Smythesdale Gardens
Overview
Smythesdale Gardens is a peaceful, community-run spot set among mature trees just outside the heart of Smythesdale. Managed by local volunteers, the gardens offer a relaxed place to camp, unwind, and enjoy the open air, with a playground and BBQ area that make it easy for families and travellers to settle in for a few days.
Camping here is simple and welcoming - theres a three-night maximum stay, and guests are encouraged to leave a donation to help keep the gardens thriving. Whether youre stopping over on a road trip or looking for a quiet base to explore the historic goldfields, Smythesdale Gardens gives you a genuine taste of small-town hospitality and local pride.
What Smythesdale Gardens offers
Short-stay camping (maximum three nights)
Access to showers (contact required for code)
Playground and BBQ facilities
Donation-based site maintenance
Location
35 Garden St, Smythesdale VIC 3351
Get DirectionsCustomer Reviews
Travellers love Smythesdale Gardens for its peaceful, community?run, donation campground with plenty of space and a friendly vibe. Reviewers praise the clean amenities and handy features including hot showers, toilets, dump point, fresh drinking water taps, camp kitchen with fireplace, BBQ areas, fire pits, playground and sandpit, book swap, picnic tables and grassy, shaded spots under old cypress trees. It suits caravans, tents and big rigs, is dog friendly, and several guests mention feeling safe and enjoying the quiet nights. There are wheelchair toilets, and getting the shower code and making a QR code donation is easy.
The setting gets lots of love too, with abundant birdlife, wooden tree sculptures, a mosaic trail and direct access to the Ballarat to Skipton Rail Trail and local walks. It is an easy stroll into town for coffee at Thru the Gate or a meal at the Court House Hotel. Many reviewers thank the volunteers who keep everything tidy and running smoothly, calling it a fantastic, well maintained spot to stay for a few nights.