The best safari tent rentals 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.

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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.

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Top-rated campgrounds

1. Park Lane Phillip Island

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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.

2. NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Park

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75km from Melbourne · 73 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cowes, VIC

Looking for a relaxing island escape? At NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park, the charm of coastal villages meets the magic of little penguins waddling ashore at dusk. Located in Cowes on Phillip Island, this beachfront caravan park and camping spot is just a short drive from Melbourne – but feels a world away. Stay in a comfy cabin or set up on a spacious site just metres from the sand. Pets are welcome, and Cowes’ cafes, shops and restaurants are an easy stroll from your door (or tent). Wake to the sound of waves, unwind beneath the stars, and let island time take over. NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park is located in the town of Cowes on Phillip Island, two hours’ drive south of Melbourne. The park’s beachfront location on the bayside of Phillip Island provides uninterrupted access to sandy beaches and protected waters – but there’s waves to be had nearby for the surfers. The colorful cafes and shops of Cowes are within walking distance.

3. Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park

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53km from Melbourne · 232 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Badger Creek, VIC

Escape to the Yarra Valley and be surrounded by some of Victoria’s most stunning landscapes, native Australian wildlife, wineries, eateries, and more! Choose your style of stay from glamping pods and tents to caravanning and camping. There really is something for everyone. Relax with the local wildlife under a Gumtree or by the lake, or hit the swimming pools, bike pump track, giant jumping cushions, playgrounds, and more! We’ve got the whole family covered. We look forward to welcoming you to Park Lane Yarra Valley Holiday Park. We now welcome pets in some of our selected pet friendly cabins. Limited number of accommodation available and subject to availability.

4. Ukiyo Nature Retreat

68km from Melbourne · 1 site · Lodging · Fingal, VIC

Secluded, private, and surrounded by nature, our glamping tents for couples on the Mornington Peninsula are fully powered, cosy, and, most of all, private. Explore the Peninsula or simply take time out amongst the trees and open space. Ukiyo Nature Retreat is for over 18s only. Designed with couples in mind, Ukiyo offers tranquil surroundings immersed in nature, with majestic Moonah trees and plenty of space to escape from the stresses of life and reconnect. We have a maximum of four tents, each with its own private surroundings and hidden areas for couples to enjoy. Ukiyo is your private escape into nature. Located in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula, our retreat sits between the back beaches and the bay, near the famous Hawkes Farm and St Andrews Brewery (both approximately a 20-minute walk away), and a short drive to renowned walking trails like Bushrangers Bay. Local wineries are also close by, with the nearest just a 5-minute drive away. The world-famous Peninsula Hot Springs is also just a short drive from the retreat. We have one safari tent with a deck situated in a valley, surrounded by Moonahs, Coastal Banksias, and She-oaks, and a large Bell tent located slightly higher up, offering treetop views. Both tents feature a queen-size bed and are furnished with all the comforts you could need. Both options are fully powered. Designed with comfort in mind, you’ll find a cosy coonara and plenty of blankets in our common room at the back of the retreat, along with games, a fridge, and basic amenities. While there is no full cooking on-site, tea and coffee-making facilities and a small kitchen are available.

5. Maple Park Farm

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59km from Melbourne · 2 sites · Lodging · Kilmore East, VIC

Located under an hour north of Melbourne CBD, Maple Park is your perfect escape to unwind amongst our spacious gardens and myriad of creatures eager to be your friend. Fantastic outlook over the neighbouring ranges and bushland. We offer high end glamping options for farm stays as well equestrian facilities for clinics/rallies. We are pet friendly, with the Safari Tent being in a secure yard and Dome's deck also securely fenced. Bring your pet with you to enjoy the stay with you (we just ask to be on leash when out of the yard).

Stories from the community

S

Sandy

July 2025

With kids

2 nights at Maple Park Farm

Michael was welcoming and attentive, and the location offered just the right mix of adventure and relaxation. It was a perfect way to unplug and reconnect—with nature and each other. Would definitely recommend this experience to other families looking for a hassle-free outdoor getaway!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best safari tents 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.