Discover one of the Bendigo region’s best-kept secrets for families and self-contained travellers: Bullock Creek Picnic Reserve, more commonly known as Happy Jacks Reserve. Located in Lockwood South, just a short 20-minute drive from the heart of Bendigo, this versatile reserve offers the rare combination of excellent free camping alongside fantastic day-use facilities, all set in a peaceful, streamside environment.
The reserve is cleverly divided into two distinct zones upon entry from Glen Road. To the left, you’ll find the ‘Bullock Creek Picnic Reserve’ area, which is a dedicated day-use zone. This section is perfect for family gatherings, featuring undercover electric barbecues, picnic tables, rubbish bins, a small playground with swings and a slide, and a public toilet block. It’s important to note that camping is not permitted in this specific picnic and playground section.
To the right of the entrance, the area opens up into a large, lightly treed campground that stretches along the bank of Bullock Creek. This is the designated free camping zone, offering plenty of space for all types of setups, from tents and swags to large caravans and RVs. The camping area itself is basic, so campers should be self-sufficient, but you have the major advantage of being just a short walk away from the toilets and bins in the picnic area.
Access is via a dirt road, which is generally 2WD accessible in dry weather but can become slippery after heavy rain. The site is pet-friendly (on-leash) and provides a great base for exploring the wider Bendigo region. You can enjoy the local history, visit nearby attractions like Crusoe Reservoir, or simply relax by the creek. As a popular local spot, it offers a safe and convenient stopover with more amenities than your average bush camp.
Bullock Creek Picnic Reserve – VIC Location Map
Bullock Creek Picnic Reserve (also known as Happy Jacks Reserve / Lockwood South Recreation Reserve)
- Address: Glen Road, Lockwood VIC 3551, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -36.84035, 144.15473
Site Features
- Location: A public recreation reserve in Lockwood South, 20 minutes from Bendigo.
- Site suitable for: Tents, caravans, camper trailers, and RVs.
- Road access: Unsealed road, generally 2WD accessible in dry weather.
- Site surface: Grass and dirt, lightly treed.
- Camping permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted in the designated camping area (to the right of the entrance). Not permitted in the picnic/playground area.
- Maximum overnight stays: As per local signage (typically from 1 to 14 nights).
- Picnic tables: Yes (in the adjacent picnic area).
- Potable water: No. Bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile phone coverage: Good. Telstra and other carriers generally have service.
- TV reception: Good.
- Onsite public toilets: Yes (in the adjacent picnic area).
- Rubbish bins: Yes (in the adjacent picnic area).
- Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits or self-contained units, unless a Total Fire Ban is in effect. Check CFA warnings.
- Generator use: Permitted, but please be courteous to other campers.
- Number of sites available: Large, open, unpowered area with many informal sites.
- Essentials to bring: Drinking water, firewood (if required).
- Pet friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Possible in Bullock Creek (catches may include small redfin or carp).
- Short walks: Yes, pleasant walks along the creek.
Local Amenities
The nearest suburb for supplies is Kangaroo Flat (approx. 8-10km). The nearest major city is Bendigo (approx. 15km).
Food & Drink
- Local Pubs: Kangaroo Flat Hotel (Kangaroo Flat, approx. 9km), Windermere Hotel (Kangaroo Flat, approx. 9km), The Hibernian (Golden Square, approx. 12km).
- Places to Eat: Supermarkets, bakeries, and takeaway shops in Kangaroo Flat.
Attractions & Activities
- Local Attractions: Crusoe Reservoir & Number 7 Park (approx. 10km), Central Deborah Gold Mine (Bendigo, approx. 15km), Bendigo Tramways (Bendigo, approx. 15km).
Caravan & Camping
- Nearest Caravan Parks: A-Line Holiday Village (Big Hill, approx. 10km), BIG4 Bendigo Marong (Marong, approx. 17km).
- Next Free Camps: Bullock Camp Grounds (Marong, approx. 14km), Notley Camp (Whipstick, approx. 25km).
- Nearest Dump Points: Bendigo Showground Dump Point (Holmes Rd, North Bendigo, approx. 19km – free, public access).
- Nearest Petrol Station: BP Kangaroo Flat (172 High St, Kangaroo Flat, approx. 9km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Water vending machines in Bendigo (e.g., Hungry Jacks Lansell Square, Kangaroo Flat) or public taps at Lake Weeroona (Bendigo).
- Nearest Public Toilets: On-site at the reserve.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Lockwood / Bendigo, VIC
Lockwood shares Bendigo’s regional climate, which is generally dry with four distinct seasons.
- Summer (December – February): Warm to hot and dry, with average maximum temperatures around 29-30°C.
- Autumn (March – May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, often considered the most pleasant season.
- Winter (June – August): Cool to cold and damp, with average highs around 12-14°C and cold, frosty nights.
- Spring (September – November): Mild and becoming warmer, but can be unsettled with wind and rainfall.