Slaty Creek Campground No 2: Your Rustic Camping Retreat in the Heart of Creswick

Tucked away in the serene Creswick Regional Park, Slaty Creek Campground No 2 offers a peaceful and back-to-basics camping experience for those seeking a genuine connection with nature. This free, unpowered campsite is an ideal spot for a rustic getaway, catering to campers who are prepared to be self-sufficient. Situated on the creek flats and surrounded by majestic Manna Gums, the campground provides a tranquil setting for an overnight stay or a leisurely bush picnic. The area is a fantastic alternative to more crowded, commercial sites, providing a true sense of seclusion and quietude.

Slaty Creek Campground No 2 is suitable for various camping setups, including tents, smaller campervans, and camper trailers. While the facilities are minimal, it is this simplicity that contributes to the area’s charm. The site is equipped with a fireplace, allowing you to enjoy a traditional campfire under the stars (subject to fire regulations and bans). This location is part of a series of campgrounds along Slaty Creek, each offering a slightly different experience. Campground No 2 is known for its quiet atmosphere, making it a perfect retreat for birdwatching, relaxing, and escaping the noise of modern life.

For the more adventurous, the surrounding Creswick Regional Park is a playground of activity. The area is steeped in gold rush history, and a popular pastime is trying your hand at gold panning in the nearby Slaty Creek. You can explore the old water races and trails that were once used by miners, or simply take a leisurely stroll to spot native Australian wildlife such as koalas and wallabies. The Goldfields Track, a significant long-distance trail, passes through the park, offering fantastic opportunities for hiking and mountain biking.

As a free bush camp, it is essential to be prepared. There is no running water, and visitors must bring their own drinking water. Similarly, rubbish bins are not provided, so you must follow a “leave no trace” policy and take all your waste with you. While mobile phone coverage can be limited, it can often be an opportunity to fully disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural environment. Slaty Creek Campground No 2 is a perfect choice for those who appreciate the simple beauty of the Australian bush and are looking for a tranquil, no-frills camping experience. Its proximity to the town of Creswick means you can easily resupply or visit local attractions while still enjoying the peace of the bush.

Location Details

• Name: Slaty Creek Campground No 2
• Address: Slaty Creek Rd, Cabbage Tree VIC 3364

GPS Coordinates

• Coordinates: -37.464664181441925, 143.90551505644515

Website

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

Location Map

Site Features & Local Information

• Location: Located on Slaty Creek Rd, on the creek flats 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.
• 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 for short stays. Check Parks Victoria regulations.
• Facilities: Fireplace and a 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 (approx. 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 Picnic Ground No 3 (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.