australia:vic:campgroundsnearmelbourne
Table of Contents
non-commercial camp grounds for tents within 2 hours of Melbourne
see also:
- there are no camp grounds in the Dandenong Ranges - closest is Kurth Kiln camp ground
- there are almost no non-commercial camp grounds in west Gippsland or the south (beach) side of the Otways
- travel times are OFF-PEAK
- CHECK before you go especially after severe weather events as many may be closed due to storm or flood damage, or the roads inaccessible
- you are NOT permitted to drive onto beaches in Victoria (this is allowed in Sth Australia though but your insurance will probably not cover you!)
- in general, you are NOT permitted to camp within 20m of a waterway in Victoria
- in general, you cannot have solid fuel fires or BBQs in most commercial camp grounds, nor in some Nat Parks such as Wilsons Prom
- most commercial camp grounds now require you bring a fire extinguisher (whether tent or van) and 15A tested power lead with earth leakage device if connecting to their power
- you cannot take pets into National Parks and cats are banned in Halls Gap
closest to NW suburbs under 1.5hrs excl. small bush camps
- Longridge, Warrandyte
- 45min from NW subs;
- single group booking only for the whole campground for up to 40 people $182/n minimum 2 night booking
- peaceful place to camp along the Yarra River, kayaking, fishing, camp fires
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- 49min from NW suburbs; 1hr 15min from CBD via Gisborne; including 22min 12.5km on gravel 2WD dry weather road; NOT for caravans;
- toilets at bottom end, fireplaces; ~530m elevation; slow shallow stream; large loop camp area;
- this new campground replaces O'Brien's Crossing camp area which is now only a day visitors area
- Firth Park, Trentham
- 50min from NW suburbs; 1hr 16min from CBD; not great site, very cold; elevation ~700m;
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- 60min from NW subs; OK if you just want to escape and enjoy the camping experience but not much to do around there unless you are into trailbiking or shooting;
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- 63min from NW subs just off the Calder Fway; 600m elevation, forest; <1km gravel loop within the grounds; flush toilets; easy walks to interesting rock formations and views;
- Warburton's Bridge campground near GlenLuce
- 64min from NW subs; near Vaughan Springs; popular spot next to a stream; packed with caravans long weekends;
- approx 300m elevation
- Flat Rock camp site, Tallarook (large bush camp - Flat Rock Track past camp ? needs 4WD + winch?)
- 68min from NW subs; 630m elevation
- Freemans Camp Tallarook Ennis Rd
- 70min from NW subs; near Flat Rock; densely forested small ground;
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- 70min from NW suburbs; online bookings; ~250m elevation in valley; historic gold mining relics;
- Inverleigh town camp on river
- free camping available on the other side of the bridge and also down along the Barwon river both easy walks into the town, it's got good facilities.
- 70min from NW subs; 25min W of Geelong on Hamilton Hwy;
- The Gums campground Kinglake NP - wet forest camp
- 72min from NW subs; 18 campsites need booking; drop toilets; free communal gas barbeque; wood fireplaces; BYO water, firewood; ~330m elevation;
- Slaty creek camp ground Creswick
- 72min from NW subs; good for panning for gold; ~520m elevation;
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- 75min from NW suburbs; ~400m elevation; Mt Tarrengower hits 571m; historic gold mining relics;
- Vaughan Springs camping area - currently closed for 2022 flood damage repairs
- 75min from NW suburbs; only for few vans and 6 tents but its free although need to book? adjacent nice mineral springs, stream and bushwalk
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- 83min from NW suburbs; 180m elevation; one of the few free camps near the beach - ~21km, 22min drive to Anglesea or slightly more to Pt Addis;
- lots of walk/horse/bike tracks; horse yards; dogs on leash;
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- 90min from NW subs; very large camp area along a stream, near Yea; need to pay online prior; very popular although not a lot to do there.
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- 86min off peak from NW subs; very large camp area near a stream near Gembrook; cool temperate rainforest;
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- 90min from NW suburbs, lots of sites along the Loddon River $15/n pay at hotel; on the banks of a nice river; hot showers (donation), walk to pub;
- Major Creek Reserve camp Nagambie
- 90min from NW suburbs; can be muddy; not much grass;
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- 90min from NW suburbs just off Hume fway
those with toilets and hot showers
- Longridge, Warrandyte
- single group booking only for the whole campground for up to 40 people $182/n minimum 2 night booking
- peaceful place to camp along the Yarra River, kayaking, fishing, camp fires
- Mornington Peninsula Foreshore Camping
- no wood fires allowed; no pets; nightly fees range from $28/n off peak unpowered to $71 peak powered
- CLOSED over winter from end of April, re-opens late October;
- need to book well in advance (bookings generally open start of August) for peak periods such as summer school holidays
- Vaughan Springs camping area
- 1hr 15min from NW suburbs; only for few vans and 6 tents but its free
- Fryerstown community reserve
- $10/n; wood fired pizza oven and campfire circle available; undercover verandah with power to charge phones;
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- 1.5hrs from NW suburbs, lots of sites along the Loddon River $15/n pay at hotel
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- 2hrs from NW suburbs; free camp up to 5 days
- Greens Lake Recreation Reserve campground, Corop
- 2hrs from NW suburbs; near Rochester and also near Aysons Reserve camp ground (but this has no showers)
- hot showers but no temperature control so can be a bit too warm (new facility built in 2020)
- large foreshore area mainly designed for boaters and fishers - may need to drive to get to the toilets it is that big
- quite exposed to wind and sun
- lake was officially decommissioned as a water storage / irrigation basin in 2019 with fish relocated in mid 2022 and with plans to turn it into wetlands so will probably only be full after flood events such as at end of 2022 when water was diverted into it
- if you are not into boating, fishing or a hot shower perhaps give this one a miss - nearby Ayson's Reserve Camping Ground has a nicer ambience albeit no showers and less gravel roads/dust
- Smythesdale Gardens
- huge camping area with water taps (not permitted in central fenced area); donation (at Smythesdale Roadhouse or Post Office); playground, camp kitchen, microwave, toaster, fireplace, one free electric BBQ, powerpoints; caravan dump point; lots of room for caravans and RVs; dogs on leash;
- walk to shops, pub;
- Contact Bill on 0409 145 267 or Dennis on 0418 503 938 for shower code
- 53km Ballarat Skipton Rail Trail runs right alongside this campground
- Rainbow Bird Trail walk; Woady Yaloak River Trail walk;
- 21min drive from Ballarat; 1.5hrs from NW suburbs via Warrenheip, Mt Clear;
- Fraser block at Lake Eildon
- 2hrs from northern suburbs, book via Parks Vic
- No pets, chainsaws, or generators, and no solid fuel fires or stoves in individual camp sites - must use the communal fire pit areas.
- Candlebark area:
- 72 sites; no boat ramp;flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water, gas barbecues and picnic shelters; best for families and non-motorised water activities
- Devil Cove camping area
- not the preferred camp for families, best suited for walkers and nature lovers looking to relax, stroll to Merlo's Lookout for beautiful views.
- 79 camp sites; flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water, gas barbecues and picnic shelters; closed seasonally;
- Fraser Block / Lakeside camping area
- flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water, gas barbecues and picnic shelters; concrete boat ramp;
- 63 camp sites
- Molesworth recreation reserve
- 1hr 45min from NW subs; just past Yea; on the Goulburn River; $25/n tents for 2p; caretaker on site; online bookings for unpowered sites; phone bookings for powered.
- Loch Memorial Reserve near Korumburra
- 1.5hrs from CBD; booking and fee required; drinking water, firepits; 95m elevation;
- Bunyip recreation reserve near Drouin
- closed winter; fee; bookings;
- Heyfield Oval near Glenmaggie
- 2hrs from Dandenong
- coin showers
those with toilets but NO showers
north-west of Melbourne
- Lerderderg Campground
- 53min from NW suburbs; 1hr 15min from CBD via Gisborne; including 22min 12.5km on gravel 2WD dry weather road;
- toilets, fireplaces; ~530m elevation;
- this new campground replaces O'Brien's Crossing camp area which is now only a day visitors area
- Firth Park, Trentham
- 50min from NW suburbs; 1hr 16min from CBD; not great site, very cold; elevation ~700m;
- Ambler Lane campground Lerderderg
- dry 4WD or hike in only; no wood fires; no potable water;
- Redesdale Hotel
- 3 night max; fire pits;
- Glenlyon Rec Reserve
- 1hr 20 from CBD; 570m elevation; toilets; donation;
- Mt Beckworth, Clunes
- camp sites are ~400m elevation; Mt Beckworth hits 629m;
- Slaty creek camp ground Creswick
- 1.5hrs from CBD, good for panning for gold; ~520m elevation;
- Campground One, Creswick Regional Park
- nice creek but may be dry in summer
- NB. campgrounds 2 and 3 no toilets, campground 3 have to cross a creek
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- 1hr from NW suburbs; 1.5hrs from CBD; ~650m elevation - similar temperatures as Woodend/Kyneton;
- Warburton's crossing near GlenLuce
- 1.5hrs from CBD near Vaughan Springs
- approx 300m elevation
- Mt Franklin Reserve
- 1.5hrs from CBD, near Daylesford, inside a volcanic crater - very cold in winter!
- 550m elevation in crater; Mt Franklin hits about 620m elevation;
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- 1hr 15min from NW suburbs; ~400m elevation; Mt Tarrengower hits 571m;
- Happy Jack's Reserve, Lockwood
- 14km SW of Bendigo
- Laanecoorie River Reserve
- 1.5hrs from NW suburbs; between Bendigo and Dunolly and NW of Maldon
- ~160m elevation;
- Waanyarra Camp ground
- 1hr 50min from NW suburbs; 2hr 10min from CBD; via Laanecoorie; 203m elevation;
- historic gold mining area, some buildings and old cemetery
- between Tarnagulla and Dunolly
- Eddington Park behind Community Centre
- Paddy's Ranges Maryborough, rain water tank but not potable?
- Moliagul campground
- Melville Caves campground, Kooyoora State Park, Kooyoora State Park
- 2hrs from NW suburb Melb via Calder and 24min past Newbridge; 380m elevation;
- nice massive boulder lookouts to explore plus 6km and 4.5km walks
- great view from Mt Brenanah
- Hard Hill Tourist Reserve, Wedderburn
- 2hrs from NW suburbs; 205m elevation;
- Notley camping area, Whipstick, north of Bendigo
- 2hrs from CBD; 205m elevation;
- Shadbolts picnic area, Whipstick, north of Bendigo
- 17.5km N of Eaglehawk; unlike Notley it may have mobile phone reception but it is close to Eaglehawk-Neilborough Rd;
- Flat Rock camp site, Tallarook
- 1hr 20min from CBD; 630m elevation
- Freemans Camp Tallarook Ennis Rd
- near Flat Rock
- Dargile camping ground, Heathcote-Graytown National Park
- 1.5hrs from NW suburbs
- 2hrs from CBD; 230m elevation; ~3km of good gravel road to access it;
- has a nice ambience with some local short walks; dogs not allowed;
- a few level caravan sites but most of the camping sites are sloping set amongst a fairly dense, dry eucalypt ironbark forest (presumably do not drop branches much)
- brick shelter in the day picnic section which has some nice big old trees; unusually, has a flourishing grove of Sandalwood (NSW rainforest)
- exposed to regular traffic on the gravel Plantation Tk
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- near Elmore, 1hr 50min from NW suburbs; 126m elevation; nice spot on a relatively deep slow flowing river which is good for kayaks, fishing or swimming;
- flush toilets; large area, lots of flat sites, some shade spots - just don't camp directly under the river red gums!
- very popular with grey nomads and those with small boats (boat ramp which doubles as a swimming area)
- highly recommended for a weekend camp although you will get nearby traffic noise.
- Langi Ghiran Picnic And Camping Area, Warrak
- 2hrs from NW suburbs; 400m elevation;
NE of Melbourne
- Mt Disappointment / Clonbinane region (each of these you practically need to go back to the Hume Fwy to access)
- Andersonโs garden in Wandong Regional Park
- 55min from NW suburbs; 1hr 10min from CBD; near Wandong; ~350m elevation; next to creek, can be busy on wkends and not as much fun then, fairly flat but some motorbike noise; lots of space, picnic tables and firepits and 2 drop toilets; no caravan sites; 4WD track at end of camp site; vehicles must stay on road side of bollards so may not suit 4WD campers with awnings;
- 4G Telstra reception in 2023;
- 1.5hr 6km Sunday Creek loop walk - its OK for some exercise but nothing special
- 55min to Longwood Recreational reserve; 1hr to The Gums camp ground Kinglake; 71min to Water Gauge camp Murrundindi; 1.25hrs to Dargile camp ground Heathcote; 1.5hr to Aysons Reserve; 1.5hrs to Rubicon camp grounds near Eildon; 1.5hrs to Leanganook camp ground Mount Alexander on the Calder fwy
- Blairs Hut, Mt Disappointment, near Kinglake
- 65min from NW suburbs via Wallan ignore Google, stay on Mt Disappointment Rd else need 4WD!; elevation ~700m;
- nice 1.5hr summit walk; toilets; tent camping only;
- No 1 Camp just off Flowerdale Rd
- nice fairly remote spot, able to camp with vans or tents, lots of space, picnic tables and firepits and 2 drop toilets (much better for vans than Andersons gardens)
- there is also a separate horse camp over the road
- a bit of gravel roads to get there and can feel a bit too remote and desolate for some while others will love this aspect
- 1hr from NW suburbs via Wandong and Clonbinane; elevation ~560m; 7min drive to Strath Creek Falls; 33min to Flowerdale via Murchison Gap Lookout and Strath Creek; 30min to Flowerdale via Hazeldene; 1hr to Water Gauge campground Murrundindi via Flowerdale. 23min from Andersons Garden via Clonbinane; 35min to Blairs Hut via Mt Disappointment - 4WD only track;
- Freeman's Camp, Tallarook
- 1hr 15min from NW suburbs
- grassed terraces on a steep hillside above the small Mill Creek but can't park next to tent; ~5 sites with space for 2 cars each; lovely forest but too much slope for kids;
- Only a couple of the fenced, level parking areas are large enough for campervans; popular with motor bike campers so it could be crowded and noisy at weekends; no swimming or fishing;
- several bush camps are also nearby - Flat Rock, Trawool Reservoir and Tassie camp - although these may need 4WD
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- 1.5hrs from NW suburbs just off Hume fway
- Nagambie
- Major Creek Reserve camp and adjacent Get on the Beers camp ground
- large camp ground alongside a small lake formed by the Major Creek, suitable for canoes, swimming or fishing
- 2WD accessible and plenty of room for a caravan. Can be a long walk to the toilet as only one area near it.
- No firewood around camp, but plenty a short drive up the road. Busy at long weekends and fishing comp in late March.
- very hard bare sandy silt soil may be very dusty when dry and windy, mushy when wet and can have deep ruts making parts not accessible for caravans
- 15km SW of Nagambie and close to Mitcheltown Winery which is on the Goulburn River
- under 1.5hrs from NW suburbs via Seymour
- 1hr 45min from NW suburbs via Lancefield
- 30min west of Longwood Recreation Reserve camp ground
- 33min to Greens Reserve camp, Whroo gold mine
- 41min from Heathcote
- 1hr from Ayson's Reserve Camping Ground
- Maritz Bend on the Goulburn River nth of Murchison
- just under 2hrs from NW subs; 2WD; nice sandy beach and swimming hole, so this site can be popular in warm weather; canoes;
- 20 campsites are grassy with a choice of shaded or sunny spots; some interesting 4wd trails;
- The Gums campground Kinglake NP
- 1hr 20min from CBD; 18 campsites; drop toilets; free communal gas barbeque; wood fireplaces; BYO water, firewood; ~330m elevation;
- small, damp, shaded campground amongst tall eucalypts
- short, narrow two-way entry/exit road tends to have deep pot holes
- Murrindindi Scenic Reserve may be a better option although at least at The Gums you can be guaranteed a site if you have booked it online
- Cherry Lane, Toolangi recreation reserve
- 48hr stays; 1hr 22min from NW suburbs; on the banks of Yea River (not suitable for swimming, kayaking or fishing); pleasant, shaded and well maintained area surrounded by tall Mountain Ash;
- an area for small caravans/campervans to park (BUT Not great for camper trailers or vans as itโs small), or you can carry your gear through a gate to set up tents on the grass; ~15 sites;
- non-potable tank ater; flush toilets; fireplace; electric BBQ;
- Donations can be made via BSB and Acct no. on signage;
- Two Hills campground, Toolangi State Forest, Glenburn
- 3-4 sites on rock hard ground; dusty, gravelled forest clearing on a broad ridge; well shaded by Peppermint and Messmate ;
- Popular with trail bikers so can be noisy and can be littered; resident black snake;
- similar but smaller site 300m up Two Hills Rd just before the Marginal Rd junction
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- 1hr 40mins from NW subs via Yarra Glen and Glenburn; 1hr 50min from NW subs via Hume fwy, Broadford, Flowerdale;
- 100 camp sites in 6 areas; 260m elevation; drop toilet; fireplace; stream but needs to be boiled for drinking; No dogs;
- Anderson's Mill Marysville
- 1hr 45min from CBD; 550m elevation;
- Cook's Mill Cathedral Ranges
- 2hrs from CBD; 360m elevation bookings
- Ned's Gully Cathedral Ranges
- King Parrot Rest Area
- overnight only
- Molesworth pub
- small fee;
- Yea pub
- Yarck oval
- toilets, bakery and pub within 100m
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- 2hrs from NW suburbs or CBD via Healesville or via Yea; 310m elevation;
- adjacent to fast flowing small river, great for bathing in although water is generally cold, and nice walks along old waterways through forest
- Kendall's campground closes Kings BDay to Cup Day
- Boy's campground stays open all year round
- Jerusalem Creek Lake Eildon
- 2hrs from northern suburbs; 300m elevation; book via https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/en/Bookings/Park/lake-eildon-national-park
- Trawool Wildlife Reserve Campground
- walk in camp on the north bank of the Goulburn River; 100m walk from carpark; 7 sites; no firepits; swimming holes and kayaking;
- Brooks river reserve camping
- near Alexandria on the Goulburn River; popular campsite during trout season
- 5 camp sites;
SE of Melbourne
- Upper Yarra Reservoir camping area:
- bookings - toilets at the reservoir
- 2hrs+ from NW subs
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- 1hr 20min from CBD; near Gembrook; elevation 220m;
- Nash Creek, Gembrook, Bunyip State Park
- small open grassy area for tents; vehicles must remain in the adjacent car park (furthest site is 100m from car park);
- 19km 30min drive east-south-east from Kurth Kiln; elevation 140m;
- Mortimer picnic ground in Bunyip State park
- tents but no vans; fire pits, drop toilets;
- Forest Rd Unloading Area, Labertouche, north of Bunyip/Drouin
- not for vans;
- Start of tramway, Smyth Ck Rd, Big Pats Creek south of East Warburton
- fire pits;
- 1hr 50min from NW suburbs; 1.5hrs from CBD; 200m elevation;
- Latrobe River campground between Powelltown and Noojee
- just under 2hrs from NW suburbs; forest site with bracken fern undergrowth; 320m elevation;
- nice campground with 8 sites all with fire pits, one large site near the entrance, 5 up around the top toilet and 2 down near the second drop loo. Short drive to the river;
- some bush sites as well;
- Starlings Gap picnic and camping area, north of Powelltown
- 1hr 40min from CBD; 760m elevation
- Toorongo Falls campground, Noojee
- large grassy campground adjacent the fast flowing fairly shallow river amongst forest and ferns, walk track to waterfalls; firepits;
- ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฝ๐ด๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ๐ก๐ผ. ๐ฎ ๐ถ๐ ๐ฐ๐น๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ (๐ด๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ) ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ผ๐ฑ, ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ก๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ however Campground 1 is open all year usually.
- 2hrs from Melbourne
- Walhalla free camping
- ~2hrs from CBD via Moe
- Walhalla North Gardens Campground
- Coopers Creek
- Aberfeldy Bridge on Walhalla Rd
- not as well known as Coopers creek camp as it is 45min 26km to the north and near Thompson Reservoir, ie, 16km and 26min to north of Walhalla
- Fairhaven campground on west side of French Island;
- 6 sites, near ferry; must book, no charge;
- Longwarry Nth recreation reserve near Drouin
- toilets, water, bbqs, free; 1 night only;
SW of Melbourne
- Steiglitz Brisbane Ranges
- 70min from NW suburbs; online bookings; ~250m elevation in valley;
- Inverleigh
- free camping available on the other side of the bridge and also down along the Barwon river both easy walks into the town, it's got good facilities.
- 70min from NW subs; 25min W of Geelong on Hamilton Hwy;
- Tanners Road Bend campground Otways, NW of Anglesea
- 1.5hrs from CBD; 180m elevation;
- Hammond Rd North, Wensleydale, Otways
- free;
- Hammond Rd, Wensleydale, Otways
- must book in advance; fee; 12km inland from Aireys Inlet in a natural bush setting. 16 sites;
- Meredith Park, Lake Colac
- flush toilets, long narrow camping along northern foreshore, gets very windy, close to Otways, thefts from cars is problematic so ensure all valuables are locked away and out of view.
- 110min from NW subs; 10min by car to Colac
- Lake Elizabeth Otways
- 2hrs 6min from CBD; 200m elevation bookings
- lots of mozzies and leaches as one might expect
- Stevensonโs falls Otways
- 2hrs from SW suburbs; 150m elevation;
- Dandos campground Otways
- 2.5hrs from CBD; 111m elevation
- Beauchamp Falls
- 2.5hrs from CBD; 452m elevation; tends to be cold and often shrouded in cloud/fog;
- camping area is on a level perch with a westerly outlook over plantations; Gravel sites for RVs and grassed areas for tents. Toilets and picnic shelter;
By elevation above sea level
- every 100m elevation is generally 1degC colder
under 200m elevation
- Mornington Peninsula Foreshore Camping
- Loch Memorial Reserve near Korumburra
- booking and fee required; hot showers, drinking water, firepits; 95m elevation;
- Ayson's Reserve, Burnewang
- 1hr 50min from NW suburbs; 126m elevation
- Stevensonโs falls Otways
- 2hrs from SW suburbs; 150m elevation;
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- 1.5hrs from NW suburbs; hot showers $15/n; ~155m elevation;
- Laanecoorie River Reserve
- 1.5hrs from NW suburbs; between Bendigo and Dunolly and NW of Maldon
- ~160m elevation;
- Tanners Road Bend campground Otways, NW of Anglesea
- 1.5hrs from CBD; 180m elevation;
- Lake Elizabeth Otways
- 2hrs 6min from CBD; 200m elevation
- Start of tramway, Smyth Ck Rd, Big Pats Creek south of East Warburton
- fire pits;
- 1hr 50min from NW suburbs; 1.5hrs from CBD; 200m elevation;
200-400m elevation
- Waanyarra Camp ground
- 1hr 50min from NW suburbs; 2hr 10min from CBD; via Laanecoorie; 203m elevation;
- historic gold mining area, some buildings and old cemetery
- between Tarnagulla and Dunolly
- Notley camping area, Whipstick, north of Bendigo
- 2hrs from CBD; 205m elevation;
- Hard Hill Tourist Reserve, Wedderburn
- 2hrs from NW suburbs; 205m elevation;
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- 1hr 20min from CBD; near Gembrook; elevation 220m;
- Dargile camping ground, Heathcote
- 2hrs from CBD; 230m elevation
- Steiglitz Brisbane Ranges
- 70min from NW suburbs; online bookings; ~250m elevation in valley;
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- 1.5hrs from CBD via Yarra Glen and Glenburn; 100 camp sites in 6 areas; 260m elevation; drop toilet; fireplace; stream but needs to be boiled for drinking; elevation ~340m;
- Vaughan Springs near Castlemaine
- 70min from NW suburbs; only 6 sites but has hot showers
- ~280m elevation near a lovely mineral spring picnic area and nice walks
- Warburton's crossing near GlenLuce
- 1.5hrs from CBD near Vaughan Springs
- approx 300m elevation
- Jerusalem Creek Lake Eildon
- 2hrs from northern suburbs; 300m elevation; book via https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/en/Bookings/Park/lake-eildon-national-park
- Rubicon valley
- 2hrs from CBD; 310m elevation;
- The Gums campground Kinglake NP
- 1hr 20min from CBD; 18 campsites; drop toilets; free communal gas barbeque; wood fireplaces; BYO water, firewood; ~330m elevation;
- Andersonโs garden in Wandong Regional Park
- 55min from NW suburbs; 1hr 10min from CBD; near Wandong; ~350m elevation;
- Cook's Mill Cathedral Ranges
- 2hrs from CBD; 360m elevation
- Melville Caves camp ground, Kooyoora State Park
- 2hrs from NW suburb Melb via Calder and 24min past Newbridge; 380m elevation;
- nice massive boulder lookouts to explore plus 6km and 4.5km walks
- great view from Mt Brenanah
- Langi Ghiran Picnic And Camping Area, Warrak
- 2hrs from NW suburbs; 400m elevation;
400-600m elevation
- Mt Beckworth, Clunes
- camp sites are ~400m elevation; Mt Beckworth hits 629m;
- Maldon Mt Tarrengower Butt's Reserve
- 1hr 15min from NW suburbs; ~400m elevation; Mt Tarrengower hits 571m;
- the nearby bush camps on north side of Mt Tarrengower Rd overlooking Maldon to NE are elevation 480m
- Slaty creek camp ground Creswick
- 1.5hrs from CBD, good for panning for gold; ~520m elevation;
- Lerderderg Campground
- 53min from NW suburbs; 1hr 15min from CBD via Gisborne; including 22min 12.5km on gravel 2WD dry weather road;
- toilets, fireplaces; ~530m elevation;
- this new campground replaces O'Brien's Crossing camp area which is now only a day visitors area
- Mt Franklin Reserve
- 1.5hrs from CBD, near Daylesford, inside a volcanic crater - very cold in winter!
- 550m elevation in crater; Mt Franklin hits about 620m elevation;
- Anderson's Mill Marysville
- 1hr 45min from CBD; 550m elevation;
- Glenlyon Rec Reserve
- 1hr 20 from CBD; 570m elevation; toilets; donation;
- Werribee River camp ground, Spargo Creek, north of Ballan
- 55min from NW suburbs; firepits but no toilets; ~590m elevation;
600-800m elevation
- Flat Rock camp site, Tallarook
- 1hr 20min from CBD; 630m elevation
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- 1hr from NW suburbs; 1.5hrs from CBD; ~650m elevation - similar temperatures as Woodend/Kyneton;
- Firth Park, Trentham
- 50min from NW suburbs; 1hr 16min from CBD; not great site, very cold; elevation ~700m;
- Blairs Hut, Mt Disappointment, near Kinglake
- 65min from NW suburbs via Wallan ignore Google, stay on Mt Disappointment Rd else need 4WD!; elevation ~700m;
- nice 1.5hr summit walk; toilets; tent camping only;
- Starlings Gap picnic and camping area, north of Powelltown
- 1hr 40min from CBD; 760m elevation
other camp grounds "bush camps" no toilets, limited facilities
- NW of Newstead area:
- Hamilton's Crossing Baringhup West
- Dunolly free campsite - no signs head NW from Dunolly along main st, turn R into the dirt rd just before railway crossing then after 100m turn R at 2nd track into campground
- Daisy Patch camping area Dunolly
- Newbridge Loddon River free camp Newbridge-Bridgewater Rd
- Arnold Town Hall picnic area near Newbridge on Bridgewater-Dunolly Rd
- power available, BBQs;
- Myrphy's Creek campground
- Longbush State forest camp
- Mount Alexander region:
- Oak Forest, Harcourt - no facilities and minimal spaces
- Powells Quarry, Mt Alexander - no facilities and minimal spaces
- Oven Rock campground, Elphinstone
- no facilities, but nice spot not for caravans though; 4km unsealed road (4WD if wet); sites are mostly unlevel ground;
- 1hr from NW suburbs; 1hr 25min from CBD; 490m elevation;
- Cobaw State Forest
- Metcalfe camp ground
- Chokem Flat Fryerstown
- Fryers Range State Forest near Glenluce ?4WD only
- Doug Stones Gold Map campsite in
- Hunters Track- 3 camp areas - Hunters Lane Northside camp is lovely beside creek bed
- Upper Loddon Bush camp 4WD
- Heathcote region
- Meadow Valley Dam, Mia Mia
- 1hr 15min from NW subs; 19km west of Heathcote; on edge of a dam; can have rubbish around; not much level areas for vans;
- Elmore region on the Campaspe River:
- see also Ayson's Reserve Camping Ground which has toilets
- Rocky Crossing, Goornong
- picturesque spot on the Campaspe River, where the water rushes through a fast moving, shallow, rocky section creating swirling rapids and a few seasonal rockpools, but the river near the camping area is deeper and better for kayaks
- Englishs Bridge Road, Goornong
- Barnadown Streamside Reserve
- Avonmore Streamside reserve
- steep bank here but good for fishing; plenty of space; 2WD access in dry conditions;
- Goulburn River banks near Murchison
- Lyons Bend, 1hr 45min from NW suburbs
- not on Google, need to turn off on the track getween two driveways at -36.588638, 145.244612 to get to the entrance
- canoe, fishing and swimming but no facilities; room for about 20 sites; http://www.findacamp.com.au/camp-site.php?camp=1991
- Oval Bend Camping Area
- 4WD access only; access is via Murchison Football oval, enter via the main gates, and drive straight until you cross the cattle grid
- small area only for about 5 sites, no facilities
- canoe, fishing and swimming but no facilities;
- McMillan Beach Campground
- 2 sites; 4WD access; near Murchison;
- Reedy Lake Campground near Nagambie
- 15 sites; can swim and fish in lake; accessible by caravans in good weather.
- west of Melbourne:
- Wombat state forest region mainly 4WD
- Wombat trail camp
- Countess track 4wd
- Hayden Track site
- Clear water creek
- Rock creek
- Margaret's Corner, Amblers Lane Track
- Balt camp, Blakevile
- Ambler Lane campground Lerderderg
- dry 4WD or hike in only; no wood fires; no potable water;
- Werribee River camp ground, Spargo Creek, north of Ballan
- 55min from NW suburbs; firepits but no toilets; ~590m elevation;
- Colbrook Reservoir just Nth of Ballan in Wombat State Forest
- 56min from NW suburbs; 4WD or hike access by rough, uneven dirt tracks, which will be muddy in wet weather - no signs, you will need GPS!
- stunning dam wall on SW side creating a great waterfall when overflowing; bushwalking, swimming, fishing, bush camping, and photography;
- Free camping is permitted at Colbrook Reservoir and the surrounding bush - there are a couple of clear areas which are great for camping on the shore of the reservoir, on the opposite side to the dam wall.
- Hunts Bridge Camping Area, Morrisons SW of Ballan via Mt Egerton
- 1hr from NW suburbs; shallow river for swimming; lots of sites for tents and RVs; fire pits;
- Dollys Creek campground, Morrisons SW of Ballan via Mt Egerton
- just Sth of Hunts Bridge
- 1hr 10min from NW suburbs; above a bend in the scenic shallow creek (may be dry in summer), walks, firepits;
- 13km bushwalk loop but need an app to navigate 1); no mobile reception;
- East of Melbourne:
- Bunyip Weir (Freemans Mill) near Powelltown/Gembrook
- hike in only camp
- Grimes camp, Narbethong
- not a great spot, access may need 4WD, deep puddles, not much room, lots of wasps
- Cliffview camp, Narbethong
- spectacular cliff; near the road; small site for up to 10 people in 1 group; tends to be littered;
- Lukas Camp East Warburton
- next to Yarra River and road, nice;
- NE of Melbourne:
- Two Hills, Toolangi
- 5.5k up the Two Hills Rd, on the left 200m inside the State Forest; 5 sites;
- reasonably level and dusty, gravelled forest clearing on a broad ridge, well shaded by Peppermint and Messmate with a low understory of scrub and bracken fern.
- Popular with trail bikers - can be crowded and noisy at peak periods - some rubbish spoils a bushy site.
- similar but smaller site 300m up Two Hills Rd just before the Marginal Rd junction
- Perts streamside reserve near Yea
- ?Wyndham Streamside Reserve, Kerrisdale on Yea-Seymoyr Rd where King Parrot Creek joins Goulburn
- Todd Rock Mt Hickey Rd, Tallarook
- Kalatha Creek camps 1 & 2 and Aeroplane Track, Toolangi, near Glenburn
- 4WD access only
- Derek 1, Toolangi
- 4WD access only
- Trawool Reservoir camp
- 4WD access only, need high clearance;
- Feiglin Campground, Marysville
- 2WD via Feiglin Rd; old sawmill site with many relics littering the area ;
- scruffy site but nice forest;
- Otways:
- Goat track, Barwon Downs, Otways
- 4WD; dangerous roads when wet; seasonal closure;
other road side one night spots mainly for vans, generally NOT tents
- Sawpit Gully Reserve, Elphinstone
- 24hr limit; power, sheltered electric BBQs, picnic tables, toilet block, town water taps, water fountain and playground.
- Kyneton Mineral Springs Stopover - RVs and caravans only; limited spaces; 48hr limit; BBQ, toilets; noisy a next to main road.
- Gisborne roadside rest area - toilets, drinking water.
- George Bass Hotel in Bass near Phillip Island:
- must book and expected you use the hotel
- Korumburra Showground - toilets, water, power, donation.
- Korumburra rest area - no toilets
- Bunyip River rest area near Drouin - no facilities
- Gladysdale gravel pit - near Powelltown
- Powelltown Hall 3 sites only can use tent
- Old Glenburn pub site
- Broadford bowling club
- Trentham Sports ground (must have own toilet)
- Newstead Racecourse hot showers and toilets $10 donation
- Seymour Reserve, Northwood Rd on the Goulburn River - no tents; 3 day max
australia/vic/campgroundsnearmelbourne.txt ยท Last modified: 2023/08/23 10:56 by gary1