Explore
Mount Tarrengower (Maldon Historic Reserve)
Enjoy sweeping views over Maldon and the surrounding area from the Mount Tarrengower Lookout in the Maldon Historic Reserve. A short drive from Maldon via the sealed Mt Tarrengower Rd, this former poppet head is worth the climb.
Camping and fires are not permitted except within the Butts Reserve Camping Area at the foot of the mountain. It is a great spot from which to explore the many well-preserved remains of former gold mines in the reserve, including the Beehive Chimney, Carmans Tunnel and Porcupine Dredge, or explore the historic town of Maldon. Prospecting is prohibited around the Lookout and within Butts Reserve. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a lead and under control at all times.
This large campground offers picnic tables, shelter, fireplaces and flushing toilets. It is suitable for tents, caravans, campervans and large recreational vehicles, but take care as the ground can become boggy and rutted after rain. The campground is unpowered and free with no bookings required. Please bring your own firewood and take all your rubbish away with you. The maximum stay is 42 days.
Fires are permitted only within the constructed fireplaces at the campground and provided 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. Built in and portable gas or electric barbecues may be used provided that they meet the conditions above.
The Maldon Historic Reserve is in the North Central Fire District. On Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating days the 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. 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.
Camping and fires are not permitted except within the Butts Reserve Camping Area at the foot of the mountain. It is a great spot from which to explore the many well-preserved remains of former gold mines in the reserve, including the Beehive Chimney, Carmans Tunnel and Porcupine Dredge, or explore the historic town of Maldon. Prospecting is prohibited around the Lookout and within Butts Reserve. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a lead and under control at all times.
This large campground offers picnic tables, shelter, fireplaces and flushing toilets. It is suitable for tents, caravans, campervans and large recreational vehicles, but take care as the ground can become boggy and rutted after rain. The campground is unpowered and free with no bookings required. Please bring your own firewood and take all your rubbish away with you. The maximum stay is 42 days.
Fires are permitted only within the constructed fireplaces at the campground and provided 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. Built in and portable gas or electric barbecues may be used provided that they meet the conditions above.
The Maldon Historic Reserve is in the North Central Fire District. On Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating days the 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. 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.
How to get there
Mount Tarrengower (Maldon Historic Reserve)
Need to know
Mount Tarrengower (Maldon Historic Reserve)
Safety in nature
You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however, in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Warnings & Restrictions
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed
Restrictions
- No drones without a permit
- No fires permitted
- No camping
Warnings
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Terrain hazards
- Mineshaft
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Other warnings
- Pedestrians
- Limbs may fall take care
Be Prepared
Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
Parkins Reef Walk closed
The Parkin's Reef Walking Track at the North British Mine site is closed until further notice.
Beehive Chimney site temporary closure
The Beehive Chimney site will be closed to the public from 24 September to mid-January while urgent repairs are undertaken.
The chimney stack was built in 1861. It provided draught for the mine’s steam boilers. Tall chimneys like this were common at quartz mines in the mid to late 1800s, however very few have survived. When mines closed, they often dismantled the chimneys and re-used or sold the bricks. This chimney is the only one of its age still standing in Victoria.
The chimney has had over 160 years of exposure to the elements and the birds causing severe weathering to the structure. And earlier inappropriate mortar repairs have contributed to recent falling bricks. A recent engineering assessment found that the chimney needed remedial works within 12-24 months to retain its structural integrity, and prevent bricks falling or collapse.
Works include repointing with traditional lime mortar and securing a metal cap to the top of the chimney to prevent rain getting in. Deconstruction of approximately 7 metres and reconstruction of approximately 3.5 metres results in an overall height reduction to the chimney. While also making it safer, this allows for bricks not used in the reconstruction to be used in repairs to the rest of the chimney stack. The currently proposed works do not exclude the possibility of future endeavours to rebuild the chimney to its current height,
Works are being undertaken under Permit 40992 issued by Heritage Victoria.
We expect work to be completed by January 2026 and the public being able to safely get up close and personal again then.