The best family-friendly glamping near Melbourne, Victoria

You don’t need to drive very far to get back to nature in Melbourne, because many of the state’s best camping destinations are within easy reach. Head east, west or south out of the city along the coast and bays and you’ll find fabulous beachfront camping reserves, national parks and well-equipped caravan parks. Or go bush in the ferny tall forests of the Yarra Ranges. But just because it’s wild doesn’t mean you have to rough it–glamping is popular and many of the national park campgrounds have the facilities you'd expect to find in holiday parks, like hot showers, powered caravan sites, playgrounds and flush toilets.Hipcampers are spoilt for choice when it comes to camping spots on the Great Ocean Road, which helps explain why this scenic coastal route is so popular with the vanlife set, although it’s just as good for those that are pitching a tent. Almost every town along its length has a caravan park, and there are several good foreshore camping reserves, usually within a stone’s throw from the beach, as well as camping spots in the rainforest of Great Otway National Park.A night at the prom is a rite of passage for every young Melbournian. This wild knob of land at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia is Victoria’s most popular camping destination and offers everything from remote walk-in camps to powered caravan sites and luxury glamping. Tidal River campground even has a pop-up cinema in summer.Another popular summer holiday spot, this boot-shaped peninsula 80km south of Melbourne boasts more than 260 km of coastline. There are three foreshore camping reserves with more than 1,000 campsites between them as well as plenty of caravan and holiday parks. Spend your days on or in the water, or explore the peninsula on one of the wine trails.Want to escape the summer heat? An hour's drive to the east of the city rise the Dandenong Ranges, where the towering mountain ash forests and misty fern gullies are a favourite weekend escape for Melbournians. Further north, the pretty Yarra Valley is one of the best cool climate wine districts of the world.

94% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

You don’t need to drive very far to get back to nature in Melbourne, because many of the state’s best camping destinations are within easy reach. Head east, west or south out of the city along the coast and bays and you’ll find fabulous beachfront camping reserves, national parks and well-equipped caravan parks. Or go bush in the ferny tall forests of the Yarra Ranges. But just because it’s wild doesn’t mean you have to rough it–glamping is popular and many of the national park campgrounds have the facilities you'd expect to find in holiday parks, like hot showers, powered caravan sites, playgrounds and flush toilets.Hipcampers are spoilt for choice when it comes to camping spots on the Great Ocean Road, which helps explain why this scenic coastal route is so popular with the vanlife set, although it’s just as good for those that are pitching a tent. Almost every town along its length has a caravan park, and there are several good foreshore camping reserves, usually within a stone’s throw from the beach, as well as camping spots in the rainforest of Great Otway National Park.A night at the prom is a rite of passage for every young Melbournian. This wild knob of land at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia is Victoria’s most popular camping destination and offers everything from remote walk-in camps to powered caravan sites and luxury glamping. Tidal River campground even has a pop-up cinema in summer.Another popular summer holiday spot, this boot-shaped peninsula 80km south of Melbourne boasts more than 260 km of coastline. There are three foreshore camping reserves with more than 1,000 campsites between them as well as plenty of caravan and holiday parks. Spend your days on or in the water, or explore the peninsula on one of the wine trails.Want to escape the summer heat? An hour's drive to the east of the city rise the Dandenong Ranges, where the towering mountain ash forests and misty fern gullies are a favourite weekend escape for Melbournians. Further north, the pretty Yarra Valley is one of the best cool climate wine districts of the world.

94% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Mountain Flower Farm

97%

(176)

45km from Melbourne · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Kinglake, VIC

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. ( Feb / March) The farm has over 100 king protea bushes and many other varieties of protea. Seasonal pick your own flowers too. ( Aug - 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 2 dogs, 6 pet sheep and 4 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. Our walk the neighboring farm (105 acres) 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. Small playground with swings, slide, monkey bars and sandpit. Taxi service - The Graceful-Goat to get you around to the local eats and wineries. The Kinglake market is on the 4th Sunday of each month 10-2pm - Except December which is the Sunday before Christmas - twilight 2-7pm - No market in 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 2 sites on our farm and 2 sites on the neighboring farm

2. Bay Park Adventure Centre

96%

(64)

53km from Melbourne · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Melbourne, VIC

Welcome to Bay Park, now under the enthusiastic new management of a team dedicated to creating memorable outdoor experiences for all our visitors. With a fresh vision and a commitment to excellence, we're excited to invite you back to the park. Nestled in the heart of Mt Martha, Bay Park boasts 90 acres of natural bushland, a stone's throw from the stunning Mornington Peninsula beachs. Our park offers an array of activities from flying fox, archery, to the excitement of our BMX track, Bay Park is your destination for adventure, relaxation, and everything in between.

3. Shacks at Kardella Park

99%

(767)

43km from Melbourne · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Indented Head, VIC

Shacks at Kardella is a 47-acre lifestyle farm close to the beach at Indented Head on the Bellarine Peninsula. Our property has cows, goats, miniature horses and plenty of native birdlife. Walking distance to the beach and general store/post office which sells coffee, beer, wine and other essentials. The campsite is 500 metres from the Indented Head boat ramp. Come and enjoy our peaceful slice of the thriving Bellarine Peninsula! Campsites have no amenities so campers need to BYO everything (including drinking water and camping toilet) and leave no trace. Dog friendly.We offer general camping a garden glamping bell tent.

4. Park Lane Phillip Island

86%

(58)

79km from Melbourne · 56 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cowes, VIC

Escape to Phillip island, the natural playground of picturesque beaches, beautiful coastlines, and native Australian wildlife. From cabins to caravanning and camping. There’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure at a maze of things or on the high ropes course, or the serenity of nature walks, penguin parades, and wildlife parks, or to hit the beach for a surf or swim. The island has you covered. We look forward to welcoming you at Park Lane Phillip Island Holiday Park. Whether you’re a big or small family, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a just group of friends and looking for adventure, Phillip Island is stacked full of activities, eateries, and breath-taking scenery to keep you busy for the duration of your stay. With our incredible onsite theme park, A Maze’N Things, you might not even need to leave the holiday park at all! We offer mini golf, a high ropes course, a maze, and rooms full of curiosities. There’s also an onsite brewery and restaurant! Park Lane Phillip Island Holiday Park really does have it all.

5. Seven Hills Tallarook

97%

(416)

78km from Melbourne · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tallarook, VIC

Our property, "Seven Hills Tallarook", sits high above Tallarook with deep valleys and high peaks, just over one hour North of Melbourne's CBD. The property is 600 acres of thick Victorian bush and farmed paddocks. We have a wide range of hobby farm animals - pigs, sheep, alpacas, chickens, ponies, a donkey, along with commercial heard of South African Boer Goats. As night falls, the wildlife come out to play - kangaroos, rabbits, deer and wallabies. Internally, we have in excess of 10 kilometers of roads within the property, the majority being 2WD accessible (weather conditions apply). There are parts of the property which are only 4WD accessible. Our campsites are placed to allow you to be as isolated as possible - away from other campers (you may see others as you drive past, or they drive past you). At some of our bush sites, you will be able to see other campers, but they are not close by. Additionally, we anticipate our Fire Danger Period for the 2025/2026 Summer Season will commence in the coming weeks. We have not toggled the Fire Ban on as we do still allow campfires, however campers MUST adhere to CFA guidelines at all times. On days of Total Fire Ban (TFB), no fires, including gas stoves can be lit outdoors. In event of the TFB toggle needing to be used on Hipcamp, this will advise all guests booked on that day and to all future guests. We will toggle it off once the TFB is removed. Furthermore, we reserve the right to ask you not to light a fire regardless of TFB status if we feel weather conditions are unsafe, especially the wind element. We cannot plan the weather and the request to not light your campfires will most likely be on the day and we will advise as such. Our interest is with your safety, our neighbors and our property and our family.

6. Springview Farm

100%

(46)

40km from Melbourne · 3 sites · Lodging · Narre Warren East, VIC

37 acre farm nestled between Cardinia Reservoir and Lysterfield Lake Park. Two luxury Bell Tents with a Queen Bed in each tent. Extra beds for Children are $25 per person. Beautiful isolated property with giant tree ferns, bushland and grassy paddocks. The campsite is next to our spring fed dam and backs onto 10acres of bushland. The dam is great for kayaking, swimming, fishing. There is plenty of room for footy, cricket, volleyball or just relaxing. Our farm is home to our 5 pet cows, 12 sheep, 3 Goats, 6 horses and chooks. Kangaroo, deer, echidna and wombats are seen roaming daily. We grow our own fruit and veggies, make preserves and also have bee hives. We are opening our farm up to share our country lifestyle. Only 45 minutes from Melbourne CBD making it a perfect location for corporate functions, brand launches, small private functions, photo shoots, film productions. Please note we are NOT a party venue for loud music and drunkeness. Totally private, secluded and surrounded by native bushland, paddocks and our spring fed dam. PLEASE NOTE, OUR FARM IS A GLASS FREE AND SMOKING FREE SITE. Our animals and native animals call this area home. Grass, animals and bare feet do not mix with broken glass. We live in a delicate beautiful area filled with native flora and fauna.

Stories from the community

r

ram

November 2025

3 nights at Mountain Flower Farm

I had such an amazing getaway at this beautiful farm. The host and her mum were incredibly welcoming and made me feel right at home and their hospitality was truly exceptional. The van itself was spotless, cozy, and had everything I needed for a comfortable stay. The views were absolutely stunning, and spending the evenings by the fireplace under the stars was pure magic. It was the perfect mix of relaxation and nature. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for a peaceful and memorable escape! 🌿✨

A

Angela

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Mountain Flower Farm

Enjoyed my stay at Cosy Posy Van! Had everything I needed and thoughtful hosts.

Jessie

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Mountain Flower Farm

We had a lovely weekend away at the Cozy Pozy! We stayed two nights but wish we had stayed longer. The van was perfect for two people and there were so many little conveniences in the van to make us feel right at home. The farm and the views were wonderful as well. We saw Rosellas, black cockatoos and gang-gang cockatoos flying over the farm daily, and were greeted by a pair of baby goats running towards us one morning which was beautiful. The farm is close to town so we enjoyed a couple of outings to the local pub for lunch and some games of pool, as well as a trip to St Andrew’s market which was less than 10 mins away. Tamara and family were so welcoming and helpful, thank you! We hope to visit again soon :)

y

yoshua

September 2025

4 nights at Mountain Flower Farm

We had a great time staying in the cozy Pozy van. The hosts were lovely and very helpful. The property was beautiful with plenty of privavcy.

A

Archer

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Mountain Flower Farm

Great location, lovely town, great hosts. Had a great time and they even set up a little thing for us for my girlfriend's birthday

A

Arlene

March 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Shacks at Kardella Park

The Kardella Park glamping spot was beautifully set up with absolutely everything you could need. Very comfortable and well appointed. The bathroom setup was so squeaky clean I thought it seemed brand new. The pergola space was a great place for meals and had pretty good shade most of the day for the quite hot weekend we were there. The beach is not far to walk or bike, and is a good spot to hire stand up paddle boards, canoes etc. Damian and Alli were super helpful. Definitely recommend.

A

Annie

February 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Springview Farm

We had a ball at Jo's hipcamp. It is such a unique and well set up camp, with so many extras provided, it was the easiest camping trip ever. We went with young kids (aged 2 - 8) and there were so many activities for them to do, from tennis, to feeding the animals, to swimming. The kids (and adults) loved the slippery slide, and watching the kids kayak in the evening whilst we sat by the fire pit in the evening was a highlight. I would 100% recommend and we'd love to come back.

J

Jennifer

January 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Shacks at Kardella Park

We spent the long weekend at glamping tent in the garden area. It was great. I’ve stayed in many different types of accomodation, from non powered site to fancy hotels. I don’t use this word even for the five star hotels that I have stayed before but the bathroom and the toilet onsite are SPOTLESS. Both Damian and Ally are very nice and welcoming. You have to come to stay to experience yourself. The only disappointment is the stay finished too soon and I wish I booked for longer.. 😄 Thank you for the nice weekend! We will be coming back! 🖤

C

Claire

January 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Springview Farm

Springview farm exceeded our expectations in every single way possible. The photos don’t do this spot justice - the privacy, the comfort, the small touches, it’s everything you could want for a weekend away. Jo went above and beyond to help us with things we were organising for our hens. We LOVED the dam and the slip n slide. The camp kitchen had everything we needed and the glamping setup was unbelievably cosy and comfy. We will be back without a doubt

J

Janelle

January 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Springview Farm

Thank you Jo for a magical weekend away. A perfect location for adults and children. We all had a lot of fun. Great hospitality and amenities. We are looking forward to visiting again.

L

Lindsey

January 2025

3 nights at Seven Hills Tallarook

Great experience on the farm, the children loved it! Thanks

T

Thomas

January 2025

With kids

3 nights at Springview Farm

Stayed there with my wife and kids over new years. It was brilliant, great set up, water slide was awesome and my 5 year old learnt to kayak! Jo was great, entertained the kids with feeding the animals and checking in. Cannot recommend this place highly enough. We’ll be back 100%!

Y

Yawen

December 2024

With kids

Weekend Trip to Shacks at Kardella Park

Damian and Alli were very friendly and helpful during our stay. The bathroom and toilet are very clean and tidy. My little one was so happy seeing ponies, goats and cows. The nearby beach was beautiful and very easy to access. It was a great glamping experience for us. Highly recommended.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best family-friendly glamping near Melbourne guide

When to go

Winter is notoriously cold and wet in the southern climes, although it’s not nearly as bad as locals like to say it is. The milder half of the year, from November to May, is best for camping; spring is lovely when the wildflowers are out. The Tidal River campground at Wilsons Promontory National Park is always booked out during summer and Easter school holidays and campsites are allocated by ballot, so you’ll need to plan ahead. See the Parks Victoria site for more information on how to apply.

Know before you go

Don’t fancy forking out a fortune buying camping gear? Hire what you need from the equipment library: https://www.equipmentlibrary.com.au/ They’ll even deliver if you live in inner Melbourne.
On a hot day it can be tempting to pitch your tent or park your campervan in the shade, but avoid camping under large gum trees as branches can fall without warning, even on still days. There’s a reason they’re called ‘widow makers.’
If you’re planning on camping in a national park visit the Parks Victoria site www.parks.vic.gov.au before you go for up to date information and alerts.