Smythesdale Gardens upgrades finished in time for summer break
03/12/2025We’ve helped to make one of the Central Highland’s best camping spots even better.
Upgrades to Smythesdale Gardens have made the site more accessible, able to welcome more visitors and better connected to local businesses – all while creating a stronger sense of Wadawurrung culture.
Backed by a $100,000 grant from our Council Support Package, the project has opened just in time for summer.
Considered one of the best camp sites in the Central Highlands, Smythesdale Gardens is on the 53-kilometre Skipton to Ballarat Trail and plays an important role in drawing visitors to the town of just over 1,000 residents.
The upgrades, which were delivered by local contractors, have established better drainage across the grounds, created street furniture to make the area more comfortable, and installed wayfinding signage.
This signage will guide visitors to local businesses and sports grounds, encouraging tourism spending and recreation in Smythesdale.
Created in consultation with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, the signs also feature information about the region and its rich cultural history, creating a stronger sense of place and awareness of Country for visitors.
Smythesdale Gardens is one of 27 projects across regional Victoria to share in funding from the Council Support Package.
Designed to help councils deliver more tourism, sporting and cultural opportunities for their communities, the fund is helping to deliver lasting benefits for regional cities and towns.
It’s part of our ongoing work to make our regional cities and towns even better places to live, work, invest, study and experience.