Hamilton’s Crossing is a spectacular and highly sought-after free camping destination, offering a quintessential Australian bush experience on the beautiful banks of the Loddon River. Nestled in the heart of the Victorian Goldfields, this spacious reserve is a paradise for self-sufficient campers who appreciate tranquility, nature, and a touch of history. The campground is spread across a large, relatively flat, and grassy area, shaded by a magnificent canopy of mature river red gums. This provides an abundance of wonderful, secluded spots where caravans, motorhomes, and tents can set up with plenty of personal space. It is a place renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, where the main sounds are the gentle flow of the river and the chorus of native birdlife, including kookaburras, galahs, and cockatoos.
The Loddon River is the centerpiece of this wonderful location, offering a natural playground for visitors. The calm, wide sections are perfect for kayaking and canoeing, while the deeper pools are a popular spot for anglers trying their luck for Murray Cod, Yellowbelly, and Redfin. The surrounding bushland invites leisurely walks and is a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos frequently seen grazing at dawn and dusk. For a free camp, the facilities are simple but functional, catering perfectly to the self-contained traveller. Its strategic location is a major drawcard, placing it just a short, scenic drive from some of the region’s most treasured historic towns. The beautifully preserved streetscapes of Maldon, the antique shops of Newstead, and the larger regional centres of Castlemaine and Bendigo are all within easy reach for day trips. For a truly memorable and budget-friendly stay that captures the serene beauty of riverside bush camping, Hamilton’s Crossing is one of the Goldfields’ premier free camps.
Hamilton’s Crossing – VIC Location Map
Hamilton’s Crossing
- Address: Baringhup West VIC 3463
- GPS: -36.94258724291802, 143.93298135955337
- Website: This is a free campground in a public reserve. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website for the broader river reserve.
Site Details
- Location: Riverside bush camp on the Loddon River.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
- Road Access: Unsealed gravel road. Generally 2WD accessible but can be slippery after rain.
- Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short-term stays are encouraged.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood fire pits. No power or showers.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra has the best coverage.
- TV Reception: Possible but can be unreliable.
- 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 please be considerate of the peaceful environment and other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with room for many campers.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, fishing gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.
Activities
- Fishing: Excellent fishing for Murray Cod, Yellowbelly, and Redfin in the Loddon River.
- Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the riverbank and through the surrounding bushland.
- Kayaking & Canoeing: The river is a popular spot for paddling.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Baringhup Hotel – Approx. 5 km
- Kangaroo Hotel (Maldon) – Approx. 15 km
- Railway Hotel (Newstead) – Approx. 16 km
- Places to Eat:
- The Baringhup Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 5 km
- Numerous highly-rated cafes and bakeries in Maldon – Approx. 15 km
- Local Attractions:
- Historic town of Maldon – Approx. 15 km
- Cairn Curran Reservoir – Approx. 15 km
- Victorian Goldfields Railway (Maldon) – Approx. 15 km
- Castlemaine town centre – Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Maldon Gardens Caravan Park – Approx. 15 km
- Newstead Recreation Reserve – Approx. 16 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Warburtons Bridge Campground (Glenluce) – Approx. 30 km
- Green Hill Lake Reserve (Ararat) – Approx. 100 km (Note: this is a significant distance)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Maldon Racecourse Recreation Reserve – Approx. 16 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Maldon – Approx. 15 km
- Newstead – Approx. 16 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Maldon or Newstead townships.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, perfect for river activities, with average temperatures of 15-31°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for walking and exploring, averaging 8-24°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts, but often with clear, sunny days. Great for campfires. Averaging 3-14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, with the countryside green and lush, averaging 7-22°C.
