Perched high on the slopes of Mount Alexander (Leanganook), this spectacular free campground is a true gem of the Victorian Goldfields, offering breathtaking views and an immersive bush experience. The Leanganook Camping Area, located within the Mount Alexander Regional Park, is a paradise for hikers, rock climbers, and nature lovers seeking a serene and scenic escape. The campground is nestled amongst a magnificent forest of native gums, surrounded by the giant granite boulders that make this mountain so iconic. The sites are well-defined and spread across several terraces, providing a sense of seclusion and allowing campers to wake up to the sounds of the forest and the incredible vistas stretching out across the valley towards the historic town of Harcourt.
The main appeal of Leanganook is its incredible access to outdoor adventure. It is a key stop and trailhead for the renowned Goldfields Track, which connects Bendigo and Ballarat, making it a perfect overnight base for hikers. The surrounding park is crisscrossed with a network of walking and mountain biking trails that lead to stunning lookouts, historic sites, and unique granite formations. The mountain is also a popular destination for rock climbing and abseiling. While the campground is a classic back-to-basics bush camp, it is well-serviced with essential facilities like non-flush toilets and fire pits. Its location is wonderfully balanced, feeling remote and peaceful while being just a short drive from the apple orchards and cideries of Harcourt, and the vibrant arts and food scenes of Castlemaine and Bendigo. For an unforgettable, budget-friendly adventure with million-dollar views, Leanganook Camping Area is a top-tier destination.
Leanganook Camping Area – VIC Location Map
Leanganook Camping Area
- Address: Joseph Young Dr, Faraday VIC 3451
- GPS: -37.018442509452576, 144.30691774727975
- Website: This is a free campground in a Regional Park. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.
Site Details
- Location: Mountain-top bush setting in Mount Alexander Regional Park.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, and small Off-road Camper Trailers. The steep, narrow access road is not suitable for caravans or large motorhomes.
- Road Access: Unsealed, narrow, steep, and winding road. Generally 2WD accessible with extreme care in dry conditions, but AWD or 4WD is recommended.
- Site Surface: Natural dirt and gravel base.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits, picnic tables. No power or showers.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra on the peaks, can be patchy in the campground.
- 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: Not permitted.
- Number of Sites Available: Small campground with about 5-10 unmarked sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, hiking boots.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a lead in Mount Alexander Regional Park.
Activities
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: A premier hiking destination with access to the Goldfields Track and the summit of Mount Alexander.
- Rock Climbing & Abseiling: The granite slabs of Mount Alexander are a renowned climbing location.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Harcourt Hotel – Approx. 10 km
- The Cumberland Hotel (Castlemaine) – Approx. 18 km
- The Bridge Hotel (Castlemaine) – Approx. 18 km
- Places to Eat:
- Harcourt Produce & General Store (Cafe) – Approx. 10 km
- Numerous acclaimed cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Castlemaine – Approx. 18 km
- Local Attractions:
- Mount Alexander Summit & Lookouts – Onsite
- Harcourt Apple & Cider country – Approx. 10 km
- The Mill Castlemaine (vintage market, fooderies) – Approx. 18 km
- Historic town of Maldon – Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park – Approx. 18 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Vaughan Springs Camping Ground – Approx. 15 km
- Warburtons Bridge Campground – Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Castlemaine Public Dump Point (near the old gaol) – Approx. 18 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Harcourt (on the freeway) – Approx. 10 km
- Castlemaine has multiple options – Approx. 18 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Harcourt or Castlemaine.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with cool mountain nights. Averaging 14-29°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, the peak season for autumn colours and hiking. Averaging 8-22°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frequent frosts and chilly, often misty days. Averaging 3-12°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild, a great time for wildflowers, but weather can be very changeable. Averaging 6-19°C.
