| Cost | Multiple sites – free camping to paid options available |
|---|---|
| Location | Meander Valley, Tasmania – multiple towns including Hadspen, Westbury, Chudleigh, Mole Creek and Railton |
| Pet Friendly | Yes – Hadspen Lions Park Reserve is dog friendly |
| Campfires | See Camps App |
| Facilities | Varies by site – includes toilets, BBQs, playgrounds, dump points, water (some non-potable), camp kitchens |
| Vehicle Access | RV and caravan accessible at multiple sites |
| In Camps App | Yes – all sites listed |
Travelling further afield from Launceston, the Meander Valley Highway is well named. It is so pretty, you want to take your time exploring, what I imagine, a drive through the English countryside might look like – quaint towns, historic buildings, churches and a village green.
Driving into Hadspen just on the left as you are coming in off the highway is the Discovery Holiday Park Hadspen. It has an IGA attached to it, so you can get fuel and supplies here. It was nice to see those little extras on offer as well like a coffee machine in the camp kitchen, a games room for the kids as well as a herb garden for use by guests.
The dog decided he needed to stretch his legs and we chose the Hadspen Lions Park Reserve, a day use area close to town. It’s a stunning park beside the South Esk River and wow, this is pretty. A perfect dog friendly area, with plenty of space for parking and to enjoy a picnic by the river with tables, shade, BBQs and toilets. No camping here as it is day use, but well worth a stop. The river was running fast so I wouldn’t recommend a swim and there was a boat ramp as well as an extended parking area on the other side.
Travelling between Carrick and Hagley, the scenery is gorgeous with green paddocks, cattle and stunning views. Hagley RV Farmstay is along this route, it is currently closed for Winter and will reopen mid to late October.
Moving on to Westbury, the RV camp is on the corner of Peyton St and the main road. Essentially a very large paddock, privately owned but kindly offered to self contained RVs that need a place to stop. The shire has just recently completed a brand new dump point at the Westbury sports ground in Franklin Street as well.
An unexpected surprise was the Chudleigh Memorial Hall and Showground. It’s directly opposite the honey farm and worth a visit with its delicious honeys, nougat, soaps, candles and more. The Memorial Hall has toilets, playground, tables and bbq. The camping area directly beside it, has plenty of room, large flat ground, water is non potable here but do stay overnight to explore the area. Remember to pay at the General Store.
Mole Creek has a couple of options for campers, RVs and caravans can free camp behind the pub. They offer hearty pub meals and you can spot the platypus if you’re nice and quiet.
The Mole Creek Caravan Park is nestled beside Sassafras Creek at the western end of town. The owners are incredibly friendly and helpful. There’s one cabin, grassy tent and caravan sites and it’s the perfect location for a base to explore the Marakoopa and King Solomon Caves and other attractions in the area.
Returning home by a different route Railton has a few choices for camping. The hotel offers low cost camping at the rear of the hotel. You can opt to freecamp at the Railton Motorhome Stop and right next door is the CMCA Park. There’s a custodian on site, play area, dump point, it’s in a quiet street and close to a bakery. The custodian said they are now allowing up to 14 day stays.
There was talk some time ago of charging a fee and removing the free camping option at the motorhome stop, however no further action has been taken which is good news, as Railton is a perfect stopover to explore all the area has to offer.
The weather can change quickly in Tassie, and torrential rain and wind descended for a few days so it was a return home for us … till another day.
You’ll find all of these sites in the Camps Australia Wide App, guides and POI digital download for your sat nav.
Download the Camps App for iPhone/iPad or Android
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hadspen Lions Park Reserve suitable for overnight camping?
No, Hadspen Lions Park Reserve is a day use area only. However, it’s a perfect spot for a picnic by the South Esk River with tables, BBQs, toilets and plenty of space for dogs to stretch their legs.
Where can I get fuel and supplies in the Meander Valley area?
Discovery Holiday Park Hadspen has an IGA attached to it where you can get fuel and supplies. The park also offers extras like a coffee machine in the camp kitchen and a herb garden for guests.
Is Hagley RV Farmstay open year-round?
No, Hagley RV Farmstay closes for winter and reopens mid to late October. Check the Camps App for current opening status and details.
Where can I dump waste in Westbury?
The shire has recently completed a brand new dump point at the Westbury sports ground in Franklin Street. The RV camp itself is on the corner of Peyton Street and the main road.
What camping options are available in Mole Creek?
Mole Creek has free camping behind the pub (which serves hearty pub meals), and the Mole Creek Caravan Park beside Sassafras Creek at the western end of town. The caravan park has one cabin, grassy tent and caravan sites, and is perfect for exploring the nearby Marakoopa and King Solomon Caves.
Can I stay long-term at the CMCA Park in Railton?
Yes, the custodian mentioned they now allow up to 14 day stays at the CMCA Railton Park. There’s a custodian on site, play area, dump point, and it’s in a quiet street close to a bakery.
Is the water potable at Chudleigh Memorial Hall and Showground?
No, the water at Chudleigh Memorial Hall and Showground is non-potable. The site has plenty of room with large flat ground, and you need to pay at the General Store. It’s directly opposite the honey farm.
Are there free camping options in Railton?
Yes, you can freecamp at the Railton Motorhome Stop, which remains free with no charges currently being applied. There’s also low cost camping at the rear of the hotel, and the CMCA Park next door to the motorhome stop.
