For a peaceful and historic free camping experience in the heart of the Victorian Goldfields, the Vaughan Upper Terrace Camping Ground is a fantastic choice. Located within the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, this charming bush camp offers a more secluded and quiet alternative to the bustling main picnic area at Vaughan Springs. It is a true haven for self-sufficient travellers, gold prospectors, and nature lovers seeking an authentic Australian bush setting. The campground is a simple, rustic clearing set amongst a beautiful forest of native eucalypts, offering a number of well-spaced sites suitable for tents, swags, and small off-road camper trailers. The atmosphere is one of tranquility, where the sounds of the surrounding forest and the rich history of the land are the main attractions.
The main appeal of the Upper Terrace is its incredible location, steeped in the legacy of the gold rush. It serves as a perfect base for exploring the surrounding historic diggings, with numerous walking tracks and old mining remnants to discover. It is a popular spot for gold fossicking and detecting, giving visitors a chance to try their luck in this legendary gold-bearing region. The campground is also just a short walk from the Loddon River and the Vaughan Mineral Springs, where you can enjoy a picnic or taste the local mineral water. While facilities are minimal, reflecting its free and rustic nature, this is a key part of its charm for those looking to escape the crowds. Its proximity to the vibrant historic towns of Castlemaine, Guildford, and Daylesford means that supplies, fantastic food, and other attractions are just a short, scenic drive away. For a budget-friendly and historically rich adventure, the Vaughan Upper Terrace is an excellent choice.
Vaughan Upper Terrace Camping Ground – VIC Location Map
Vaughan Upper Terrace Camping Ground
- Address: Unnamed Road, Vaughan VIC 3451
- GPS: -37.15987654994805, 144.21423298105807
- Website: This is a free campground in a National Heritage Park. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.
Site Details
- Location: Historic bush setting in the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, and small Off-road Camper Trailers. Not suitable for large caravans due to tight access.
- Road Access: Unsealed gravel/dirt road. Generally 2WD accessible with care but can be slippery.
- 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. No power or showers.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very patchy 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: Permitted, but please be considerate of the natural setting.
- Number of Sites Available: Small area with about 5-10 unmarked sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, gold pan/detector.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead in this area of the park.
Activities
- Fishing: Limited opportunities for small fish in the Loddon River.
- Short Walks: Direct access to the Goldfields Track and numerous historic walks around Vaughan Springs.
- Gold Prospecting: A popular area for gold fossicking and detecting (a miner’s right is required).
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Guildford Hotel (Guildford) – Approx. 8 km
- The Cumberland Hotel (Castlemaine) – Approx. 15 km
- The Bridge Hotel (Castlemaine) – Approx. 15 km
- Places to Eat:
- Vaughan Springs Kiosk (seasonal) – Approx. 1 km
- Numerous cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Castlemaine and Daylesford – Approx. 15-18 km
- Local Attractions:
- Vaughan Mineral Springs – Approx. 1 km
- Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park – You are in it!
- The Mill Castlemaine (vintage market, fooderies) – Approx. 15 km
- Daylesford spa country – Approx. 18 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park – Approx. 15 km
- Daylesford Holiday Park – Approx. 18 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Warburtons Bridge Campground (Glenluce) – Approx. 5 km
- Mount Franklin Reserve – Approx. 12 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Castlemaine Public Dump Point (near the old gaol) – Approx. 15 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Castlemaine has multiple options – Approx. 15 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available at the Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and typically dry, averaging 14-28°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, known for beautiful autumn colours, averaging 8-22°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts and chilly days, great for campfires, averaging 3-12°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine, a great time for bushwalking, averaging 6-19°C.
