#Vanlife Australia: 15 Car Camping Sites Near Melbourne

Christian Suzon

Last updated 14 Jul 2022

two people camping inside a van in the woods

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A popular tourist destination in Australia (second only to Sydney in New South Wales), Melbourne will likely be one of the places you’ll visit during your upcoming trip to the country. And, given everything that it has to offer, we can hardly blame you for your inevitable stop at Melbourne. Filled with an endless amount of must-try experiences, ranging from cultural activities to nature expeditions, you’ll never run out of cool things to do in Melbourne!

And though there’s already much to see in the city, there are even more thrilling adventures waiting for you outside of it! One of our favorite things to dowhenever we visit is to drive outside the city to experience Australia’s stunning natural scenery. After all, what can beat the fun of leisurely driving around as the wind from the open windows blows through your hair while you take in the gorgeous sights of Victoria’s immaculate coastlines and rugged mountains?

If you’ve got the time to spare, we even recommend spending a night or two at any of the campgrounds surrounding Melbourne to experience Australia’s nature and wildlife at its best! Some campgrounds can also be found in the national parks nearby, so you can camp, hike, and experience nature all in one trip! How cool is that?

Whether you’ve got your own car or just renting one for your visit (we get ours directly from Klook), you too can experience the joys of car camping in some of Australia’s most famous campgrounds! Read on below for our 15 recommended sites for car camping in Victoria, as well as some handy camping tips and tricks.

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Before You Go: Camping Tips and Tricks from Klook

1. Choose the correct vehicle: While you can theoretically bring any type of vehicle for camping, it’s better to bring something roomier like a van or even an RV/caravan, especially if you’re planning to stay for several days camping. Not only will you be able to take more stuff and more people with you, but you’ll also appreciate the extra leg room when it’s time to sleep.

2. Pack it in, pack it out: One of the golden rules of camping is to leave no trace of your visit once you’re done. During your stay at the campsite, you should always dispose of your items correctly, whether it’s biodegradable items (like food waste) or non-biodegradable items (any plastic, etc.) If there are no trash bins at the campsite, make sure to pack them up with you and throw them away as soon as you get back from your trip.

3. Do your research on your chosen campsite: Rules and facilities (including accessibility features) vary across the many camping sites in Victoria - some of them will even require advanced reservations and entry fees for travelers with vehicles, so make sure to check before you visit!

4. Remember the local traffic rules: Don’t forget to drive on the left side of the road and bring your International Driver’s Permit (IDP) if you plan to rent a car. For more information on how to get your permit, check our Guide to Booking a Klook Car Rental and Driving Abroad.

5. Check for any warnings before you set off: to guarantee a safe and fun experience, check the weather forecasts and alerts before you go. In cases of extreme heat, be on the lookout for a Total Fire Ban, as activities involving campfires may be prohibited (you’ll need to use a gas cooker on these days).

6. Plan accordingly: When choosing a camping spot, you should always take the weather and hunting season into account, as the temperature and the presence of hunters can affect your experience. Try to map out your route as well and see if you’ll need to bring fuel cans for the road - some stretches of the road have quite a distance between gas stations.

Car Camping in Victoria - Recommended Campsites for an Authentic #Vanlife Australia Experience

1. Lerderderg Campground (Lerderderg State Park)

Though it might feel fairly close to the city, being only an hour’s drive away from Melbourne, Lerderderg Campground is still remote enough for most travelers who wish to escape crowded streets and bright lights. The site is set by the creek right next to the woods, so you’ll easily hear the sounds of the water flowing and the chirping of multiple bird species throughout the day. If you’re lucky, you can even meet some of the local wildlife, such as koalas and crimson rosellas during the day and various owls at night!

Hiking is the most popular activity in Lerderderg State Park, and you’ll have your pick of hiking paths depending on your skill level: the Sweets Lookout Walk is a basic 3.5-kilometer walk that will take about 2 hours to complete, while the Lerderderg Gorge Walk (the park’s star attraction) is suitable for more-experienced hikers due to occasional hazardous terrain.

Lerderderg Campground offers only the most basic of facilities, with just one toilet in the area and no drinking water available, so remember to bring your own! Each campsite has its own firepit, however, so you won’t need to worry about sharing with anyone else.

Klook Tip: Lerderderg Campground requires no advanced booking or entrance fees, and, being the only drive-in campground in the entire Lerderderg State Park, it’s definitely one of the most popular camping sites near Melbourne. To guarantee a campsite, come as early as possible.

2. Tidal River Campground (Wilsons Promontory National Park)

If you’re seeking ocean views, then Tidal River Campground in Wilsons Promontory National Park is the perfect place for you! With Norman Beach just to the southwest of the campground, you can easily experience its pristine sands and crystal-clear waters just by walking for a few minutes. Once you’ve had your fill of the ocean, you can then go for a hike and try to spot the cute animals residing in the park, such as the fluffy wombat.

Tidal River Campground is divided into two sections: the area next to Tidal River is more popular with families with children, while the tea trees close to the beach are preferred by solo travelers who wish to surf and swim. Tidal River Campground provides ample amenities, including drinking water, toilets, hot showers, and picnic areas with gas barbecue grills. There are even laundry facilities, dump stations for trash, and kitchens with dishwashing stations there, so it’s definitely targeted toward campers who wish to take it easy while car camping in Victoria. Campfires and generators are not allowed in the campground.

Booking in advance is required, and you can choose between powered and unpowered campsites. Powered campsites are limited, so make sure to book as soon as possible!

3. Cooks Mill Camping Area (Cathedral Range State Park)

Just a two-hour drive from Melbourne CBD is Cooks Mill Camping Area, a fantastic campsite situated on a former 1940s sawmill. Shaded by the groups of gum trees, you’ll be well-protected from the sun during the day, so you can freely enjoy a lazy day at the campsite should you wish to. But if you’re looking for adventure, try any of the hikes available in the park that range in difficulty from short and family-friendly to challenging multi-day ones at steep heights, or go fishing for your next meal at the nearby river. You might even meet kangaroos and kookaburras at the campsite!

Amenities include pit toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. Drinking water and trash bins are not available at the campsite, so you will need to bring your own water and take your trash with you when you leave. Pre-booking is required.

4. Lake Crosbie Campground (Murray-Sunset National Park)

Murray - Sunset National Park)If you’re really craving to immerse yourself deep in nature, then a trip to Lake Crosbie Campground is a must. Though it’s a six-and-a-half-hour drive away from Melbourne, the journey is well worth it as you’ll be rewarded with an experience like no other! You’ll get the opportunity to sleep beneath the starry sky and see Lake Crosbie, the biggest of Australia’s Pink Lakes, turn from white to pink. Discover the local sights and experiences, such as the stunning Mallee landscape and even salt mining, as you go on walks around the area.

Lake Crosbie has very limited facilities available for visitors: toilets, fireplaces, and picnic tables are provided, but there is no reception, drinking water, or trash bins at the campsite. Please bring all provisions required with you, including firewood and a gas/electric stove, and take home any trash. Bookings and fees are not required for Lake Crosbie Campground.

Klook Tip: Bring a good-quality camera with you during your visit - Lake Crosbie Campground is a photographer’s dream, so you’ll definitely want to have some photos to remember this trip by!

5. Notley Camping and Picnic Area (Greater Bendigo National Park)

One of the six national parks managed together with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, Greater Bendigo National Park contains historical artifacts from the Dja Dja Wurrung Clan. During your stay, you can take a trip back in time as you take in these artifacts and the Old Tom Mine, where you can spot remnants of old mining activities and even a gold puddling machine!

A large grassy campground just 2 hours away from Melbourne via car, Notley Camping and Picnic Area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want to camp but still enjoy the convenience of toilet facilities, fire pits with grills, and a covered area with picnic tables. Feel free to just chill out on the grass and enjoy the good weather, or walk around to see the local wildlife - try to spot the echidnas and wallabies that reside in the area!

6. Hutchessons Campground (Lower Glenelg National Park)

Located along the Glenelg River, Hutschessons Campground is a must-visit for campers who also wish to try out various water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, or fishing from the jetty. Should you wish to spend time outside of the campgrounds, you’ll be treated to some spectacular sights, including sheer limestone cliffs and gum trees that tower over the landscape. If you need a break from all the fun at the park, you can sit among the eucalyptus trees instead and observe the river as you enjoy the occasional cool breeze.

With only two campsites available, booking well in advance is a must if you’re really keen to camp here. Site 1 is flatter and larger, so it’s more suitable for those bringing vehicles, as opposed to Site 2, which is found on a downward slope. Each campsite is suitable for groups of six, and the entire campground is equipped with no-flush toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, and non-potable water. As with many of the campgrounds mentioned in this article, you’ll need to bring your own firewood and drinking water for the trip.

Klook Tip: Due to the difficult terrain, which is very sandy in some areas and muddy in others, a four-wheel drive is preferable. Though bringing a two-wheel drive to the campground is possible, you’ll have to be a bit more careful to not get stuck in the terrain.

7. Aire River East Campground (Great Otway National Park)

On a shady spot by the Aire River at Great Otway National Park lies the Aire River East Campground, a quiet campsite just 3 hours away from Melbourne CBD. Though most people visit to have fun in the waters of the Aire River, where you can lose track of time as you kayak and swim, you also have the option of walking to the nearby beach should you wish to see the ocean up close and maybe even try surfing!

20 unpowered campsites are available (bookings and fees required in advance!), with some suitable only for small tents and others for vehicles and caravans. Campfires are not allowed at the campground, so bring fuel stoves for cooking instead. You’ll also need to bring your own drinking water for your stay.

8. Jerusalem Creek Campgrounds (Lake Eildon National Park)

Campers who wish to also treat their beloved dogs to a fun day out in nature are welcome here at the Jerusalem Creek Campgrounds. While many campgrounds do not allow pets due to various reasons, these waterside campgrounds offer dog-friendly camping and activities that range from swimming to fishing and boating. Try the four-hour hike up to the Pinnacle, which will reward you with unbeatable views of Lake Eildon and the Victorian Alps.

Be on the lookout for the local wildlife at the camp, which is frequented by parrots, cockatoos, and kookaburras. Facilities at Jerusalem Creek are more basic compared to the Lakeside Campground, with the unpowered campgrounds having only pit toilets and fire pits for cooking available, but you can enjoy a quieter and more remote experience here. Campsites are numbered, with some suitable for tents only, and advanced bookings with fees are required.

Remember to bring drinking water and a lead for your dogs during your stay here, especially if you will be exploring the rest of Lake Eildon National Park.

Klook Tip: If you’re not feeling like going hiking but still want to experience good views, drive up to Foggs Lookout to see Lake Eildon and the Eildon township.

9. Johanna Beach Campground (Great Otway National Park)

If you’re planning on taking on the Great Ocean Road, make sure to include a stop at the Johanna Beach Campground at Great Otway National Park. Located just past the halfway point of the Great Ocean Road, it’s a great place to take a break from all the driving you’ve been doing, even if you just stay for a few hours. Should you wish to stay overnight or for a couple of days, there are also a bunch of other activities outside of surfing that are worth trying, such as fishing for dinner (try catching some salmon!) or a journey to the Triplet Falls for views of waterfalls and rainforests!

Amenities are minimal at Johanna Beach Campground - only drop toilets are provided, and you’ll need to bring your own drinking water and gas cooker for meals. However, dogs on leads are permitted on the campgrounds, as well as the nearby beach and some areas of Otway. Bookings are required for this campsite.

10. Spoon Bay Campground (Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park)

Found on the western shore of Lake Victoria, this secluded camping spot is ideal for campers who are craving some quiet time, especially if you’re driving along the famous 90 Mile Beach and need a break from driving! With scenic views and easy access to the lakes, where you can go kayaking or canoeing in an attempt to spot the rare Burranan Dolphin, you’re sure to enjoy your stay.

Facilities at Spoon Bay Campground are minimal, with only a drop toilet and fire pits but no showers or drinking water. Bring your own firewood and drinking water for your visit. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Klook Tip: Visit after hunting season for a more serene experience. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, bring bug spray with you.

11. Lake Catani Campground (Mount Buffalo National Park)

MouOn the plateau of Mt. Buffalo lies Lake Catani Campground, a family-friendly camping spot that offers wonderful landscape views of the nearby eucalyptus forests, heathlands, and grassy plains. With 49 campsites available to solo travelers and groups, as well as accessibility for visitors with limited mobility in select sites, it’s a popular spot for both casual and experienced campers. Visit the nearby Lakeside Day Visitor Area for a picnic, and some swimming or canoeing, or hike on the nearby trails to see waterfalls and wildflowers.

Lake Catani Campground has everything you need for a comfortable stay - equipped with hot showers, toilets, and even facilities for dishwashing and laundry, you won’t need to bring much with you aside from your drinking water! A mess hall also has tables and fireplaces available, and you can drop by the Lakeside Day Visitor Area for the free gas barbecues. Campsites must be booked in advance.

12. The Gums Campground (Kinglake National Park)

A tranquil camping spot in the heart of a eucalyptus forest, The Gums Campground offers 18 campsites suitable for tents, camper vans, and caravans. Here you can enjoy the soothing sounds of the creek’s flowing water and the chirping of birds throughout the day, especially if you walk through the dense vegetation on the way to the Island Creek Picnic Area. Visitors typically frequent the nearby Wombelano and Mason Falls for scenic walks, but you can also go bushwalking and even cycling through the paths!

The Gums Campground has a fire pit at each campsite, and it also has gas barbecues, picnic tables, and toilet facilities. If you don’t feel like cooking over the open fire, the communal gas barbecues are always free to use. Booking is required in advance and you’ll need to bring your own firewood and drinking water.

Klook Tip: For better odds of seeing some of the local wildlife, look for new growths on trees as you walk around the forest, which are favored by the lyrebirds that live here.

13. Jamieson Creek Campground (Great Otway National Park)

Conveniently located near the Wye River, the Cumberland River, and the Lorne trailheads, Jamieson Creek Campground offers visitors a quiet camping experience with plenty of things to do. Set off and explore the 10-kilometer round-trip Jamieson Creek Walking Track, where you’ll be treated to sweet views of the Southern Ocean. Though this route can be pretty challenging, you can freely relax and unwind for hours once you’re back at the campground, and maybe even spend hours stargazing once night sets!

Some campsites are suitable for tents only, so make sure you select car-friendly campsites when you book. Facilities at this unpowered campground include non-flush toilets and shared firepits, but you’ll need to bring your own drinking water and firewood.

14. Sharps Campground (Great Otway National Park)

Located in a tall forest, Sharps Campground is favored by experienced campers who prefer the most basic of bush camping. With no facilities in the immediate vicinity (including toilets, picnic tables, or fire pits), it’s definitely one of the most remote campgrounds on this list! However, it’s worth noting that the popular Sheoak Picnic Area is only a 10-minute drive away, so you can easily go there for access to flush toilets and electric barbecues, as well as walk the trail to the Upper and Lower Kalimna Falls.

Sharps Campground only has six unpowered campsites available, and not all of them are suitable for vehicles. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. While not exactly the most popular campground due to the basic facilities, you’ll still want to head out early to guarantee a campsite. Bring your own drinking water and a fuel stove/gas barbecue to cook at the campsite!

Klook Tip: Bring a four-wheel-drive if you can, as the terrain to Sharps Campground can be difficult, especially when it’s raining. Two-wheel drives can be used to drive to the campground during dry weather only.

15. Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park

For a luxurious camping experience in your vehicle, take a trip to Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park near Grampians National Park! This camping spot has all the amenities you need, and more - aside from the basic toilets, showers, and kitchen facilities, it also offers heated pools, various shops, and even a bar for a drink or two.

Despite all the luxury, you can still enjoy a good camping experience - you’ll spend most of your time outdoors admiring the scenery, and you may even see some local wildlife since emus and kangaroos often drop by the park! You can also request an unpowered site at the back if you don’t want to be too near the park’s facilities. If you're looking for totally seamless and hassle-free car camping in Victoria, then this is the place for you.

Book It, Klook It

Now that you’re done scoping out possible camping spots for your next outdoor adventure, it’s time to get planning and booking! After all, there’s still lots for you to do: from picking a camping spot and charting your route to curating the guest list and packing. Good thing Klook can help you out with finding car rental deals for your upcoming camping trip, so you’ll be checking that off your list soon enough. Happy camping!

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