Journey into the heart of Victoria’s gold rush past with a rustic camping experience at the Old Mill Picnic Area, a serene free camp nestled within the historic Steiglitz Park. This is a classic, back-to-basics Australian bush camp, offering a peaceful retreat for self-sufficient travellers who want to immerse themselves in nature and history. Surrounded by the rugged ironbark forests of the Brisbane Ranges, the campground is a quiet clearing that once serviced a thriving gold mining community. Today, it provides a tranquil setting where the echoes of the past meet the peaceful sounds of the bush. It’s an ideal spot for those with a passion for history, bushwalking, and exploring off the beaten track.
The campground itself is primarily suited to tent-based campers and small, off-road camper trailers due to its walk-in nature, with parking available a short distance from the main picnic area. The main appeal is its direct access to the fascinating Steiglitz Historic Park, where you can wander among the preserved courthouse, church, and other relics of a bygone era on a self-guided tour. The area is crisscrossed with walking tracks that follow old mining routes, offering insights into the tough lives of the 19th-century prospectors. While facilities are minimal, reflecting its free and rustic nature, the experience is rich in atmosphere. As night falls, the remote location provides a spectacular canopy of stars, far from any city glow. For a truly authentic and budget-friendly camping trip that connects you with Victoria’s unique gold rush heritage, the Old Mill Picnic Area is a fantastic and memorable choice.
Old Mill Picnic Area – VIC Location Map
Old Mill Picnic Area
- Address: Steiglitz Rd, Steiglitz VIC 3331
- GPS: -37.8552582148292, 144.19447603061636
- Website: This is a free campground within a historic park. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.
Site Details
- Location: Bush camp in the Steiglitz Historic Park.
- Site Suitable For: Primarily Tents and Swags (walk-in from carpark). Small off-road camper trailers may be suitable in the carpark area. Not suitable for caravans or large motorhomes.
- Road Access: Sealed road to Steiglitz, then good quality unsealed road to the picnic area.
- Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Short stays are expected. Please observe any local signage.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood BBQs/fire pits.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very poor 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: Not recommended due to the quiet nature of the site.
- Number of Sites Available: Unmarked sites in a designated area.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, toilet paper, rubbish bags, insect repellent.
- Pet Friendly: No. As it is part of a historic park managed by Parks Victoria, pets are not permitted.
Activities
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: Excellent area for bushwalking with direct access to the historic Steiglitz town walks and Brisbane Ranges trails.
- History & Photography: A prime location for exploring and photographing the relics of the gold rush era.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Anakie Hotel (Anakie) – Approx. 20 km
- Meredith Hotel (Meredith) – Approx. 22 km
- Lal Lal Falls Hotel (Lal Lal) – Approx. 30 km
- Places to Eat:
- Anakie General Store (Takeaway) – Approx. 20 km
- Meredith Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 22 km
- Local Attractions:
- Steiglitz Historic Park Courthouse and Township – Onsite
- Brisbane Ranges National Park – Adjacent
- Fairy Park (Anakie) – Approx. 22 km
- Bunjil’s Lookout – Approx. 15 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Anakie Gemstone Park (Anakie) – Approx. 20 km
- Meredith Caravan Park – Approx. 22 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Bunjil’s Lookout – Approx. 15 km
- Meredith Park Camping Ground – Approx. 24 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Bannockburn Public Dump Point – Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Anakie – Approx. 20 km
- Meredith – Approx. 22 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in nearby towns like Meredith or Anakie.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and very dry, averaging 14-29°C. High fire danger season.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, clear days and cool nights, ideal for walking, averaging 9-23°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and can be damp, with frequent frosts, averaging 4-13°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild, the best time for wildflowers, but weather can be changeable. Averaging 7-20°C.
