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The 10 Best Spots For Camping In Victoria
Nothing beats camping in Victoria - from the smell of the fresh morning air as you first unzip your tent, to the sounds of a crackling campfire as you stare at the majestic display of the cosmos twinkling above. It's the feeling of complete freedom, an adventure to recharge the senses, a palate cleanser for the soul, quality time with the family, and a tranquil retreat from the stress of our daily lives.
However you prefer to enjoy your camping trip, we've selected our 10 best camping spots in Victoria. Whether you prefer adrenaline-fueled water sports or hiking on hidden paths the tourists haven't found yet, we'll provide you with all the information you need to know about each destination.
Quick Links
- Most Commonly Asked Questions About Camping In Victoria
- Big4 Phillip Island Caravan Park
- Tidal River
- Wye River Foreshore
- Johanna Beach
- Neds Gully
- Fairhaven
- Candlebark Campground
- Marengo Holiday Park
- Cape Conran Coastal Park
- Lake Catani Campground
Most Commonly Asked Questions About Camping In Victoria
Before we go through our top 10 picks for the best camping sites in Victoria, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to camping in Victoria:
Are you allowed to camp on beaches in Victoria?
Generally, you can camp on all Victorian beaches (and those anywhere else in Australia) as long as you're in a designated camping area. The specific camping regulations depend on where you are though, so check to make sure you aren't breaking any rules and potentially ruining your camping trip.
Can you wild camp in Victoria?
Wild camping, also known as free camping or stealth camping, means camping on public land outside of officially designated campsites. In Victoria (and all Australian states), wild camping is illegal. And with so many stunning official campsites to choose from across Victoria, why bother?
Can you camp in a national park?
As long as the national park has a camping ground, you can camp there. But if not, it's best to check the park's website to see if you can camp anywhere or if you need to stick to designated areas.
When's the best time to go camping in Victoria?
Camping in Victoria can be great year-round, but generally it's best during spring and autumn, when the days are sunny but not too hot and the cooler nights make sleeping more comfortable. But Victoria's weather is notoriously fickle, so bring clothing and gear for any conditions!
1. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island, Phillip Island
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island has long been regarded as one of the best Victorian camping spots. You'll have plenty of options, from cosy cabins and modern villas to both unpowered and powered camping sites, so you can camp the way you want to. This family-friendly campground is nestled on a nature reserve and it's a stone's throw away from Newhaven beach, so there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.
Enjoy an exciting day fishing from the shoreline or out in a boat, hire some buggies for exploring, bounce around with the kids on the giant jumping pillow and more. Once night falls, get up close and personal with one of the largest fairy penguin colonies in Australia or relax with a movie at the outdoor cinema area. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island also features a range of amenities such as internet access, dryers, washing machines, toilets, showers and cooking areas.
Website: https://www.big4.com.au/caravan-parks/vic/phillip-island/ingenia-holidays-phillip-island
Address: 24 Old Bridge Drive, Newhaven VIC
2. Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory National Park
If you're looking for picturesque camping sites in Victoria, then the Tidal River Campground is the epitome of scenic beauty. Featuring a whopping 484 caravan and camping sites with unpowered and powered options, it's the perfect spot to set up camp. Nestled between Norman Beach and Tidal River, it's the ultimate Victoria camping destination for surfing and kayaking too. Plus, you can't pass up the opportunity to slide down its huge inland sand dune system, known as 'the Big Drift'.
If hiking is more your style, Wilsons Promontory National Park is a treasure trove just waiting to be explored. You can walk along stunning coastal bushland trails, view towering granite tors that surround the pristine beaches, enjoy panoramic views from Mount Oberon or Mount Bishop, and make a new furry friend among the local emus, kangaroos and wombats.
Just two and a half hours drive from Melbourne, Wye River Beachfront Campground is a quiet little haven for campers wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The campground features 60 sites, including four unpowered sites in an intimate beach area that's sectioned off, creating the perfect place to relax and recharge in privacy.
Because you'll be camping along the Great Ocean Road, you'll be in close range of amazing sites such as the 12 Apostles, Apollo Bay and Cape Otway. Wye River Beachfront Campground is the perfect spot for the best river camping in Victoria, and features amenities including washing machines, dryers, showers, and toilets. If you forget to pack your camping stove, there are hooded barbeques as well.
Website: https://www.wyerivercampground.com.au
Address: Great Ocean Rd, Wye River VIC
4. Johanna Beach Campground, Great Otway National Park
When it comes to spots for the best beach camping in Victoria, Johanna Beach Campground is a strong contender. This campground features 25 small unpowered sites, it's dog-friendly and it's located between the crashing waves of the nearby surf and grassy hinterland. And did we also mention it's free? The only downside is that there aren't any flush toilets or showers, but our range of camping toilets and showers has you covered.
Described as a 'low-key campground', Johanna Beach is the perfect spot to take a break on a road trip and enjoy a well-earned rest. Apart from grabbing the board and going for a surf, it's a great spot for fishing as there are plenty of salmon and mullet to catch and cook up for dinner. If you feel like doing some exploring, trek through the natural rainforest of Melba Gully or enjoy a picnic at Triplet Falls.
For those that can't get enough of mountain hikes and bushwalking, then you need to check out Neds Gully. Just two hours from Melbourne and nestled deep in the woodland clearing of Cathedral Range State Park, this small unpowered campsite is the perfect retreat from the city. Chuck on your backpack and travel down the nearby Little River Trail to spot lots of adorable wildlife, such as koalas and lyrebirds.
Make sure you've brought your camera because following the woodland trails will lead you up the stunning rocky ridges of Neds Peak. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entirety of Cathedral Range State Park, from the endless valleys that stretch into the horizon to the grassy meadows down below. With beautiful hiking trails to explore and nothing but the sounds of wildlife echoing in the distance, Neds Gully is one of the best spots for camping in Victoria.
Being accessible only by passenger ferry makes Fairhaven Campground on French Island National Park a truly secluded and remarkable Victorian camping spot. You'll feel like you are camping on your own private island in one of the 10 unpowered campsites. Just make sure you have all your camp cooking needs sorted as the island's highly combustible vegetation means open fires aren't permitted.
There are also plenty of activities to keep you busy. If you're bringing your mountain bike, then you'll love the many cycleways around the island that will take you past wildflowers, forests, salt marshes, grasslands and wildlife. Speaking of wildlife, it's a great place to do a bit of birdwatching as the island is home to over 230 species of birds. And with a vibrant ecosystem just beneath the water's surface, it's a great place to go snorkelling too.
If you're searching for spots for the best lake camping in Victoria, then Candlebark Campground in Lake Eildon should be high on your list. Sitting snugly in shady woodlands, it's the perfect place to set up camp and enjoy some quality time with the family. And as it's a massive lake, it's also a great spot for enjoying your favourite watersports too.
Apart from kayaking and canoeing, the calm winds make it a great spot for stand up paddleboarding. Or if you simply want to swim and relax, head north to Devil Cove and enjoy the sheltered waters and scenic walking trails. Even though Candlebark is an unpowered campsite, you can still enjoy access to facilities including flush toilets, barbeques and showers.
Featuring both non-powered and powered camping sites and unbeatable ocean views just an hour and a half away from the Melbourne CBD, Marengo Holiday Park is Apollo Bay's hidden gem. Apart from being pet-friendly, campers will also enjoy access to BBQ areas, laundry, bathrooms, camp kitchens, Wi-Fi and snug cabins if you don't feel like pitching the tent.
Beyond the jaw-dropping views of the Great Ocean Road, a big selling point is the adjacent Marengo Reef Marine Sanctuary. Spanning 12 hectares of shimmering ocean waters, it's home to a resident seal colony and protects the Little Henty Reef system, making it an excellent snorkelling spot. If you prefer to stay dry, there are plenty of stunning walking trails to follow that lead to nearby lookouts, waterfalls, rainforests and more.
Website: https://www.marengo-caravanpark.com.au
Address: Great Ocean Rd, Apollo Bay VIC
9. Cape Conran Coastal Park, Gippsland
Cape Conran Coastal Park spans over 1km of Gippsland's shoreline, where you can camp only 100 metres away from the soothing sounds of waves. Apart from being another great choice when it comes to camping in Victoria, there are also plenty of site options, including remote camping spots at Pearl Point and Bemm River. If you want access to toilets and showers, you can camp at the main campsite Banksia Bluff.
Once you've found a quiet cosy spot to set up your tent, there's plenty to explore and discover. As one of the best spots for camping in Victoria, you'll enjoy native flora including Manna Gums and Banksias, as well as various wildlife like Lace Monitor goannas, wombats, bandicoots, eagles and honeyeaters. You'll also have spectacular views of Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary, home to a variety of marine life including migrating whales and dolphins.
Website: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/cape-conran-coastal-park
Address: Marlo-Conran Rd, Cape Conran VIC
10. Lake Catani Campground, Mount Buffalo
If you're searching for the ultimate spot for lake camping in Victoria, then make sure you visit Lake Catani Campground. Located four hours outside Melbourne in Mount Buffalo National Park, it boasts 49 scenic camping spots with access to hot showers and flushing toilets.
Hiking fans will feel right at home with plenty of walking trails that lead to stunning picnic areas and alpine water swimming spots. The lake is perfect for spending the day boating, canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. It's home to plenty of fish species such as Rainbow Trout, so bring your fishing rod too. Trapping or collecting bait isn't permitted though, so make sure you bring along your own bait and lures. Lake Catani Campground is perfect for setting up the picnic table, firing up the BBQ and enjoying some quality time in the great outdoors.
Address: Mount Buffalo Rd, Mount Buffalo VIC
Find Everything You Need For Your Next Victorian Camping Adventure At Anaconda
Whether you're going solo or with the family, visit our top picks for the best camping spots in Victoria to enjoy everything this great state has to offer. Also, make sure you have all the equipment and gear you need, including tents, roof top tents, air mattresses, sleeping bags, gazebos, camp furniture and much more, by exploring our entire camping and hiking range.
Plus, when you're planning your next camping trip be sure to visit our Adventure Centre for more tips and helpful camping information, such as:
- Ultimate Guide To Easy Camping Food Ideas
- Tips And What To Bring When Camping With A Baby
- How To Store Camping Gear At Home
- 5 Best Ways To Make Coffee When Camping
