Camping is a great way to soak up Australia’s natural beauty, and Melbourne has some of the best places to pitch a tent in the country. From the turquoise coastlines of the Great Ocean Road to the breathtaking lookouts of the Grampians and the tranquil waterways of Gippsland, Melbourne has plenty of scenic camping options for hikers, glampers or backpackers in Australia. Ready for an adventure? Here are 10 must-see campsites to explore in Melbourne.
1. TIDAL RIVER, WILSON’S PROMONTORY
Wilson’s Prom is the biggest national park in the state, with trails for every level of hiker and gorgeous beaches for those less energetic days. The Tidal River Campground boasts 484 powered and unpowered sites with easy access to Tidal River and Norman Beach. Situated approximately 240 km from Melbourne, this popular campground is well-equipped with showers, barbecues, a supermarket and a free shuttle bus to the start of the main trails during peak season.
2. BLANKET BAY CAMPGROUND, OTWAY NATIONAL PARK
Nestled amongst shady gum trees on the coastline of Cape Otway, Blanket Bay Campground offers the best of both worlds. Explore fern-laden forest trails and keep your eyes peeled for koalas, or take your snorkel and make the most of this stunning seaside location. One of the most peaceful campsites in Melbourne, Blanket Bay Campground is also an ideal stopping point for holidaymakers hoping to stretch their legs along the Great Ocean Walk.
3. HALLS GAP LAKESIDE TOURIST PARK
Set up camp amongst the kangaroos and emus and enjoy breathtaking mountain views in the heart of Grampians National Park, a three-hour drive from Melbourne. Hall’s Gap Lakeside Tourist Park is the perfect base to explore all of the wildlife, waterfalls, wildflowers and walks that this sprawling national park has to offer. The picturesque town of Halls Gap is just a 15-minute walk away, while first-class facilities onsite include a camp kitchen and lounge, firepits and even a woodfire heated swimming pool.
4. CUMBERLAND RIVER HOLIDAY PARK, LORNE
Cumberland River Holiday Park is one of the most popular campsites in Melbourne, loved for its idyllic location near the quaint town of Lorne and ideally situated on the world-famous Great Ocean Road. Set in a gorgeous sun-drenched valley with magnificent clifftops on one side and stunning coastline on the other, this campsite is the perfect pitstop on a road trip adventure. Choose between a mix of powered and unpowered sites, cabins and safari tents, with accommodation for every kind of camper or glamper. Just a short drive away, you’ll find Lorne Beach, the magnificent Erskine Falls, Teddy’s Lookout, the Great Otway National Park and more.
5. KILLARNEY BEACH CAMPGROUND, KILLARNEY
The lesser-known Killarney Beach Campground is perfect for anyone looking to really get away from it all and embrace the natural beauty of Victoria’s gorgeous eastern shoreline. This tranquil coastal camping spot is a 3-hour drive from Melbourne. It offers everything you need for a rural getaway to remember, with easy access to unspoilt beaches, fishing, snorkelling, surfing, bush walks, lagoons and more nearby.
6. BANKSIA BLUFF CAMPGROUND, CAPE CONRAN COASTAL PARK
Head five hours east of Melbourne to Banksia Bluff Campground in Cape Conran Coastal Park to discover all the lush rainforests, snowfields, pristine beaches and inland waterways that rural Gippsland has to offer. Immerse yourself in the rich Aboriginal history of the region and take in the breathtaking coastal vistas on the Cape Conran Nature Trail. Plus, if you’re stopping by between May and October, see if you can spot any dolphins or whales during the migrating season too. Banksia Bluff Campground is home to 137 campsites set across 11,700 hectares of unspoiled wilderness, with plenty of opportunities for bushwalking, bird watching or rock pooling nearby.
7. LAKE CATANI CAMPGROUND, MOUNT BUFFALO
Lake Catani Campground is set high up on the Mount Buffalo plateau and is the ideal location for anyone seeking a peaceful alpine retreat. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find plenty to see and do. Discover tall eucalyptus and snow gum forests, tranquil swimming holes, breathtaking waterfalls and abundant wildlife. This pristine campground also offers incredible views of Lake Catani — the perfect spot for paddling, fishing, swimming or picnicking.
8. MARENGO FAMILY CARAVAN PARK, APOLLO BAY
Situated 2 km outside Apollo Bay, the Marengo Family Caravan Park is the perfect pitstop for Australian backpackers touring the Great Ocean Road. Approximately two and a half hours from Melbourne, this pet-friendly campsite should be the first stop on your way to this bucket list destination. Choose from a range of shaded powered and unpowered sites, as well as fully equipped cabins with stunning ocean views. Take advantage of a full camp kitchen, playground, undercover BBQ areas, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and more.
9. BIG4 PHILLIP ISLAND CARAVAN PARK
The BIG4 Phillip Island Caravan Park is one of the best campsites in Melbourne for families looking for a fun-filled beachside holiday. This campground places you within easy driving distance of everything Phillip Island has to offer, including the Koala Conservation Park, Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, Nobbies Centre and Boardwalk and — of course — the ever-popular Penguin Parade. Situated just 1 hour 30 minutes from Melbourne, the park offers a range of accommodation options, including two and three-bedroom villas and powered and unpowered campsites. Onsite family-friendly facilities include a Jumping Pillow playground, table tennis, TV and game room, and even a seasonal outdoor cinema.
10. JOHANNA BEACH, GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Further along the Great Ocean Road, Johanna Beach Campground offers a stunning seaside camping location like no other. With 24 sites nestled amongst sandy dunes and grassy banks, this campsite is ideal for those looking for somewhere slightly quieter to pitch their tent along this stunning stretch of shoreline. During the day, you can surf, paddle, fish, explore one of the many rock pools nearby or hike either the Great Ocean Walk or 12 Apostles Lodge Walk. Then, at night, enjoy a stunning sunset over one of the most famous coastlines in the world.
BOOK YOUR NEXT CAMPSITE IN MELBOURNE
Campsites in Victoria can book out early — especially in peak season — so we recommend planning your next Melbourne camping trip as soon as possible. Start your adventure by planning your route, then contact the campsite for rates and availability. Looking to hire a campervan in Melbourne? Australian Backpackers allows you to search and book the perfect campervan easily!