Goldfields, Vic

Mt. Franklin, if you’ve never slept inside a volcanic crater then this is place for you. On the outskirts of Daylesford this small pimple of a volcano guarantees you a good night’s sleep as the crater rim protects the camping area from the wind. The campground is planted with ornamental trees giving the feeling that you’ve wandered into a botanic garden by mistake. There are basic toilets. Daylesford is only a few minutes away for that early morning coffee and freshly baked bread.

Fryerstown Community Reserve, Fryerstown is tucked into a tiny valley behind Castlemaine and Chewton. It is an historic gold town on Fryers Creek. The reserve is an old school building that makes a few bob for the close-knit community. A phone call to the local caretakers will get you in and explain how payment works. There is a flushing toilet and hot shower and on the covered veranda of the school building there are chairs and tables and power is available to charge phones etc. There’s a large wood fire pizza oven and water is available too. You could spend several days here wandering the old streets and admiring the restoration of some of the cottages. Think burbling stream, green grassy paddocks, fluffy sheep and oak trees. And the little bush cemetery…

Vaughan Springs, a few kilometres from Fryerstown is the old mining town of Vaughan. In its heyday the miners discovered mineral water beside the Loddon River and landscaped the area for their recreation. There’s room for about 6 caravans on the upper level and a big old metal slide will whisk you down to the river and gardens below and the flushing toilets. There are plenty of plaques explaining the history and the mineral water is delicious.

Avoca Riverside, is a free RV stopover spot that is hard to leave. It’s a campground that runs for several hundred metres along the Avoca River near the Chinese Memorial Garden. It’s only a block behind the shops and pub. Toilets are in the main street but that doesn’t detract from the serenity of this place. Nearby is the old police station and powder magazine where Woody’s Great Grandfather was the officer in charge. There are some grand gold era buildings local primary school being one. And a painted silo. Wineries are a short drive away at Moonambel.

Not far at all from Castlemaine is the town of Newstead. Another town with a golden history. The town has turned its racecourse into a freedom camp. It is a well-maintained area with views across the sheep paddocks. Water is available and the amenities are spotless. Yes, yes, flushing toilets.

Exploration

Goldfields towns that are truly worth exploring: Bendigo, Castlemaine, Chewton, Clunes, Maldon and Talbot for its fabulous monthly market. I nearly forgot, we cannot go past Kyneton’s Grist Bakery. A charming old wooden mill housing a quality bakery with the most perfect curry pies and almond croissants. Come to think of it, everything they make is delectable.