Apex Park Donald – Free Camping with Playground on the Richardson River

Nestled in the charming country town of Donald, the Apex Park Rest Area is a standout free camping spot, particularly for families or those seeking convenience and comfort. Located picturesquely on the tranquil banks of the Richardson River, this park offers much more than just a place to stay overnight; it provides a complete recreational experience. The highlight for many is the extensive and modern playground, which makes it an instant favourite for travellers with children, allowing them to burn off energy in a safe and fun environment. The park’s grassy, shaded areas are perfect for setting up for a night or two, offering a peaceful atmosphere despite being just a short stroll from the town centre.

The facilities at Apex Park are excellent for a free camp. It boasts a clean public toilet block, free electric barbecues, numerous sheltered picnic tables, and readily available rubbish bins, encouraging a tidy and pleasant environment for all users. The convenience of being in town means that shops, pubs, and cafes are all within easy walking distance, allowing campers to restock supplies or enjoy a meal out without needing to unhitch their van. A walking track runs alongside the river, providing a lovely route for a morning stroll or to walk the dog. The combination of riverside serenity, top-notch playground facilities, and immediate access to town amenities makes Donald’s Apex Park a premier choice for free camping in the Wimmera region. It serves as a perfect base to explore the local area or as a comfortable and welcoming stopover on a longer journey.

Site Information

• Name: Apex Park Rest Area and Playground
• Address: 2 Aitken Ave, Donald VIC 3480, Australia

• GPS Coordinates: -36.367442, 142.978063

• Website: Not available

Rest Area Details

• Location: In the town of Donald, on the banks of the Richardson River.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, and campervans. Larger rigs should check for space.
• Road Access: Sealed town streets.
• Site Surface: Grass and gravel.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, overnight stays are permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 48 hours.
• Facilities: Public toilets, large modern playground, electric BBQs, sheltered picnic tables.
• Potable Water: Yes, a tap is available in the park.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent coverage for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited. Use onsite BBQ facilities.
• Generator Use: Discouraged due to proximity to town residences.
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked area, approximately 10-15 sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Supplies are available in town, so only basic camping equipment is needed.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be on a leash and cleaned up after.
• Fishing: Possible in the Richardson River (Victorian fishing license required).
• Short Walks: Riverside walking track and easy walks into the main street.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Donald Hotel: Approx. 500 m
  • Royal George Hotel: Approx. 600 m
  • Mount Jeffcott Hotel: Approx. 700 m
• Places to Eat:
  • Donald Bakery: Approx. 500 m
  • Various cafes and takeaway shops in the town centre: Approx. 500-800 m
• Local Attractions:
  • Donald Agricultural & Pastoral Museum: Approx. 1 km
  • Bullocks Head and weir: Approx. 1 km
  • Donald Visitor Information Centre: Approx. 400 m
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Donald Caravan Park: Approx. 1 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Tchum Lake (Donation Camp): Approx. 25 km
  • Watchem Lake (Donation Camp): Approx. 35 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Donald Caravan Park (fee may apply for non-guests): Approx. 1 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple stations located in Donald town centre: Approx. 600 m
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Onsite at the park.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Available in the main street of Donald.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and generally dry, with average temperatures in the low 30s (°C), but can soar higher.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and cooler nights make for very pleasant conditions. Averages range from 10°C to 25°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold with crisp mornings. Daytime temperatures average around 13-15°C, with nights dropping close to freezing.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny, it’s a beautiful time of year as the countryside greens up. Temperatures range from 8°C to 23°C.