Womin-dji-ka (Welcome)

Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park is part of the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung People whose rights were recognised through a Recognition and Settlement Agreement with the State of Victoria in March 2013. The Dja Dja Wurrung People maintain a close and continuing connection to Djandak, their traditional Country.

There is so much to explore in Castlemaine Diggings National Park and the surrounding area, why not spend a few nights under the stars?

Camping is available at Vaughan Mineral Springs, Warburtons Bridge and Chokem Flat Campgrounds. No fees or bookings are required. All sites are unpowered.

The campground at Vaughan Mineral Springs is located on the hill above the Loddon River and the day visitor area. It has access to the toilets, picnic tables, shelter and electric barbecues. The giant slide and room to play make this a popular campground for families. Dogs are prohibited in both the campground and the day visitor area.

Warburtons Bridge Camping Area is located in a scenic bend of the Loddon River off Vaughan - Drummond Road. Fish in the river, go prospecting, take a walk through the diverse mining landscape or relax and enjoy the wildlife and wildflowers in spring. It has picnic tables, a toilet and fireplaces. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a lead at all times.

The peaceful Chokem Flat camping area is located on the banks of Fryers Creek just off Campbells Creek - Fryers Road, close to the Goldfields Track. It offers a convenient central base from which to explore the Goldfields, including the nearby Red Hill mining landscape. The campground is suitable for large groups and popular with prospectors. It has picnic tables and fireplaces but no toilets. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a lead at all times.

Important information for campers

Please camp at least 20m from riverbanks and other waterways. The maximum stay for campers in Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park is 42 days. No bins are provided, so please take your rubbish home. The nearest chemical dump point is located on Bridge St, Harcourt, beside the swimming pool.

Fires are only permitted within the fireplaces provided and may already be in use. Firewood collection is prohibited, so please bring your own from outside the Park, or bring a gas camping stove or barbecue instead. Please ensure that: a three-metre area is cleared of anything flammable around your campfire; that you have at least 10 litres of water available for immediate use; and an adult is in attendance at all times (awake, within 50m and with a clear line of sight).

No fires may be lit on a day of Total Fire Ban, including campfires, solid and fuel barbecues and ovens. 

Most of the Park and all three camping areas are in the North Central Fire District.

Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility. Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at www.emergency.vic.gov.au, on the VicEmergency smartphone app or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226. 

On Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating days this Park will be closed for public safety. Do not enter the Park. If you are already in the Park, leave the night before or as early as possible in the morning.