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Slaty Creek Campground Number 1

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Cabbage Tree
ToiletsPicnic tablesBBQShadeWalking trackSwimmingGold prospectingBirdwatchingFree campingUndercover areaFire pit
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Petticoat Link Track, Cabbage Tree VIC 3889

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Features

Updated 2026

One of the most accessible free camping and gold prospecting areas near Ballarat, with creek access directly from camp.

Cost: Free
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces
Best for: Gold prospecting, families, easy access camping
Access: 2wd accessible (conditions vary)

Slaty Creek Campground Number 1 is the first of three campsites along Slaty Creek within the Creswick Regional Park. 

This area is fantastic for bushwalking, birdwatching and gold prospecting.

Take a stroll through the beautiful forest or bring along a gold pan and try your luck panning in the creek.

Free camping at Slaty Creek Campground no 1                       


One of the best free camping spots near Ballarat for both families and gold prospectors, with easy creek access and good basic facilities.
 
Camping areas here are located on both sides of Petticoat Link Track, with Slaty Creek running alongside. 
 
No booking is required, camping is free.
 

What to expect at Slaty Creek Campground no 1

  • Small campground great for tents and caravans
  • Direct access to Slaty Creek
  • Popular on weekends and holidays
 

Visitor facilities at Slaty Creek Campground no 1

 
A picnic area lies alongside the campsites and features the gazebo, toilet block (non flushing), and multiple wood fire barbecues and picnic tables. 
 
Camping is not permitted within the picnic area, which is bordered by wooden posts. 
 

Which Slaty Creek campground is best? 

Slaty Creek has multiple camping areas along the creek, with campground No 1 being the most popular due to its facilities and easy access.
  • Slaty Creek Campground No 1: Toilets, easiest to access
  • Other areas: Quieter, fewer facilities, more basic camping
 

Things to do near Slaty Creek Campground no 1

There are so many interesting places to explore while staying at Creswick's Slaty Creek Campground no 1. Take a look through some of these and start planning your weekend away!

 

Gold prospecting at Slaty Creek Campground no 1

Slaty Creek in Creswick is a popular destination for gold prospectors due to the three free campgrounds along the creek and the extensive surrounding forest for gold detecting. 
 
Visitors please note that Slaty Creek is a shallow, seasonal creek which will dry up during summer (but retains puddles here and there after summer rains). 
 
Slaty Creek is a great place to bring the family on a casual trip for easy access to a gold panning creek from the campsite. 
 
Prospectors may prefer to find a spot on the creek further from the campground, as the area around camp is very regularly worked for gold. 
 
 
For more information on gold prospecting in the area, see our handy prospecting guide for Ballarat.
 
More resources for gold prospecting
 

PROSPECTORS AND MINERS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA


 
Established in 1980, the Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria is a voluntary body created to protect the rights and opportunities of those who wish to prospect, fossick or mine in the State of Victoria, Australia.
 
You can support the PMAV in their fight to uphold these rights by becoming a member. You'll also gain access to exclusive publications, field days, prospecting tips, discounts and competitions.
 
Check out the PMAV website for more information.
 

ALSO NEARBY

While you're camping here be sure to check out Blue Waters, located less than 10 minutes drive away through the Creswick Regional Park. Once an open cut mine, Blue Waters is now a gorgeous scenic area fantastic for swimming, bushwalking and photography. Surrounded by striking red cliffs, the water is incredibly clear and shines an iridescent blue when the sun hits it.
 
Blue Waters, Creswick Regional Park. Less than 10 minutes from Slaty Creek Campground Number 1.


DID YOU KNOW...

  • Bushwalking is an excellent way to get outdoors and exploring nature.
  • Camping is a great way to explore the Victorian Goldfields. Many campgrounds are located close to interesting attractions and historic sites, and the Goldfields region is certainly not lacking in fascinating things to discover. 
  • There are hundreds of fantastic barbecue areas throughout the Victorian Goldfields. Some are in parks/playgrounds, others are scattered throughout the bush. Many barbecue areas are located alongside amazing attractions and walks, so go out for a barbecue and get exploring!
  • Gold prospecting is the recreational act of searching for natural gold deposits in the ground using tools such as gold detectors, gold pans and gold sluices. The Goldfields region of Victoria is a popular destination for gold prospectors, with many of the world's largest alluvial gold nuggets found in the area!
 

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