non-commercial camp grounds for tents 2-4 hours from Melbourne

those with toilets and hot showers

Gippsland
- Wilsons Promontory National Park - "The Prom"
- Golden Beach / Paradise Beach
  - coin hot shower at General Store
  - Paradise Beach bookings
  - Golden beach camps are free but need to go to main area for toilets
    - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lDWX7KYcR4
    - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSDboQ2mvdk
- showers also available at Loch Sport Marina Google map
- 36hr RV site Metung Free hot showers at the brick toilet block behind the yacht club, next to the bowls club.
- free hot showers around the lakes at Lakes Entrance see https://trailersailerplace.com.au/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=6759&
NE Victoria
- Oxley Recreation Reserve
  - formed in 1865 and is a unique 47-hectare mix of bushland and cleared areas, backing onto the King River
  - a large well-grassed level area with scattered shade – perfect for those travelling with horses as there are horse yards and water available
  - ?hot showers, ?small fee
  - https://www.visitwangaratta.com.au/ATDW/Attractions/Oxley-Recreation-Reserve-60543abfbc373d564e79014f
- Broken Creek Bush Camp
  - CLOSED PERMANENTLY from 1st Dec 2023
  - 2hrs 15min from NW suburbs; get gourmet pies or soup and coffee at Jackson's Produce Store and Cafe in Violet Town en route;
  - private farm just north of Benalla with flush toilets, wood-fired hot showers, full camp kitchen and 240V power outlets in the large shed with lounges and 2 wood fires; caretaker and/or owners on site;
  - $10/night via honesty box at entrance; $20 per wheelbarrow wood for either the indoor fireplaces or outdoor firepits;
  - portaloos are located at further sites from the main area; generators allowed in the areas near the entrance which are well away from main area where generators only allowed for 2hrs/day;
  - great option for grey nomads with their vans but also for others with tents or vans looking to explore the region and for larger groups even in winter
  - non-potable water; 3G mobile only; some highway noise; don't camp under the many redgums!
- Mt Buffalo NP - Lake Catani camping area
  - bookings
  - 1300m elevation; bitumen access; may snow!
  - closes over winter! re-opens for Melb Cup weekend
- Tungamah
  - 2hr 40min from NW subs; 18min SW of Yarrawonga; donation required;
  - flush toilets, hot showers; public tennis courts, good playground, short walk into the village 300m;
  - 500m of camping along Boosey Creek
  - 30min N of Broken Creek Bush Camp Benalla
  - 30min SE of Cobram; 35min E of Numurkah;
SW Victoria:
- NB. Port Fairy Folk Festival is a four-day event that takes place over the Labour Day long weekend in March
- see also https://greatoceanroadparks.com.au for the various commercial caravan parks along the GOR coast
- Deep Lake Recreation Reserve, Derrinallum (near Camperdown) hot showers, donation
- Mt Eccles Budj Bim camp area 22 camp sites; 3.5hrs from NW suburbs Melb; 41min to Port Fairy;
  - bookings
  - many camping allocations are not suitable for caravans, particularly the twin axel ones. Camps 1,2 and 3 have a large hill and bend extremely difficult to navigate for caravans.
- Timboon recreation reserve camping
  - camp fee credit card; hot showers, flush toilets; may be closed during events;
  - 18min to Port Campbell;
- Port Campbell Rec Reserve (community run)
- Anderson Reserve Indented Heads
- Batman Park Indented Heads
- Taylors reserve Indented Heads
- Koroit Tower Hill caravan park (commercial but only $21/n if stay 3 nights powered)
  - small caravan park with camp kitchen next door to botanical gardens
  - run from offsite, so you don't get to meet the owners like you would normally.
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db0NV9tDVQo
- Killarney Beach caravan park (commercial $31-35 offpeak but only $23/n if stay 3 nights powered)
- Henty Park RV Camping, Portland
  - free site in middle of town, 5min walk to town, adjacent botanic gardens and near foreshore; tennis courts, footy oval;
  - NOISY due to escavators at the adjacent wood mill even early hours of morning;
  - see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6F3NrWw_XU
NW Victoria:
- Wooroonook Lakes Campground near Charlton
  - 2hrs 40min from NW suburbs, 1/2 hr past Wedderburn; honesty box;
  - new toilet/shower block 2023; Power and water available on camp sites
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_rnxp9RjfI
- Hard Hill Tourist Reserve, Wedderburn
  - gold mining relics; working eucalyptus stew pot ; reconstructed gold puddler;
  - RV friendly; plenty of free camp sites; toilets, showers;
  - https://www.goldfieldsguide.com.au/explore-location/391/hard-hill-tourist-reserve/
- Walpeup Lake camping area
- Lake Boga Rest Area
  - 3hrs 10min from NW suburbs; 15min SE of Swan Hill; 1.5hrs NW of Echuca; 2hrs Nth of Melville Caves;
- Lake Lascelles Hopetoun - internet, drinking water, hot showers, laundry but can be very windy, free (donation) or $20/n powered site option; less mozzies than the Murray; shallow lake edge, great for dogs and kids;
- Four Mile Beach Camp Ground Lake Hindmarsh near Jeparit
  - 4hrs from NW suburbs; coin donation showers;
  - Powered and unpowered sites are available. Camping fees apply.
- Underpool Rec Reserve between M-S NP and Wyperfeld
- Lake Ratzcastle camp ground
  - west of Horsham; 4hrs from NW suburbs; north side of the lake;
  - https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/lake-ratzcastle-campground
  - donation box; solar heated showers.
- Brim camp ground Redda's Park
  - north of Horsham in the silo art town of Brim; 3.5hrs from NW suburbs;
  - hot showers; power; $10 fee; sandy beach on the edge of the weir pool; fishing platform;

some recommended commercial venues with natural ambience tent sites

Lake Fyans Holiday Park near Grampians

those with toilets but NO hot showers

Parks Victoria - places to go

west of Melbourne

Mt Cole / Mt Buangor
- see Mt Buangor / Mount Cole / Langi Ghiran campgrounds and hikes
Moyston Recreation Reserve (overnight only?)
- 2hr 9min from NW subs; 12min W of Ararat; 25min SE of Halls Gap;
Grampians
- see camping in or near the Grampians
Rocklands Reservoir (free camps west of Grampians)
- 3.5hrs from NW suburbs Melb via Dunkeld
- Glendinning camp - very popular camp ground
- Ferguson's camp
- Baba camp

NW Victoria

Avoca area
- Avoca Lions Park beside Avoca River in Avoca
  - potable water; 1hr 45min from NW suburbs;
  - strictly speaking it is an RV site, not for tents
- Avoca Falls campground
  - https://visitpyrenees.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pyrenees-State-Forest.pdf
  - 2hrs 20min from Melb; 13km W of Avoca via Vinoca Rd; 5km dirt rd; potable water;
- Mountain Creek picnic area, Moonambel
  - 15min NW of Avoca; just over 2hrs from Melbourne
St Arnaud area
- Teddington camp ground, Stuart Mill, Kara Kara NP
  - 2hr 40min from Melb; great remote spot for a large group around a camp fire but not much to do there although star gazing is quite good with the lack of light pollution
- Lake Batyo Catyo
  - just under 3hrs from NW suburbs; 30min W of St Arnaud; commercial $
- Walkers Lake campground
  - 30min W of St Arnaud;
- Carapooee Creek Camping Reserve in Stuart Mill ?no toilets
Wedderburn region
- Melville Caves campground, Kooyoora State Park - highly recommended for its walks and views
- Wedderburn Hard Hill tourist reserve
  - adjacent to township; best for RVs;
- Skinners Flat Reservoir
  - 2hrs 11min from NW suburbs; 8min NW of Wedderburn; 48hr limit? Toilets were not functional Feb 2024 - so may still be out of action. Can swim there.
  - https://www.goldfieldsguide.com.au/explore-location/487/skinners-flat-reservoir/
- Lake Wooroonook
  - 2.5hrs from NW suburbs
  - large toilet block with hot showers; ducks and possums can be noisy at night; lots of birds and bees; can cycle around the lake; other lakes can be swampy/marshy;
  - access can be difficult after rain as roads become very slippery
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_rnxp9RjfI
Stawell area
- Lake Lonsdale boat ramp camp
  - a number of large sections to camp
  - 2hr 40min from NW subs; 19min NE of Halls Gap; N side of Lake Lonsdale
Horsham area
- Taylor Lake
  - plenty of sites at NW side of the Lake; fire pits; swimming, boating, jet skis; very open and windy;
  - lake is muddy but the other side has white sand beaches;
- Reddas park, Brim
  - lovely spot, beside a creek, just under 1hr NE of Horsham;
Arapiles region
- Centenary Park, Mt Arapiles
  - 3hr 50min from Melb; no fires except winter;
  - The Pines, Upper Gums, Lower Gums camp sites, next to Centenary Park
  - draft plan in Nov 2024 will phase out use of this campground (and The Pines) as half of Arapiles will become culturally protected for its indigenous significance - scar trees, rock art and a stone tool manufacturing area in the park were of “international significance”; Castle Crag at Mount Arapiles state park will remain closed after culturally significant sites were rediscovered. ¹⁾
  - bookings
- Jane Duff Highway Park
  - 3hrs 40min from NW suburbs;
  - off road camping is available near the billabong, or further back in scrub, with BBQs, Picnic tables, and a drop toilet.
  - https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/jane-duff-highway-park-campground
- Lake Ratzcastle, Karnak
  - ~4hrs from NW suburbs; ~34min from The Pines;
Little Desert NP
- Ackle Bend
  - 3hr 40min from NW suburbs
  - bookings
- Horseshoe Bend
  - 3hr 40min from NW suburbs
  - Bookings
Sea Lake region
- Green Lake:
  - cash donation to caretaker; ?no toilets
  - scrubby dry poorly maintained walks and noisy ducks at night
  - can't camp on the east side as indigenous site
  - don't confuse with Green Hill Lake Ararat, Green Lake Horsham, or Greens Lake Corop!
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=396PFqctALk
Swan Hill region
- Lake Boga rest area
  - also has showers
- Nyah lions park
  - 28km NW of Swan Hill
  - at the oval and on river. Donation camp with toilets; cricket club have the bar open Thursday nights too
  - 3hrs 45min from NW suburbs;
- Wood Wood Rest Area on the Murray River
  - 3hrs 45min from NW suburbs; 26min NW of Swan Hill; 1hr NE of Sea Lake; 2hrs SE of Mildura;
- Manangatang Rest Area
  - just over 4hrs from NW suburbs; 54min NW of Swan Hill and south of Robinvale
- Boundary Bend Rest Area on the Murray River
  - 1hr NW of Swan Hill; over 4hrs from Melbourne;

Northern Victoria

Echuca region
- Echuca Lions Park
  - W bank of Campaspe River
- lots of free Murray River sites but only a few with toilets
  - Christies beach
    - 8.5km E of Echuca; 2.5km dirt road;
  - Cohuna Apex Park on an island in Cohuna
    - 45min NW of Echuca
  - Murray River / Gunbower Creek camping at Koondrook
- Mt Terrick Terrick picnic area
  - N of Bendigo and SE of Echuca; nice little remote forest; drop toilets; granite boulder and views; ~6 camp sites;
Wedderburn region
- Melville Caves campground, Kooyoora State Park
  - 2hrs from NW suburbs; shelter; drop toilets; no potable water;
  - 5 min walk to the massive granite boulders and caves; nice circuit walks through the bush including a 3hr 4.5km loop;
  - camp ground is on a slope but there are a few flattish areas.
- Skinners Flat Reservoir, Wedderburn
  - https://www.goldfieldsguide.com.au/explore-location/487/skinners-flat-reservoir/
  - swimming, boat ramp, drop toilets; free camping is permitted along the entire shore of the reservoir. Dogs on a lead;
- Bealiba Reservoir Recreation Area
  - 14min SW of Moliagul camp ground; 19min NW of Dunolly; 40min S of Wedderburn; 32min S of Melville Caves; 32min NE of Avoca;
  - https://www.goldfieldsguide.com.au/explore-location/187/bealiba-reservoir-recreation-area/
  - Free camping is permitted around Bealiba Reservoir, where there is plenty of space to set up tents or park caravans/RVs.
  - swimming (but can be leaches), fishing, gold prospecting; walks; firepits, two drop toilet blocks; no petrol powered boats;
  - donation box is located at the SHOPPE in Main St Bealiba
  - scenic lookout on nearby Mt Bealiba with its large boulders

NE of Melbourne

Big River camps between Eildon and Jamieson
- just under 3hrs from NW suburbs of Melbourne - turn off just before getting to Eildon onto Eildon - Jamieson Rd
- they are approx. half way between Eildon and Jamieson so will take ~45min drive on very winding mountainous bitumen road whichever direction you come from - not recommended for caravans
- these are dog friendly and can get busy at Easter and Labour Day weekends especially if weather is warm
- best when river not running too high and fast
- Taponga / Toponga campground
  - can be very muddy after heavy rains; large flat areas; deep concrete firepits;
  - short walk down to Taponga River which then runs int Big River
  - lies on the south side of Big River and is in a different CFA fire district to the camp grounds listed below
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY7eAE4xEqM
- Jim Bullock camp ground
  - nice!; deep concrete firepits; bollarded; toilet; good river access along length of campground;
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl8ARcHCGSk
- Horseshoe Bend Big River
  - 30km from the turn off (36min); 2hrs 45min from NW suburbs;
  - large camp ground with toilet block and bollarded sites; short walk to lovely gravel based wide river
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTmCH07xjcE&pp=ygUddG9wb25nYSBjYW1wIGdyb3VuZCBiaWcgcml2ZXI%3D
- Big River Pines camping area
  - 2 separate areas each with drop toilets, no firepits, no mobile reception;
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4w2n6e05Mc
- Bulldog Flat
  - maze-like campground best for 4WDs; no phone, no firepits; not really good for access to river; lot of brush; toilet;
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXQZEx_LpJQ
- Burnt Bridge camping ground
  - gravel road can be slippery in the wet so 2WD may not be a good option for this one unless its dry
  - long narrow campground; toilet block; lots of dense shrubs; sites on the left as you enter are more private but the main sites near the entry probably have better river access.
  - avoid the dead end tracks past the main camp ground which will make it hard for vans to turn around; short walks to river;
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-dG7qPHnYs
- Chaffes creek campground
  - need to turn south onto Big River Rd just past Horseshoe Bend
  - toilet; nice camp, open flattish grassy areas; large shelter; 2WD accessible from the north only; fishing;
  - 3hrs from NW suburbs via Eildon
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK95d09u9vo
Lake Eildon
- Jerusalem Creek - bookings
- see also the closer Lake Eildon sites at non-commercial camp grounds for tents within 2 hours of Melbourne
Mansfield / Jamieson region
- https://www.mansfieldmtbuller.com.au/camping/
- Tolmie Recreation Reserve
  - 2hr 40min from NW suburbs; 19min NE of Mansfield; camp kitchen; local pub open on weekends;
- Stringybark Creek camp ground
  - 3hrs from NW suburbs Melb; 38km N of Mansfield via Tolmie; 1hr SE of Violet Town via Lima;
  - the infamous Kelly Gang shot and killed 3 police officers in 1878
  - an open and grassy area surrounded by native trees
  - https://www.exploreoutdoors.vic.gov.au/activities/camping/stringybark-campground
- Delatite arm, Lake Eildon via Goughs Bay - these have drop toilets
  - just under 3hrs drive from NW suburbs via Mansfield
  - see Delatite Arm campgrounds Lake Eildon
- Carter's Mill Picnic Area and nearby camp ground
  - 30km east of Mansfield; 26km, 37min from Sheepyard Flats just off the Mt Buller Rd
  - 602m elevation; alongside a river; pit toilet; fire pits, picnic tables but none of the sites are level
  - usually cold and constantly damp with minimal sun in winter months through to Oct
  - https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/26220/FS0029-Carters-Mill-Camping-and-Picnic-Area.pdf
  - 7km return walk to Plain Creek Waterfall
- Howqua Hills historic gold mining area:
  - Howqua Hills / Sheepyard Flats camping area
    - very large and very popular free camping area on the Howqua River;
    - windy gravel road to access but still suitable for vans
    - Historic Walk from Sheepyard Flat to Fry’s Hut
  - for horses: Tunnel Bend Flat or Fry's Hut
  - Tobacco Flat
  - Pickering Hut
  - 7 mile camp site
    - 2WD access in dry weather; only for 8 sites so toilets less full
  - Pikes Flat
  - Davons
  - can drive up to the top of the mountains and stay next to Bluff Hut (2WD access in dry weather) and further areas but these need 4WD
- Running Creek Camping Reserve
  - popular with anglers, paddlers and campers. There are two walking tracks that start here and end at Tobacco Flat, approximately 12 kms upstream.
  - located on the Howqua River and accessed via Howqua River Road
- Mt Stirling region
  - Craig's Hut Mt Stirling
    - needs 4WD to access, or a 45min uphill hike from the circuit road (road closed in Winter)
  - Upper Howqua campground:
  - Flat Spur campground:
    - 2WD accessible from east (but 4WD needed from west from Bindaree Hut)
    - large horse yard
    - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXpxzAd46h4
  - Bindaree Hut campground
    - access from Bindaree Rd off the Circuit Rd
    - needs shallow river crossing and 4WD to access
    - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yAhW83dKEI
- Jamieson region:
  - SE along Jamiesion River:
    - Granny’s Flat Camping Area
      - 4WD needed in wet weather; road closed in snow season;
      - Great river frontages with campers tubing down the river; well maintained; fire pits;
    - Gallows
    - The River Inn
    - Wrens Flat
  - SE along Jamiesion-Licola Rd:
    - Connrs Plain campsite
  - South of Jamieson along Goulburn River towards Woods Point:
    - Doctor's Creek small but nice camp ground
    - Skipworth 8 minutes from Jamieson on bitumen - nice, firepits, drop toilets, water
    - Flourbag Reserve
    - Tunnel Bend
    - Blue Hole Reserve
    - Snakes Reserve
    - CC Campsite
    - Knockwood Reserve
    - Comet's Flat
      - just past Woods Point, beautiful spot on the river; 4WD access only;
      - 3.5hrs (193km) from NW suburbs via Yarra Glen, Healesville, Marysville and Matlock
Mount Samaria region (north of Mansfield)
- Blue Range camping ground
  - drop toilets, picnic ground; ~5km gravel road 2WD access;
- Camphora campground
  - 150m walk in site amongst tall eucalypts, granite outcrops, ?views, historic relics
- Wild Dog Creek Falls campground
  - 800m walk in site amongst tall eucalypts;
  - may need 4WD to access the small carpark when wet
  - lovely 3km return walk to falls and views
- Samaria Well campground
  - 2WD access; nice creek; mangy wombat; grassy flat area; drop toilets a bit of a walk or drive from campground
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0otTlunelQ
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XN5zQ6pVKDQ at the 17min mark
- James camping reserve, Lima East
  - nice flat grassy campground close to the gravel road but it is not usually busy; shady at north end; no phone reception; BYO wood;
  - 2hr 40min from NW subs via Hume and Violet Town or via Bonnie Doon
  - 45min from Strathbogie - 2WD winding gravel road via Boho South
  - situated in a valley to the west of Mt Samaria, elevation 380m
  - 1hr walk amongst some moss covered granite boulders up to a lookout
  - 4WD track up to Carter's Lookout
  - 2WD dry weather track to Rocky Ned's camp ground and waterfall via Lima East Rd/Track
  - 2WD dry weather track to Sandy Creek Falls and Wild Dog Rocks via Barjang Rd - faster access via Barjang (and optionally Golden Mountain Lookout, Tallangalook Picnic Area, Sluice Hole, ?4WD)
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XN5zQ6pVKDQ
- Rocky Ned's camp ground
  - toilets; 2WD access in dry weather from James camping reserve via Lima East Rd/Track
  - nearby Rocky Ned's waterfall - 2km 1hr return walk with a stepping stone creek crossing and boulders takes you to the small 4WD bush camp as well
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XN5zQ6pVKDQ
- Jones reserve camping area
  - 3hrs from NW subs via Hume and Violet Town
  - situated in a valley EAST of Mt Samaria at 440m elevation (seasonally closed in winter)
  - 2WD access in dry weather only; logging trucks;
  - nice flat grassed areas with fire pits, picnic tables and drop toilets set amongst forest and adjacent Holland creek
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glb5clD0C-E
Benalla region
- Tungamah Lions RV Park near Benalla - on a river, toilets, free
- Broken Creek bush campground
  - honesty box $10/n; toilets and wood-fired showers; shelter; great for caravans and groups to use as a base;
  - https://www.brokencreekbushcamp.com.au/
- Oxley Recreation Reserve
  - formed in 1865 and is a unique 47-hectare mix of bushland and cleared areas, backing onto the King River
  - a large well-grassed level area with scattered shade – perfect for those travelling with horses as there are horse yards and water available
  - showers, ?small fee
  - https://www.visitwangaratta.com.au/ATDW/Attractions/Oxley-Recreation-Reserve-60543abfbc373d564e79014f
- James Campground near Benalla
  - 8 sites; pleasant, reasonably large site on grassed creek flats sloping down to the cascading Lima East (Moonee Moonee or Black Charlie) Creek, surrounded by steep forested hills.
  - 11km on the Lima East Road (5.4k gravel)
- Lake Nillahcootie Camp
  - 2hr 20min from NW suburbs via Violet Town; 30min Sth of Benalla;
  - potable water;
Whitfield / King Valley region:
- Edi Cutting campground:
  - one of the most popular camp grounds in Victoria, especially in summer months but BEWARE very painful Christmas Eye in summer in this region
  - on the King River north of Whitfield at elevation 200m; not many flat tent sites.
  - 2hrs 50min from NW suburbs via Glenrowan and Oxyley; 40min from Benalla voa Greta South;
  - close to a main road with quite a bit of traffic noise 6am-10pm;
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8FUnv4sDP8
- Sandy Flat campground and Top Crossing Hut campground
  - elevation 420m on the upper part so the King River; bush camps on east side of King River along Sandy Flat Track; no toilets;
  - 3hrs 40min from NW suburbs via Benalla
  - 2hrs from Benalla via Whitfield with 4WD options (you may need a winch exiting the river bank!) of:
    - via Cheshunt and Sandy Flat Track - avoids King River crossings unless you want to cross the deepest part of King River in this area to go to Top Crossing Hut campground
      - Paradise Falls on the way
    - via Cheshunt South and passing William Hovell Dam and then it becomes 4WD slippery when wet rutted clay gravel road with some river crossings which may be at level of 4WD bonnet depth but which have a good solid rocky base;
      - 4km and 12min to Top Crossing Hut camping area with toilets further up on the King River (via Top Crossing Track) at 500m elevation with some more river crossings; not usually seasonally closed;
      - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAk2Qnqp2RA
- Bennies campground on the Rose River
  - elevation 540m;
  - just under 4hrs from NW suburbs via Benalla and Whitfield; 1.5hrs SE of Benalla; 49min SSE of Whitfield;
  - 45min 4WD drive (seasonally closed) from Lake Cobbler which is at 1100m elevation and near Dadongadale Falls and optional hike to Mt Cobbler summit elevation 1580m which is the source of the Rose River;
  - https://www.visitwangaratta.com.au/ATDW/Attractions/Bennies-Camping-Area-Alpine-National-Park-5f029e1061c719303babf299
- Lake Cobbler
  - 4WD or high clearance AWD needed
  - 1100m elevation; snow gums;
  - https://www.visitwangaratta.com.au/ATDW/Attractions/Lake-Cobbler-604c3e8c62dd49111250c28e
Warby Ranges NP/ Wangaratta region
- https://www.visitwangaratta.com.au/Stay/Glamping-Camping-Caravanning/Bush-Camps
- Wenhams Camp, Warby-Ovens National Park
  - There is some great bushwalks and native flora, fauna and wildlife in abundance. Access is via a dirt road and dependent on weather conditions.
  - There is a pit toilet, wood fire BBQ and tank water suitable for washing.
- The Forest Camp, Warby-Ovens National Park
  - Well laid out camping area with a large shelter shed, non drinking tank water. There are several bush walks, wild flowers throughout the area and plenty of birds for birdwatchers.
- Pioneer Bridges on the Ovens River
  - shady bush camp is located alongside the Ovens River there is a nice sandy bank, picnic table and pit toilet. The Ovens River offers great fishing, kayaking & swimming.
Beechworth region
- RV Rest Area opposite Brown Bros Winery, Milawa
- Pioneer Bridges Rest Area
  - on the Ovens River near Milawa/Markwood/Everton; sealed road access; 15+ sites; shady; lovely sandy bank down to the river for swimming, fishing; OK for caravans; can be popular;
- Allans Flat Reserve
  - 8km NE of Yackandanda beside a lake but no toilets!
- Yackandanda Camp Site No 2, Yack Gate Rd
  - dirt bike tracks nearby;
- Yackandandah Creek Site No 3, Yack Gate Rd
  - nice spot next to creek; dirt bike tracks nearby
- Twist Creek
  - nice quiet spot; Off Bells Flat Rd, Yackandanda
Bright region
- Nug Nug Reserve Myrtleford $7.50/n unpowered per adult; $10/n powered sites, cold showers; no bookings, honesty box or caretaker;
  - flat grassed areas with deciduous trees and lovely adjacent shallow stream; tennis court;
- Lake Catani Mt Buffalo
  - 1300m elevation extremely popular - bitumen access, Vic Parks bookings only - need to book well in advance; hot showers;
- Smoko campground on Ovens River Harrietville
  - almost 4hrs from NW suburbs and 17km south of Bright, towards Harrietville; good for an overnighter before you go to Mt Feathertop or Mt Hotham; bike path to Bright;
  - Dredge Hole at Harrietville great for canoeing and swimming;
  - can have lots of rubbish left behind
- Ah Youngs in Buckland Valley
  - not a large area but plenty space and busy at Xmas; a beautiful location; a grassy spot on the banks of the Buckland River. Access to the site and parking for a 2WD in dry weather only.
  - From the Porepunkah roundabout, turn south onto Buckland Valley Rd. Follow along for approximately 18km to campsites along the river. Dirt Rd. Note: it is near main Rds.
- Teatree Campground, Dadongadale
  - 3.5hrs from NW suburbs via Myrtleford and Nug Nug
  - 3 lovely camp areas near river
Cobram/Tocumwal region
- free Murray River sites with toilets
  - Barmah Lakes Campground
    - 7km N of Barmah along Moira Lake Rd; opp. Dharnya Aboriginal Centre; (dry weather access only)
  - Barmah State Park
    - 20km W of Tocumwal (dry weather access only)
  - Dead River beach
    - 5.5km NW of Cobram (dry weather access only)
  - Scott's Beach:
    - 3.5km E of Cobram; (dry weather access only)
  - Bourke's Bend No3
    - 18km SE Cobram; (dry weather access only)
  - Green Bank
    - 34km SE Cobram; 5km W of Yarrawonga; (dry weather access only)
- Katamatitie Lions Memorial Park
  - 13min Sth of Cobram; toilets next to PO 550m away; potable water;
- Numurkah Lions Community Park
  - potable water; 2.5hrs from NW suburbs; 25min from Cobram; 45min from Broken Creek camp, Benalla;
  - 1.5km Sth of Numurkah, beside creek next to a fitness centre;
- Wunghnu Rest Area:
  - 7min Sth of Numurkah; 21min Nth of Shepparton;
Albury/Wodonga region
- Murray River sites
  - Howlong Lions Park
    - 1km Sth of Howlong; potable water;
- Lake Hume sites
  - Ebden Reserve
    - 2km SE of Bonegilla; 25km NW of Tallangatta; potable water;
  - Ludlows Reserve
    - 5km SE of Bonegilla; 22km NW of Tallangatta;
- Ettamogah pub just on the NSW side of Albury
  - 3hrs 15min from NW suburbs Melbourne
  - Huge site about the size of a footy field.
  - There's an outside area to eat with a big fire.
  - It's free they just ask you purchase a meal or drink. Great atmosphere. There is a toilet block.
- Cottontree Creek campground, Mt Granya State Park
  - 2km W of Granya on dirt road;
  - just under 4hrs from Melbourne; 46min east of Albury mainly following the Murray River upstream of Lake Hume; 30min NE of Tallangatta

SE of Melbourne

Bear Gully Camp Ground (National Park)
- online bookings
Shallow Inlet
- unpowered, $20/couple/night (kids extra), drop dunnies, great fishing, swimming and walks, but lots mozzies & sandflies
near Tarra Valley
- White womans waterhole camp ground Won Wron 2hr 45min from NW subs, not far from Port Albert (24min), Woodside beach (17min), Reeves beach camp ground (21min), McLoughlins beach (19min), McGauran's Beach campground (28min)
- Port Albert overnight RV
- various bush camps
near Sale
- Willow Park, Rosedale - no fires
- Reeves Beach - free, drop loo, 2 min walk to beach
- Golden beach - coin shower at nearby shops (no 1 camp is closest), and toilets at no 19, no 18, no 14, no 9 which is a large ground and near Trinculo ship wreck, no 8, no 5, no 1.
  - dogs allowed in camps 1 to 6
  - 17 is quite large with lots of relatively secluded sites but not for caravans and no toilets; No 15 or 16 is very small only 2-3 small sites;
  - long distance between No 14 and 12 with lots of houses in between and camps without signs
  - you might need to bring MaxTrax recovery boards and a shovel! Lots of low hanging trees reduces access options. Some are a bit too tight and muddy for caravan access.
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3LnCR9RGJM
- Paradise Beach - Parks Vic booking charge
- Springbergs Lane Perrys bridge - ?toilet; fires allowed in season;
- Fishers Riverside camping - huge site on the Avon river near Lake Wellington, no facilities.
- Marlay Point Foreshore Reserve, NW shore of Lake Wellington - 48hr stay max; can be windy;
Moondarra State Park
- Seninis campground on Tyers River
  - 2WD, caravan accessible in dry weather but narrow and steep down the 1.4km Seninis Track; 10 sites; swimming, fishing; 220m elevation;
  - secluded, attractive, extended grassy flat on a horseshoe bend of the Tyers River; shaded by tea tree and wattle (which separate sites); popular at peak periods when it may be noisy;
  - 2hr 20min from NW subs
Walhalla region
- Thomson River
  - Thomson Bridge camp ground
    - 2WD; 1 site - old house site, mostly sloping 200m down a narrow track (walk in first). small clearing perched on a steep mountain slope above the Thompson River surrounded and well shaded by lush sclerophyll forest.
    - interesting, unusual site. Close to historic railway; BUT dirt bikers may wake you and there may be rubbish.
  - Coopers Creek campground
    - 10 sloping sites; two forested camps near a broad mountain river, surrounded by steep forested slopes; tree ferns; some oak tree shade; canoes;
    - a few big goannas wander around;
  - Brunton's Bridge
    - just under 3hrs from NW suburbs via Moe;
    - 4WD is best; big red bridge, water crossings and 4WD tracks everywhere;
- Aberfeldy River
  - Walhalla North Gardens
  - Chinese Gardens camp
  - Aberfeldy Bridge camp in Baw Baw Nat Park
    - 7 sites; very pleasant, quiet, grassy (slashed) river flat with limited shade from a few white trunked Mountain Grey Gums, surrounded by steep rocky, dry forested ridges - almost a gorge. Isolated.
    - no pets; book via Park Stay
  - Merington's campground
    - just over 3hrs from NW suburbs
    - big, has lots of grassy sites, a beautiful creek to walk to, a hut nearby; camp kitchen shelter ; non-potable water tank; lots of 4WD tracks;
  - Junction Track Hut (Walshe's Hut)
    - closer to river than Meringtons ; 20 sites; swimming, fishing; 2WD accessible; nice views;
    - toilet on-top of the hill but the best camping is by the river.
    - snorkel 4WD is required if you are plan to drive further toward store point and Lloyd hut
    - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjHXqQ3KyFE
  - Goonan's Hut, Donnellys Creek Rd, Toombon
    - 2WD SUV accessible; drop toilet, 1min walk down to river swimming spots and small waterfalls to sit and watch, plenty of space for swags and rooftop campers
  - Otooles Campground, Donnellys Creek Rd, Toombon
    - river with deep hole sections for swimming, permanent tables and fireplace fixtures have been installed.
    - lot's of flat ground, and accessible by camper trailers but not caravans. Hut was handy and has a power point ?working.
    - 30mins to drive from turn off at Walhalla Rd onto Merringtons Track but shallow river crossing
    - otherwise access by gravel is possible via Sping Rd and Donnelly Creek Rd.
    - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBpmb0scuG4
  - NB. bush camp area where the zig zagging Trig E track crosses Aberfeldy River no longer accessible as the track has been permanently closed following two young people dying in a 4WD accident
Macalister River to Licola region:
- Blores Hill camp ground, SE Lake Glenmaggie
- Cheynes Bridge / Macalister River camp site
- Paradise Valley campground (commercial) - 3hrs from NW subs
- Licola campground (commercial) - 3.5hrs from NW subs
Macalister River north of Licola
- Junction of MacAlister and Pine Creek camp
  - 4WD access via Black Soil Gully Track ?bush camp
  - can cross over the Macalister River via Pine Creek Track
  - The Sisters hiking via Pine Creek Track on east side of Macalister River
Wellington River NE of Licola
- Wild Cherry Tree campsite
- Currowong camp
- Pardalote camp
- Manna Gum campsite 7
- Cockatoo camp 9
- Breakfast Creek camp
  - access to McMillans walking track
    - hike NE along a ridge line up to a 1260m peak
    - hike WNW to a 820m plateau then down a ridge line to Macalister River
  - Melbourne Grammar School camp is nearby
- Red Bluff camp site
  - 340m elevation the last car accessible formal campsite before the Lake Tali Karng trail head start
Mitchell River (NW of Bairnsdale):
- Angusvale is huge plenty of space even at Easter, toilets
- Bark hut camp park - not free though and very busy at Easter
- Hollets camp ground - Green grass and clean toilets
- Echo Bend camping park (commercial, needs booking)
  - near Den of Nargun; $36/n;
  - 3.5hrs from NW subs via Briagolong
Briagolong / Freestone Creek:
- over 3hrs from NW suburbs;
- The Quarries campground - $10/n pay in town at General Store, nice river and toilets
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEUOVhFYAfc
- Blue Pool campground - can hike to McKinnons Point and back
  - very popular camp;
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuwTrXzcFpw
- Froam campground
- McKinnons Point campground
  - 3.5km, 7min past Blue Pools, 2WD gravel track, not for big rigs;
  - need to drive across the lovely shallow stream to the campground which is in a bend of the river; 2 sites bollarded;
  - no toilets!
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJtfirywo1o
- Johnston's Flat campground
- Lee Creek campsite
Dermody's camp ground on Avon River in Avon Mt Hedrick reserve
- near Boisdale; 3hrs from CBD; 3.5hrs from NW subs; 1hr 45min from Lakes Entrance; 2WD accessible; now has toilet;
- 8 sites; fishing and swimming possible;
- road end circuit passes 8 dispersed clearings (5 with table and BBQ), each shaded by blue leafed Red Box with an understory of low tea-tree and wattles with some grass over sandy gravel.
- can be dusty when dry. Surrounded by box-ironbark forest on low hills (spring wildflowers), with a line of white trunked Gippsland Red Gum along the wide, shallow river.
- whip birds (in nearby gully), egrets, kookaburras, wombats and wallabys are common.
- also nearby is Wombat Crossing camp site A - on other bank of Avon so need to 30min drive to get around to it
- also Huggets Crossing Camp upstream reportedly good, facilities include pit toilet and nice swimming hole but 30min drive relatively easy dry 4WD access but steep access or walk in
  - 3hrs 15min from NW suburbs via Glenmaggie Weir
  - https://www.anycamp.com.au/campsite/huggetts-crossing
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOkNfzjblAI
- nearby channel loop walk (need to drive to it 4WD?) and Nicholson Rocks

SW of Melbourne

Stevensons Falls camp ground Otways
- just over 2hrs from NW suburbs via Birregurra
- on Gellibrand River
Dandos camp ground Otways
- 2.5hrs from NW suburbs via Colac
- large camp ground on Gellibrand River
Beauchamp Falls camp ground
- just over 2.5hrs from NW suburbs
- worth visiting for the hike down to the cascading water
- amazing sunsets from camp, overlooking the pine plantation, especially if you can get a spot overlooking the valley, and pine plantations
Aire Crossing Campground
- 2hrs 45min from NW suburbs
- nice but small campground just SW of Triplet Falls via windy gravel track
- tree fern rainforest with a beautiful river access only 50m away
- only very small setups (tents, roof tops, swags or tiny campers); no fires permitted;
Great Otway National Park:
- Allenvale, Lorne walk-in camp 20 sites; carpark is 230m away;
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReCYbEjTgLg
  - bookings
- Jamieson Creek camp ground Wye River 24 sites
  - great overnighter camp with ocean views from lookout
  - bookings
- Blanket Bay camp ground, Cape Otway
  - https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/great-otway-national-park/where-to-stay/blanket-bay-campground
- Big Hill campground Otways 13 camp sites - sites 1-7 for tents only;
  - drop toilets; muddy pond adjacent some sites;
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhETfqJAOD0
  - bookings
- Johanna beach camp ground
  - online bookings
- Aire River East
  - see Aire River camp grounds
  - bookings
- Aire River West
  - see Aire River camp grounds
  - bookings
Lake Bolac foreshore camp
- 2hrs 15min from NW suburbs; 75min from Western Fway at Ballarat via Beaufort; 30min E of Dunkeld; ~1hr from Halls Gap via Pomonal or Mafeking; 1hr Nth of Warrnambool; 1.5hrs to Port Campbell;
- hot showers and power sockets at Picnic Point at end of Main Beach
  - hot showers require token which costs $5 for 5 minutes. Tokens are available from Lake Bolac Information and Business Centre and Lake Bolac Diner and Cafe
  - cold showers are available for no charge in the old (apricot) brick amenities block at Picnic Point
- https://lakebolac.com.au/accommodation/lake-bolac-foreshore/ $15/n collected by foreshore rangers on regular patrol. BYO wood;
- southern beach is free?
- when full, Lake Bolac is about 6-7 feet deep;
Port Campbell, Cobden, Camperdown region:
- Lake Elingamite
  - NE side of the volcanic lake, seems to now have flushing toilets, lots of shady sites; suitable for large rigs but limited to small areas when wet; donation; no swimming allowed but boating and fishing OK;
  - 2.5hrs from NW suburbs; 8min SW of Cobden; 17min SW of Camperdown; just over half hour to either Port Campbell or Peterborough; 40min to Warrnambool;
  - 143m elevation; flushing toilets at Angling Club but these may be closed; grass to camp on at edge of lake
  - need a boat if you are a keen fisherman.
  - https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/lake-elingamite-lake-reserve
- Timboon recreation reserve camping
  - camp fee credit card; hot showers, flush toilets; may be closed during events;
- Port Campbell Rec Reserve (community run)
  - free hot showers; dump point; self check in (need cash); free WiFi; camp kitchen, free electric BBQs; coin operated laundry; grassy flat sites;
  - no advance bookings taken for unpowered sites 1st in 1st served $10-17/n per adult
  - bookings with min 4 day stay for powered sites in peak periods as above but add $11/n for site
  - BYO or hire fire pit (when permitted - no camp fires on ground) - can purchase bag of fire wood
  - https://www.portcampbellcamping.com/
- Princetown Rec Reserve
  - https://www.princetownrecreationreserve.com/bookings-and-fees - phone booking essential, pay cash on arrival as may not have EFTPOS, $20/n unpowered, $25/n powered (4 nights min Easter)
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbaSMe3Srok
Warrnambool region:
- Panmure on the Hopkins River - free but only 30m from Hway
- Fitzroy River camp-site in Tyrendarra but could be smelly
- Sawpit camp ground - the best of these three
Budj Bim Mt Eccles volcano camp ground
- 3.5hrs from NW suburbs Melbourne via Lake Bolac (75min away)
- 32min east of Heywood; 33min Sth of Hamilton; 40min NW of Port Fairy; 34min N of Fitzroy River Camping on the coast; 52min to Tower Hill volcanic reserve; 25min to Byaduk Caves; 65min E of Moleside Canoe camp on the Lower Glenelg River; 68min E of Swan Lake camp on the coast at Cape Bridgewater;
- bookings
Sawpit camp ground, north of Narrawong
- just under 4hrs from NW suburbs; Volcanic Mount Clay (189m) is located to the east, about 5.5km (by road) off Tower Rd.
- 6 sites; plenty of 4WD tracks nearby;
- easy 15 minute walk through Messmate leads to the edge of the ridge and Whalers Lookout for views over Portland Bay
Fitzroy River Camping, Tyrendarra near Narrawong on the coast between Port Fairy and Portland
- 3hr 45min from NW suburbs Melb;
- $8/n; jetty for fishing; boat ramp; flat roadside grassed area for vans and tents but very few trees - better to drive towards the end and closer to river, toilets and beach but more windy.
- see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUMda3ZZCW8
Annya Campground, Hotspur
- just under 4hrs from Melbourne
- very nice quiet state forest camping area, koalas, plenty of room
Glenelg River within around 4hrs NW suburbs of Melbourne
- Dartmoor has free camps on the Glenelg River in town ?Fort OHare
  - 30min NE of Nelson;
  - close to the many downstream Glenelg River camps which are more than 4hrs from Melb - see non-commercial camp grounds for tents more than 4 hours from Melbourne
- Moleside Canoe camp on the Lower Glenelg River
  - just over 4hrs from NW suburbs Melbourne
Cape Bridgewater coast
- Swan Lake camp on the coast at Cape Bridgewater
  - 4.5hrs from NW suburbs Melb

By elevation above sea level

every 100m elevation is generally 1degC colder

under 200m elevation

200-400m elevation

Grampians: Buandik Campground 255m elevation
- https://www.google.com/maps/place/Buandik+Campground/@-37.2358693,142.2342057,11.75z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x6acddc071dd7ad89:0x308293bb93f1a0f9!8m2!3d-37.2525764!4d142.2788456
- bookings
- western side; fee; toilets; no showers;
James Camping Reserve, Lima East, 360m, 30min Sth of Benalla and 37min Nth of Bonnie Doon
Grampians: Borough Huts 10km south of Halls Gap; 310m elevation
- bookings
Grampians: Boreang 335m elevation
- bookings
Grampians: Coppermine 4WD only 355m elevation
- bookings

400-600m elevation

Blue Range campgrund Mt Samaria - 400m
Sandy Flats SE of Whitfield (4WD only) - 420m
Howqua Hills / Sheepyard Flats camping area - 446m elevation
Buangor: Smith's Bridge - 430m elevation (on the Raglan-Emhurst Rd)
Grampians: Smith's Mill near The Balconies, Reed's Lookout and MacKenzie Falls; 450m elevation; 3hr drive from NW suburbs Melb
- bookings
Buangor: Richards - 470m elevation
Buangor: Bailes - 470m elevation bookings
Buangor: Ferntree - 520m elevation bookings
Top Crossing campground on King River Sth of Whitfield (4WD only) 500m but has toilet
Bennies campground 520m SE of Whitfield on the way to Lake Cobbler

600-1000m elevation

Carter's Mill near Mansfield - 602m;
Goldworthy's campground Strathbogies - 600m 23min Nth of Bonnie Doon and 35min SE of Euroa, 2hrs 15min from NW suburbs via Euroa;
- 20min to Golden Mountain Lookout 1000m;
  - 18min further to Wild Dog Rocks 680m with ? views to S and E
- 34min to James camp ground, Lima East, 360m
Flat Rock, Mt Hickey, 660m 70m from NW suburbs, turn off Hume before Tallarook
Pineapple Flat, King Basin Rd, King River - 700m - 3.5hrs from Melb (4WD) via Mansfield and Mt Stirling
Buangor: Ditchfields - 720m elevation
King Hut, King Basin Rd, King River - 800m - 4hrs from Melb (4WD) via Mansfield and Mt Stirling
Wild Dog Creek Falls camp, Mt Samaria 800m
Camphora campground, Mt Samaria, 820m (NB. Mt Samaria peak is 940m)
Buangor: Beeripmo hike in - 880m elevation
Buangor: Mugwamp Hut and campsite 920m elevation (near Mt Buangor Lookout elevation 920m)

More than 1000m elevation

Lake Cobbler small area beside lake for 4-5 camping sites, drop toilet; 1100m (must have 4WD for the last 20km from Bennies campground and this road is seasonally closed in winter)
Bluff Hut (4WD in wet weather)
Lovick's hut (definitely need 4WD as very deep ruts / holes and road closed in winter)
Lake Catani Mt Buffalo 1300m - bitumen access, bookings only
Razorback Hut, Mt Stirling area 1380m 3hrs 15min from NW subs or 25min 1.5-1.9km hike from TBJ which is at 1260m elevation
Craig's Hut 1440m 4hrs from Melb (4WD) via Mansfield and Mt Stirling (or 2WD then hike 45min up to camp) - seasonally closed road
GGS Hut Mt Stirling 1660m - requires 1.5hr 5.4km hike from Telegraph junction or a very difficult 4WD track

other camp grounds "bush camps" no toilets, limited facilities

NW and W of Melbourne

Wannon Falls, Hamilton
- ?bush camps
Grampians
- various small sites - may be inaccessible during seasonal closures of roads
  - Mt Thackeray bush camp on the Victoria Range Rd
    - 1hr 20min from Halls Gap; just under 2hrs from Green Hill Lake, Ararat; 1hr E of Glendinning camp, Rocklands
    - 1hr 15min to Troopers camp, Rose Gap in the north

NE of Melbourne

https://www.visituppermurray.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/51/Regional-camping-guide-Updated-October-2021.pdf

Wangaratta region

Ovens river
- Ovens Billabongs
  - offers great fishing, kayaking & swimming. Dependant on water levels there is often a lovely sandy beach.
  - From the Wangaratta VIC (4.7km) - Exit the Wangaratta Visitor Information Centre to the right towards Albury, turn right at roundabout (Faithfull St) travel 4.7km, then take dirt track to the left—before freeway overpass.
- River Road Reserve
  - small bush camping area but offers great fishing, kayaking & swimming. Dependant on water levels there is often a lovely sandy beach
  - From the Wangaratta VIC (15km) - Exit the Wangaratta Visitor Information Centre to the right heading towards Albury, go through the roundabout and over bridge, turn right onto to the Great Alpine Rd (B500), travel along approx. 11km, through Tarrawingee, turning right at River Rd and travel past the quarry, travel over the bridge & take the dirt track to the left.
- Frosts Reserve, Warby Ovens National Park
  - Numerous bush campsites all located alongside the Ovens River. Many have shady, grass areas and sandbanks and offer excellent fishing, swimming and kayaking.
  - From Wangaratta Visitor Information Centre (15.6km) – Exit the Wangaratta Visitor Information Centre to the left, turn right at the first set of traffic lights (Reid St). Continue under the railway underpass, at the next roundabout (Green St), turn right, and continue along Yarrawonga Rd past Boweya Rd until you see (River Access Sign) turn right. This is Francis Rd, follow over the cattle grid, then follow the tracks to either the left or right along the Ovens River
Kings river
Mark wood (35kms away from Wangaratta)
Ah Young or Good Hope Flat in Buckland Valley - plenty space but busy at Xmas
Bells Flat Rd area near Yackandandah

Benalla region

James reserve just past swan pool on a beautiful creek
Boho/strathbogie

Beechworth / Bright region

Eldorado Reedy Creek / Woolshed falls area
- Basic bush camping is permitted next to the creek, however you will need to leave your pets at home as it is National Park
- flash flooding risk; gold and crystals prospecting;
- at Kangaroo crossing Eldorado side there are several spots within 10m of the creek, the other side of the crossing the creek access is a little more difficult. There are many other sites heading towards Beechworth on the creek side, right through to Woolshed falls.
Buckland valley better than Eldorado?
Willow Tree campground
- 30min from Beechworth; ~3.5hrs from NW suburbs;
- 8 sites each could fit 3 2P tents;
Yackandandah North Rest Area, junction Of C532 & C315
Yackandandah Creek Site 1, Yack Gate Rd - drop toilets 10min walk away
Yackandandah Creek Site #6 No1 link Rd
Yackandandah Creek Site #2 - 4WD only
Tuan campground, Chiltern, cnr Depot Rd & Tuan Track
- 1 picnic table and firepit; gravel road access easy to find; no dogs;
Clark's Corner, Six Mile Road, Stanley
Freeburgh Bridge Rest Area, Sth Bright on the Ovens
- Several small sites by the Ovens River
- Off the Great Alpine Rd approximately 8km South of Bright. Turn east onto Old Harrietville Rd. Camp spots on western side of bridge, entry 5m from intersection. Note: No camping on eastern side of bridge in picnic area.
South of Lake Buffalo in Buffalo River State Forest along the Buffalo River:
- 4WD tracks much further south than these take you to into the Alps and through to Lake Cobbler (via Cobbler Lake Track), Wonnangatta (via W Buffalo River track), Barry Saddle, Viking Saddle, The Viking, Selwyn Track (via E Buffalo River Track), etc
- Abbeyards Camping Ground
  - Picturesque tent and camper trailer bush sites are on offer at Abbeyards, one of the more popular areas of the camping areas scattered off Abbeyards Rd in Buffalo River State Forest.
  - Riverside flat, level, grassed, and reasonably well shaded sites.
  - Follow Buffalo River Rd south from Myrtleford, turn on to Abbeyards Rd- 34km south of Myrtleford and look for the signposted access tracks
- Blades Camping Area
  - Riverside tent and camper trailer bush sites, fairly well shaded. Riverside level, grassed, and reasonably well protected sites. Popular with fishermen and 4WD enthusiasts.
  - Follow Buffalo River Rd south from Myrtleford, turning onto Abbeyards Rd, and then watching for the signposted access tracks about 14 km beyond Lake Buffalo.
- Tea Tree Camping Area
  - Anglers pursuing the stocks of trout in the Buffalo River are common visitors to this part of the tangled state forest. Flat, well shaded riverside bush sites.
  - Follow Buffalo River Rd south from Myrtleford, turning onto Abbeyards Rd, and then watching for the signposted access tracks beyond Lake Buffalo.
- McIver Camping Area
  - Camp down by a fresh mountain river in the Buffalo Valley at the McIver camping area. Tents and camper trailers are accommodated here. The area attracts its share of 4WD tourers searching for challenging, scenic tracks.
  - Follow Buffalo River Rd south from Myrtleford, turning onto Abbeyards Rd, and then watching for the signposted access tracks beyond Lake Buffalo.
- Manna Gum Camping Area
  - Camp down by a fresh mountain river in the Buffalo Valley at the McIver camping area. Tents and camper trailers are accommodated here. The area attracts its share of 4WD tourers searching for challenging, scenic tracks.
  - The Manna Gum camping area is accessed off Abbeyards Rd in Buffalo River State Forest, which is 35 km south of the township of Myrtleford.

Far NE Victoria

Rutherglen region
- Police Paddocks
  - Pleasant bush camping on broad open grassed banks extending along Murphy Creek, a Murray River anabranch.
  - One bench and one BBQ. No beaches. BYO water; no toilets;
- Stantons bend
  - large dispersed bush camping reserve with 15 sites on the banks of the Lake Moodermere, west of Rutherglen
  - A long stretch of sandy river beach offers safe swimming and thus popular with families; low cliffs rising just downstream of the reserve makes for a stunning visual backdrop.
  - https://youtu.be/JGVkTzI6bWQ
Tallangatta / Mitta Mitta region
- Ludlows reserve, Ebden just east of Wodonga (high county rail trail) - 24hr max vans, no tents
- Tallangatta ( closest to river)
- Conttontree creek campground (bridle track)
- Mitta Mitta river
- Walnuts campground - lovely area
- Snowy creek campsite - nicer than Walnuts

Murray River

Yarrawonga area

Bruce's Beach #1 or #2
- half hr from Cobram
- no toilets; no dogs; can get bogggy in winter and after heavy rain.
Nevins Beach Yarrawonga - no toilets; no dogs; can get boggy in winter and after heavy rain.
Yarrawonga Green Bank - pit toilets
Yarrawonga River Camp - pit toilets

Cobram area

Between Cobram and Tocumwal. Koonoomoo is more precise.
- Go past the abattoir and race track, over the levee bank and there is the river. On your left you'll see a pumping station. Go right and follow the track until it meanders left - follow it over a little log bridge to a private, quite small beach that is close to town and public toilets. Gets crowded early, before long weekends etc. If you have 4-5 families and can get there early enough then you own it. Go left and follow any of the tracks off to the right and you'll find a few large beaches, plenty of sand, great for ski boats, tents, caravans
Town beach Tocumwal $5/n some facilities
Area opposite town boat ramp
Big toms Beach, dead end beach.
near horseshoe take Quicks Beach 2 track
Scott’s beach
Apex beach
Pebbly beach
Greens beach
Bouchiers beach
Great spots on NSW side, but you must register that you are there.
- Little pebble beach Boomanooma half way between Barooga and Mulwala is a ripper

Echuca area

see: Echuca and surrounds

SW of Melbourne

Port Campbell, Cobden, Camperdown region:
- Lake Elingamite
  - NE side of the volcanic lake, seems to now have flushing toilets, lots of shady sites; suitable for large rigs but limited to small areas when wet; donation; no swimming allowed but boating and fishing OK;
  - 2.5hrs from NW suburbs; 8min SW of Cobden; 17min SW of Camperdown; just over half hour to either Port Campbell or Peterborough; 40min to Warrnambool;
Warrnambool region:
- Panmure on the Hopkins River - free but only 30m from Hway
- Fitzroy River camp-site in Tyrendarra but could be smelly
- Sawpit camp ground - the best of these three

SE of Melbourne

Mirboo / Strzelecki Ranges area:
- Merrimans Creek campground
- Minnehaha Falls near Hiawatha does have toilets and deep swimming hole see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB3FdrMh9XY
- Morwell River Rd near Livingston Rd on the Morwell River, Budgeree via Boolarra see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N2h6yghq0k
  - Primrose Park- Morwell River (Camp 1) Campground
    - 10 sites; Level River Flat, little shade; 1.2km up Morwell River Rd.
  - Apex Park - Morwell River (Camp 2) Campground
    - 10 sites; the most popular of the 4; Sloping river flat, afternoon shade. 7.4km up Morwell River Rd.
  - Morwell River Camp 3
    - 1 site small grassed U bend in bubbling creek. 10.7km up Morwell River Rd. Morwell River falls is another 4.8km further up Morwell River Rd.
  - Morwell River Camp 4
    - 1 site small informal camping area near creek. Shade, Roadside. 13.1km up Morwell River Rd.
- Turton's Creek
  - currently closed
  - 8 sites; pleasant green grassed (slashed) creek flat in the steep gully of the bubbling Turtons Creek, below the falls. A smaller, secluded site upstream of the main clearing has a table.
- Dingo Creek campsite at junction with Agnes River
  - 3 sites; 2WD if creek not flooded; picturesque green site in a forested gully, on small level grassed (short) flats on both sides of the bubbling Dingo Creek near its junction with the Agnes River.
  - Well shaded by a mature pine, wattles and blackwood, surrounded by steep forested slopes and tree-fern gullies.
  - Check access into sites over ford after rain.
  - No Camping sign on southern side of Dingo Cr Road (day area?)
  - via Dingo Creek Rd from Woorarra Rd near Wonyip; 220m elevation;
- Grand Ridge Rd area
  - Gunyah townsite camp ground, Gunyah rainforest SR
    - 2hrs50min from NW subs;
    - 3 sites; very pleasant ridge top bush camp. A level, green grassed (slashed) clearing surrounded by dense wet sclerophll montane forest.
    - shade from a row of cyprus pine, mountain ash, blackwood and silver wattle. Rosellas, wallaby, wombats, wrens are common.
  - Bulga quarry campsite
    - 2 sites level, grassed clearing surrounded by mature Mountain Ash, wattles and dense scrub, wet sclerophyll forest not far from the Tarra Bulga National Park
    - quiet, secluded camping but access road may be over-grown; 20m gravel road off the Traralgon/Balook Rd at 400m mark from Grand Ridge Rd;
    - may be possible to overnight (no facilities) on the bare grassy top of Mt Tassie 3km north - sunsets over the Strzelecki's and sunrises over the Latrobe Valley, if the cloud lifts
- Traralgon Creek bush sites
  - Traralgon Cr 1 (Koornalla) Campground
    - 6 sites, large, open clearing on raised river flats above a loop in the Traralgon Creek, lush grass, shaded by a row of old pines.
    - 13k on Traralgon Creek Rd
    - at least 5 informal bush camps over the next 6.8k up the Creek
  - Traralgon CR 6 (Le Roy School) Campground
    - 1 site; pleasant, shaded, small, short grassed, gently sloping clearing on a ridge nose above the road and the small Traralgon Creek;
    - Traralgon Creek Rd (5.9k gravel, narrow, twisty)
Fishers Riverside Campsite - Perry Bridge on the Avon River
- 3hrs from CBD; 3.5hrs from NW subs; just past Sale and near the north-west part of Lake Wellington;
- vans or tents; no toilets; large flat grassy areas; lots of wooden pontoons on the edge of the river; mozzies can be problematic in summer;
- see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYpAymUmzF
Walhalla region
- O'Sheas Mill Site, East Tyers Campsite, Baw Baw Nat Park
  - 5 sites, elevation 580m; hike in site for and 1st stop for those on the Australian Alps Walking Track
  - 11min 650m walk from E. Tyers Rd and start of AAWT
- Aberfeldy River - east of Thomson Dam
  - Cascades Tomboon historic gold area
    - 4WD gravel road access; nice swimming area but too steep for young children;
    - 3hrs 20min from NW subs; -37.73054047315492, 146.3849238994949;
    - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_FN31q2o_g

other road side one night spots mainly for vans, generally NOT tents

Gippsland
- Willow Park, Rosedale is a popular free overnight stop
- Marlay Point 48hr camp on west shore of Lake Wellington, near Sale
- Lake Tyers
  - free behind the WaterWheel tavern but buy a meal, power, water, very close to the water; 2N max.
NW Victoria
- Natimuk parking bay
  - opp. the pub
- Moonambel recreation ground
- Avoca

¹⁾

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-07/traditional-owners-welcome-arapiles-protection-climbers-unhappy/104566984

Table of Contents

non-commercial camp grounds for tents 2-4 hours from Melbourne

those with toilets and hot showers

some recommended commercial venues with natural ambience tent sites

those with toilets but NO hot showers

west of Melbourne

NW Victoria

Northern Victoria

NE of Melbourne

SE of Melbourne

SW of Melbourne

By elevation above sea level

under 200m elevation

200-400m elevation

400-600m elevation

600-1000m elevation

More than 1000m elevation

other camp grounds "bush camps" no toilets, limited facilities

NW and W of Melbourne

NE of Melbourne

Wangaratta region

Benalla region

Beechworth / Bright region

Far NE Victoria

Murray River

Yarrawonga area

Cobram area

Echuca area

SW of Melbourne

SE of Melbourne

other road side one night spots mainly for vans, generally NOT tents