The best camping near Lara

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Lara’s best asset is its strategic location. Hop on the train, and you can stroll along the Southbank or explore the Arts Precinct in Melbourne within 20 minutes. Or, in the same amount of time, drive south to Geelong, Victoria’s second-largest city, where you can relax on the beach and enjoy miles of seafront parklands. Not to mention one of Australia’s most famous road trips, the Great Ocean Road, which starts from nearby Torquay. Lara itself has everything you would expect from a large country town, and it’s easy to escape to the countryside. Head to Serendip Sanctuary to go bird-watching around the wetlands and spot wild kangaroos and emus, then go hiking in the hills at You Yangs Regional Park. Lara campers will find plenty of options ranging from simple bush campgrounds and Hipcamps on local farms to holiday parks and caravan parks with spacious powered sites and full amenities.

93% (2.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Olive Farm

5. Olive Farm

99%
(324)
67km from Lara · 56 sites · Tents, RVs · Murroon, VIC
Welcome to the Olive Farm! We are a working olive farm situated on the edge of the Otway Ranges, between Deans Marsh and Birregurra, 25 minutes to Lorne and the Great Ocean Road, and only a few kilometers from the famous Brae Restaurant. We are in a beautiful part of the world, so please remember and take all your rubbish with you when you leave. Dogs are welcome, but please be aware that we are full of kangaroos, sheep, and other wildlife, so they may need to be placed on a leash for the safety of fellow campers and wildlife. Fires are permitted in fire pits, and wood is available to purchase on-site. during the cooler months. We have a fragile ecosystem here, so we ask not to bring in wood and to purchase it off the farm. Olive oil is available, and table olives harvested this year are in brine, ready to jar up. The table olives we have are Kalamata, Spanish Queens, and Jumbo Kalamata.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$79
 / night
Cumberland River Holiday Park

6. Cumberland River Holiday Park

92%
(26)
73km from Lara · 88 sites · Tents, RVs · Lorne, VIC
Welcome to Cumberland River Holiday Park, the best camping location on the famous Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia. The perfect base to explore the coast and surrounds. Camping next to a peaceful trickling river can be a delight, and our campsites will not disappoint, from garden sites to riverfront sites all with picturesque views of the cliff face escarpment. Our cozy garden cabins sleep up-to 6 people. They feature a gas look-alike fire place, plasma television with 40 satellite channels, a fully functional kitchen with a full-size stove and refrigerator, and a peaceful and private verandah. These delightfully bright and modern 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom River View Units have a fully equipped kitchen, gas space heating, and satellite flat-screen TV. Sleeps a maximum of 6 people. Has a private balcony with views over the river and gorge.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$81
 / night
Herbs Joint

8. Herbs Joint

91%
(16)
17km from Lara · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · Moolap, VIC
HERBS JOINT Tucked away in a quiet, shady pocket of Moolap, Herbs Joint offers campers a peaceful escape surrounded by cypress and pine trees. The flat grassy campsite sits beside the Bellarine Rail Trail, perfect for walking, cycling, or exploring the local area at your own pace. Just minutes from Geelong’s beaches, wineries, shops and cafés, this private camp spot gives you the best of both worlds — nature and convenience. Relax by the tranquil dam, watch the sunset through the trees, and enjoy a campfire under a clear night sky. There’s plenty of open space for caravans, campervans, and tents, plus room for kids and dogs to stretch their legs (supervision required near the water). ✅ Pet friendly ✅ Campfires allowed (when permitted) ✅ Flat, easy access for vans ✅ Close to Geelong, Surf Coast & Bellarine Peninsula Whether you’re chasing a relaxed weekend away, a stopover near the coast, or simply a quiet spot to unwind, Herbs Joint offers an inviting mix of *privacy, space, and peaceful country charm.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$43
 / night
Enjoy a relaxing bevvy by the fire pit

11. Penzance Bushland Retreat

99%
(237)
56km from Lara · 1 site · Tent, RV · Durham Lead, VIC
... Hi there and welcome to our home, Penzance! We fell in love with our slice of heaven in 2010 and adore every back breaking inch of it. It was an over grown mess at the time, covered in broken bricks and beer cans. We've tried to keep the bush aspect while creating a park like surround with plenty of grassy space. We have big plans for our land and hope to build a steam museum in our other area over the creek. Excitingly, we will also be establishing a blacksmiths forge in that area, which was moved piece by piece from an historic farm at Avoca. Chris is an engineer, antique restorer and artisan working from home. I am an actor and artist working in metal, clay and paint. I'm inspired by my flower garden and the bush that frames it. We offer one site so privacy is assured. Larger groups can be accommodated, please enquire if you'd like to learn more. We look forward to welcoming you to Penzance.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night
Camping on Coppards

13. Camping on Coppards

98%
(118)
16km from Lara · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Moolap, VIC
PLEASE CONTACT US PRIOR TO BOOKING YOUR SITE, IF YOU ARE WANTING TO CHECK IN ON THE SAME DAY. Large 4800 square metre block. 4 camp sites all dog friendly sites. Gates are locked at night for safety. Great for kids and dogs to ride ,run and play - Water supplied with booking and power available on request - Large campfire ,great for drinks and conversations. We supply some wood always good to bring a bit to keep the fire going. - Plenty of off-street parking We encourage campers to park in the property - Close to supermarkets and shops. 5 minutes from town center by car, 25mins to Bellarine coastal beaches, 30mins to start of great ocean road, 1 hour to Lorne. - Bus stops at front every 25 minutes into town - Has a pool (conditions apply to use) - Short drive to Geelong Beach front - 20 minutes from Bellarine Coast wineries - 10 minutes to adventure park - Perfect for Spirt of Tassie travelers only a short trip to the dock - Tent available for hire - Transfers to Geelong CBD (available on request)
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
AU$60
 / night
Dromkeen Macdeon Ranges

15. Dromkeen Macdeon Ranges

97%
(487)
68km from Lara · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Riddells Creek, VIC
Heritage listed homestead featuring children’s art and literature. Currently featuring a beautiful exhibition by award winning Australian authors/illustrators Mark Wilson, Leigh Hobbs, Ann James & Gabrielle Wang. Nestled in the Macedon ranges in the tiny hamlet of Riddell’s Creek, Dromkeen is 30 minutes drive from Melbourne Airport. This stately National Trust home has beautiful gardens with a range of Australian native and European plants, a gazebo and two resident alpacas. We have space in the large carpark for vans, motorhomes, or alternatively the horse paddock for tents and campers. Ample toilets available. Dogs permitted by advance request. Guests are welcome to visit the Tea Room, open 10am – 5pm Wednesday through Sunday. Our daily menu contains a selection of delicious cakes, devonshire tea, toasted sandwiches, specialty pies and weekly specials and of course, tea and coffee. Breakfast is served all day. Browse in the galleries or wander around the beautiful gardens which have trees more than 100 years old, some listed on the National Trust register. Meet our 2 Dromkeen alpacas Hannah and Lilly. ***Please note, we are a rubbish free campsite, so campers are asked to take their rubbish with them. Dromkeen has very clean toilets, but a reminder there are NO showers. Also all sites are unpowered, but upon request prior to arrival a powered spot may be available at an extra $10 a day. Please ring to verify this. During summer months because of fire restrictions we also remind campers there should be NO outside campfires. ****Also please note, each van or tent is considered a separate booking site and each site is considered a space for 2 adults and up to 4 children. Where there are 2 couples, they are required to make 2 separate bookings.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$55
 / night
campsite set-up

19. Book A Paddock

100%
(74)
79km from Lara · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Romsey, VIC
We offer Book a Paddock, By the Creek and The Stables as listings for those wanting to camp or have a lux experience. Some of you have asked for parties and events. At this time we don't have the infrastructure in place to get this rolling. Thank you so so much for your support, your quiet and respectful enjoyment of our property. We are humbled you chose us to spend your heartbeats with. For now, Belinda and Robert ********************************************************************************* This acreage was historically a larger soldiers settlements property comprising a dairy, piggery and wool farming. The quality of the land hasn't changed with most of the region's farmland in use, so this is a cool place to stay in the Macedon Ranges. Currently home to our family, the property is also visited by many native Australian birdlife species, many marsupials including kangaroos, echidna, possums and even a koala. With close proximity to coffee shops and local stores of Romsey and Lancefield Providore, you have only a few minutes to drive to stock up on local produce. Walking the trails around Hanging Rock is a 10-minute drive and Mt Macedon lookout 15min. We look forward to saying hi soon!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$61
 / night
Erskine Falls Retreat

20. Erskine Falls Retreat

100%
(133)
72km from Lara · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Lorne, VIC
125 acre property on the fringe of the beautiful seaside town of Lorne. The bustling tourist town is home to some of Australia's finest wildlife including koala's, kangaroos, kookaburra's and wallabies... all of which are witnessed roaming around the property with undisturbed nonchalance. In addition to this wildlife, the natural landscape and scenery is one to behold, with lush green grass, waterfalls scattered around the area (including Erskine Falls just a 2 minute drive from the property) and the chance to cool off in the ocean with a short 10 minute drive into the township of Lorne. Your passage to Lorne is an extraordinary one to say the least, spoilt for choice with two incredible routes, the first is the unique and famous Great Ocean Road... exhibit beautiful waves, clear blue water and a road fit for a race-car track. The second route to Lorne is via small regional towns inland with endless rolling hills and healthy green landscapes as far as the eye can see and that's all before you hit Otway national park! This secluded property is special because it is situated in a remarkable position with the perks of both country and coastal living, not to mention unrivalled serenity... being 550m above sea level, snow isn't uncommon on the odd day during winter and surf is only 10 minutes away, so truly extraordinary. There are huge Trees approximately 200ft tall that tower over you in an area of the property we refer to as "valley of the kings" and some in excess of 300 years old. Witness small isolated gulleys (if the weather permits) and you're prepared for a little small hike into our wonderland. My family and I are situated in a modest farmhouse on the north side of the property, with our little camping spots for you scattered around the scenic high points. Water is provided on site, leave the area as you found it. Otherwise get your adventure started.
Potable water
Campfires
from 
AU$85
 / night

Lara’s best asset is its strategic location. Hop on the train, and you can stroll along the Southbank or explore the Arts Precinct in Melbourne within 20 minutes. Or, in the same amount of time, drive south to Geelong, Victoria’s second-largest city, where you can relax on the beach and enjoy miles of seafront parklands. Not to mention one of Australia’s most famous road trips, the Great Ocean Road, which starts from nearby Torquay. Lara itself has everything you would expect from a large country town, and it’s easy to escape to the countryside. Head to Serendip Sanctuary to go bird-watching around the wetlands and spot wild kangaroos and emus, then go hiking in the hills at You Yangs Regional Park. Lara campers will find plenty of options ranging from simple bush campgrounds and Hipcamps on local farms to holiday parks and caravan parks with spacious powered sites and full amenities.

93% (2.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Olive Farm

5. Olive Farm

99%
(324)
67km from Lara · 56 sites · Tents, RVs · Murroon, VIC
Welcome to the Olive Farm! We are a working olive farm situated on the edge of the Otway Ranges, between Deans Marsh and Birregurra, 25 minutes to Lorne and the Great Ocean Road, and only a few kilometers from the famous Brae Restaurant. We are in a beautiful part of the world, so please remember and take all your rubbish with you when you leave. Dogs are welcome, but please be aware that we are full of kangaroos, sheep, and other wildlife, so they may need to be placed on a leash for the safety of fellow campers and wildlife. Fires are permitted in fire pits, and wood is available to purchase on-site. during the cooler months. We have a fragile ecosystem here, so we ask not to bring in wood and to purchase it off the farm. Olive oil is available, and table olives harvested this year are in brine, ready to jar up. The table olives we have are Kalamata, Spanish Queens, and Jumbo Kalamata.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$79
 / night
Cumberland River Holiday Park

6. Cumberland River Holiday Park

92%
(26)
73km from Lara · 88 sites · Tents, RVs · Lorne, VIC
Welcome to Cumberland River Holiday Park, the best camping location on the famous Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia. The perfect base to explore the coast and surrounds. Camping next to a peaceful trickling river can be a delight, and our campsites will not disappoint, from garden sites to riverfront sites all with picturesque views of the cliff face escarpment. Our cozy garden cabins sleep up-to 6 people. They feature a gas look-alike fire place, plasma television with 40 satellite channels, a fully functional kitchen with a full-size stove and refrigerator, and a peaceful and private verandah. These delightfully bright and modern 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom River View Units have a fully equipped kitchen, gas space heating, and satellite flat-screen TV. Sleeps a maximum of 6 people. Has a private balcony with views over the river and gorge.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$81
 / night
Herbs Joint

8. Herbs Joint

91%
(16)
17km from Lara · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · Moolap, VIC
HERBS JOINT Tucked away in a quiet, shady pocket of Moolap, Herbs Joint offers campers a peaceful escape surrounded by cypress and pine trees. The flat grassy campsite sits beside the Bellarine Rail Trail, perfect for walking, cycling, or exploring the local area at your own pace. Just minutes from Geelong’s beaches, wineries, shops and cafés, this private camp spot gives you the best of both worlds — nature and convenience. Relax by the tranquil dam, watch the sunset through the trees, and enjoy a campfire under a clear night sky. There’s plenty of open space for caravans, campervans, and tents, plus room for kids and dogs to stretch their legs (supervision required near the water). ✅ Pet friendly ✅ Campfires allowed (when permitted) ✅ Flat, easy access for vans ✅ Close to Geelong, Surf Coast & Bellarine Peninsula Whether you’re chasing a relaxed weekend away, a stopover near the coast, or simply a quiet spot to unwind, Herbs Joint offers an inviting mix of *privacy, space, and peaceful country charm.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$43
 / night
Enjoy a relaxing bevvy by the fire pit

11. Penzance Bushland Retreat

99%
(237)
56km from Lara · 1 site · Tent, RV · Durham Lead, VIC
... Hi there and welcome to our home, Penzance! We fell in love with our slice of heaven in 2010 and adore every back breaking inch of it. It was an over grown mess at the time, covered in broken bricks and beer cans. We've tried to keep the bush aspect while creating a park like surround with plenty of grassy space. We have big plans for our land and hope to build a steam museum in our other area over the creek. Excitingly, we will also be establishing a blacksmiths forge in that area, which was moved piece by piece from an historic farm at Avoca. Chris is an engineer, antique restorer and artisan working from home. I am an actor and artist working in metal, clay and paint. I'm inspired by my flower garden and the bush that frames it. We offer one site so privacy is assured. Larger groups can be accommodated, please enquire if you'd like to learn more. We look forward to welcoming you to Penzance.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night
Camping on Coppards

13. Camping on Coppards

98%
(118)
16km from Lara · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Moolap, VIC
PLEASE CONTACT US PRIOR TO BOOKING YOUR SITE, IF YOU ARE WANTING TO CHECK IN ON THE SAME DAY. Large 4800 square metre block. 4 camp sites all dog friendly sites. Gates are locked at night for safety. Great for kids and dogs to ride ,run and play - Water supplied with booking and power available on request - Large campfire ,great for drinks and conversations. We supply some wood always good to bring a bit to keep the fire going. - Plenty of off-street parking We encourage campers to park in the property - Close to supermarkets and shops. 5 minutes from town center by car, 25mins to Bellarine coastal beaches, 30mins to start of great ocean road, 1 hour to Lorne. - Bus stops at front every 25 minutes into town - Has a pool (conditions apply to use) - Short drive to Geelong Beach front - 20 minutes from Bellarine Coast wineries - 10 minutes to adventure park - Perfect for Spirt of Tassie travelers only a short trip to the dock - Tent available for hire - Transfers to Geelong CBD (available on request)
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
AU$60
 / night
Dromkeen Macdeon Ranges

15. Dromkeen Macdeon Ranges

97%
(487)
68km from Lara · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Riddells Creek, VIC
Heritage listed homestead featuring children’s art and literature. Currently featuring a beautiful exhibition by award winning Australian authors/illustrators Mark Wilson, Leigh Hobbs, Ann James & Gabrielle Wang. Nestled in the Macedon ranges in the tiny hamlet of Riddell’s Creek, Dromkeen is 30 minutes drive from Melbourne Airport. This stately National Trust home has beautiful gardens with a range of Australian native and European plants, a gazebo and two resident alpacas. We have space in the large carpark for vans, motorhomes, or alternatively the horse paddock for tents and campers. Ample toilets available. Dogs permitted by advance request. Guests are welcome to visit the Tea Room, open 10am – 5pm Wednesday through Sunday. Our daily menu contains a selection of delicious cakes, devonshire tea, toasted sandwiches, specialty pies and weekly specials and of course, tea and coffee. Breakfast is served all day. Browse in the galleries or wander around the beautiful gardens which have trees more than 100 years old, some listed on the National Trust register. Meet our 2 Dromkeen alpacas Hannah and Lilly. ***Please note, we are a rubbish free campsite, so campers are asked to take their rubbish with them. Dromkeen has very clean toilets, but a reminder there are NO showers. Also all sites are unpowered, but upon request prior to arrival a powered spot may be available at an extra $10 a day. Please ring to verify this. During summer months because of fire restrictions we also remind campers there should be NO outside campfires. ****Also please note, each van or tent is considered a separate booking site and each site is considered a space for 2 adults and up to 4 children. Where there are 2 couples, they are required to make 2 separate bookings.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$55
 / night
campsite set-up

19. Book A Paddock

100%
(74)
79km from Lara · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Romsey, VIC
We offer Book a Paddock, By the Creek and The Stables as listings for those wanting to camp or have a lux experience. Some of you have asked for parties and events. At this time we don't have the infrastructure in place to get this rolling. Thank you so so much for your support, your quiet and respectful enjoyment of our property. We are humbled you chose us to spend your heartbeats with. For now, Belinda and Robert ********************************************************************************* This acreage was historically a larger soldiers settlements property comprising a dairy, piggery and wool farming. The quality of the land hasn't changed with most of the region's farmland in use, so this is a cool place to stay in the Macedon Ranges. Currently home to our family, the property is also visited by many native Australian birdlife species, many marsupials including kangaroos, echidna, possums and even a koala. With close proximity to coffee shops and local stores of Romsey and Lancefield Providore, you have only a few minutes to drive to stock up on local produce. Walking the trails around Hanging Rock is a 10-minute drive and Mt Macedon lookout 15min. We look forward to saying hi soon!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$61
 / night
Erskine Falls Retreat

20. Erskine Falls Retreat

100%
(133)
72km from Lara · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Lorne, VIC
125 acre property on the fringe of the beautiful seaside town of Lorne. The bustling tourist town is home to some of Australia's finest wildlife including koala's, kangaroos, kookaburra's and wallabies... all of which are witnessed roaming around the property with undisturbed nonchalance. In addition to this wildlife, the natural landscape and scenery is one to behold, with lush green grass, waterfalls scattered around the area (including Erskine Falls just a 2 minute drive from the property) and the chance to cool off in the ocean with a short 10 minute drive into the township of Lorne. Your passage to Lorne is an extraordinary one to say the least, spoilt for choice with two incredible routes, the first is the unique and famous Great Ocean Road... exhibit beautiful waves, clear blue water and a road fit for a race-car track. The second route to Lorne is via small regional towns inland with endless rolling hills and healthy green landscapes as far as the eye can see and that's all before you hit Otway national park! This secluded property is special because it is situated in a remarkable position with the perks of both country and coastal living, not to mention unrivalled serenity... being 550m above sea level, snow isn't uncommon on the odd day during winter and surf is only 10 minutes away, so truly extraordinary. There are huge Trees approximately 200ft tall that tower over you in an area of the property we refer to as "valley of the kings" and some in excess of 300 years old. Witness small isolated gulleys (if the weather permits) and you're prepared for a little small hike into our wonderland. My family and I are situated in a modest farmhouse on the north side of the property, with our little camping spots for you scattered around the scenic high points. Water is provided on site, leave the area as you found it. Otherwise get your adventure started.
Potable water
Campfires
from 
AU$85
 / night

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