The best bell tent rentals in Phillip Island

If you want to see some of Australia’s iconic animals, Victoria’s Phillip Island is a must-visit. Famed for its free-roaming penguins and the country’s largest colony of fur seals, the island is also home to the Phillip Island Wildlife Park, with more than 100 different species of native animals, as well as a koala conservation center. You’ll also find a dramatic coastline with beaches perfect for swimming and surfing. Many travelers visit on a day trip from Melbourne, but by setting up camp for a night or more, you’ll get to enjoy all the island has to offer.

96% (661)

Top-rated campgrounds

Date: 27/01/2024
Location: Shack’s Top Paddock, Indented Head
Weather: beautiful + light breeze
Gear: Mogu Outdoors
Camera: Fujifilm X-T4

If you want to see some of Australia’s iconic animals, Victoria’s Phillip Island is a must-visit. Famed for its free-roaming penguins and the country’s largest colony of fur seals, the island is also home to the Phillip Island Wildlife Park, with more than 100 different species of native animals, as well as a koala conservation center. You’ll also find a dramatic coastline with beaches perfect for swimming and surfing. Many travelers visit on a day trip from Melbourne, but by setting up camp for a night or more, you’ll get to enjoy all the island has to offer.

96% (661)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Shacks at Kardella Park

99%

(767)

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.

2. Polly's Paddock

100%

(6)

3 sites · RVs, Lodging · Mount Martha, VIC

Pollys paddock is named after a beautiful palomino horse named Polly, who lived here as a loved member of our family into her early 40s. Polly's Paddock is a quiet camping area on the Mornington Peninsula. We are a couples only camping (adults only), no children, for safety reasons with a dam close by. Only 15 minutes from Mount Martha village and Mornington, restaurants, amazing wineries, weekend markets, cafes and golf courses. We are 10 minutes from swimming beaches and 20 minutes from surf beaches. This is a 5.5 acre block, consisting of the host’s residence, garden and parkland. Polly's Paddock is half of the block. We offer 2 flat caravan sites, both with drinking water , 1 with limited power , the other no power. There is a site with a glamping tent set in the garden. The 6 metre round tent sleeps 2, with a queen size bed, linen provided. It is carpeted, has a fridge, kettle and BBQ. Just pack your toothbrush, clothes, food and drinks. All 3 sites have the use of a shared composting toilet. For a refreshing experience there is an outdoor, open air hot shower overlooking the dam. Close by is a spacious shelter/shed with tables, chairs and a rustic kitchen area with sink and heater. Well behaved dogs are accepted on the caravan sites, but we ask that you please discuss with us prior to booking. Dogs are to be kept on a lead at all times, wild ducks and the properties own poultry wander here. No dogs on the glamping tent site. Campfires are allowed during the cooler months, left to the hosts discretion for safety reasons. We supply a fire pit. BYO wood. No fires apart from in the fire pits provided are to be lit. Fires are to be extinguished before going to bed or leaving. One vehicle per site Potable water available Water hookup Dump point, but no garbage disposal facilities Guests must take all rubbish home when they leave Check in after 1pm. Before 5pm Check out before 11am Minimum 1 night stay in caravan sites Minimum 2 night stay in glamping tent Maximum stay 5 nights

3. Salt Wood Glamping

98%

(30)

9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Rosebud, VIC

Salt Wood Glamping at The Farm 191 is 36 acres of forest dense land situated on the top of the hill next to Arthur’s Seat National forest. Easily explore all of the Mornington Peninsulas coastline, wineries, hot springs and nature walks. The Vibe and Location : Surrounded by indigenous grass trees and native bushland, private and situated high up on the hill to capture filtered sunrises and sunsets. Easily accessed making it a perfect base to relax and also explore the Mornington Peninsula Region. 10 minute walk to Kings Falls, 10 minutes drive to McCrae beach, Arthur’s Seat and Red Hill and 25 minutes drive to the world famous Peninsula Hot Springs. Very close to lots of amazing cafes and restaurants. Check out my guide book for some local gems! Depending on your site you will have forest, bush or sea views. We offer the following camping and glamping situations - Bring your own tent or RV or Caravan sitch : Bring your own set up and do your own thing! We have an outdoor bathroom you are welcome to use with a shower and a toilet. Glamping Life : We provide a glamper for you complete with a double bed, fresh linen, table and lounging chairs. Extra single bed available on request. A hamper on arrival with snacks and continental breakfast sourced locally and bottles of fresh rainwater for drinking. When booking the glamping tent package you can also make use of the luxurious outdoor bathroom with open shower and private toilet.

4. Iluka Retreat

3 sites · Lodging · Rosebud, VIC

Our 36 acre property offers group lodge accommodation, and glamping bell tents on manicured lawns. The property is stunning with a swimming lake, wetlands, bird hides, and rolling hills. Located between the coastal town of Shoreham & Red Hill. Iluka offers a “Back to Nature” style getaway which allows guests to switch off and enjoy the great outdoors.

5. Springview Farm

100%

(46)

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

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.

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 bell tents in Phillip Island guide

Where to go

Summerlands

On the southwestern tip of Phillip Island, Summerlands is home to the island’s main attraction, the Penguin Parade. The natural spectacle of tens of thousands of penguins emerging from the ocean and waddling toward their nests takes place just after sunset every evening. Nearby you’ll find Nobbies Centre, outside of which you can see fur seals and birds, then learn about them through interactive displays. As Summerlands is a protected area, you’ll need to set up camp a little farther away. Nevertheless, you’ll find camping areas within a 10-minute drive.

Ventnor

In the small town of Ventnor, just a five-minute drive from the Penguin Parade, camping options include upscale glamping near Berry’s Beach and rural settings near Ventnor Beach.

Cowes

As the island’s main township, Cowes is home to several accommodation options, including camping areas. Your choices include family-friendly holiday parks with access to both the beach and nearby shops and restaurants.

Newhaven

In the southeast of the island, minutes from San Remo, Newhaven is home to caravan parks set upon sand dunes. Some parks feature powered caravan sites and non-powered camping grounds, plus comforts such as wifi and family playgrounds.