the old gold diggings.
• Gold Fossicking: A very popular activity in this historic gold-bearing area (a miner’s right is required).

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Lal Lal Falls Hotel (Lal Lal) – Approx. 14 km
  • Meredith Hotel (Meredith) – Approx. 18 km
  • Wallace Hotel (Wallace) – Approx. 24 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Lal Lal Falls Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 14 km
  • Meredith Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 18 km
  • Various options in the town of Ballan – Approx. 24 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Lal Lal Falls Reserve – Approx. 14 km
  • Ballarat Bird World – Approx. 27 km
  • Sovereign Hill (Ballarat) – Approx. 29 km
  • Fairy Park (Anakie) – Approx. 40 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Ballan Caravan Park – Approx. 24 km
  • BIG4 Ballarat Goldfields Holiday Park – Approx. 29 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Hunts Bridge Camping Area – Approx. 1 km
  • Smythesdale Gardens – Approx. 34 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Ballan Public Dump Point – Approx. 24 km
  • Ballarat Transfer Station (fee applies) – Approx. 29 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Lal Lal – Approx. 14 km
  • Ballan – Approx. 24 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in towns like Ballan or Meredith.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry, averaging 14-28°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for bushwalking, averaging 8-22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts and chilly days, great for campfires, averaging 3-12°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine and wildflowers, averaging 6-19°C.