Camping near Bairnsdale

This small town on Victoria’s eastern coast is the gateway to the Gippsland Lakes.

93% (1456 reviews)
  1. Bairnsdale
93% (1456 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds near Bairnsdale

95%
(19)

Paradise Valley Campground

7 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Glenmaggie, VIC
SECLUDED RIVERFRONT CAMPING IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE ALPINE NATIONAL PARK. Paradise Valley is a truly special campground set on 60 acres with 1.5 kilometres of river frontage. Our grassed camp sites are free range and able to cater for single families, large group bookings or any number of families in between, with plenty of space to enjoy a private and spacious break away. We have 12 powered sites, three cabins and many unpowered riverfront sites. The valley is truly a place to enjoy the serenity and getting back to nature. Wake up to the bird song of the kookaburras echoing across the valley of a morning – the only alarm clock you will need. A getaway you’ll keep coming back to FACILITIES Amenities: hot showers and flushing toilets Kitchen: electric BBQ area, microwave, fridge, hot water Laundry: washing machine Potable water: drinking water tap at amenities Dump point: yes Campfires: fire drums provided Kiosk: selling firewood, ice, LPG and snacks
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from 
AU$45
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(216)

Briagalong Bush Getaway

5 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Briagolong, VIC
Briagolong Bush Getaways is 40 acres of peaceful bush land. Many, many moons ago the property use to be a tobacco farm. The original house use to be at the top camp site but was burnt down in the 1960's. A small cottage was then built and lived in for the next 10 years, while the original owner made mud bricks by hand and built the house, that is currently our home. All built by hand more than 42 years ago! Here, you have several fantastic camp areas to choose from, some with access to amenities, some for self-contained campers. We've also recently started offering the mudbrick house for rent! A great option for a warmer stay in the Victorian winter, or if you are a large group and some want to camp whereas others want more comfort.
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AU$10
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(207)

Nowa Nowa Lakeside Farmlet.

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Nowa Nowa, VIC
Located on the picturesque Nowa Nowa arm of Lake Tyers. Our hobby farm offers 3 beautiful large campsites (1 van per site) only 20 metres from the waters edge. OUR CAMPSITES DO NOT HAVE TOILET OR SHOWER FACILITIES. ALL WASTE AND RUBBISH MUST BE TAKEN WITH YOU ON DEPARTURE. Pets are welcome but we have chickens and alpacas on the property so please ensure your pets are restrained and don't upset the other animals. We have a fire pits for campers to relax around in the evenings. We can provide firewood for first night ($15) and additional firewood can be purchased from the general store (fundraiser for local CFA). Generators are allowed but only for limited time to charge essential equipment. No generators are allowed to run non stop and not between 9pm and 9am. if you are going to use a generator please inform other campers. Only a 5 minute walk to the NOWA NOWA GENERAL STORE/Post Office. You can get local fishing information from the friendly staff, stock up on fuel, groceries, wine/beer, fishing tackle, bait, fire wood and more without having to drive! Only a 5 minute walk to Mingling Waters which has transformed its cafe into a rustic bar housing Jack Ramsdells iconic wooden sculptures and showcasing the history of Nowa Nowa in wall murals. Hearty meals and tap beer with indoor and outdoor dining options. Offering lunch from Thursdays to Sundays and Dinner Thursday through to Saturdays. We are within easy reach of the EAST GIPPSLAND RAIL TRAIL which is popular for both bike riders and walkers. There are plenty of other great bushwalking tracks nearby as well. It's just a short drive to the beautiful seaside town of LAKES ENTRANCE where they have supermarkets, shops, cafes, restaurants, great fresh seafood and lovely beaches. BRUTHEN is only a 20 minute drive. BRUTHEN HOTEL, Cafes. The BUCHAN CAVES RESERVE is another short drive. Picnic spots, camping ground, walking tracks and a variety of flora and fauna, including koalas, over forty species of birds, kangaroos and currawongs. While in Buchan check out the famous BUCHAN PUB for a meal and a beer. 25 minute drive East and you are in ORBOST, a small East Gippsland town surrounded by national parks, forests and beaches.
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from 
AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

Mingling Waters

30 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Nowa Nowa, VIC
Mingling Waters, nestled along the pristine Nowa Nowa arm of Lake Tyers, is a peaceful retreat only 15 minutes drive from the costal town of Lakes Entrance. Offering a range of charming, rustic accommodations. Guests can choose from quaint cottages, bunkhouses, glamping and camping accommodation or powered campsites, making it ideal for both solo escapes and group bookings. The park is well-equipped with a camp kitchen, a recreational lounge, and a rustic dining and bar area that houses Jack Ramsdells famous wooden sculpture, "Ra", which is open from Thursday to Sunday, serving tap beer, drinks, and hearty meals. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area is a haven for activities such as cycling along the rail trail, exploring nearby mountain bike tracks, boating, kayaking, fishing, walking tracks and hiking. On cooler days, the park's recreational room, complete with a wood-burning fireplace, offers a cosy indoor retreat and is also cooled for use in the summer months. Mingling Waters is a gateway to nearby scenic landmarks like the Rail Trail and the iconic Stoney Creek Trestle Bridge, the local fishing is excellent and it's positioned perfectly for both cyclists and nature lovers alike.
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from 
AU$35
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(13)

Tambo Trailside Paddock

4 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Tambo Upper, VIC
We are offering our paddock for easy, convenient camping. We are located half way ( 20mins drive ) between Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance. Our local pub and general store are only a 6 minute drive away. Our place offers an access gate onto the famous 'East GippslandRail Trail'. The paddock itself is roughly 4 acres. We are happy to have horses stay as well as dogs so long as temporary fencing is provided by equine owners. Check out the famous 90mile beach, and even the locally owned buisness 'venture out' that hires stand up paddle boards/bikes and more for your convenience located in lakes entrance. Although we do not offer toilets and showers, there are toilets and showers only 6minutes drive down the road at the local Johnsonville boat ramp, and also a dumping point at Nicholson boat ramp (10minutes drive). We have lots of amazing fishing spots on offer in our area, some are as little as (5mins) away. Boat ramp located only (6mins drive) at Johnsonville. We welcome boats to stay also but do recommend flushing your boats at one of the local car washes, due to us not offering the facilities to complete your boat care. We are also only 15minutes from the Metung hot springs. Or head the other way to Paynesville and Raymond Island to see the Koalas and kangaroos and have a dining experience with a water view (only 35mins drive). We have our beautiful local swim spot at Tambo Bay (14-minute drive) from our camping paddock, that's perfect for a wind down on a summer's day. Or if you just want to relax and wind down, you might just enjoy admiring the birds around you and the frogs singing from dusk till dawn in the dam located within the camping paddock. Pets are welcome, we ask that you take all rubbish with you on departure.
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AU$19
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(317)

Wattle Point Farm

7 sites · RVs, Tents126 acres · Forge Creek, VIC
Located close to Paynesville, Bairnsdale & Sale, Wattle Point Farm is a secluded, spacious and tranquil property with Lake frontage, wildlife & lush green natives, many walking tracks surround the property, a great fit for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, peace & quiet, relaxing by the water. Close to Blond Bay Wildlife Reserve (2000 ha) with many tracks for walking, cycling or driving. Give yourself some time away from the crowded popular destinations and discover our gem of a campsite. There are designated fire pits and shady green areas to relax and unwind, just a few steps to the water's edge. No facilities, so please only book if you are self-contained, and you must take all waste with you. Dogs welcome to join in the fun too! Markets- Bairnsdale farmers market 1st Saturday Paynesville Community market 2nd Sunday Paynesville farmers market 4th Saturday Bairnsdale Howitt Park market 4th Sunday
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AU$50
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(17)

Tranquillity Central

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Paradise Beach, VIC
Guests will receive access instructions and gate code via HipCamp automated messaging 48 hours prior to arrival. All communications should be conducted via the HipCamp messaging service as per HipCamp rules. Tranquility Central can be reached from both Rosedale (coming from Melbourne), or Sale coming from the East or North. WARNING! if travelling either of these roads at sunset, after dark, or early morning, you WILL encounter wildlife (especially kangaroos) on the road, it is best to avoid these times if possible, if not please travel slowly with great care. So we have 1/4 of an acre of slightly undulating coastal land with level sections for tents, and self contained caravans or campervans. Please read the full property description and adhere to the rules as stated. MUST be self contained, no toilets available on property There are two very large farm gates allowing drive through access for single axle caravans and camper trailers, large vans can back in the West side gate back to the white post allowing awnings to be opened on the East (beach) side. Room for two vans in various configurations depending on sizes. Both gates should be opened inwards by lifting slightly. The fences are rural 4 strand barbed wire on star pickets, (cow fencing), please consider this if you have dogs. (To be replaced with plain wire in the future). NOTE! ticks are found all along the East coast of Australia and can be very harmful for dogs in particular, you can find all the information you need regarding ticks and dogs here: https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/australian-tick-identification-chart Personally we never had a tick on our dog (or ourselves in over thirty five years of camping at Paradise Beach, but we would recommend restraining dogs from from wandering through heavy bush etc. Please keep the gates closed at all times, the East gate has a pedestrian "Knob and Chain" access latch. Property is close enough to the beach to hear the surf. Plenty of shade trees. Limited potable tank water available for cooking, drinking, washing up etc. The key to tap on tall tank is attached to gate keys. The onsite caravan and amenities are not for public use. Unfortunately with all the bookings it is difficult to keep up with chopped and split firewood, (usually available in the tank halves), please do not burn any treated pine you may come across.. There is a large pile of unsplit firewood under the trees in the middle of the block for your use, please do not burn more wood than you really require. Campfires must ONLY be lit in the fire place provided, nowhere else on the property, (see pics). NOTE! Please do NOT use the firewood at the back of the property stacked beside the garage it is our neighbors wood not ours. NOTE. Fires for cooking or warmth are allowed in Victoria even in Fire ban areas, but NOT on days of Total Fire Ban. CFA Fire check: Can I light a campfire? NOT unless: The wind is less than 10 km/h. This means that leaves are moving around in the wind. A properly built fireplace of stone, metal or concrete. (provided). Never leave the fire alone. A person who can put out the fire must always stay by the fire. The campfire must be put out completely using water before you leave. Fishing: Good surf fishing for salmon, gummy sharks, whiting and flathead. Pippies can be gathered in shallow water. Tip: Using corks on leader rigs stops sand crabs stealing bait. It is a short walk to the beach, or you can drive if you really need to, (see map pic). A pleasant longer walk can be had by walking to the "Pines", in the National park, you can then either return the same way, or you can locate a track leading to the beach and return via the beach, (keep a sharp lookout for the track leading off the beach at the end), (see map pic with RED track). You can also walk the Veronica Maybury Memorial Reserve, Golden Beach with plenty of wildlife, and there is an easy beach walk at Golden Beach to the shipwreck of the Trinculo. The Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park is at the end of 7th. avenue, large numbers of kangaroos can be seen there in the morning and evening, as well as at the end of Thirteenth Street on the edge of lake Reeve. Plenty of birdlife can be seen on the property including Blue robins, King parrots, Crimson Rosellas, and Yellow tailed Gang Gang parrots. 5 minutes drive from Golden Beach shops with fuel food, liquor & bait etc. There is a dump point at Golden Beach. There are coin in the slot hot showers at Golden beach. There is a bowling club at Golden Beach and a nine hole golf course, visitors welcome. The VMMR Licensed Bar & Bistro at Golden Beach is operated by volunteers in the Community Clubrooms Saturday nights. Please take your rubbish with you and enjoy your stay What3Words location is: outing eliminate turfs
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AU$28.50
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(140)

Forge Creek Farm Stay

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Bairnsdale, VIC
Come and Enjoy country life with beautiful views of Macleod Morass Wetlands. Lots of animals to enjoy, including cows, sheep, chickens and kangaroos and bird life. 7 Sites available for tents, caravans and camper trailers on a flat grassy area with great views. Campers are required to be self sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must remove all rubbish. FIRES MUST BE IN FIRE PITS ONLY. ****Must abide by the current fire restrictions**** Fire pits and firewood available on request at extra Cost Please advise prior to arrival if required. Farm Fresh Chicken Eggs available. Can provide a IBC water tank to your site with Tap outlet to connect to your van. Pets welcome, dogs must be kept on a lead. Only 5 minutes from town Centre, 15 min to Paynesville and 30 min to Lakes Entrance. Lakes Entrance is located on the edge of Ninety Mile Beach where the Gippsland Lakes meets the Southern Ocean. Camping Rules 1. Please abide by current fire restrictions. 2. Please do not leave fire untendered. 3. Please be Courteous to other Campers and keep noise to a minimum after 10pm.
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from 
AU$45
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
91%
(227)

Snowy River Station

50 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Corringle, VIC
Enjoy open spaces and deserted beach, using our farm as base camp to explore the amazing Snowy River Region on the Wilderness Coast. We offer sites for self-contained campers only and there is no services, pets are welcome. Please note - All the area that has been slashed in the front paddocks you can camp in and spread out.Beach access is straight over the road from the front gate. You can lite fires and firewood is for sale at the farm gate store honesty box further down the road from the gate you enter if you don't bring your own.Escape the modern tourist world and in a pristine, undeveloped old country farming area right on the coast near the mouth of the famous Snowy River. Amazing fishing in both the River and Corringle Beach, with many different species caught at different times of the year. Enjoy the 40-kilometre deserted beach, sun baking (even nude if that's your thing), and swimming, but care must be taken (unpatrolled surf beach). Romantic sunsets with no one but the odd seal and sounds of the waves to disturb you. Beach fire at night is something special to do. The beach track is across from the front gate, there is no beach sign from the road because the public will then use the track which is only for Hipcampers and you wont enjoy the deserted beach. Call me if you cant find the track, but most people have not had a problem. This walking access is steep, easier tracks can be driven to down the road.Or take a dip in the river further down the road, and explore the waterways, with many birds; black swans in the lakes next to camp, plus kangaroos, wombats, emu and deer. There is a boat ramp just down the road to explore the river system. Perfect for water sports, and with fish cleaning tables at the wharf.  Go by boat to the Marlo Hotel from the wharf straight over the river.Orbost is 15 minutes drive and has a supermarket, hotel, bottle shop and other conveniences. We are open to accepting larger group bookings, but please discuss this with us first. Other things you can do in the area: - Driving trips to High Country Scenic Route and exploring the High Country (4-5 hour round trip).- Visit the Buchan Caves about an hour into the High Country - they are amazing.- Explore Cape Conran & you can even Dive for Abalone and Crayfish.- Visit Lakes Entrance and buy Seafood from the Trawlers.- Drive to Mt Hotham ski resort and explore the Omeo High Country (3 hours)- Visit Gordon at the Opal & Gemstone House in Orbost and find out about the gold, geology and gemstones of the area, hearing first-hand stories about how the area was many years ago from a great local old-timer who loves to share his knowledge and the old ways things were done.
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from 
AU$44
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Bairnsdale guide

Overview

Bairnsdale is a small town on Victoria’s East Gippsland region on the eastern coast, around 280 kilometres (or 3.5 hours’ drive) east of Melbourne. Being on the banks of the Mitchell River and near the inland waterways of the Gippsland Lakes, it’s a popular spot for fishing, boating, surfing, and camping. Beach enthusiasts will love camping on the thin strip of land between the ocean and the lakes, parts of which are designated nature reserves and national parks, and campers seeking a forest escape can also find this at inland parks.

Where to go

Gippsland Lakes

The Gippsland Lakes are a series of lakes, backwaters, and waterways, many of which appear to be harbours except they’re separated from the sea by thin strips of land. The Lakes National Park and Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, as well as other smaller reserves, cover some of the broader lakes area, and are havens for bird and wildlife-watchers, outdoor swimmers, walkers, and campers. Family-friendly Emu Bight Campground in the Lakes National Park offers unpowered sites for tents and caravans/campervans, and many other basic campsites are strung out along Shoreline Drive, between the ocean and the lakes.

Mitchell River National Park

The inland Mitchell River National Park is about 45 minutes’ drive north-west of Bairnsdale. Here travellers can hike through rainforest gullies along the two-day Mitchell River Walking Track, or discover local First Nations culture on shorter walks. Campers have a few options: there are basic walk-in campsites along the Mitchell River Walking Track, a couple of basic campsites with four-wheel-drive access only, and a couple of basic and more accessible sites with toilets, fireplaces, and picnic tables.

Lakes Entrance

About 30 minutes’ drive east of Bairnsdale, the smaller town of Lakes Entrance is on the end of Ninety Mile Beach, where the Gippsland Lakes meet the ocean, and offers somewhat easier access to beaches than from Bairnsdale. Campers can enjoy well-equipped holiday parks in and around Lakes Entrance, right beside the beach. Lakes Entrance is an especially appealing option for campers with caravans or campervans, as you can find powered sites here with easy access and good facilities.

When to go

The whole Gippsland Lakes region is especially busy during the summer–between November and February–as it’s an accessible camping area quite near Melbourne. To stay at a popular holiday park near Bairnsdale, book your site as far in advance as possible, especially during midsummer. You can also visit outside the summer, when you can still enjoy the natural attractions, but the climate will be cooler.