Haddon Lions Park – Free RV Stop on the Skipton Rail Trail near Ballarat

Perfectly situated for those exploring the rich history of the Victorian Goldfields, the Haddon Lions Woady Yaloak Centenary Park is a top-tier stopover for self-contained caravans and RVs. This fantastic community-run facility offers donation-based camping in a peaceful parkland setting, providing a quiet and convenient alternative to the busier parks in nearby Ballarat. Its major drawcard is its prime location directly on the famous Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail, making it an absolute haven for cyclists and walkers. You can park your rig and have immediate access to kilometres of scenic, flat trails that wind through historic trestle bridges and charming farming country.

The park is a credit to the local Lions Club, offering an impressive range of amenities for a donation-based camp. Travellers will find clean public toilets, a free public dump point, and access to potable water, covering all the essential needs for a comfortable short stay. The camping area is a spacious, gravelled section of the park with plenty of room for multiple rigs, complemented by a lovely lawn area with a playground and undercover barbecue facilities. Its location just outside the main hub of Ballarat means you are only a 15-minute drive from world-class attractions like Sovereign Hill and the Ballarat Wildlife Park, yet you can return to the peace and quiet of a small country town in the evening. Combining excellent facilities, a prime trail-side location, and the generosity of community spirit, the Haddon Lions Park is an outstanding choice for any RVer touring the Goldfields.

Site Information

• Name: Haddon Lions Woady Yaloak Centenary Park
• Address: Sago Hill Rd, Haddon VIC 3351, Australia

• GPS Coordinates: -37.589033, 143.715041

• Website: Not available (Lions Club managed).

Campground Details

• Location: In the small town of Haddon, on the western fringe of Ballarat.
• Site Suitable For: Self-contained caravans, motorhomes, and RVs.
• Road Access: Sealed road access.
• Site Surface: Gravel parking area.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, short-term camping is permitted for a donation.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 48 hours.
• Facilities: Public toilets, dump point, potable water, BBQ facilities, playground.
• Potable Water: Yes, available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Strictly prohibited. Use of park BBQs is permitted.
• Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for nearby residences and other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Designated area for approximately 8-10 vans.
• Essentials to Bring: Bicycle for the rail trail, cash for donation.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
• Fishing: Limited opportunities in the Woady Yaloak Creek.
• Short Walks: Direct access to the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail for walking and cycling.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Royal Hotel, Smythesdale: Approx. 10 km
  • Park Hotel, Ballarat: Approx. 12 km
  • The Mallow Hotel, Ballarat: Approx. 14 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Haddon General Store (takeaway): Approx. 1 km
  • Extensive options in the nearby Delacombe Town Centre: Approx. 8 km
  • Wide range of cafes and restaurants in Central Ballarat: Approx. 15 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail (on-site)
  • Sovereign Hill: Approx. 15 km
  • Ballarat Wildlife Park: Approx. 18 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park: Approx. 10 km
  • Ballarat Goldfields Holiday Park: Approx. 13 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Berringa Recreation Reserve: Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located on-site.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Delacombe Town Centre: Approx. 8 km
  • Multiple major stations in Ballarat.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available on-site.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located in the Smythesdale Gardens.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry. Temperatures often reach the high 20s (°C).
• Autumn (Mar-May): Famous for its autumn colours in Ballarat. Days are mild and sunny, with cool nights. Temperatures average 8°C to 20°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often wet, with heavy morning frosts and fog. Average temperatures range from 3°C to 12°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and beautiful as the gardens come to life. Weather can be very changeable. Temperatures average 6°C to 17°C.