The best ranch camping near Mornington

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A hour’s drive from downtown Melbourne, Mornington has a coastal holiday vibe with plenty of foreshore camping sites overlooking Port Phillip Bay. The sheltered waters of Western Port and Hastings are a short drive away, as are the seaside villages of Rosebud, Portsea, and Sorrento, where a car and passenger ferry connects the Mornington Peninsula with the Bellarine Peninsula, Queenstown, and Geelong. Camping accommodations are plentiful with tent sites and holiday parks all over. Don’t miss the geothermal mineral pools and spa at Peninsula Hot Springs, where campers can bathe in gorgeous natural surroundings.

98% (598)

Top-rated campgrounds near Mornington

3. Herbs Joint

91%
(16)
54km from Mornington · 19 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$43
 / night

5. Mountain Flower Farm

97%
(188)
80km from Mornington · 5 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. ( 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
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$51
 / night

7. Nerrigundah Contrée Sauvage

97%
(54)
62km from Mornington · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled in the heart of nature, Nerrigundah Wilderness offers a serene escape where the beauty of the wild meets the tranquility of the mountains. Surrounded by towering trees, lush greenery, and the soothing sounds of a crystal-clear creek, this campsite is a haven for those seeking an immersive outdoor experience. Venture into the nearby blackberry orchard, where you can enjoy picking fresh, juicy berries while surrounded by the fragrance of the wild. The orchard’s winding rows offer a peaceful place to explore or relax under the shade of the trees. As you wander through the landscape, you’ll encounter a diverse array of wildlife—from curious platypus to vibrant birds, each adding to the natural charm of this idyllic setting. The mountains loom in the distance, providing a stunning backdrop for your adventure. Whether you're hiking through the nearby trails, fishing in the creek, or simply basking in the quietude of the forest, Nerrigundah Wilderness Retreat is a true sanctuary for nature lovers. Reconnect with the earth, unwind in the beauty of untouched wilderness, and make memories in a place where every moment feels like a peaceful escape from the world. Kids under 12 stay free. Please still add them to your booking so we know numbers, but there will be no charge.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night

11. Casa Cucina / River House / Quirky

100%
(29)
68km from Mornington · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Casa Cucina or the River House, a whimsical, quiet space to chill and enjoy the unique environment, calm and beauty. PLEASE NOTE UP FRONT, Our page says 1 site, this site can hold 4 caravans and 2 tents at any one time, in one group. Each Van/ tent allows for 2 adults. For more than one van, you add to the booking on the last page of booking. If you are unsure, please inbox me BEFORE completing your booking. We are 1 hour East of Melbourne along the M1, (and a couple of kms off the M1). Situated in West Gippsland, Casa Cucina is a feast for the senses from the alpine majesty of the Baw Baw Plateau, the Bunyip State Forest, the lush green valleys, to the rivers and streams… there is always something to do in West Gippsland for the curious. Other attractions in the area are Gumbuya World, Nangara Reserve, Noojee and Neerim South, PLUS of course the wineries. The Tarago River backs onto our small yet spacious, open yet shaded space. The river is shallow for paddling, as well as ‘swimmable’ (at your own risk), a lovely spot to cool off on our warm summer days, or a mesmerising place to sit, watch, read, contemplate, draw or write. Some large old Mountain Ash remain along the river bank, with lots of new plantings. It is not uncommon to see an echidna, a variety of stunning birdlife, and on dusk, maybe a wombat family. We also host a family of platypus if you are very quiet. Our river block can hold up to 4 caravans (under 10 metres) and a couple of tents in one group (one booking). In addition, the upper adjoining block can accommodate 2 caravans (enquire for this option). This is a single group occupancy site so you can enjoy the privacy of your group. If you wish to hook into our powered site, please add $10 per night, per van. All campers will also have access to our Casa Cucina gorgeous eclectic, quirky community space to sit in out of the weather. Please note: This is not an accommodation space. As a reminder, all campers will need to be Self Contained as we have no toilet facilities, no access to fresh water, cold showers only and no cooking facilities. Also remember if you wish to have a fire in our firepit, you MUST bring your own wood.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$55
 / night

14. Maple Cottage Farm Stay

11km from Mornington · 3 sites · Lodging
Wilindi Estate Country Cottages are a one of a kind unique farm stay experience. Located just a 55-minute drive from Melbournes’ CBD. Famous for its wineries, pristine beaches and fine food, the Mornington Peninsula location, is perfect for a holiday or a mini escape at any time of year. We invite you to share our beautiful property and get up close and personal with our animal encounters on our farm tour. Wilindi Estate hosts 3 cosy, yet modern cottages, including ‘Poplar Cottage” with full disability access. Visit our little slice of paradise for a romantic getaway, restful respite, family fun, or a wellbeing escape, and soak up the country vibes at Wilindi Estate. Maple Cottage @Wilindi Estate is a 2-bedroom cottage, with its own private, fenced garden. Interiors have been curated with an eclectic mix of contemporary and antique farm furnishings. The cosy living area with garden views includes a fully equipped kitchenette with bench top oven and dishwasher. The stylish master bedroom boasts a tall raked ceiling providing a spacious ambiance. A unique, porthole window also doubles as a reading seat where you can while away the hours enjoying the view of the property. A plush velvet queen bed adds a touch of luxury. The second bedroom offers a bunk bed & a trundle bed the sleeps 3. The pièce de résistance is the stunning privately hedged terrace, offering an outdoor barbecue and beautiful sunsets all year round. The shared pool is such a special place and is solar heated all-year-round. If the outside temperature is below 25 or there hasn't been allot of sun, solar heating is usually not enough for a comfortable swim. We can use the electrical heating and the additional charge is $90 per day to guarantee a heated pool from 26-32 degrees. If this sounds like something you'd like, please book at least 7 days in advance as the heating will Be turned on 48 hours before your arrival. WEDDING PARTIES, PHOTOGRAPHY, EXTRA VISITORS: We enjoy hosting brides-to-be and love the photos that are taken, but there are some things to note; • Use of our property for wedding photos or any photo shoots costs $250 for up to 2 hours • There are a maximum of 10 additional visitors allowed including photographer, hair/makeup, videographer • Guests names and vehicle license plates must be registered with Wilindi Estate owner via email • There are 3 additional cars allowed on the property only • Extra guests must ask permission to use the facilities including, but not limited to, pool, play equipment, barn • Extra guests are not allowed to interact with the animals • The booked guest is responsible for their additional guests and will be responsible for any damage caused. • Extra rubbish generated (wrapping paper/boxes) must be removed from the property by the booked guest
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
AU$482
 / night

16. Trickle Hill Cottage

100%
(1)
53km from Mornington · 1 site · Lodging
Trickle Hill is a lovely cottage tucked away at the edge of our bush. You have your own little patio, and can go for adventurous walks straight from your living room ! We are close to Dandenong ranges, Yarra valley, Bunyip state park, and Puffing Billy. We are just behind Avalon castle- so great if you are attending a wedding We welcome couples, solo adventurers and families. We are of course LGBTI+ friendly! Dogs are very welcome. The cottage is a converted shed, with three bedrooms, a lovely living area and a cosy closed woodfire. We have a sheltered outdoor area, where you can have a barbeque, or have a small fire in a firedish. The cottage is in the bush, so you can walk out and try to find our resident breeding pair of Lyrebirds, echidnas, wombats, wallabies and kangaroos or the deer that live in our 'back yard'. Or just roam, which shouldn't be too hard on 67 acres . We are close to massive areas of bush with open trails. Dogs are very welcome- no cats. As we live in the bush, we do our best to keep everything as 'green' as we can- so please don't use harsh chemicals. Living in the bush brings with it that you cannot light a fire in fire danger periods, and, heating on a woodstove, means there is a hot stove in the room. (watch those little fingers...) Our aim is to give you a place of rest and enjoyment. We love to share our space as we love it here so much- and hope you love it too. As life is a project - don't expect 10* linen and luxury, state of the art gardens and clipped lawns, but a friendly welcoming atmosphere where you can be yourself and relax. We love to have visitors, and chat for a bit- or leave you to relax. The cottage is on the edge of the bush, where you are welcome to roam on the tracks or off them- at your own risk :-) We are both artists, and our studio's are close to the cottage, which might make some noise, but we'll try to keep it at a minimum when guests are here. The upside is, you could learn something if interested :-) (contact us for workshops) We have a working hobby farm- with some machinery, animals (pigs, dogs, horses, ducks and chickens). You can interact with the animals if you talk to us about safety first, but the horse paddock is out of bounds. ( they can behave unpredictable, are very large (!) and very valuable) Our dogs are very friendly and will most probably visit you. Our puppy still has lots to learn :-) Our property is stock- fenced, our animals will stay in, but dogs are able to roam if they are not staying with you. There is no secure yard to leave your dog during the day, you are expected to be in control of your dogs at all times. If they are ok with horses, chooks and dogs, and under voice command, they can be off leash. Dogs are not to sleep on the beds. We are a rural property with animals, and there are dams on the property, (not close to the cottage) so please keep an eye on children - we cannot take responsibility for your persons or animals. Living on a farm means that not everything is neat, safe, flat or person-proof. Often there is actual work being done involving machinery. Coming here is entirely at your own risk. (sorry for all the disclaimers...) But- of course- if there is anything we can do to make your visit more pleasurable, we will do our best to do so!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
AU$392
 / night

A hour’s drive from downtown Melbourne, Mornington has a coastal holiday vibe with plenty of foreshore camping sites overlooking Port Phillip Bay. The sheltered waters of Western Port and Hastings are a short drive away, as are the seaside villages of Rosebud, Portsea, and Sorrento, where a car and passenger ferry connects the Mornington Peninsula with the Bellarine Peninsula, Queenstown, and Geelong. Camping accommodations are plentiful with tent sites and holiday parks all over. Don’t miss the geothermal mineral pools and spa at Peninsula Hot Springs, where campers can bathe in gorgeous natural surroundings.

98% (598)

Top-rated campgrounds near Mornington

3. Herbs Joint

91%
(16)
54km from Mornington · 19 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$43
 / night

5. Mountain Flower Farm

97%
(188)
80km from Mornington · 5 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. ( 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
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$51
 / night

7. Nerrigundah Contrée Sauvage

97%
(54)
62km from Mornington · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled in the heart of nature, Nerrigundah Wilderness offers a serene escape where the beauty of the wild meets the tranquility of the mountains. Surrounded by towering trees, lush greenery, and the soothing sounds of a crystal-clear creek, this campsite is a haven for those seeking an immersive outdoor experience. Venture into the nearby blackberry orchard, where you can enjoy picking fresh, juicy berries while surrounded by the fragrance of the wild. The orchard’s winding rows offer a peaceful place to explore or relax under the shade of the trees. As you wander through the landscape, you’ll encounter a diverse array of wildlife—from curious platypus to vibrant birds, each adding to the natural charm of this idyllic setting. The mountains loom in the distance, providing a stunning backdrop for your adventure. Whether you're hiking through the nearby trails, fishing in the creek, or simply basking in the quietude of the forest, Nerrigundah Wilderness Retreat is a true sanctuary for nature lovers. Reconnect with the earth, unwind in the beauty of untouched wilderness, and make memories in a place where every moment feels like a peaceful escape from the world. Kids under 12 stay free. Please still add them to your booking so we know numbers, but there will be no charge.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night

11. Casa Cucina / River House / Quirky

100%
(29)
68km from Mornington · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Casa Cucina or the River House, a whimsical, quiet space to chill and enjoy the unique environment, calm and beauty. PLEASE NOTE UP FRONT, Our page says 1 site, this site can hold 4 caravans and 2 tents at any one time, in one group. Each Van/ tent allows for 2 adults. For more than one van, you add to the booking on the last page of booking. If you are unsure, please inbox me BEFORE completing your booking. We are 1 hour East of Melbourne along the M1, (and a couple of kms off the M1). Situated in West Gippsland, Casa Cucina is a feast for the senses from the alpine majesty of the Baw Baw Plateau, the Bunyip State Forest, the lush green valleys, to the rivers and streams… there is always something to do in West Gippsland for the curious. Other attractions in the area are Gumbuya World, Nangara Reserve, Noojee and Neerim South, PLUS of course the wineries. The Tarago River backs onto our small yet spacious, open yet shaded space. The river is shallow for paddling, as well as ‘swimmable’ (at your own risk), a lovely spot to cool off on our warm summer days, or a mesmerising place to sit, watch, read, contemplate, draw or write. Some large old Mountain Ash remain along the river bank, with lots of new plantings. It is not uncommon to see an echidna, a variety of stunning birdlife, and on dusk, maybe a wombat family. We also host a family of platypus if you are very quiet. Our river block can hold up to 4 caravans (under 10 metres) and a couple of tents in one group (one booking). In addition, the upper adjoining block can accommodate 2 caravans (enquire for this option). This is a single group occupancy site so you can enjoy the privacy of your group. If you wish to hook into our powered site, please add $10 per night, per van. All campers will also have access to our Casa Cucina gorgeous eclectic, quirky community space to sit in out of the weather. Please note: This is not an accommodation space. As a reminder, all campers will need to be Self Contained as we have no toilet facilities, no access to fresh water, cold showers only and no cooking facilities. Also remember if you wish to have a fire in our firepit, you MUST bring your own wood.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$55
 / night

14. Maple Cottage Farm Stay

11km from Mornington · 3 sites · Lodging
Wilindi Estate Country Cottages are a one of a kind unique farm stay experience. Located just a 55-minute drive from Melbournes’ CBD. Famous for its wineries, pristine beaches and fine food, the Mornington Peninsula location, is perfect for a holiday or a mini escape at any time of year. We invite you to share our beautiful property and get up close and personal with our animal encounters on our farm tour. Wilindi Estate hosts 3 cosy, yet modern cottages, including ‘Poplar Cottage” with full disability access. Visit our little slice of paradise for a romantic getaway, restful respite, family fun, or a wellbeing escape, and soak up the country vibes at Wilindi Estate. Maple Cottage @Wilindi Estate is a 2-bedroom cottage, with its own private, fenced garden. Interiors have been curated with an eclectic mix of contemporary and antique farm furnishings. The cosy living area with garden views includes a fully equipped kitchenette with bench top oven and dishwasher. The stylish master bedroom boasts a tall raked ceiling providing a spacious ambiance. A unique, porthole window also doubles as a reading seat where you can while away the hours enjoying the view of the property. A plush velvet queen bed adds a touch of luxury. The second bedroom offers a bunk bed & a trundle bed the sleeps 3. The pièce de résistance is the stunning privately hedged terrace, offering an outdoor barbecue and beautiful sunsets all year round. The shared pool is such a special place and is solar heated all-year-round. If the outside temperature is below 25 or there hasn't been allot of sun, solar heating is usually not enough for a comfortable swim. We can use the electrical heating and the additional charge is $90 per day to guarantee a heated pool from 26-32 degrees. If this sounds like something you'd like, please book at least 7 days in advance as the heating will Be turned on 48 hours before your arrival. WEDDING PARTIES, PHOTOGRAPHY, EXTRA VISITORS: We enjoy hosting brides-to-be and love the photos that are taken, but there are some things to note; • Use of our property for wedding photos or any photo shoots costs $250 for up to 2 hours • There are a maximum of 10 additional visitors allowed including photographer, hair/makeup, videographer • Guests names and vehicle license plates must be registered with Wilindi Estate owner via email • There are 3 additional cars allowed on the property only • Extra guests must ask permission to use the facilities including, but not limited to, pool, play equipment, barn • Extra guests are not allowed to interact with the animals • The booked guest is responsible for their additional guests and will be responsible for any damage caused. • Extra rubbish generated (wrapping paper/boxes) must be removed from the property by the booked guest
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
AU$482
 / night

16. Trickle Hill Cottage

100%
(1)
53km from Mornington · 1 site · Lodging
Trickle Hill is a lovely cottage tucked away at the edge of our bush. You have your own little patio, and can go for adventurous walks straight from your living room ! We are close to Dandenong ranges, Yarra valley, Bunyip state park, and Puffing Billy. We are just behind Avalon castle- so great if you are attending a wedding We welcome couples, solo adventurers and families. We are of course LGBTI+ friendly! Dogs are very welcome. The cottage is a converted shed, with three bedrooms, a lovely living area and a cosy closed woodfire. We have a sheltered outdoor area, where you can have a barbeque, or have a small fire in a firedish. The cottage is in the bush, so you can walk out and try to find our resident breeding pair of Lyrebirds, echidnas, wombats, wallabies and kangaroos or the deer that live in our 'back yard'. Or just roam, which shouldn't be too hard on 67 acres . We are close to massive areas of bush with open trails. Dogs are very welcome- no cats. As we live in the bush, we do our best to keep everything as 'green' as we can- so please don't use harsh chemicals. Living in the bush brings with it that you cannot light a fire in fire danger periods, and, heating on a woodstove, means there is a hot stove in the room. (watch those little fingers...) Our aim is to give you a place of rest and enjoyment. We love to share our space as we love it here so much- and hope you love it too. As life is a project - don't expect 10* linen and luxury, state of the art gardens and clipped lawns, but a friendly welcoming atmosphere where you can be yourself and relax. We love to have visitors, and chat for a bit- or leave you to relax. The cottage is on the edge of the bush, where you are welcome to roam on the tracks or off them- at your own risk :-) We are both artists, and our studio's are close to the cottage, which might make some noise, but we'll try to keep it at a minimum when guests are here. The upside is, you could learn something if interested :-) (contact us for workshops) We have a working hobby farm- with some machinery, animals (pigs, dogs, horses, ducks and chickens). You can interact with the animals if you talk to us about safety first, but the horse paddock is out of bounds. ( they can behave unpredictable, are very large (!) and very valuable) Our dogs are very friendly and will most probably visit you. Our puppy still has lots to learn :-) Our property is stock- fenced, our animals will stay in, but dogs are able to roam if they are not staying with you. There is no secure yard to leave your dog during the day, you are expected to be in control of your dogs at all times. If they are ok with horses, chooks and dogs, and under voice command, they can be off leash. Dogs are not to sleep on the beds. We are a rural property with animals, and there are dams on the property, (not close to the cottage) so please keep an eye on children - we cannot take responsibility for your persons or animals. Living on a farm means that not everything is neat, safe, flat or person-proof. Often there is actual work being done involving machinery. Coming here is entirely at your own risk. (sorry for all the disclaimers...) But- of course- if there is anything we can do to make your visit more pleasurable, we will do our best to do so!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
AU$392
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
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The best ranch camping near Mornington guide

Where to go

Frankston

This area is prime for family camping, serving as a home base for exploring the region. Expect campsites and holiday parks offering leafy tent sites and shaded caravan sites with access to camp kitchens, free wifi, and even swimming pools.

Sorrento and Portsea

At the far western reaches of the Mornington Peninsula, Sorrento and Portsea are the favoured weekend getaway hotspots for Melbournians. The region is dotted with vineyards and wineries, with restaurants and cafes in abundance. Portsea Pier is a timber jetty jutting out into the bay providing a safe swimming enclosure with the jetty a popular spot for walking and fishing.

Hastings

Overlooking the protected waterway of Western Port and French Island, Hastings is great for holidaymakers with a keen interest in fishing or boating ,or for surfing the beaches of Mornington Peninsula’s south coast. Look out for pet-friendly holiday parks on the waterfront with powered sites for motorhomes, campervans, and campers.

When to go

Summer is peak season in Victoria with campsites, caravan parks, and holiday parks often booked well ahead during holidays, especially Christmas and Easter. Quieter times occur after the Australia Day long weekend in January when school holidays finish. Mornington and surrounds are a popular weekend getaway spot for Melbournians year-round, so holiday parks and campsites are usually quieter during the week. If you’re into cosy winter escapes, Mornington Peninsula has plenty to offer, especially for kite surfers, boaties, and fishermen who can launch small boats from boat ramps strung along Port Phillip Bay.

Know before you go

  • Caravan sites and holiday parks are typically set either inland or along Port Phillip Bay from Mornington to Rosebud, Rye, Sorrento and Hastings.
  • Foreshore camping sites are available from October to April and are in high demand—check Mornington Peninsula Shire website to find out when bookings open at Rosebud, Rye, and Sorrento. Council-run campsites have bathrooms as well as laundries, BBQs, and powered and non-powered sites.
  • A passenger-carrying car ferry links east and west coasts of Port Phillip Bay, making it possible to do a circumnavigation of the bay from Melbourne.
  • Mornington Peninsula has two coastlines with wildly different shores: calm and protected on the Port Phillip Bay northern side, and beaches exposed to Bass Strait with wild surf and breakers on the southern side.
  • Snorkel or scuba dive from the beach at Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park to see dolphins, seals, and weedy sea dragons.