The best star host camping near Bendigo

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Victoria’s mammoth gold boom of the mid-1800s saw Bendigo evolve from a tent city into today’s prosperous region, which proudly displays its rich heritage and cultural attractions for visiting campers. About two hours’ drive north of Melbourne, greater Bendigo National Park is a great spot to try your hand at gold panning, while Bendigo Bushland Trail, O’Keefe Rail Trail, and Bendigo Creek Trail are popular spots with hikers and mountain bikers. Further afield, campers can paddle a kayak or SUP board along the Murray River and opt for a stay at a tent or caravan park. Bendigo holiday parks are typically well equipped, some with glamping tents and luxury facilities like swimming pools and ensuite bathrooms.

99% (3.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Waverley Estate

1. Waverley Estate

98%
(22)
23km from Bendigo · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Goornong, VIC
In the heart of Central Victoria, Waverley Estate, established in 1858, boasts cropping, sheep, mature gum trees, wandering kangaroos, huge star-lit skies, and tranquil dams—all set on a quiet 200 acres, yet only 20 minutes from the heart of historic Bendigo. If town is not your focus, you can explore the many attractions nearby. Enjoy a meal and drink at The Drovers Arms (3.5 km), fish, swim, or paddle in the Campaspe River (5 km), or go bush in Wellsford Forest (3 km), all connected by quiet country roads. A new arrival is our centrally located Portaloo, offering flushing toilet, insulated walls, sink with fresh water and even a mirror! Coming soon: Shower block and Camp kitchen. Please note: This is a farm with farm animals as well as native animals, insects and aquatic life which can't be controlled and we won't be issuing refunds on account of them.
Pets
Toilets
from 
AU$31
 / night
Lokuttara

2. Lokuttara

97%
(47)
22km from Bendigo · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Myrtle Creek, VIC
Lokuttara is peacefully located on 3 acres aligning Myrtle Creek nestled among rolling sheep grazing paddocks, equestrian properties, and Pilcher's State forest. The historic central Victorian city of Bendigo is a scenic 30 minutes drive and Lake Eppalock just 20 minutes away for wonderful views, fishing, water sports and hiking. Wineries surround Mount Alexander, only 20 minutes from Lokuttara which the owner has access to a nearby vineyard for pre-arranged tours. Enjoy tranquil walks, ride bikes along excellent dirt roads and tracks within Pilcher's State Forest or simple be amazed at the unique fauna and flora. If metal detecting is your thing then try your luck at unearthing treasures as gold was mined in the late 1800's. At night, be amazed by the full view of the our universe un effected by city or town lights then sit by an open fire and enjoy the serenity.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night
Granite Springs

4. Granite Springs

98%
(341)
60km from Bendigo · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · Nulla Vale, VIC
300 acres of stunning views nestled amongst the granite hills of Nulla Vale, situated halfway between Lancefield and Tooborac. Granite Springs is a working farm running various farm animals and working horses. You are welcome to walk the property and visit the farm animals during your stay(as long as you stay on the outside of paddocks/yards) There are dams and a seasonal creek running through the property, providing many options for campsites and also fishing(catch and release) (Please note creek is seasonal and not suitable for swimming). Dogs permitted but must be well behaved and not chase livestock. Campfires permitted in designated areas when restrictions aren't in place. Drinking water available. We are now processing our own meat so if you are wanting some farm grown produce for your stay or something to take home then please let us know and we will let you know what we have available. We can also cater for groups wanting somewhere to camp with their horses, with use of an arena and roundyard. Please contact us if interested.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$19
 / night
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY

5. Wetlands - Gatjin Dja

99%
(60)
56km from Bendigo · 1 site · Tent, RV · Bendigo, VIC
At the foot of Mt Korong, just off the Calder Highway, in North Central Victoria, lies Wetlands – Gatjin Dja, a 250-acre picturesque, nature-lovers’ adventure playground. Our beautiful property provides privacy and seclusion. We offer 100-hectares of remnant and revegetation of box Ironbark woodland for some outdoor exploration. Wake up to absolutely stunning views of Mt Korong and its granitic ridges, take walks in the shade of Grey Box, Golden Wattle and Red Gums, wander around the property and catch sight of the local kangaroos and wallabies in our park-like conservation reserve. We have huge clear night skies, great for stargazing, with perfect conditions for astronomers. A bird lovers paradise with plenty of opportunities to view and photograph a wide variety of threatened woodland species including Hooded Robins and Painted Honeyeaters.Dogs permitted, in the Woodland Views camp area only, and must always be under owners’ control. Dogs are not permitted in the conservation areas. No toilets or showers, BYO, leave no trace.Campfires permitted.
Pets
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
AU$37
 / night

Victoria’s mammoth gold boom of the mid-1800s saw Bendigo evolve from a tent city into today’s prosperous region, which proudly displays its rich heritage and cultural attractions for visiting campers. About two hours’ drive north of Melbourne, greater Bendigo National Park is a great spot to try your hand at gold panning, while Bendigo Bushland Trail, O’Keefe Rail Trail, and Bendigo Creek Trail are popular spots with hikers and mountain bikers. Further afield, campers can paddle a kayak or SUP board along the Murray River and opt for a stay at a tent or caravan park. Bendigo holiday parks are typically well equipped, some with glamping tents and luxury facilities like swimming pools and ensuite bathrooms.

99% (3.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Waverley Estate

1. Waverley Estate

98%
(22)
23km from Bendigo · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Goornong, VIC
In the heart of Central Victoria, Waverley Estate, established in 1858, boasts cropping, sheep, mature gum trees, wandering kangaroos, huge star-lit skies, and tranquil dams—all set on a quiet 200 acres, yet only 20 minutes from the heart of historic Bendigo. If town is not your focus, you can explore the many attractions nearby. Enjoy a meal and drink at The Drovers Arms (3.5 km), fish, swim, or paddle in the Campaspe River (5 km), or go bush in Wellsford Forest (3 km), all connected by quiet country roads. A new arrival is our centrally located Portaloo, offering flushing toilet, insulated walls, sink with fresh water and even a mirror! Coming soon: Shower block and Camp kitchen. Please note: This is a farm with farm animals as well as native animals, insects and aquatic life which can't be controlled and we won't be issuing refunds on account of them.
Pets
Toilets
from 
AU$31
 / night
Lokuttara

2. Lokuttara

97%
(47)
22km from Bendigo · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Myrtle Creek, VIC
Lokuttara is peacefully located on 3 acres aligning Myrtle Creek nestled among rolling sheep grazing paddocks, equestrian properties, and Pilcher's State forest. The historic central Victorian city of Bendigo is a scenic 30 minutes drive and Lake Eppalock just 20 minutes away for wonderful views, fishing, water sports and hiking. Wineries surround Mount Alexander, only 20 minutes from Lokuttara which the owner has access to a nearby vineyard for pre-arranged tours. Enjoy tranquil walks, ride bikes along excellent dirt roads and tracks within Pilcher's State Forest or simple be amazed at the unique fauna and flora. If metal detecting is your thing then try your luck at unearthing treasures as gold was mined in the late 1800's. At night, be amazed by the full view of the our universe un effected by city or town lights then sit by an open fire and enjoy the serenity.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night
Granite Springs

4. Granite Springs

98%
(341)
60km from Bendigo · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · Nulla Vale, VIC
300 acres of stunning views nestled amongst the granite hills of Nulla Vale, situated halfway between Lancefield and Tooborac. Granite Springs is a working farm running various farm animals and working horses. You are welcome to walk the property and visit the farm animals during your stay(as long as you stay on the outside of paddocks/yards) There are dams and a seasonal creek running through the property, providing many options for campsites and also fishing(catch and release) (Please note creek is seasonal and not suitable for swimming). Dogs permitted but must be well behaved and not chase livestock. Campfires permitted in designated areas when restrictions aren't in place. Drinking water available. We are now processing our own meat so if you are wanting some farm grown produce for your stay or something to take home then please let us know and we will let you know what we have available. We can also cater for groups wanting somewhere to camp with their horses, with use of an arena and roundyard. Please contact us if interested.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$19
 / night
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY

5. Wetlands - Gatjin Dja

99%
(60)
56km from Bendigo · 1 site · Tent, RV · Bendigo, VIC
At the foot of Mt Korong, just off the Calder Highway, in North Central Victoria, lies Wetlands – Gatjin Dja, a 250-acre picturesque, nature-lovers’ adventure playground. Our beautiful property provides privacy and seclusion. We offer 100-hectares of remnant and revegetation of box Ironbark woodland for some outdoor exploration. Wake up to absolutely stunning views of Mt Korong and its granitic ridges, take walks in the shade of Grey Box, Golden Wattle and Red Gums, wander around the property and catch sight of the local kangaroos and wallabies in our park-like conservation reserve. We have huge clear night skies, great for stargazing, with perfect conditions for astronomers. A bird lovers paradise with plenty of opportunities to view and photograph a wide variety of threatened woodland species including Hooded Robins and Painted Honeyeaters.Dogs permitted, in the Woodland Views camp area only, and must always be under owners’ control. Dogs are not permitted in the conservation areas. No toilets or showers, BYO, leave no trace.Campfires permitted.
Pets
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
AU$37
 / night

Stories from the community

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

The best star host camping near Bendigo guide

Where to go

Castlemaine

Castlemaine is a small city with an eclectic arts scene, which attracts creatives from around the globe. A thriving food scene is supported by an artisan precinct, home to vintage collectables and vintage markets where makers produce cheeses, small goods, clothing, furniture, art, and more. Campers are welcome at nearby Hipcamps and holiday parks that offer easy access to the town’s fun.

Maldon

Maldon proudly displays its heritage with grand historical architecture from the mid-19th-century gold rush era, a Vintage Machinery Museum, and a steam train ride on the Victorian Goldfields Railway. Shop for local produce, antiques, and handcrafted souvenirs at Maldon Market, then escape town for an overnight stay in the bush or on the Loddon River.

Axedale

Midway between Bendigo and Heathcote, enjoy the BBQ area and shady picnic spots in riverside parklands at Axedale, where you might see the river’s famed platypus. Axedale is a popular stopping point for cyclists or walkers on the O’Keefe Rail Trail, while lunch at the Axedale Tavern, a family-friendly country style pub, is a must do.

When to go

Summer is peak season in Victoria with campsites, caravan parks, and holiday parks best booked far in advance—Christmas and Easter holidays are particularly in demand. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, visit after the Australia Day long weekend in January, which marks the end of the summer school holidays, and before Easter, which is generally when nights start to get cool. Vineyards harvest vines from February to April, making it a good time to book a wine tour around Bendigo.

Know before you go

  • Free camping sites are dotted throughout the region, many with toilets, fire pits, BBQ areas, and picnic tables.
  • More than 60 cellar doors and vineyards dot the Bendigo and Heathcote wine region, some offering wine tours and meals.
  • Castlemaine State Festival is held each April as Australia’s flagship regional arts event, attracting international and local talent over almost three weeks of events.
  • For travellers driving north toward NSW, Lions Park Rest Area at Huntly is a popular stop on the Midland Highway, while the bushcamp-style Notley Campground is an overnight campsite and parking area managed by Parks Victoria.