Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Victorian Goldfields at the Dunolly Caravan Park. Perfectly positioned in the heart of the “Golden Triangle,” this charming park offers a tranquil lakeside setting that serves as the ideal base for gold prospectors, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful country escape. Just a short and pleasant walk from Dunolly’s historic main street, the park combines natural serenity with the convenience of town amenities, allowing you to experience the best of this iconic region. The area is famed for being where the largest alluvial gold nugget ever found, the ‘Welcome Stranger’, was discovered, and the spirit of that golden era is still palpable today.
The Dunolly Caravan Park is known for its friendly hospitality and well-kept grounds, offering a classic and comfortable Australian caravanning experience. Guests can choose from a variety of spacious powered and unpowered sites, suitable for everything from large motorhomes to tents, many with lovely views of the adjacent lake. For those without their own accommodation, a selection of clean and cosy cabins is also available. The park features a central amenities building with laundry, toilet, and shower facilities, alongside a welcoming communal area and camp kitchen where you can relax and share stories with fellow travellers. It’s a pet-friendly park, so you can bring your four-legged companion along to explore the historic surroundings with you.
From the park, the adventure begins right at your doorstep. Spend your days trying your luck with a gold detector in the surrounding state forests, known for still yielding treasures. Explore the beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture along Dunolly’s Broadway, visit the local museum to see incredible casts of famous nuggets, or follow the innovative Women’s Historical Arts Trail. With its central location, the Dunolly Caravan Park is not just a place to stay—it’s your gateway to uncovering the golden history and natural beauty of central Victoria.
Dunolly Caravan Park – VIC Location Map
Dunolly Caravan Park
- Address: 46 Desmond St, Dunolly VIC 3472
- Website: www.dunollycaravanpark.com.au
- GPS Coordinates: -36.86256, 143.73136
Site Details
- Location: Lakeside setting within walking distance of the Dunolly town centre in the Victorian Goldfields.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, and tents. Cabins are also available.
- Road Access: Sealed road access.
- Site Surface: Primarily grass and gravel sites.
Facilities
- Powered & Unpowered Sites
- Camp Kitchen / Communal Area
- BBQ Facilities
- Onsite Public Toilets & Showers
- Guest Laundry
- Potable Water
- Rubbish Bins
- Good Mobile Phone & TV Reception
Activities & Essentials
- Essentials to Bring: A gold detector and prospecting tools are highly recommended! Also, bring sturdy walking shoes for exploring.
- Pet-Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on sites but must be kept on a leash.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions (BYO fire pit may be allowed, check with management).
- Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for other guests; please check with park management for designated hours.
- Fishing: Possible in nearby reservoirs like Laanecoorie Reservoir for species like Redfin and Golden Perch.
- Short Walks: Enjoy walks around the lake and through the historic Dunolly township.
Local Amenities
Pubs
- Railway Hotel, Dunolly: Approximately 1 km
- Royal Hotel, Dunolly: Approximately 1.5 km
- Dunolly Bistro and Bar: Approximately 1.5 km
Places to Eat
- Dunolly Bakery: Approximately 1.5 km
- Bistros at the local hotels and various cafes in the main street.
Local Attractions
- Dunolly Goldfields Museum: Approximately 1.5 km
- Welcome Stranger Gold Nugget Monument & Sites: Various locations nearby
- Gordon Gardens: Approximately 1 km
- Gold Prospecting in Dunolly State Forest: Surrounding the town
- Dunolly Women’s Historical Arts Trail: Along the main street (Broadway)
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Maryborough Caravan Park: Approximately 22 km
- Laanecoorie Lakeside Park: Approximately 14 km
Nearest Free Camps
- Waanyarra Recreation Site: Approximately 15 km
- Bealiba Reservoir Recreation Area: Approximately 20 km
Nearest Dump Points
- Dunolly Dump Point (Maude St, shared with park): Approximately 1 km
- Maryborough Harness Racing Club Dump Point: Approximately 22 km
Nearest Petrol Stations
- APCO Dunolly (Broadway): Approximately 1.5 km
- Multiple stations in Maryborough: Approximately 22 km
Drinking Water Resupply
- Onsite at Park
- Public taps are often available in local parks like Gordon Gardens.
Nearest Public Toilets
- Onsite at Park
- Rene Fox Memorial Gardens (Broadway): Approximately 1.5 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Dunolly
- Summer (December – February): Hot and generally dry, with average maximum temperatures often reaching into the low 30s (°C). Ideal for early morning and late afternoon exploring.
- Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. Considered the best time for gold prospecting and outdoor activities.
- Winter (June – August): Cold, especially overnight with frosts common. Days are typically cool, with average maximums around 13-15°C.
- Spring (September – November): Mild and pleasant weather, with the countryside turning green. A beautiful time for bushwalking and enjoying the wildflowers.