Meredith Pioneer Park – Convenient Low-Cost Stop Between Geelong & Ballarat
Ideally situated halfway between the major centres of Geelong and Ballarat, Meredith Pioneer Park offers a fantastic and convenient low-cost stopover for caravans and RVs. This well-maintained park, set on the banks of the Leigh River, provides a peaceful and scenic spot to rest and recharge away from the main highway traffic. Managed by the local community, the park has a welcoming atmosphere and provides a generous grassy area with plenty of room for multiple rigs, making it an excellent choice for a short stay. Its prime location in the heart of Meredith means that the town’s charming hotel and general store are just a short and pleasant walk across the river.
The facilities at Pioneer Park are a significant drawcard for a budget-friendly site. Travellers have access to clean public toilets, a free public dump point, and potable water, covering the essential needs of self-contained campers. The park also features a lovely playground and undercover barbecue facilities, making it a great spot for families to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Meredith serves as a gateway to the beautiful Brisbane Ranges National Park, offering numerous opportunities for bushwalking and wildlife spotting. It’s also on the edge of the Moorabool Valley wine region, providing a great base for a day of cellar door exploration. Whether you’re breaking up a long drive, looking for a base to explore the Goldfields and surrounding nature, or simply seeking a quiet night in a charming country town, Meredith Pioneer Park delivers outstanding value and convenience.
Site Information
- Name: Meredith Pioneer Park
- Address: Staughton St, Meredith VIC 3333, Australia
- Phone Number: Not available (Community managed).
- GPS Coordinates: -37.847077, 144.072542
- Website: Not available.
Campground Details
- Location: In the town of Meredith, on the Midland Highway (A300).
- Site Suitable For: Self-contained caravans, motorhomes, and RVs.
- Road Access: Sealed road access.
- Site Surface: Mostly flat grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, short-term low-cost/donation-based camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 48 hours.
- Facilities: Public toilets, dump point, potable water, BBQ area, playground.
- Potable Water: Yes, available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, may be patchy for other carriers.
- TV Reception: Good.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited. Use of park BBQs is permitted.
- Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for the town location and other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Unmarked area with space for 10-15 vans.
- Essentials to Bring: Cash for donation, walking shoes.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
- Fishing: Possible in the Leigh River for redfin and trout.
- Short Walks: Lovely walks along the Leigh River and through the historic Meredith township.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Meredith Hotel: Approx. 300 m
- Lethbridge Hotel, Lethbridge: Approx. 15 km
- Bannockburn Railway Hotel, Bannockburn: Approx. 25 km
- Places to Eat:
- Meredith Hotel (pub meals): Approx. 300 m
- Meredith General Store (takeaway): Approx. 400 m
- Local Attractions:
- Brisbane Ranges National Park: Approx. 10 km
- Moorabool Valley Wine Region (e.g., Lethbridge Wines): Approx. 15 km
- Goldfields towns of Steiglitz and Lal Lal.
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Ballarat Goldfields Holiday Park, Ballarat: Approx. 35 km
- Geelong Showgrounds (check availability): Approx. 45 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Haddon Lions Park: Approx. 25 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Located on-site at the park.
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Available in Meredith. More options in Bannockburn.
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available on-site.
- Public Toilets (offsite):
- Located in the main street park in Bannockburn.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry. Temperatures often reach the high 20s or low 30s (°C).
- Autumn (Mar-May): Pleasant, with mild, sunny days and cool evenings. A great time for hiking and wine tasting. Temperatures average 9°C to 23°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often wet, with frequent morning frosts. Average temperatures range from 4°C to 13°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny but weather can be very changeable. The countryside is green and vibrant. Temperatures average 7°C to 19°C.