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Paddy’s Ranges State Park VIC, Free Goldfields Camping & Prospecting Guide

Discover a blend of natural beauty and golden history at Paddy’s Ranges State Park, located just a few kilometres south of Maryborough. This park is a stunning example of a Box-Ironbark forest, which bursts into a vibrant carpet of wildflowers every spring, making it a photographer’s and naturalist’s delight. The park is steeped in the history of the 19th-century gold rush, with remnants of old diggings and mining settlements scattered throughout the bush.

The designated free camping area on Karri Track offers a fantastic and convenient base for exploring everything the park and the surrounding Goldfields region have to offer. This is a well-maintained bush campground, providing essential amenities like non-flushing toilets, picnic tables, and designated fireplaces. It’s a popular spot for modern-day gold prospectors, as fossicking is permitted in designated areas of the park. Bushwalkers and birdwatchers will also be in their element, with a diverse collection of tracks winding through the forest, offering plenty of opportunities to spot the unique flora and fauna.

While the campground is free and relatively well-equipped, campers must be largely self-sufficient. The most critical point to note is that **dogs and other pets are strictly not permitted** within the state park to protect native wildlife. You must also bring your own drinking water, as the tank water available onsite is not potable. Fires are only allowed in the provided fireplaces and are subject to Total Fire Bans, so bringing your own firewood is essential as collecting it within the park is not allowed. All rubbish must be taken with you to keep the park pristine.

Paddy’s Ranges State Park offers an authentic and accessible free camping experience. Its close proximity to the full services of Maryborough, combined with its rich historical and natural attractions, makes it an outstanding choice for a weekend getaway or a longer stay to soak in the unique atmosphere of the Victorian Goldfields.

Paddy’s Ranges State Park Camping Area – VIC Map

Campsite Details

Name: Paddy’s Ranges State Park Camping Area
Address: Karri Track, Adelaide Lead VIC 3465
GPS Coordinates: -37.08305, 143.69098
Website: parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/paddys-ranges-state-park

Site Features

Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, and caravans.
Road access: 2WD accessible dirt road (Karri Track) in dry conditions.
Site surface: Dirt/gravel clearings.
Camping permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted at the designated Karri Track camping area.
Maximum overnight stays: Check local signage (standard for state forests is 28 days, park rules may vary).
Picnic tables: Yes.
Potable water: No. Onsite tank water is non-potable. You must bring all your own drinking water.
Mobile phone coverage: Patchy. Telstra may have limited service, but it is not guaranteed.
TV reception: No.
Onsite public toilets: Yes, non-flushing (pit) toilets are available.
Rubbish bins: No. You must take all rubbish with you.
Open fires: Permitted in designated fireplaces only. Subject to seasonal fire restrictions (Total Fire Bans). BYO firewood (collecting firewood is not permitted).
Generator use: Not specified (discouraged to maintain park tranquility).
Number of sites available: Not specified; multiple clearings available.
Essentials to bring: **Drinking water, rubbish bags, firewood,** toilet paper, insect repellent.
Pet friendly: **NO. Dogs and other pets are not permitted.**
Fishing: No (not onsite).
Short walks: Yes, extensive network of bushwalking and birdwatching tracks.

Local Amenities

All amenities are located in the nearby town of Maryborough (approx. 8-10km away).

Local Pubs

Railway Hotel Maryborough: Approximately 8-10km away.
Bull & Mouth Hotel: Approximately 8-10km away.
Britannia Hotel (Carisbrook): Approximately 8-10km away.

Places to Eat

Rummy Desert Indian Cuisine: Approximately 8-10km away in Maryborough.
Peach Village Chinese Restaurant: Approximately 8-10km away in Maryborough.
Various Bakeries & Cafes: Wide selection available in Maryborough.

Local Attractions

Gold Prospecting: Permitted in designated areas within the park.
Maryborough Railway Station: Historic station (approx. 8-10km).
Bristol Hill Lookout: Panoramic views (approx. 8-10km).
Goldfields Reservoir: Picnics and walks (approx. 10-12km).

Nearest Caravan Parks

Lions Coronation Park Maryborough: Approximately 6-7km away (RV friendly).
Golden Country Motel and Caravan Park: Approximately 8-10km away in Maryborough.

Next Free Camps

Lions Coronation Park Maryborough: (RV Stop) Approximately 6-7km away.
Waanyarra Camp Area: Approximately 20-25km away.

Nearest Dump Points

Maryborough Dump Point: Located at 89A Derby Road (approx. 8-10km).

Nearest Petrol Station

Shell Reddy Express: Located at 53-55 High St, Maryborough (approx. 8-10km).

Drinking Water Resupply

Maryborough Potable Water Station: Located near the RV Park / Dump Point on Derby Rd (approx. 8-10km).

Nearest Public Toilets

Onsite: Non-flushing toilets are available at the campground.
Maryborough: Various public toilets available in the town centre (approx. 8-10km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Summer (December – February): Warm to hot with average highs around 28°C. Temperatures can often exceed 35°C.
Autumn (March – May): Mild and pleasant days with average highs cooling from 25°C to 17°C.
Winter (June – August): Cold, with average highs around 12-14°C and overnight lows near 4°C. Frost is common.
Spring (September – November): Mild and clear, with average highs rising from 17°C to 23°C. This is the prime wildflower season.