The best camping in Victoria with horseback riding

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There are so many ways to go wild in Victoria. Fall asleep to the boom of the surf from your beachfront campsite, drive one of the world's most scenic coastal roads, glamp it up in the middle of a vineyard, or touch the sky in the snow-capped high country. If it's animal encounters you like, you'll love the penguin parade on Phillip Island and dolphin swims in Port Phillip Bay, as well as the chance to see koala colonies, mobs of kangaroos, and platypus-filled streams. Plus, the bonus to Victoria is that nowhere is more than a day's drive from Melbourne—many of the best campsites are only a few hours drive from the city—so you can cram a lot of fun into a relatively short amount of time.

97% (5.3K) 260 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Victoria

RiverLyne

1. RiverLyne

91%
(93)
Moama, NSW · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
RiverLyne features 5 acres of Murray River frontage camp sites. We are located a convenient 5 minutes from the township of Moama, NSW. Our private, riverfront campsites are large and clean. Everyone camping has access to the beach and river to enjoy. All 5 powered sites are riverfront with power and fresh water supplied. We also have 5 unpowered sites scattered throughout the campground all with the river in view They are relatively flat, level grass/dirt areas with gum trees peppered throughout the site for shade in summer. We can accommodate any type and size of camping vehicle and 2WDs. Park your caravan or pitch a tent and relax. The property has its own boat ramp for fishing and water sport enthusiasts. Park your boat at a mooring in front of your campsite. From camp there is sloping bank access to the water, steeper in some parts. Guests will have access to a toilet, fresh water, fire pits on the beach area and plenty of firewood is available for you to cut as you need or for a small fee have it delivered to your campsite. Caravan Hire is also available. Delivered to your site fully set up for your arrival.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
The Fern Glade

2. The Fern Glade

99%
(742)
Murrindindi, VIC · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
The property is bordered by he Murrundini River on one side, 1km, with hill side views on the other. All campsites have easy access the river, and well spaced apart for privacy and peace. Site One is a large flat area close to the river that is good all year round. It has fencing and gates, perfect to let dogs run free without going too far. Site 3 (Craig's flat), is a large open campsite, able to take more camper-vans/ tents with plenty of space. All sites have fire places and gas BBQ's (byo gas bottle) And there are plenty of fish for those that want to try their luck. All sites and river swimming are clothing optional, but please respect other campers in public area's if on site. In response to a recent review, I will point out that the driveway is a gravel farm track. Normal 2Wd cars have not had any recent issues. We have some fantastic views from the hill up and down the Murundindi Valley, especially at sunset. We're located only a few short km's from Wilhelmina Falls and Murundindi Scenic Reserve, you get the best part of the river, without the crowds. We are a short drive from Melbourne, and easy access to the townships of Yea and Yarra Glen for supplies if you need them. Amazing, abundant and rare bird life to enjoy and photograph. (see guests photos). I am hoping to increase the nesting and habitat for as many local birds as possible, which has improved, but can get better with Your help. Not destroying large logs and tree's is first and foremost. But if you are inclined , funds for creating nesting spots are greatly appreciated. You can directly ask for donations to go towards specific prospects/ projects. Tawney frog mouths, king parrots, and many, many other birds call this place home. For donations specific to conservation, please contact me direct. With recent changes, Temporarily, removing site 2. please contact me for regulars. With no light pollution this is the ideal spot for star gazing.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Mountain Flower Farm

3. Mountain Flower Farm

98%
(260)
Kinglake, VIC · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Our farm is only a minutes' drive from the township of Kinglake. Or a 20-minute easy walk to shops and cafes. We are close to all the Yarra Valley and Kinglake Ranges have to offer from wineries to the National Parks for hiking, biking and 4WD driving. The farm is a small, hobby, flower farm. Opening during Protea season for pick your own flowers and sheep feeding. Made up of 15 acres of working land and 35 acres of bush land. We have a 2-acre orchard with seasonal fruit available to be picked. (March) The farm has over 100 king protea bushes and many other varieties of protea. Seasonal pick your own flowers too. (mid Aug - early Jan) Backing onto the national park and walking tracks. Jehoshaphat Gully, Shelley Harris Track, Mt Jerusalem Track. Walking distance to Kinglake historic walk, Cookson Hill Track, Mt Everard Track, Bollygum Park. Visit Mason Falls Waterfall, 12-minute drive to Kinglake West. We have 1 dogs, 3 goats, 5 pet sheep and seasonal lambs, 2 blue tongue lizards The farming area is completely fenced in, this is to keep the deer out, but you can venture out onto the property bush land with the correct map and navigation equipment. Eagles, cockatoos, black cockatoos, kookaburras, magpies, rosellas, king parrots, Gang-gang cockatoo, honey eaters can be spotted most days and lyrebirds if you’re keen to go looking. Perfect for star gazing the Milky Way and Nebulas. During fungi season, there are so many varieties to be found. Small playground with swings, slide, monkey bars and sandpit. The Kinglake market is on the 4th Sunday of each month 10-2pm - Except January The St. Andrews market is every Saturday, 9am to 1pm just 12 minutes down the mountain. Whittlesea market is on every Monday 9am - 1pm We manage 3 sites on our farm, 2 camping, 1 van.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Kiernan Park Equestrian Centre

4. Kiernan Park Equestrian Centre

99%
(175)
Launching Place, VIC · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
A working horse property, with on site coaches and horse trainers. The property is 40 acres, and also is home to numerous kangaroos, wombats, possums, goannas, echidnas, lots of birds and other critters, as well as, of course, lots of horses. We are dog friendly. There is a toilet available. Good access for 2WD and caravans. Drinking water available. Campfires permitted when restrictions not in place. There are lots of attractions nearby, including top class wineries and restaurants, the Warburton walking trail, fantastic mountain bike trails, the Redwood Forest, Kirth Kiln State Park, Bunyip State Park, Mt Donna Buang and the lookout, Ship Rock Falls, 7-acre Rock, Noojee Pub, Cunninghams Pub, Wesburn Pub and Wesburn RSL. Then there are the lovely old towns of Warburton and Healesville, Healesville Sanctuary, Rayners Orchard, the Lotus Gardens in Wesburn, swimming in the Yarra River....the list goes on.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
High Country Paradise

5. High Country Paradise

98%
(798)
Myrtleford, VIC · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to the Victorian High Country! The High Country region has award winning craft breweries, a rich history to explore and offers a beautiful spot for bush horse riding, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, fishing, exploring or just relaxing around a camp fire 🔥. Ideal location to bring your horse to explore Mt Buffalo national park. Horses to be kept in yards provided for $10 per horse per night. If you are one group please don’t book separate camp sites. Camps sites can have upto 20 adul on them. Teenagers 13 and over to pay $25 per night This campsite offers toilet amenities (no shower), a dedicated firepits. All pets need to be previously organised by message. If you are after total peace and quite please don’t book Christmas ,Easter or long weekends . Off peek during the week is very quite. Located approximately 3 hours from Melbourne, this property is within a short range of the snowfields andthe bike trails around Bright and Beechworth. Experience the local wineries, the Milawa cheese factory and Lake Buffalo. Explore the breath-taking scenery while walking, cycling or paddling through. We are just an hour from Mt Hotham and Mt Buffalo for ski season.
Toilets
Campfires
Whip Stick Forest Retreat

6. Whip Stick Forest Retreat

97%
(258)
Eaglehawk, VIC · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
If you don't like dogs, this isn't the campsite for you. I have 5 of them, 4 little yappers and a one year old Rotwieller named Lillith. She is very friendly, loves kids, but she's a big meat head who is still learning. I use a squirter bottle to keep her settled. One look at that and she's off. I'll supply you with yours while you are here. 🤗 The Whip Stick Forest campsite is located on the outskirts of Bendigo. This is an ideal place to take a break away from it all. Peace and tranquility surrounded by nature. We are just far enough away from the town to offer the outdoors feel and close enough to town to enjoy sightseeing, and many outdoor activities and access to shops, fuel and most of the usual shopping needs. Here you will find a nice open space amongst the gum trees with drinking water, toilet, and outdoor shower. rubbish/recycling bins and access to wifi if needed. Relax under the stars with a warm fire in a secluded spot in the middle of open space and the fresh air. The property is fenced off, so you can feel safe and secure. You can relax and let the kids can run around knowing they are safe inside the camp ground. There are five dogs who live here. They are all friendly and love people. Lily the Rotwieller is only 12 months old and very playful. She has a thing for shoes, so please make sure they are always hidden away. Along with anything else you don't want a naughty puppy to make a meal of. If you don't like dogs you probably shouldn't stay here as my dogs love people. Only minutes from town where you will find supplies, close to the local swimming pool and 10 minutes from a popular watering hole. Enjoy all that Bendigo and surrounding areas have to offer, check out the historic gold mining attractions and come home to rest in a tranquil setting amongst the trees, the birds and the stars. Bendigo itself features some fantastic heritage architecture and a creative community. Be sure to check out coffee houses down little laneways and the many culinary options of the restaurants in town.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
Kielock Homestead

7. Kielock Homestead

98%
(473)
Upper Gundowring, VIC · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Kielock Homestead is a unique farm stay experience located centrally in the beautiful Kiewa Valley Victoria where you can camp right on the bank of the Kiewa River. Some of the activities available include fishing, swimming, bush walking, bird and animal watching and bike riding. If you choose you can join in on farm activities such as feeding the animals,  collecting eggs and planting/harvesting fruit and vegetables. We have a small market garden available where you can pick and purchase seasonal fresh produce, alternatively vegetable boxes and eggs are available by arrangement and delivered right to your campsite. Within the 200 acres of the property you will find it is home to many animals including kangaroos wombats platypus possums, bats and many bird and marine species. The main fish in the river are  trout and cod so if you would like to try your luck fishing this is the place for you.Some of the surrounding towns include Mt Beauty (20 mins), Yackandandah (30 mins), Bright (50 mins), Beechworth (50 mins) Falls Creek (60 mins) with the border towns of Albury and Wodonga only 50 mins away. These beautiful towns contain an array of boutique wineries, craft breweries, bakeries and cafes, or you can choose to follow a farm gate food trail.The area also provides opportunities to go horse-riding, bike riding on one of the many rail trails or be adventurous on the mountain bike tracks at Falls Creek in the warmer months with snow sports in winter. The surrounding mountain ranges offer numerous famous 4wd trails or you might like to try your hand at panning for gold.This is a working farm and our animals are our family. They are very friendly but only know us and not you so please do not enter their homes without us, but feel free to talk to them over the gates. Be aware that all fences are electric and are switched on at all times. There is a dedicated communal campfire area for use when fire restrictions permit and we request that no additional fire pits are created during your stay. As this is a working property we are unable to accommodate your pets. For biosecurity reasons there is a strict No Pet policy. We look forward to greeting you upon arrival and showing you to your campsite.
Campfires
Boulder Brook Valley

8. Boulder Brook Valley

96%
(120)
Bulla, VIC · 1 site · Tent, RV
This 100 acre farm provides a dip into the outback with less time spent travelling for hours around victoria We live here as a family on the front half of the property and are currently using it to farm sheep and chickens, grow hay and keep bees Enjoy a campsite with complete privacy and take a breather from the noise of the world Were located only 40 minutes from the CBD 10 minute drive to diggers rest and sunbury if you need supplies and only a 5 minute drive to the nearest servo and pub Come and soak in that serenity! "I like that boulder, that is a nice boulder" - Donkey
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Kyneton Quiet Camp Out

9. Kyneton Quiet Camp Out

99%
(183)
Kyneton, VIC · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
We welcome everyone who would like to relax whilst respecting the environment and all fellow hipcampers. We are family and dog friendly, with the space for multiple families to camp together on our spacious sites. THIS PROPERTY IS NOT SUITABLE FOR DRUNKEN AND/OR NOISY PARTYING!!! Pitch your completely self-sufficient sleeping quarters on our peaceful, flat, 7 acre property which backs onto the Bald Hill Nature Reserve and is less than five minutes drive from Kyneton’s historic Piper Street which is full of delightful restaurants and cafes. Take under an hour to drive up and explore beautiful Bendigo, experience delightful Daylesford nearby and meander around the wonderful wineries of the Macedon Ranges. Campfires are allowed subject to local fire restrictions and must be fully extinguished before you turn in for the night. Please search for the CFA website 'Fire Danger Period: Can I or Can't I?' which has all of the appropriate information. Each site has a fire pit which you can use providing it is not a total fire ban. Firewood is available at a cost to you of $50 per wheelbarrow load which will easily cover two nights. We have four separate camping locations on the property; you can easily have up to four RVs on sites 1, 2 and 4 and two on site 3. We have tried to ensure privacy for each location but you may be able to see other guests and/or the house through the many trees. Please be aware that there are two dams on the property so children should supervised at all times. My own children swim in the dam and there is a kayak available but lifejackets must be worn by children in, around and on the water to minimise risk. Pets are welcome. The kangaroos may prove quite enticing for some pets and as such we recommend dogs be kept on their leash. Site 4 has ringlock fencing and farm gates which can be helpful to contain your pets. Please be aware that the Kyneton Gun Club has their monthly clay target shoot on the 3rd Sunday of each month (2nd Sunday in December) from 11am until 5pm during which time you will hear them clay pigeon shooting. We are NOT a commercial campsite and, as such, you must be fully self-contained for power, water, showers, sewage, refuse disposal, etc. Guests under the age of 25 must be accompanied by their parents.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Mansfield Lakeside Holiday Park

10. Mansfield Lakeside Holiday Park

91%
(47)
Mansfield, VIC · 74 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Located just seven kilometres from the centre of Mansfield town, with its diverse range of shops and eateries, Mansfield Lakeside is a great holiday venue for the whole family. Our caravan park offers a range of self-contained holiday cabins and cottages to suit couples, families and groups and priced for all budgets. Camping? We offer large, grassy powered and unpowered campsites for caravans and tents of all sizes. Please note- our park is not dog friendly Christmas to New Years, the month of January and Easter long weekend. Our park does not support EV charging facilities. Our office is open for check-ins between 12pm and 4pm daily. We do not accept check-ins on camp sites after 6.30pm due to safety reasons, this is strict. Extra guests and day visitors must be registered at the office upon arrival and must pay visitor/guest fees accordingly. Please check all park rules before booking.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Eden Pines Farm

11. Eden Pines Farm

97%
(134)
Tallarook, VIC · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Eden Pines is our home on 45 acres of undulating pastures with views of the Tallarook State Forest. Take in the beautiful views as you relax from your campsite or take a stroll around the property and say hello to the many different animals/wildlife nearby. We are not a commercial campground and instead want to share the slower farm and country experience with our guests. We are easy to find just off the Hume FWY and are located nearby to many wineries, the Goulburn River, the Great Victorian Rail Trail and the townships of Seymour, Trawool and Broadford. Come along to unwind and relax from the big smoke and feel free to bring your beloved fur babies, paddle board, kayak or bike. For those with horses - we have a secure paddock with a dam and 20m round yard for horses to be secured overnight. The rail trail is a short 5 min drive where you can float your horses to and enjoy a scenic ride with your companion followed by a meal at the Trawool Estate or Tallarook Pub! Instagram: @eden.pines
Pets
Campfires
Silver Creek Escape

12. Silver Creek Escape

99%
(180)
Hazeldene, VIC · 1 site · Tent, RV
If you’re looking for a place to set up camp while enjoying a hike through Kinglake National Park then our little space is just made for you. There are plenty of day walks starting right next to your camp or you can go for a swim in the nearby King Parrot Creek. With just 40min drive to Yarra Valley Wineries you are in a perfect location to set up camp and explore the region. Our pet friendly property is located in a quiet neighbourhood, easily accessible from the road (no 4WD needed) and ideal for swags, tents or campers. Power, tank water, bins and compost toilet are included! The space is part of our front yard and our property is located at the end of a quiet no through road. Your camp site is tucked in between the trees away from our family house with plenty of flat space. Sit at the picnic table or around the fire pit (season permitting) and take in the piece and quiet with plenty of wildlife to enjoy.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Wandi Farm

13. Wandi Farm

100%
(25)
Bright, VIC · 2 sites
Wandi Farm is a small scale produce farm under development. It is set on 3 acres on the eastern (sunny) side of the beautiful Wandiligong Valley, just 5 minute drive from Bright. The property is on the side of a hill, which provides spectacular valley views to the north. Our family live in the recently completed straw bale house on the property, which sits well below the camping sites. The property has a fully functional camp kitchen with a large deck as well as a bathroom with toilet and shower. Due to the slope the tent sites are not suitable for camp trailers (the tent sites are flat but there is nowhere flat to park a car next to it) and the tent sites are not suitable for vehicles. Therefore we can only accommodate people with tents/swags.
Campfires
Toilets
Showers
Reedy Creek Camping

14. Reedy Creek Camping

97%
(57)
Reedy Creek, VIC · 1 site · Tent, RV
Stunning 52 acre property only an hr from the Melbourne CBD but another world away.
Pets
Campfires
Whispering Gums

15. Whispering Gums

99%
(119)
Neerim East, VIC · 1 site · Tent, RV
Pitch your tent or camper near our picturesque dam with 3 jetties, a boat shed and walking track along dam. Throw in a yabbie net and get the kids to catch some yabbies, they are great cooked up with chilli & garlic. Our property joins onto the Neerim East State Park for those walking enthusiasts or we can accommodate your horse in our yards should you want to explore the bush with many tracks directly from the property. We offer drinking water & toilet accessed from house. Neerim South is home to many wildlife and expect to see many bird species, kangaroos, deer and the odd wombat trailing through. Chris & I are campers ourselves, so we know how nice it is to have a quiet and private spot all to ourselves, however before long you have people on top of you at caravan parks or at free camping you may experience the doof doof music until god knows what hour. So we offer exclusive private campsite all to your self, we only book one group at a time. Neerim South is home to many wildlife and expect to see many bird species, kangaroos, deer and the odd wombat trailing through. FIRE PLAN In the event of high fire danger periods our campers may be asked to evacuate the property for their safety. Instructions will be provided prior. In the event of fires in surrounding areas, it may be necessary to cancel a future booking and or evacuate the site at short notice, this will be reimbursed by Hipcamps. Campers will be notified in the event of total fire bans, this mean no outside fires.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Millers Farm "The Hills are alive"

16. Millers Farm "The Hills are alive"

99%
(176)
Neerim South, VIC · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
We welcome self-contained campers to enjoy the laid-back serenity of our farm stay setting. The property is situated adjacent to the State forest, so you'll have nature at your doorstep, with bush walks and an abundance of wildlife, not to mention meeting the local resident animals; Our two horses, our Highland cow Bonnie, our 2 super friendly goats, Alpacas, sheep, Turkeys, ducks, chickens and guinea pigs. We have plenty of green, open space, for you to set up. We also have an undercover area to sit, with fridge, microwave, kettle, toaster, and power point to charge phones, we have portable firepits available, please BYO firewood and take your rubbish with you. Please Note: There is a slight undulation in much of the cleared area, so some campers/caravans may require some leveling. If you require a flat area, please message us to see if we have one available. we have 3 site available, we try to manage and arrange sets ups the best we can, to ensure privacy and space is respected between sites. Site 1, is for caravans and larger set ups, this has access to power, and situated next to our beautiful call ducks enclosure... Site 2, suits motor homes/camping trailers/tents, please note it is situated along our boundary fence line which has the road next to it, it is a rural road so we dont usually get alot of traffic. Site 3 is more suited to swags or roof top tents, it has 2 options available to choose from. Public holidays/Long weekends have a minimum nightly stay, please message us for any queries. Please note, Millers Farm is a place for travelers who are after a peaceful, relaxing camping experience. It is not a place for rowdy groups. We love all animals including Dogs, but unfortunately, due to our roaming animals, we cannot entertain pets anymore. Long periods of wet weather may affect some of the camping areas. Therefore, we recommend keeping an eye on the weather report close to your stay and if you have any concerns, please touch base with us! OUR LOCATION: Neerim South is located in the southern foothills of the Great Dividing Range, there is so much to see and do nearby, including Neerim South Brewery, Toronga Water Falls, walking trails, the famous Noojee Pub, Mt Baw Baw tourist drive, Blue rock Lake which is great for fishing and swimming, there's old historical trestle bridges, Walhalla Mining town and lots more.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
Goulburn Downs

17. Goulburn Downs

99%
(134)
St Germains, VIC · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
Goulburn downs is a working sheep station on the Goulburn River between Echuca and Sheparton . All sites are separated by distance so your camping by yourself . Four sites can be accessed with a 4wd and can fit off road vans and camper trailers and have river views The horse camp can fit large horse floats/vans Activies include hiking/fishing/boating/canoeing/push bike riding/horse riding/ swimming /bird watching in the lagoons and you are welcome to watch or participate in any sheep work happening in your stay. A four wheel drive is recommended for all sites atm All camps have a fire pit /fire wood and trash cans provided. No toilets are provided.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Hampton Park

18. Hampton Park

99%
(498)
Winslow, VIC · 8 sites
Hampton Park is located in Winslow, just a 10-minute drive north of Warrnambool. We’re ideally positioned close to Lake Cartcarrong, Tower Hill, Koroit, Port Fairy and Woolsthorpe, making it the perfect base to explore the region. Experience the peace and tranquillity of back-to-basics country living. Hampton Park offers spacious grassed camping areas surrounded by beautiful farmland, gardens, lawns and established trees. This quiet, peaceful property is home to resident koalas and abundant birdlife. Guests are welcome to enjoy a community campfire in the designated area only. Bagged firewood is available for purchase, and all local fire regulations must be strictly followed. You’re free to choose your own grassed area to set up camp. Please note that Hampton Park has no amenities, so campers must be fully self-contained with their own toilet and follow a strict leave no trace policy. We are dog friendly; however, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times due to the koalas on the property. Bore water is available from multiple taps across the property for your pets. Hampton Park is easily accessible and suitable for all types of vehicles. Important: By staying at Hampton Park, guests confirm they hold their own comprehensive insurance for their vehicle, caravan, camper, tent and personal belongings. Guests stay at their own risk and are responsible for their own property and equipment during their visit.
Pets
Lakeside or Orchard Paddock Camping

19. Lakeside or Orchard Paddock Camping

99%
(70)
Trentham, VIC · 2 sites
The historic property ‘Lisieux’ dates back to 1849. Once a drovers house where cattle from Melbourne were held for summer grazing. The beautifully restored house and stunning lake gardens are surrounded by paddocks next to a native creek line that make for the perfect camping spots. Choose to camp next to one of the two lakes or in a more secluded spot in the old orchard paddock. Toilet facilities available.
Campfires
Toilets
Picnic table
Mt Hope Vineyard Estate.

20. Mt Hope Vineyard Estate.

95%
(284)
Dixons Creek, VIC · 1 site · Tent, RV
Our property is a working vineyard in the beautiful Yarra Valley region of Victoria. There are views of rolling hills and surrounding vineyards, all in a quiet country setting. This is a very safe and secluded space for campers, be they in tents or motorhomes/caravans. We are 10 minutes from Yarra Glen which has all your basic needs and we are surrounded by a number of award winning wineries with excellent food and wine options and beautiful gardens to explore. We are close to the Toolangi State Forest which is a beautiful natural area with plenty of different walking tracks and waterfall viewing options. There are also some popular 4WD tracks in the area too or you might like to take a drive up the Black Spur and enjoy the winding roads and lovely scenery. Campers must have their own camping toilet and take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Campfires are not allowed during fire season and pets, whilst on leash, are welcome. Limited DRINKING water is available, as we are reliant upon tank water. Note that, for access purposes, only one caravan per site is allowed, and units over 6 meters will require an advanced level of expertise to maneuver for exit.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Victoria camping guide

Where to go

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road west of Melbourne is one of the world's great scenic road trips, but there’s much more to see and do than snapping a selfie at the Twelve Apostles rock stacks. Zipline above the rainforest in Great Otway National Park, climb lighthouses, watch whales, surf iconic Bells Beach, and pitch a tent on any one of several beachside camping areas. Road tripping doesn't get much better than this.

Gippsland and the Bays

Gippsland stretches east of Melbourne to the sea and north to the border with NSW. Most of the coastline is protected by a string of national parks with fantastic seaside camping spots and holiday parks—and camping at Wilsons Promontory (locals just call it the Prom) on the mainland’s southernmost tip is a must-do at least once. This is also where you’ll find Phillip Island, home to the famous nightly penguin parade.

The Victorian Alps

The High Country is the place to go for winter snow sports and summer mountain bike trails, plus bushwalking. If that sounds too energetic, it’s also home to the Great Alpine Road, one of Australia's best food and wine touring routes (and yes, the scenery is pretty good too).

The Grampians

In the state's west, the Grampians are another mountain playground with a network of bushwalking trails, from quick 2-hour walking tracks to 3-day hikes in the Grampians National Park. This is also where campers can find the highest concentration of Indigenous art in the state. Opt for bush camping sites in the national park or more luxurious campsites at Halls Gap or Dunkeld caravan parks.

Murray Riverlands

Australia's longest river, the mighty Murray forms most of the border with NSW to the north, and all along its length are great beachfront campsites from where you can go for a swim or paddle a kayak, catch a fish, or sit back and watch the world glide by. Elsewhere in the riverlands, ride a restored paddle steamer at Echuca, take a cruise through the largest river red gum forest in the world at Barmah, and dine out in the foodie hot spot of Mildura.

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