Step back in time at the Surface Point Picnic Area, a historic free camping spot located deep within the Enfield State Park, Victoria. This rustic site offers a genuine bush camping experience on what was once a bustling Chinese mining settlement during the 1860s gold rush. Today, it’s a tranquil haven for prospectors, bushwalkers, and self-sufficient campers looking to escape into the Goldfields region, just a short drive south of Ballarat.
The campground itself is basic, set in a small, cleared area above the seasonal Mount Misery Creek. It’s important to note that this site is best suited for tents and potentially small, off-road camper trailers. A small, barricaded parking area separates vehicles from the walk-in tent sites. Large caravans and big rigs will not be able to access the camping spots. This is a true ‘back to basics’ camp, offering a peaceful atmosphere, picnic tables, and wood fire pits for a classic campfire experience.
This is a ‘Leave No Trace’ location within a state park. Campers must be fully self-contained, which means bringing all your own drinking water and a portable toilet, although a single drop toilet is available on-site. All rubbish must be taken out with you, as no bins are provided. Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash at all times.
The main attractions here are the history and the environment. You can try your luck with a gold detector or pan in the designated prospecting areas of Enfield State Park. The 1km ‘Surface Point Loop Walk’ starts directly from the picnic area, taking you past historic mining relics and a memorial. For more extensive exploration, the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail is also nearby. While it feels remote, the amenities of Ballarat are only about a 20-25 minute drive away, making it easy to stock up on supplies.
Surface Point Picnic Area – VIC Location Map
Surface Point Picnic Area
- Address: Enfield VIC 3352, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.77024, 143.7382
Site Features
- Location: Enfield State Park, on the site of a historic 1860s Chinese gold mining settlement.
- Site suitable for: Tents and small, walk-in setups. Not suitable for caravans or large motorhomes due to a barricaded parking area.
- Road access: Unsealed forest roads. Generally 2WD accessible in dry weather, but conditions can vary. 4WD may be preferred after rain.
- Site surface: Dirt and gravel parking area; camping sites are on natural ground.
- Camping permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted in designated areas.
- Maximum overnight stays: Up to 28 consecutive days, as per Victorian State Forest regulations.
- Picnic tables: Yes, available on site.
- Potable water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile phone coverage: Unreliable to non-existent. Do not depend on it for communication or emergencies.
- TV reception: Poor to non-existent.
- Onsite public toilets: Yes, one basic (non-flushing) drop toilet is available.
- Rubbish bins: No. This is a strict ‘Leave No Trace’ area. You must take all rubbish with you.
- Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits and wood barbecues, unless a Total Fire Ban is in effect. Check CFA warnings. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator use: Permitted, but must have a spark arrestor and be used courteously regarding noise.
- Number of sites available: A small number of informal tent sites.
- Essentials to bring: Drinking water, food, portable toilet (recommended), rubbish bags, firewood, first-aid kit, and a map.
- Pet friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash and must be under control.
- Fishing: Limited to none. Mount Misery Creek is seasonal and often dry.
- Short walks: Yes, the 1km Surface Point Loop Walk starts here, detailing the area’s history. Other longer trails are accessible within the park.
Local Amenities
The nearest major town with full services is Ballarat (approx. 20-25km). The small town of Smythesdale (approx. 10-12km) has basic supplies.
Food & Drink
- Local Pubs: Courthouse Hotel (Smythesdale, approx. 12km), Haddon Hotel (Haddon, approx. 15km), Royal Mail Hotel (Sebastopol, approx. 20km).
- Places to Eat: Cafes and takeaway in Smythesdale; extensive options (restaurants, cafes, supermarkets) in the Ballarat suburbs of Sebastopol and Delacombe (approx. 20km).
Attractions & Activities
- Local Attractions: Enfield State Park (on site), Gold prospecting (on site), Smythesdale Historical Precinct (approx. 12km), Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail (access nearby), Sovereign Hill (Ballarat, approx. 23km).
Caravan & Camping
- Nearest Caravan Parks: NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park (Ballarat, approx. 23km), BIG4 Ballarat Goldfields Holiday Park (Ballarat, approx. 23km), A Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park (Ballarat, approx. 24km).
- Next Free Camps: Other informal sites within Enfield State Park (check local signage).
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump point access is typically available at major caravan parks in Ballarat, such as NRMA Ballarat or BIG4 Goldfields (fees may apply for non-guests).
- Nearest Petrol Station: Located in the Ballarat suburb of Sebastopol (approx. 20km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Various service stations and public parks in Ballarat.
- Nearest Public Toilets: On-site (drop toilet). Flushing toilets are available in Smythesdale (approx. 12km) and Ballarat.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Enfield, VIC
Enfield’s climate is temperate, similar to nearby Ballarat, and can be changeable.
- Summer (December – February): Days are warm to hot, with average highs around 27-29°C, but cool changes are common. Nights are mild.
- Autumn (March – May): Typically the most stable season with mild, sunny days and cool, crisp nights.
- Winter (June – August): Cold and damp. Average highs are around 11-13°C, and nights are very cold, frequently dropping to 0-3°C with heavy frosts. Rainfall is common.
- Spring (September – November): Mild and becoming warmer, but known for being unsettled with variable weather, including wind and rain, especially in early spring.