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Slaty Creek Picnic Ground no3
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Slaty Creek Picnic Ground No 3 – Your Free Bush Camping Gateway in Creswick Regional Park

Slaty Creek Picnic Ground no3, Free Bush Camping in Creswick, VIC

Discover one of the Victorian Goldfields’ best-kept secrets at Slaty Creek Picnic Ground no3, a quiet and secluded free bush camping area nestled within the beautiful Creswick Regional Park. Located just a short drive from the historic towns of Creswick and Ballarat, this campsite offers the perfect escape for self-sufficient travellers looking to immerse themselves in nature, history, and tranquillity. Whether you’re in a motorhome, pulling a camper trailer, or pitching a tent, Slaty Creek provides a genuine back-to-basics Australian bush experience.

Set amongst tall, shady Manna Gums on the creek flats, Slaty Creek Picnic Ground no3 is the most remote of the three camping areas along the creek, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. The area is steeped in gold rush history; the creek itself is a popular spot for gold panning and fossicking, so be sure to bring your pan and try your luck. You’ll be camping amidst the ghosts of miners who once worked this land, with many historic water races and remnants of the gold rush era scattered throughout the park.

The campsite is a gateway to the extensive network of trails within Creswick Regional Park. It serves as an excellent base for bushwalking, with easy trails meandering along the creek (which flows seasonally) and more challenging routes, including sections of the famous 210km Goldfields Track. Birdwatching is a popular pastime, with Crimson Rosellas, Grey Fantails, and Honeyeaters commonly sighted. You might even spot a koala, wallaby, or echidna during your stay.

This is a free campsite intended for short stays and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s essential to be completely self-sufficient. Facilities are limited to a non-flushing pit toilet and basic wood-fire barbecues and picnic tables. Campers must bring their own drinking water and firewood, and all rubbish must be taken with you to preserve the park’s natural beauty. Open fires are permitted in the designated fireplaces, perfect for cosy evenings under the stars (check local fire restrictions first). The site is proudly pet-friendly, so your leashed dog is welcome to join the adventure.

For a rustic, free, and historic camping adventure, Slaty Creek Picnic Ground no3 is an unbeatable choice. Its combination of natural serenity, gold-panning excitement, and proximity to the amenities of Creswick makes it an ideal stop for budget-conscious explorers of the Victorian Goldfields.

Slaty Creek Picnic Ground No 3 – VIC Location Map

Location Details

  • Name: Slaty Creek Picnic Ground no3
  • Address: Wrights Gully Rd, Cabbage Tree VIC 3364 (within Creswick Regional Park)
  • GPS Coordinates: -37.46779, 143.90861

Site Features & Amenities

  • Location: Secluded bush setting on Slaty Creek flats in Creswick Regional Park.
  • Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, motorhomes, and off-road caravans.
  • Road access: Unsealed gravel road (Wrights Gully Rd). Generally 2WD accessible in dry conditions, but can be rough. Caution advised after rain.
  • Site surface: Dirt and natural grass.
  • Camping permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
  • Maximum overnight stays: Intended for short-term stays.
  • Picnic tables: Yes, available.
  • Potable water: No. You MUST bring your own drinking water.
  • Mobile phone coverage: Generally good, especially with Telstra.
  • TV reception: Unlikely.
  • Onsite public toilets: Yes, a non-flushing pit toilet is available.
  • Rubbish bins: No. This is a ‘take-in, take-out’ park. Please take all rubbish with you.
  • Open fires: Yes, permitted in designated wood barbecues and fireplaces (subject to seasonal fire bans).
  • Generator use: Not specified. Be considerate of other campers.
  • Number of sites available: Unpowered sites with no set number. First-come, first-served.
  • Essentials to bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags.
  • Pet friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted but must be on a leash at all times.
  • Fishing: Yes, fishing is available at the nearby St Georges Lake. Gold fossicking (panning) is popular in Slaty Creek.
  • Short walks: Yes, numerous bushwalking trails are accessible from the campsite, including the Goldfields Track.

Local Amenities (Nearby in Creswick township)

  • Local pubs:
    • The Farmers Arms Creswick (approx. 5-10 min drive)
    • The American Creswick (approx. 5-10 min drive)
    • Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel (approx. 5-10 min drive)
  • Places to eat:
    • Creswick Country Bakery (approx. 5-10 min drive)
    • Le Peche Gourmand (French Bakery) (approx. 5-10 min drive)
    • Raffa’s Pizza & Burger Bar (approx. 5-10 min drive)
    • Three Founders Restaurant (at RACV Goldfields Resort) (approx. 10-15 min drive)
  • Local attractions:
    • St Georges Lake (picnics, fishing, swimming) (approx. 5-10 min drive)
    • Blue Waters (scenic former quarry) (approx. 10 min drive)
    • Creswick Woollen Mills (approx. 10 min drive)
    • Town of Clunes (historic book town) (approx. 20 min drive)
    • City of Ballarat (Sovereign Hill, museums) (approx. 20-25 min drive)
  • Nearest caravan parks:
    • Creswick Holiday Park (approx. 10-15 min drive)
  • Next Free Camps:
    • Slaty Creek Picnic Ground no1 (approx. 1-2 min drive)
    • Slaty Creek Picnic Ground no2 (approx. 1 min drive)
  • Nearest dump points:
    • Creswick Holiday Park (fee may apply for non-guests) (approx. 10-15 min drive)
    • Public Dump Point – 70 Bailey Street, Clunes (approx. 20 min drive)
  • Nearest petrol station:
    • Shell Reddy Express – 18-20 Clunes Road, Creswick (approx. 5-10 min drive)
  • Drinking water resupply:
    • Available in Creswick township.
  • Nearest public toilets:
    • St Georges Lake (approx. 5-10 min drive)
    • Creswick township (various locations) (approx. 5-10 min drive)

Seasonal Weather Forecast


Please check the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website for the latest 7-day forecast for Creswick before your trip. Weather in the Victorian Goldfields can be changeable.

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Can be very warm to hot and dry. Slaty Creek may be dry. High risk of bushfires; be aware of Total Fire Bans.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Generally mild and pleasant weather. A great time for bushwalking.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frosty mornings and cool days. The creek is more likely to be flowing. Ideal for sitting by a campfire.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild weather and the park comes alive with wildflowers. A beautiful time to visit.

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