Berringa Recreation Reserve – Free Camping in Victoria’s Historic Goldfields

Step back in time and enjoy a peaceful escape at the Berringa Recreation Reserve, a hidden gem offering free camping in the heart of the Victorian Goldfields. Nestled amongst the quiet bushland that once buzzed with the excitement of the gold rush, this reserve provides a simple, back-to-basics camping experience for self-sufficient travellers. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the natural and historical richness of the region. The large, open, and relatively flat grassy area can accommodate a variety of setups, from tents and swags to caravans and big rigs, making it a versatile and accessible choice for all types of campers.

The facilities are basic but functional, centred around a toilet block, which is a welcome feature for a free camp. While there is no potable water or power, the trade-off is a genuine sense of tranquility and a connection to the surrounding environment. The reserve is a fantastic base for exploring the nearby Enfield State Park, with its numerous tracks for bushwalking, birdwatching, and four-wheel driving. The area is steeped in history, and remnants of old mining operations can still be found by keen-eyed explorers. Just a short drive from the historic town of Linton and within easy reach of the major regional centre of Ballarat, the Berringa Recreation Reserve allows you to feel miles away from anywhere while still being conveniently close to essential services and major attractions like Sovereign Hill. It’s an ideal choice for a weekend getaway or a quiet overnight stop.

Site Information

• Name: Berringa Recreation Reserve
• Address: Berringa VIC 3351, Australia

• GPS Coordinates: -37.773594, 143.697023

• Website: Not available

Campground Details

• Location: In the small, historic locality of Berringa, south-west of Ballarat.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs. Best suited for self-contained vehicles.
• Road Access: Good quality gravel road.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt. Can get boggy after heavy rain.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified, but typically 48-72 hours is respectful for such sites.
• Facilities: Public toilets (non-flushing).
• Potable Water: Not available. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra offers the best chance of a signal.
• TV Reception: Poor to non-existent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Please adhere to leave-no-trace principles and take all your rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fireplaces only, subject to local fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large open unmarked area.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, cooking equipment, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be kept on a leash and under control at all times.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short Walks: Excellent opportunities for bushwalking in the adjacent Enfield State Park.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Linton Railway Hotel, Linton: Approx. 14 km
  • Scarsdale Hotel, Scarsdale: Approx. 18 km
  • Royal Hotel, Smythesdale: Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Pub meals available in Linton and Scarsdale.
  • Wider range of cafes and takeaways in Smythesdale.
• Local Attractions:
  • Enfield State Park (walking, 4WD): Adjoins the reserve.
  • Historic gold mining towns of Linton and Scarsdale.
  • Sovereign Hill, Ballarat: Approx. 40 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Ballarat Goldfields Holiday Park: Approx. 40 km
  • BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park: Approx. 42 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Italian Gully Campground, Enfield State Park: Approx. 10 km
  • Kurth Kiln Regional Park (further afield).
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Ballarat (various locations, check council website): Approx. 40 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Linton: Approx. 14 km
  • Smythesdale: Approx. 25 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at service stations or parks in Ballarat.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located in Linton and Scarsdale townships.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Very warm to hot and can be dry. High risk of bushfires; be vigilant. Temperatures often exceed 30°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Pleasant, with mild, sunny days and cool evenings. A beautiful time for bushwalking. Temperatures average 8°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often damp, with frequent frosts overnight. Can be crisp and sunny. Average temperatures range from 2°C to 12°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny but weather can be very changeable. Wildflowers are abundant. Temperatures average 6°C to 18°C.