In Victoria camping is permitted in 25 of the state’s 35 national parks, and while some sites are free, the majority are very affordable. There is a camping experience for all levels of explorers, from remote spots in secluded national reserves to the comfortable surrounds of holiday parks.
We’ve put together a round-up of some of the best camping sites Victoria has to offer.
7 – Candlebark Campground, Lake Eildon
This is one of three top camping spots around picturesque Coller Bay, on the shores of popular Lake Eildon, that make up the Fraser Camping Area. While nearby Lakeside Campground is best for motorised water sports, Candlebark (along with Devil Cove to the north) is perfect for families and groups wanting a low-key camping adventure.
Canoe, kayak, paddle-board or swim in the sheltered waters of Devil Cove or Coller Bay, take a stroll through nature on one of the area’s many walking trails, or just relax on the shores of Lake Eildon.
The amenities – hot showers, flushing toilets and gas barbecues – are all you need to up-level your stay at Candlebark’s unpowered sites, and you can stock up on supplies at local towns Alexandra or Eildon (both 15 minutes away).
8 – Tidal River Campground, Wilsons Promontory National Park
If you’re looking for a seriously picturesque setting for your next camping trip, you’ve found it: this is one of the best-known campgrounds in The Prom and for good reason. With the beautiful Tidal River to one side offering a safe, calm swimming spot for families, and surf-heavy Norman Beach (one of the best in the national park) on the other, it’s a camping fan’s dream.
With 484 camping and caravan sites (both powered and unpowered available), this is perhaps the most popular camping spot in the area and is the perfect home base from which to enjoy scenic walks, surfing or simply soaking in the serenity at your campsite. Gas barbecues, hot showers and dishwashing stations and a pop-up cinema complete the package, just 3.5-hour drive south-east of Melbourne.
9 – Killarney Beach Caravan Park, Killarney
Just past Warrnambool, around 280km out of Melbourne, is the sleepy town of Killarney. With a population of just 800, this tiny village on the coast has everything you need for a relaxing beachside getaway against a backdrop of rolling green pastures – and incredible local produce to satisfy your inner foodie, too.
Just a short stroll across the sand dunes you’ll find beautiful calm waters that are protected by an offshore reef, making them perfect for swimming. The fishing at Killarney Beach isn’t to be missed, either.
The caravan park features 20 powered and 50 unpowered sites and is pet-friendly, so your fur babies can take a time out, too. There are barbecue and laundry facilities, a sports oval and kids’ playground for the littlies – and no wifi, so you can really switch off.
10 – Johanna Beach Campground, Great Ocean Road
With rainforest walking trails and world-class surfing close at hand, migrating whales swimming by in winter and spring, and attractions like Melba Gully, the Twelve Apostles, Cape Otway Lightstation and Triplet Falls within an hour’s drive, a diverse and action-packed camping trip awaits on this part of the Great Ocean Road.
This small 25-site campground is dog-friendly (on lead) and has only the bare essentials – ie. non-flushing toilets – so be ready to forego showers for the duration of your stay! Not that you’ll need them with Johanna Beach just steps away. It’s the perfect spot for experienced surfers (Johanna is the go-to beach if the waves at Belles Beach aren’t up to scratch for the World Surf League championships) but be aware the beach is unpatrolled.
Sites here get nabbed up fast in summer, but those in the know book for weekdays to avoid the crowds – we suggest you do the same if you’re planning some time by the sea here.
11 – Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, The Grampians
If an upmarket slice of paradise tucked away at the foot of an impressive mountain range is what you’re looking for, you can call off the search. From a wood-fire heated pool complex to 60-seat camp lounge around an open fire on cooler nights, visitors can settle back and take in all nature has to offer… with a few little comfortable extras on the side.
Whether you’re planning to catch your zzz’s in a caravan, camper trailer, small tent or a motorhome, this campground has large powered and unpowered sites for every kind of camper. Glamping more your style? You can even book one of their luxe safari tents! Kayak on nearby Lake Bellfield, fish for brown trout, go horse-riding, or simply sit back and watch local kangaroos and the occasional echidna meander by.
With facilities including private bathrooms, a wifi hub, camp kitchen, playground and trampoline, a spot to grab espresso coffee (yes, really – and did we mention the heated pool?), this is about as lush as roughing it can get.
12 – Wye River Foreshore, Great Ocean Road
Absolute beach frontage and abundant wildlife make this a top pick for camping in Victoria. Around 2.5 hours’ drive from Melbourne, you’ll find the quiet spot where mountains meet the sea. There are 60 powered sites and four unpowered on offer, with the latter nestled in a sectioned-off beach access area where vehicles aren’t permitted – for ultimate relaxation.
Facilities include an amenities block with a disabled shower/toilet/baby change room (cleaned daily); a laundry with three washing machines and a double-stack dryer; camp kitchen with gas burners and range hoods; fridge, freezer, microwave and prep/wash-up area; four- and six-burner hooded barbecues; and a sitting area with table and chairs.
There is also a pub and a general store nearby for supplies and sunset beers.
The Next Steps
A camper trailer could be what you need to add more adventure to your weekends, contact the Maverick Campers team today. We’d be happy to help and answer any enquiries you have about our Campers and Caravans
