Camping provides an unparalleled opportunity to strike off on one's own. Camping equipment like tents, sleeping bags, fold-up chairs, and an esky may be easily packed into a car and taken on the open road in search of a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
There are several perks to going camping in Victoria. The warm welcome and beautiful scenery make this state a perfect vacation spot for the entire family. Perhaps you, too, would find the serenity of a mountain getaway irresistible for the same reason. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend getaway or a complete break from the world for a few weeks, this guide to the best camping Victoria has to offer is for you. It's a great and amusing strategy for spending less money on rest and recreation.
Camping may be a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and rediscover the pleasures of nature, such as gazing at the stars and listening to the chirps of local birds. So park the RV in one spot, pitch your tent, and spend the day in peace. Gather the crew and go outside to see some of Victoria's most stunning natural attractions. We have selected seven of the best summer camping destinations from among the numerous available.
Victoria is a fantastic camping destination since it has a broad array of environments to accommodate different campers. Your campsite might be in the middle of a thick forest, at the base of a breathtaking mountain range, on the shore of a placid lake, or on the beach.
About a quarter of the state's 35 national parks provide campgrounds, and those that do charge have very cheap fees or are free for certain nights. Glamping, roughing it in private national reserves, or camping at a holiday park with all the facilities (including flush toilets, hot showers, and barbecues) you could desire are all options.
Johanna Beach Campground
- Postal Address: 535 Bourke Street Melbourne Victoria Australia 3000
Johanna Beach is a sandy, four-kilometer length of the southern coast, guarded by wind-whipped cliffs and undulating grassland. To the south-east of the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, almost fifty kilometres, the coastline is just as rough and forbidding as the ocean. Johanna Beach Campground is one of the most beautiful camping spots in Great Otway National Park.
Activities including picnicking, strolling, fishing, and surfing (though the latter should only be attempted by skilled surfers) are common. Johanna Beach is not a good place to go for a relaxing swim, but it is often used as a backup for Bells Beach for big surf competitions when the waves are flat in the north-east. Half an hour distant is the refreshing Aire River, where you may go swimming if you so choose.
It's important to note that the Great Otway hiking routes are accessible to hikers of varying experience levels. About 15 kilometres to the north of your campground lies Melba Gully, sometimes known as the "Jewel of the Otways" due to its abundance of lush rainforest splendours.
Tidal River
- Tidal River, Victoria 3960, Ring Road
As one of Victoria's most well-known beach camping destinations, Tidal River is a must-see. Location besides both the river and Norman Beach ensures that there is never a dull moment. Hot baths, dishwashing areas, restrooms, and picnic areas with free gas barbecues are just some of the contemporary conveniences offered.
Wilsons Promontory National Park is an expansive playground that protrudes into the Bass Strait from the southernmost edge of Australia. It has an area of 50,000 hectares. To access the various hiking paths in "The Prom," as the park is commonly called, start at Tidal River Campground, one of the two major campgrounds in the park.
It's up to the hiker whether they choose to explore a stringybark forest, a temperate rainforest, or mangroves. Mount Oberon is the most popular peak in the park, and from the top you can see all the way to the end of the continent.
Refuge Cove
- Wilsons Promontory, Victoria, Australia 3960, Refuge Cove Camp
This remote and beautiful beach is perfect for campers of all backgrounds, whether you're a local or visiting from out of state. The campground at Refuge Cove is situated in a beautiful natural setting only a short distance from the sea on the cove's southern shore. The campground has the standard amenities and requests reservations in advance.
Killarney Beach, Killarney
- Killarney, Australia, Beach Road 3283
Campers, surfers, and fishermen alike will find Killarney Beach to be Victoria's premier beach destination. If you're searching for tranquilly, go no further than this modest rural location, located just 282 kilometres from Melbourne and noted for its expansive farmlands. You may reserve either a powered or unpowered site, plus there's a playground for the kids and anything else you would need. As a bonus, pets are welcome!
If you're unsure of where to go, the West is always a safe bet. The area is around 280 kilometres west of Melbourne. Located beyond Warrnambool, Killarney Beach Camp Ground is a great place to stay for the night. Killarney is a little community of about 800 people; it is encircled by shallow, sandy bays and is bordered by verdant grass and dairy cows. There are also a children's playground and a sports oval (camp cricket, anyone?) in addition to the 20 powered and 50 unpowered campsites. The real draw here, though, is the wild western beaches and the local produce. Do not forget to schedule time for a road trip to the Port Fairy farmer's markets.
Newhaven Beach, Phillip Island
- Newhaven, Australia: 24 Old Bridge Dr, 3925
BIG4 Phillip Island Caravan Park on Newhaven Beach is the best place in Victoria to relax and unwind after a day of beach camping on Phillip Island. Natural splendour and sightings of Australia's most famous native species await you here. Experience the sunset while watching the Penguin Parade, or look for one of the numerous koalas that inhabit the island.
Mornington Peninsula Foreshore
- Address: 1380 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud, Victoria, Australia, 3939
Rosebud, Rye, and Sorrento are just a few of the stunning beaches that can be found along the Mornington Peninsula Foreshore in Victoria. One of the most popular places to camp on the Mornington Peninsula, thanks to its convenient location and breathtaking coastal views. Swimming, hiking, and bicycling are all possible, and it doesn't take long to reach the area's stores and cafés.
Wye River Foreshore, Great Otway National Park
- Wye Road, Separation Creek, Victoria, 3221
The Wye River Foreshore is a popular camping destination in Victoria due to its proximity to a wide variety of attractions. This location along the Great Ocean Road is convenient to the nearby attractions of Cape Otway, the Twelve Apostles, and Apollo Bay. Important facilities include grills, a kitchen, hot baths, and more.
That's just the way Wye River is; it's got its own aura. The Foreshore Camp Ground is worth a detour if you have more than a day to spend in the area; most day-trippers just drive on to Cape Otway and the Twelve Apostles without stopping. Camping here is great since the Wye River estuary is one of the greatest places in Victoria to see koalas, and the beachside property is extremely swanky. The campground includes modern conveniences such as electricity, flush toilets, and hot showers, but if you want to splurge on a meal, the Wye River bar and general shop are conveniently located off the main highway. There are only 64 available sites, so don't delay in making your reservation.
Cathedral Ranges State Park
- Street Address: Little River Road, Taggerty, Victoria 3714, Australia
Drive two hours north-east along the Maroondah Highway to Cathedral Ranges State Park, where a magnificent seven-kilometer-long craggy upturned ridge awaits. There are three camping choices in the state park; the first is Cooks Mill which offers 30 shaded campsites suited for tents and caravans at Lowerson Track off Little River Road.
The Grampians
- Australia; Bellfield; the state of Victoria; the year; 3381
Three hours' drive west of Melbourne will bring you to the breathtaking Grampians National Park. You'll be able to unwind in tranquil settings while seeing Victoria's beautiful wildlife up up and personal. In The Grampians, you'll find a wide variety of camping and vacation options, some geared towards families and others for lonesome hikers seeking seclusion. Walks to MacKenzie Falls, Reeds Lookout, and The Pinnacle, paddling on Lakes Bellfield and Wartook, and the Brambuk Cultural Centre at Halls Gap are just a few of the many things to do and see in The Grampians.
Sheepyard Flat
It's hard to imagine a more picturesque region of Victoria than the Howqua Valley. It has the most lovely name, for sure. Located just outside of Mansfield, Sheepyard Flat is one of the finest Howqua campgrounds. Long ago, this site caught the attention of fly-fishing enthusiasts, and nowadays, it's not uncommon to see a number of them wading the river in search of trout, perch, and Redfin. Free, first-come, first-served camping is available at Sheepyard. Hike out to Fry's Flat, one of the first crofter's huts in the region, and spend the day there.
Lake Crosbie Campground
- Park of Murray and Sunset
Travelers who spend six hours on the road from Melbourne to Murray-Sunset National Park on the South Australian border will discover a semi-arid wilderness teeming with flora and animals, including the star-shaped Murray lily and the seldom seen mouse-like Gile's planigale.
Becking, Crosbie, Hardy, and Kenyon Lakes, located near the park's southern entrance, are known as the Pink Lakes because to the park's unique coloration, which ranges from white to an otherworldly bubblegum pink. One of the park's three lakefront campgrounds, Lake Crosbie Campground is a flat, open stretch located along the southern border of the biggest pond with a fairy-dust hue.
About 600 kilometres of paths crisscross the park, encouraging off-road exploration of different terrains including saltbush plains, mallee scrub, and wonderfully bumpy sand dunes. The power of your feet is equal to that of your hands. Take the 90-minute Kline Nature Walk to discover the surprisingly plentiful species that lives in the park's arid areas, or go to the Mount Crozier overlook for a bird's-eye view of the desolate plains.
Plantation Campground
Nearly two hundred and fifty kilometres to the north-west of Melbourne, the 168,241-hectare Grampians National Park is dominated by striking sandstone mountain ranges. The mountain ranges and verdant gorges, which took 400 million years to develop, are a delight for hikers. Some of the highlights include the walks up Mount Sturgeon (Wurgarri) and Hollow Mountain (Wudjub-Guyan) and the lookout point at Reeds Lookout.
There are ten campsites that can be reached by car in this National Heritage site, and another six that are only accessible by foot. East of the Mount Difficult Range, near the end of Mt. Zero Road, is where you'll find Plantation Campground. It's a convenient jumping off location for exploring the stunning cliff faces of Halls Gap. The Aboriginal rock art shelters at Gulgurn Manja and Ngamadjid, both of which date back more than 20,000 years, are within half an hour of the campsite.
Lake Catani Campground
Staying on the picturesque shores of Lake Catani is a must for every outdoor enthusiast. This family-friendly campground is located in the magnificent Mount Buffalo National Park in the Alps, around four hours from the heart of Melbourne. Take a stroll and see the surrounding flora and fauna, swim or kayak in the calm waterways, or just hang out with the wombats.
The campsite may be simple, but it provides its guests with all the essentials for a pleasant stay. There are flush toilets and hot showers (with handicapped access), dishwashing and laundry facilities, and a common area with tables and fireplaces for group meals.
Day visitors may take use of free gas grills and tables at the adjoining day visitor facility, a picnic shelter with a view of the lake. All all, there are 49 campsites available, some of which may accommodate RVs and caravans and others which can only accommodate cars and tents. A few of walk-in locations provide a more discreet service.
Candlebark Campground
The Fraser Camping Area consists of three of the best camping places in the area, all located near Coller Bay and the shoreline of famous Lake Eildon. Candlebark (and Devil Cove to the north) are ideal for families and parties looking for a low-key camping experience, while the neighbouring Lakeside Campground is suitable for motorised water activities.
Canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or swim in Devil Cove or Coller Bay's protected waters; hike one of the numerous nearby trails; or just unwind on Lake Eildon's shoreline.
Candlebark's unpowered sites include all the conveniences you need for a comfortable stay, including hot showers, flushing toilets, and gas grills, and the nearby cities of Alexandra and Eildon provide many opportunities to stock up on essentials (both 15 minutes away).
Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, The Grampians
- Halls Gap, Victoria 3381, Australia, 23-27 Tymna Dr.
Search no farther if you're in the market for a posh corner of paradise nestled at the base of a majestic mountain range. Vacationers may relax and enjoy everything that nature has to offer with some added comforts, such as a wood-fire heated pool complex and a camp area with seating for 60 in front of an open fire on chilly evenings.
This campsite includes big powered and unpowered sites suitable for every kind of camper, whether it a caravan, camper trailer, modest tent, or motor home. Luxury camping more your speed? One of the options is to stay in one of their posh safari tents. You may go horseback riding, fishing for brown trout, kayaking on Lake Bellfield, or just relaxing and watching the kangaroos and echidnas roam the area.
Having access to amenities like a heated pool, espresso coffee, a camp kitchen, a playground, and a trampoline while roughing it is about as luxurious as it gets. Book a $31 non-powered site online.
Conclusion
A trip to a cherry orchard is an excellent choice for a family outing that is both enjoyable and educational. Australian cherries are available for about 100 days a year, from November through the end of February. Orchards set their own pick-and-eat dates and times, but most do so between the middle of November and the beginning of January. It's peak cherry season at CherryHill Orchards from late November through early January. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Yarra Valley orchard is open to the public every day.
U-picking at Jay Berries, a neighbour of Cherrybomb, is a great option. Located less than an hour outside of Melbourne's central business district, Cherry Haven is a small, family-run orchard where visitors can pick their own cherries. If you're in the area, you can pick your own peaches, nectarines, cherry tomatoes, berries or apples at Naturipe Fruits.
Content Summary
- Camping in Victoria has a number of advantages.
- The best camping in Victoria is here for you, whether you're looking for a quick weekend getaway or a complete break from the world for a few weeks.
- Visit some of Victoria's most stunning natural attractions with your friends and family.
- Out of the many options, we've narrowed it down to seven of the best.
- All of the Great Otway hiking trails are suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
- the River Tidal
- Ring Road, Tidal River, Victoria 3960
- Tidal River is a must-see because it is one of Victoria's most well-known beach camping destinations.
- Wilsons Promontory National Park extends into the Bass Strait from the southernmost tip of Australia and is an expansive playground.
- Killarney Beach is Victoria's premier beach destination for everyone from campers to surfers to fishermen.
- Phillip Island's Newhaven Beach
- 24 Old Bridge Dr., 3925BIG4 Newhaven, Australia After a long day of beach camping on Phillip Island, the best place to unwind is Phillip Island Caravan Park on Newhaven Beach in Victoria.
- Rosebud, Victoria, Australia 3939, 1380 Point Nepean Road, Mornington Peninsula Foreshore
- The Mornington Peninsula Foreshore in Victoria is home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches, including Rosebud, Rye, and Sorrento.
- Campers flock to this spot on the Mornington Peninsula because of the ease of access and the stunning views of the coastline.
- Most day-trippers skip the Foreshore Campground on their way to Cape Otway and the Twelve Apostles, but it's well worth the stop if you have more time in the area.
- A state park in the Cathedral Ranges
- Little River Road, Taggerty, Victoria 3714, Australia's street address is
- You can reach Cathedral Ranges State Park via the Maroondah Highway, two hours to the north-east of Sydney, and marvel at the park's magnificent seven-kilometer-long upturned crag ridge.
- As a final note, Cathedral Ranges State Park is one of the most popular weekend camping destinations for families, and includes hiking, abseiling, and rock-climbing as part of the package.
- Park on the Cumberland River
- Located in Lorne, Australia at 2680 Great Ocean Road.
- The Cumberland River Holiday Park is located seven kilometres from Lorne along the Great Ocean Road on the river's edge in a valley between jagged cliffs and lush mountains.
- The Grampians National Park can be reached in three hours west of Melbourne.
- Flat Sheepyard
- In Victoria's Howqua Valley, it's hard to think of a more beautiful place.
- There is a campground at Lake Crosbie.
- At the intersection of Murray and Sunset Park
- Six hours of driving from Melbourne to Murray-Sunset National Park on the South Australian border will lead visitors to an area rich in both plant and animal life, including the star-shaped Murray lily as well as Gile's planigale, a mouse-like creature rarely seen in its natural habitat.
- There are striking sandstone mountain ranges in the 168,241-hectare Grampians National Park, about 250 kilometres north-west of Melbourne.
- Campground at Lake Catani
- Every outdoorsman should make time to visit Lake Catani's beautiful shores.
- The Mount Buffalo National Park, in the Alps, is home to this family-friendly campground, which is about a four-hour drive from downtown Melbourne.
- Located at Candlebark Campground
- Located near Coller Bay and Lake Eildon, the Fraser Camping Area is home to a trio of the best camping spots in the area.
- As far as amenities go, Candlebark has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including flushing loos and a gas grill. Alexandra and Eildon are both within driving distance, so you can stock up on food and supplies (both 15 minutes away).
- Recreational Lakeside Camping in the Grampian Mountains
- Halls Gap, Victoria 3381, Australia, 23-27 Tymna Dr.
- For those looking for a luxurious hideaway nestled at the base of a majestic mountain range, there is no better place to look than this.
- This campground has a variety of large and small powered and unpowered sites that can accommodate any type of camper, from a caravan to a simple tent.
- To stay in one of their safari tents is an option.
FAQs About Melbourne
- #1 – Apple Point Rec Site. ...
- #2 – Amor Lake Rec Site. ...
- #3 – Augier Lake Rec Site. ...
- #4 – Batnuni Lake East Rec Site. ...
- #5 – Begbie Falls Rec Site. ...
- #6 – Big O.K. ...
- #7 – Bootjack Lake Rec Site. ...
- #8 – Bonanza Lake Rec Sites.
Camping is permitted in 25 of Victoria's 35 national parks. There are different types of camping available in parks, reserves and forests throughout Victoria, some with laundries, cabins, flats or lodges. Some camping areas are without facilities.
Planning your camping trip in advance will also give you a chance to plan your road trip to maximize fun! Plan pit stops along the way to check out places you love, or places you've always wanted to visit. Make a longer trip out of it and stay at other KOA campgrounds along the way.