The best waterside camping near Warburton
This Yarra Valley getaway has vineyards, forest hikes, and waterfalls right on its doorstep.
The best waterside camping near Warburton guide
Where to go
Yarra Valley
Blanketed with Californian redwood and mountain ash, the forested hills of the Yarra Ranges National Park are a gigantic playground for outdoor adventurers. Match your activity with the season: hit the ski slopes at Mount Donna Buang, admire the wildflowers during a spring hike, or enjoy summer rock climbing at Ben Cairn. There are two first-come, first-served camping areas in the Yarra State Forest, both with unpowered sites, picnic tables, and firepits.
Dandenong Ranges
West of Warburton, the Dandenong Ranges are peppered with historic villages and tranquil camping spots. Mount Dandenong is the star attraction of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, where you can hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride through rolling hills and woodlands. Don’t miss a ride on the Puffing Billy Steam Train and the scenic walk to Olinda Falls.
Murrindindi
North of the Yarra Ranges, Marysville is a popular basecamp for exploring the mountain valleys, waterfalls, and sleepy villages of Murrindindi shire. Snag a lakeside campsite at Lake Eildon National Park and spend your time boating, waterskiing, and kayaking on the lake, camp at Rubicon Falls, or hike to remote bush camps in the Cathedral Range State Park.
When to go
Warburton is open for business through all four seasons, but campsites fill up during the peak summer months and over holiday weekends, so book ahead. Wildflowers pepper the Yarra Ranges in spring and summer, affording magnificent views for hikers, and the landscapes transform with colourful fall foliage through autumn. In winter, nearby Mt. Donna Buang is Melbourne’s closest winter sports destination.