Camping near Melbourne with wildlife watching
Some of Victoria's best camping experiences are right on Melbourne’s doorstep.
95% (3234 reviews)
95% (3234 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Melbourne
Star Hosts in Melbourne
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top campgrounds near Melbourne with wildlife watching
94%
(108)
Magic Mountain
2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Humevale, VIC
Nestled amongst the mountains just outside of the township of Whittlesea our 40-acre property sits above the clouds. This experience comes with sweeping views, a hidden waterfall, a clear campground, and plenty of wildlife.
The camping area is accessible by 4WD only, otherwise, strap on a backpack and earn it! (800m walk/hike from where a non-4WD can park). The waterfall is reached by a single trail track from the campsite, and you do need to be an experienced hiker to get to the waterfall. Which is part of the appeal!
We welcome self-contained campers, who bring their own toilet and take all waste with them. We have a strict Leave No Trace policy.
Or choose to stay in our beautiful A-frame cabin, with plush bedding, cozy fire, and outdoor lounge. More than anything else this is a place to relax and be away from normal, live outside yourself, and rediscover what weekends are for.
Dogs are welcome, so long as they don't bother the wildlife.
Campfires are allowed, BYO firewood or campers can collect fallen timber from the property.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$50
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(310)
Mt Martha Bushland Hideaway
3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Mount Martha, VIC
This property was originally part of a large farmland, divided into 5 acre lots. When we purchased in 1997, there wasn't a single tree on the place.
Over the years, we have revegetated the property with native and indigenous bushland, created a wetland that attracts many native animals including birds, lizards, possums and frogs to name a few.
Enjoy a hidden country escape on our 5 acre property on the Mornington Peninsula. Property features a wetland with jetty, roaming peacocks, chickens and sheep in an open woodland setting. A relaxed country atmosphere conveniently located near beaches, wineries, op shops and restaurants.
Up to 3 sites available (max 1 caravan/camper or 2 tents/dwellings per site)
Ideal for groups or individual campers.
Our property is surrounded on two sides by reserve, the Balcombe Creek and bushland.
BYO gear and set up in the paddock.
We will meet you on arrival and direct you to the campsites.
Access to a flushing toilet and a cold water tap/cold water shower with potable drinking water.
We prefer no dogs due to peacocks and sheep and our own dogs... but please ask before booking anyway, and we will accommodate on a case-by-case basis.
We are a 5 to 10-minute drive to the beautiful bay beaches of Mornington and Mt Martha and a 20-minute drive to Westernport bay and the surf beaches.
Close to the nearly 60 wineries on the Mornington Peninsula, an abundance of restaurants, Peninsula Hot Springs and other attractions such as Arthurs Sea Eagle cable car, Enchanted Maze Garden, and many amazing bush walks.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$60
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(587)
Shacks at Kardella Park
20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents47 acres · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$22
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
91%
(89)
Kinglake East End
7 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Kinglake, VIC
91 Gordons Bridge Road was once part of a pine plantation that had been planted in the late 60's and harvested just prior to the Black Saturday fires. Across the road from the Kinglake National Park, it is surrounded by protected flora and fauna. Victoria's Pink heath, wattles and tea tree provide a pleasant backdrop in season.
It is not an uncommon site to see an echidna or two on the property, with black wallabies, kangaroos and wombats often seen grazing on pasture in the evening. The mud turrets are the home of endangered land yabbies and Lyrebirds have been seen in the area. Feral deer have come to inhabit nearby properties and sometimes wonder down the track. Birds watchers will enjoy a variety of bird life that inhabit the area including eagle hawks, fairy wrens, kookaburras, rosellas, parrots and yellow tailed black cockatoos when in season.
The area is a popular spot for hikers with the start of the Mountain Creek trail only a few kms down Gordons Bridge Road and serious cyclists train regularly, on Mount Slide, especially on the weekend. For the serious wine lover the property is within 15km of the Yarra Valley Wine Growing area with many wineries offering tastings.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$12
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(91)
Strath Creek Station
9 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Strath Creek , VIC
Nestled in the valley of a thousand hills, Strath Creek Station is your ideal quick getaway, being only a 1 1/2-hour drive from Melbourne CBD. Situated on 90 acres with direct access to the King Parrot Creek, we are dog-friendly and have a large secure dog park for your pooch to exercise and play, but dogs must be on lead in camping areas.
There is a large flat camping area that can accommodate any size self contained caravan, including fifth wheelers or horse goosenecks.
A large rustic rotunda with BBQs is available for those lazy afternoons spent relaxing by the creek. For cooler nights, there is a huge firebox.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$23
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(39)
Boulder Brook Valley
1 site · RV, Tent100 acres · Bulla, VIC
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 pigs and chickens, grow hay and keep bees
Enjoy a campsite with complete privacy from our family and neighbours, and take a breather from the noise of the world
Complete serenity & privacy and only 45 minutes from the CBD,
10 minute drive to diggers rest and sunbury if you need supplies and only 5 minute drive to the nearest servo
You can even have pizza delivered to this property!! :o
"I like that boulder, that is a nice boulder"
- Donkey
Pets
Campfires
Cooking equipment
from
AU$75
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(898)
Iron Brook Donkey Farm
22 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · East Warburton, VIC
Rolling hills of mountain pasture, backing on to the Yarra State Forest.
Bushwalk along the little creek among tall trees and majestic tree ferns, or just sit in a deck chair and take in the exquisite views at the top of the hill.
Multiple tracks head through the Yarra State Forest where you can wind your way along dirt roads through to Noojee, Powelltown, or Reefton, each of which have a cosy pub at the end of the drive.
There are different campsite
locations on the property, depending on if you would like isolation or convenience.
We also
offer excellent toilet and bathroom facilities which are now included with all bookings.
Iron Brook Donkey Farm is located on rolling hills of mountain pasture, backing on to the Yarra State Forest.
Bushwalk along the little creek among tall trees and majestic tree ferns, or just sit in a deck chair and take in the exquisite views at the top of the hill.
Multiple tracks head through the Yarra State Forest where you can wind your way along dirt roads through to Noojee, Powelltown, or Reefton, each of which have a cosy pub at the end of the drive.
The donkey farm is situated conveniently, halfway between the popular redwood forest, and the giant Ada tree walk.
Just chill in your own time, or book an activity or a donkey ride.
Donkeys can take riders up to 70kg
We do allow pets, but this MUST be discussed with us prior to booking as we have strict rules around this. We also allow campfires only when fire restrictions aren't in place - which is often all summer.
Children under 3 are free, but for insurance purposes, please mention them in the comments.
This property has an overall capacity to ensure that our number of visitors remain low. This not only ensures that campers recieve the space and peace they look for in a campsite like this, but also so that we can ensure the bathrooms can be kept clean and not overloaded. This is also a part of our COVID safe plan.
Due to this overall capacity it is important that you book for the number of people that you intend to have stay, as while we try to accomodate increases to booking numbers, they are not guaranteed unless booked. If we have met overall capacity then we may not be able to approve increases to booking numbers. This is for the comfort and safety of all our visitors. Thank you
If you intend to purchase firewood or power or donkey rides or anything from the Donkey Shop during your stay, please bring cash to pay, and payments must be made up front, unfortunately, too often guests have been leaving without having paid for their rides or firewood.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$20
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(394)
The Fern Glade
3 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Murrindindi, VIC
Nestled right beside the Murrundini River, all 3 campsites are beside the river, and well spaced apart for privacy and peace. Campsite 2 (site two) is shady,
surrounded by tall swamp gums, black wood wattles and tree ferns. This spot is at its best from late spring through to autumn .
Site One is a large flat area beside 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 there are plenty of fish for those that want to try their luck.
The original home stead (built in
1876) burnt down in the 2009 black Saturday fires. There still remains many 150+ year old elms and other European trees near the toilet block, which are
delightful in autumn.
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
& rare bird life to enjoy and photograph. (see guests photos)
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Cooking equipment
from
AU$60
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(375)
Dromkeen Macdeon Ranges
8 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · 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
Trash
from
AU$45
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(243)
Mt Hope Vineyard Estate.
2 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Dixons Creek, VIC
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
Potable water
Campfires
from
AU$45
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(302)
Seven Hills Tallarook
22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents600 acres · 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, cattle, 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).
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
92%
(73)
Toolangi Springwater Forest Camp
1 site · RV, Tent6 acres · Toolangi, VIC
The property, Springwater, is on six acres amongst the tall trees and has two ponds served by a natural spring. We only have one campsite available at the very rear beside the forest so you will have complete privacy.
There is an area of thick native forest and a stand of the critically endangered bush, the Round-leaf Pomaderris, right near the camping area.
There is an abundance of birdlife at the camping location, including kookaburras, fairy wrens, greater shrike thrushes, robins, bellbirds, wedge-tail eagles, magpies and owls (namely boobooks).
We are within easy reach of Toolangi State Forest with many walks and trails, including the WirraWilla Rainforest Walk and the Kalatha Giant Mountain Ash tree walk.
This area is also popular for 4 wheel driving and there are plenty of tracks in the nearby state forest if you have the correct gear, vehicle and an appreciation for the wilderness.
Healesville, Yarra Glen and Kinglake are equal distance away (18-20 minute drives) with services, plenty of cafes, restaurants, wineries and shopping:
Healesville: Coles, IGA, Aldi
Yarra Glen: IGA
Kinglake: Foodworks
Relax around the fire in the evenings (out of the fire danger season) and enjoy some great star gazing. Sorry, no pets. There is a toilet block onsite with a camp toilet but you can bring your own camping toilet if you desire. Please leave our beautiful spot as you found it, take your rubbish with you and respect the natural environment :)
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$100
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Under $50
Available this weekend
Camping near Melbourne with wildlife watching guide
Overview
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.
Great Ocean Road
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.
Wilsons Promontory
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.
Mornington Peninsula
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.
Dandenong Ranges
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.
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: http://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.
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.