Table of Contents

non-commercial camp grounds for tents within 2 hours of Melbourne

see also:

  • “The capacity to be alone is the capacity to love. It may look paradoxical to you, but it is not. It is an existential truth: only those people who are capable of being alone are capable of love, of sharing, of going into the deepest core of the other person—without possessing the other, without becoming dependent on the other, without reducing the other to a thing, and without becoming addicted to the other. They allow the other absolute freedom, because they know that if the other leaves, they will be as happy as they are now. Their happiness cannot be taken by the other, because it is not given by the other.” - Osho
  • there are no camp grounds in the Dandenong Ranges - closest is Kurth Kiln camp ground (not Kirth!)
  • there are almost no non-commercial camp grounds in west Gippsland, Phillip Island, or the south (beach) side of the Otways
    • can usually sleep in car in quieter beach car parks such as on Philip Island (Grossard Point Ventnor) although not legal unless if you are driving and tired and need to sleep - as long as you leave by dawn, however, there is a risk the council will fine you still, and public toilets are often hard to find
  • travel times are OFF-PEAK
  • CHECK before you go especially after severe weather events as many may be closed due to storm or flood damage, or the roads inaccessible
  • you are NOT permitted to drive onto beaches in Victoria (this is allowed in Sth Australia though but your insurance will probably not cover you!)
  • in general, you are NOT permitted to camp within 20m of a waterway in Victoria
  • in general, you cannot have solid fuel fires or BBQs in most commercial camp grounds, nor in some Nat Parks such as Wilsons Prom
  • most commercial camp grounds now require you bring a fire extinguisher (whether tent or van) and 15A tested power lead with earth leakage device if connecting to their power
  • you cannot take pets into National Parks and cats are banned in Halls Gap
  • BEFORE leaving for a free camp ground, decide on 3 camp ground options within 1 hour drive of each other and try to get to the 1st by 4pm to give you time to go to other options if that one is full or compromised
  • dogs are allowed at most non-commercial camp grounds in Victoria with some EXCEPTIONS:
    • National Parks generally do NOT allow dogs
    • in addition, dogs are NOT permitted at Murrindindi Scenic Reserve camping, Langi Ghiran State Park, Mount Buangor State Park
    • some other places require dogs on leashes

closest to NW suburbs under 1.5hrs excl. small bush camps

those with toilets and hot showers

those with toilets but NO showers

north-west of Melbourne

NE of Melbourne

SE of Melbourne

SW of Melbourne

for winter sun

By elevation above sea level

under 200m elevation

200-400m elevation

400-600m elevation

600-800m elevation

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

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