Slaty Creek Picnic Ground No 3: Your Free Bush Camping Gateway in Creswick Regional Park

Nestled within the breathtaking Creswick Regional Park, Slaty Creek Picnic Ground No 3 offers a quintessential Australian bush camping experience. As a free, unpowered site, it is a favourite amongst those who appreciate a more rustic and self-sufficient getaway, where the only neighbours you’ll find are the towering Manna Gums and the abundant native wildlife. Located conveniently close to the historic gold rush town of Creswick, this peaceful retreat is the perfect base for exploring the area’s rich history and natural beauty. Unlike the larger, more developed campgrounds, Slaty Creek No 3 is a secluded spot that provides a true sense of escape from the everyday hustle.

The grounds are suitable for a range of camping setups, including tents, small to medium campervans, and camper trailers. The entire area is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers. You can try your luck at gold panning in the nearby Slaty Creek, a popular pastime that harks back to the area’s goldfields past. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, birdwatching is a rewarding activity, with many species of birds making their home in the gum trees. The area is also part of the broader Creswick Regional Park, which is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape of the Dja Dja Wurrung Peoples. Visitors can follow easy walking trails that meander through the gentle hills, offering a chance to spot koalas and wallabies in their natural habitat.

For more serious hikers and cyclists, the world-renowned Goldfields Track passes through the park, providing an incredible opportunity to explore a significant part of Victoria’s landscape. The track stretches for a total of 210 kilometres and a section runs between Creswick and Ballarat, following historic water races. After a day of exploring, you can relax by a campfire, as Slaty Creek No 3 is equipped with a fireplace for your convenience. Please note, as a basic bush camp, facilities are minimal, which is part of its charm. You’ll need to be fully prepared and self-sufficient, but the tranquility and connection to nature you’ll gain in return is a truly unique experience. The calm and quiet ambience makes it an ideal spot for a peaceful picnic, a barbecue, or an overnight stay under the stars.

Whether you’re a keen bushwalker, a gold fossicker, a birdwatcher, or simply looking for a quiet spot to get away from it all, Slaty Creek Picnic Ground No 3 is a fantastic choice that encapsulates the simple beauty of rural Victoria. Its accessibility and peaceful setting make it a perfect short-stay option for locals and tourists alike who want to immerse themselves in nature.

Location Details

• Name: Slaty Creek Picnic Ground No 3
• Address: Wrights Gully Rd, Cabbage Tree VIC 3364

GPS Coordinates

• Coordinates: -37.46778571261615, 143.9086770182389

Website

Website not available. Information is managed by Parks Victoria as part of Creswick Regional Park.

Location Map

Site Features & Local Information

• Location: Nestled on the flats beside Slaty Creek, within Creswick Regional Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, campervans, camper trailers, and small to medium caravans. Suitable for picnics and day-use.
• Road Access: Unsealed road, generally accessible by 2WD vehicles in most weather conditions.
• Site Surface: Dirt and grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a free, first-come, first-served camping area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specific information available, but typically short-stay. Check Parks Victoria regulations for updates.
• Facilities: Fireplace and picnic table. No toilets, running water, or powered sites.
• Potable Water: No. Visitors must bring all their own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited. Some coverage (e.g., Telstra 4G) may be available, but it can be unreliable.
• TV Reception: Not available.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. The nearest public toilet is at Slaty Creek Campground No 1 (approximately 1km away).
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a “leave no trace” site. Visitors must take all their rubbish with them.
• Open Fires: Permitted in the designated fireplace, but subject to fire danger ratings and total fire ban days. Check local regulations.
• Generator Use: Permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: This is a small, secluded area, not a formal site with numbered spots. Camping is spread out along the creek.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, toilet paper, hand sanitiser, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash at all times.
• Fishing: Fishing is available in the nearby creek and at St Georges Lake. A Victorian recreational fishing licence is required.
• Short Walks: Many short walks available, including the self-guided trail around the Landcare Centre and various trails along the creek.
• Name and Distance to 3 Local Pubs:
  • The American Hotel, Creswick (approx. 5-7km)
  • The Farmers Arms Hotel, Creswick (approx. 6-8km)
  • Creswick RSL (approx. 6km)
• Name and Distance to Places to Eat:
  • The Tangled Maze, Tuki (Creswick) (approx. 7km)
  • Le Pecheur, Creswick (approx. 6-8km)
  • A number of cafes and bakeries in Creswick town centre (approx. 6-8km)
• Name and Distance to Local Attractions:
  • St Georges Lake (approx. 5km)
  • Creswick Woollen Mills (approx. 7km)
  • Goldfields Track (passes through the park)
• Name and Distance to Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Creswick Holiday Park (approx. 7km)
• Name and Distance to Next Free Camps:
  • Slaty Creek Campground No 1 (approx. 1km)
  • Slaty Creek Campground No 2 (approx. 1km)
  • Sailors Falls Free Campground (Daylesford area, approx. 20km)
• Name and Distance to Nearest Dump Points:
  • The closest available dump point is at Creswick Holiday Park (approx. 7km).
• Name and Distance to Nearest Petrol Station:
  • A variety of petrol stations can be found in Creswick township (approx. 6-8km).
• Name and Distance to Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Drinking water is not guaranteed in the bush. The nearest reliable resupply is in Creswick town centre (approx. 6-8km).
• Name and Distance to Public Toilets:
  • Slaty Creek Campground No 1 (approx. 1km)
  • St Georges Lake (approx. 5km)
  • Toilets are available in Creswick town centre (approx. 6-8km).
• Seasonal Weather Forecast:Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot days are common, with average maximum temperatures around $26^\circ$C. However, it can get much hotter. The creek may dry up during this period. Bring plenty of water and sun protection.Autumn (Mar-May): Milder temperatures with pleasant days and cooler nights. Average maximums are around $18-24^\circ$C. A great time to visit for walking and exploring as the leaves change colour.Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and wet, with a high chance of frost. Average maximums are around $15^\circ$C. It can drop below freezing overnight. The creek usually has a good flow during this season.

  Spring (Sep-Nov): Weather can be variable, with a mix of mild and cool days. Average maximums are around $18-22^\circ$C. This is a great time for wildflowers and birdwatching as the bush comes alive.