Newstead Racecourse Reserve – Prime Camping for the Goldfields & Spa Country

Perfectly positioned between the historic gold rush towns of Castlemaine and Maldon, and a short, scenic drive from the spa country of Daylesford, the Newstead Racecourse Reserve is a premier low-cost camping destination in Central Victoria. This fantastic community-managed facility offers a huge, picturesque, and shady setting on the banks of the Loddon River, making it a favourite for caravan and RV travellers. It’s an ideal base for exploring the rich history, vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural landscapes of the region. The reserve offers ample space for all rig sizes, from small campervans to large motorhomes, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay in a friendly, welcoming environment.

The amenities at the Newstead Racecourse Reserve are exceptional for a budget-friendly campground, providing everything needed for a comfortable stay. For a small nightly fee, visitors gain access to numerous powered sites, a well-maintained amenities block with toilets and hot showers, potable water, and a convenient dump point. The reserve is famous for its sense of community, especially during local events like the Chopped Rod & Custom Festival. The charming town of Newstead, with its excellent local pub, bakery, and general store, is just a short walk or cycle away. The nearby Cairn Curran Reservoir offers opportunities for boating and fishing, while the surrounding area is a treasure trove of antique shops, art galleries, and historic sites. For a convenient, well-equipped, and perfectly located base to discover all that the Victorian Goldfields have to offer, the Newstead Racecourse Reserve is an unbeatable choice.

Site Information

• Name: Newstead Racecourse Reserve
• Address: 42 McNabb Rd, Newstead VIC 3462, Australia
• Phone Number: Not available (Community managed).

• GPS Coordinates: -37.116982, 144.056375

• Website: newstead.vic.au/newstead-racecourse-recreation-reserve

Campground Details

• Location: On the edge of Newstead township, beside the Loddon River.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, from tents to the largest motorhomes.
• Road Access: Sealed road access.
• Site Surface: Mostly flat grass with many shady options.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping with fees payable via an honesty box or to a caretaker.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Suitable for extended stays, check with the caretaker.
• Facilities: Powered and unpowered sites, toilets, hot showers, dump point.
• Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits only, subject to local fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days.
• Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for others, though powered sites are plentiful.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with capacity for hundreds of vans.
• Essentials to Bring: Cash for fees, walking shoes, bicycle for exploring.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are very welcome but must be on a leash.
• Fishing: Good fishing in the Loddon River and nearby Cairn Curran Reservoir for redfin and yellowbelly.
• Short Walks: Lovely walks along the river, into town, and on the local walking tracks.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Railway Hotel, Newstead: Approx. 2 km
  • The Cumberland Hotel, Castlemaine: Approx. 18 km
  • Maldon Hotel, Maldon: Approx. 20 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Railway Hotel (pub meals): Approx. 2 km
  • Blackbird Cafe, Newstead: Approx. 2 km
  • Extensive range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Castlemaine: Approx. 18 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Historic town of Castlemaine (The Mill, Botanical Gardens): Approx. 18 km
  • Historic town of Maldon (steam train): Approx. 20 km
  • Cairn Curran Reservoir (boating and fishing): Approx. 10 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park: Approx. 18 km
  • Maldon Caravan Park: Approx. 20 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Vaughan Mineral Springs Reserve (basic): Approx. 15 km
  • Mount Franklin Reserve (basic): Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located on-site at the reserve.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in Newstead. Major stations in Castlemaine.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available on-site.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located in the main street park in Newstead.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Very warm to hot and generally dry. Temperatures often reach the low to mid-30s (°C).
• Autumn (Mar-May): Famous for its autumn colours. Days are mild and sunny, with cool nights. Ideal for touring. Temperatures average 8°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frequent heavy frosts and fog, often clearing to crisp, sunny days. Average temperatures range from 3°C to 13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and beautiful as gardens bloom. Weather can be very changeable. Temperatures average 7°C to 19°C.