Nestled in the beautiful ironbark forests of the Kara Kara an Victoria’s historic Goldfields, the Teddington Camping Area is a fantastic free campground for nature lovers and history buffs alike. This spacious and well-maintained Parks Victoria site is set on the banks of the Teddington Reservoir, offering a serene and picturesque bush setting. It’s a paradise for self-sufficient travellers, providing a peaceful retreat with a classic Australian outdoor atmosphere. The campground is spread across a large, open area with numerous designated sites, offering plenty of room for tents, camper trailers, and small to medium-sized caravans. The surrounding forest provides welcome shade and a sense of immersion in the natural environment, where kangaroos, wallabies, and a rich variety of birdlife are common visitors.
The main attraction is the Teddington Reservoir itself, a beautiful body of water that is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, with a reputation for holding Redfin. The campground is the starting point for several walking tracks, including a scenic loop around the reservoir and trails that lead deeper into the St Arnaud Range National Park, which is renowned for its stunning wildflower displays in spring. The area is steeped in gold rush history, and the campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the remnants of old mining operations and the charming historic towns of Stuart Mill and St Arnaud. While the facilities are basic, they are clean and functional, perfectly suiting the rustic charm of the location. For a memorable, budget-friendly adventure that combines tranquil lakeside camping with rich history and natural beauty, the Teddington Camping Area is an outstanding Goldfields destination.
Teddington Camping Area – VIC Location Map
Teddington Camping Area
- Address: 385 Teddington Rd, Stuart Mill VIC 3477
- GPS: -36.84530455967669, 143.26340468841636
- Website: This is a free campground in a National Park. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.
Site Details
- Location: Bush setting on Teddington Reservoir in St Arnaud Range National Park.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, small to medium Caravans and Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Unsealed gravel road (Teddington Rd), generally 2WD accessible with care.
- Site Surface: Natural dirt and gravel base.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping. No bookings required.
- 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: Patchy. Telstra offers the best chance of a signal.
- TV Reception: 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.
- Number of Sites Available: Approximately 20 unmarked sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a lead.
Activities
- Fishing: Fishing for Redfin in the Teddington Reservoir.
- Short Walks: The Reservoir Loop Walk and other tracks start from the campground.
- Birdwatching: The area is rich in birdlife, including honeyeaters and parrots.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Stuart Mill Hotel – Approx. 10 km
- The Royal Hotel (St Arnaud) – Approx. 20 km
- The Old Bank (St Arnaud) – Approx. 20 km
- Places to Eat:
- Stuart Mill Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 10 km
- Various bakeries, cafes, and pubs in St Arnaud – Approx. 20 km
- Local Attractions:
- St Arnaud Range National Park – You are in it!
- Historic town of St Arnaud – Approx. 20 km
- Stuart Mill historic precinct – Approx. 10 km
- Pyrenees Wine Region (Avoca) – Approx. 40 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- St Arnaud Caravan Park – Approx. 20 km
- Avoca Caravan Park – Approx. 40 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Daily Gully Camping Area – Approx. 25 km
- Notley’s Campground (Paddys Ranges State Park) – Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- St Arnaud Public Dump Point – Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- St Arnaud has multiple options – Approx. 20 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, with average temperatures of 15-32°C. High fire danger.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for walking, averaging 9-25°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts, but often with clear, sunny days. Averaging 3-15°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, the best time for wildflowers, averaging 8-23°C.
