Best Camping Spots Around Melbourne
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Some of the very best camping spots in Victoria are within easy reach of Melbourne. Whether you’re looking for the luxury variety with all of the amenities or wanting to rough it in the bush, there’s a piece of ground out there with your name on it.
There are basically two broad categories of camping in Victoria: beach or bush. Beach camping tends to be easily accessible, family oriented, and plentiful along all of Melbourne’s surrounding coastline. Bush camping will appeal to more serious hikers, and may involve carrying in your equipment and supplies in the absence of vehicle access.
The following brings you a little of both and is but a sampling of the hundreds of spectacular camping spots within 250 kilometres of Victoria’s capital city.
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1. The Grampians
If you’re just catching the camping bug or can’t make up your mind where to go, start here. The Grampians are a rugged range of sandstone mountains that tower over the Western Plains. The scenery is spectacular and the National Park offers a variety of camping options. There are family-orientated drive in spots, as well as more challenging overnight and hike-in destinations.
There’s lots of native wildlife to be seen, and the choices for climbing, walking or just taking in the beauty are endless. The only thing you must do is take the short walk to MacKenzie Falls as no visit to the Grampians is complete without having a look at this magnificent waterfall.
? 3 hours West of Melbourne along the M8
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2. Cumberland River Holiday Park
If you don’t want to stray too far from the city but would like a quiet drive along the coast, this campground is straight down the Great Ocean Road, less than two hours from the centre of Melbourne. There’s a private beach on the property, and hours of bushwalking for the more adventurous. Lovely setting, nestled in a valley and bordered by the Cumberland River. On site accommodations are also available if you don’t feel like pitching your tent.
? 2680 Great Ocean Road, Cumberland River, Victoria
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3. Noonan Flats (Howqua Hills)
Free camping is available on a number of sites throughout this historic gold mining area, an easy two and a half hour drive from Melbourne. The Howqua River was once teeming with men panning for the precious ore, and you can still see remnants from this by-gone era. The area is popular for fishing, swimming and horseback-riding, and the camps have toilets and wood barbecue pits.
? Thirty minutes from Mansfield, Victoria
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4. Wilson’s Promontory National Park
Located near the most southerly tip of Australia, this one is well worth the drive – and it’s all there waiting for you when you arrive. The Tidal River campground within this National Park has almost 500 camp sites scattered near the beach and along the river. Only a handful of them are powered, however, so if you need to plug in you’ll have to book early. Alternatively, the park offers a variety of cabins, huts and group lodging if you really want to do this the easy way. Beautiful scenery, tons of food and facilities, and a visitor centre for information about walking trails and things to do.
? Near Yanakie, Victoria
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5. Mount Disappointment State Forest
Just over an hour to the north of Melbourne you’ll find the Mount Disappointment State Forest. In 1824, Hamilton Hume and William Hovell climbed to the top and were so disappointed at not being able to see the ocean that they named it for their displeasure. There are three separate campgrounds to choose from, but the Number One campground is the most accessible. It is a popular destination for 4WD and trail bikers, set in the heart of the native bush and very pretty.
You’ll also get to have a closer look at how Australia’s forests are re-generating after the disastrous bushfires of 2009. All three campgrounds in the forest are free.
? Near Wallan, Victoria
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6. The Mornington Peninsula
The Morning Peninsula lies and hour or so to the south-east of Melbourne, framing Port Phillip Bay along with the Bellarine Peninsula to the west. Some of the finest beach camping in Victoria can be found on the stretch that links Rosebud, Rye and Sorrento. The shallow water along the pristine white and sandy beaches are perfect for youngsters who want to paddle, and there’s no better place for a casual stroll.
All campgrounds are managed by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and are very well maintained. The Rosebud site is the largest, with over 800 camping spots stretched along 10km to the village of McCrae. Rye has 174 sites along the beach, and Sorrento holds 147. You may also consider taking the Queenscliff Ferry which crosses Port Phillip Bay, linking Sorrento to further camping adventures on the opposing Bellarine Peninsula.
? Nepean Highway/Point Nepean Road
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7. Cape Otway
The Great Otway National Park offers dramatic variety for those making the trek to this verdant oasis three hours to the West of Melbourne. It is a perfect destination for those who have taken the ferry from the Mornington Peninsula and are looking to camp on the other side of Port Phillip Bay. The Park covers a lot of ground, beginning near Torquay and continuing all the way inland to Colac. Along the coast, there are plenty of rugged vistas and sandy beaches. Further to the north, you can camp in thick forests replete with native flora, waterfalls and bird song.
You can also do something that’s not allowed in most other parks. You can go fossicking. This uniquely Australian pastime involves grubbing around for precious metals, or in this case, precious gems. You’ll need a permit, called a Miner’s Right, which can be purchased for a nominal fee on-line. You’ll then be free to try your luck at finding sapphires, zeolite and agates. Something else to watch out for when you’re pitching your tent!
171 kms southwest of Melbourne
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Wherever your camping adventures may take you, remember to pack out what you bring in, and don’t forget your camera. It will surely be getting a workout, even if you’re determined to take it easy.
