Paddy’s Ranges campground is a hidden delight nestled in the Central Goldfields. The surrounding woodlands are rich with wildflowers and Gold mining history. This flat and spacious campground is ideal for caravans and motorhomes. It can be busy during long weekends and school holidays; booking is not required. The free campground includes multiple picnic tables, wood fired BBQs, an information shelter, and a toilet block. The Paddys Ranges walking track starts from the Northern end of the campground and meanders through the Box Ironbark forest and ends at the Paddy’s Ranges Picnic Area. The campground provides a great base to explore the park fully, you can walk, run or cycle along the many of the roads and tracks that crisscross the park. The reserve is well known for its wildflowers in springtime and is home to 30 types of orchids and more than 140 native bird species like the rare Painted Honeyeaters and Swift Parrots. The area has a rich goldmining history and many remnant diggings remain, Paddys Ranges draws its named from a supposed Irish miner who roamed the forests and hills of the park in search of gold. Paddy’s Ranges is also quite popular with recreational prospectors and fossickers, be mindful to check prospecting maps and only prospect where authorized.

Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility. For up to date information on bushfires in Victoria call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226, download the VicEmergency app, visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au or tune into a local radio station. Check the forecast fire danger before leaving home. Consider not visiting forest or bushland on stormy days or days of high bushfire risk.

Watch out for snakes which are more active in spring, summer and autumn. If you see a snake, stand still and don’t panic. Snakes nearly always move away when they feel footstep vibrations.

Prospecting and fossicking is permitted only in designated areas as shown on the Paddys Ranges prospecting map. Prospectors must hold a current Miner's Right.

This area is a heavily mined landscape. Walkers should remain on marked paths to avoid ongoing hazards, including uneven ground, dams, unstable slopes and mineshafts. Mine tailings may contain the toxic residue of arsenic, mercury, and cyanide but pose minimal risk if not disturbed. Please comply with local signage and do not climb cliffs, over or around barriers and fencing, or enter old mine workings.