Traveling is really an amazing experience and food for our soul. And those who love exploring new places and great locations with nature’s beauty feel mesmerised with tranquillity of such nature’s heaven. For those who love the great natural outdoors, I’ve come up with Melbourne’s best camping spots in Victoria. It is quick escape into nature from daily hustle-bustle filled with adventure, are plenty of beautiful camping destinations within a short drive from the city for both seasoned campers and people looking for great getaway. You’ll see soul satisfying lush forests to pristine coastlines, here are the top five camping spots near Melbourne that are perfect for nature lovers.
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Top Five Camping spots near Melbourne
1. Wilsons Promontory National Park
Campers who loves camping with stunning coastal views, breath-taking wildlife and diverse hiking trails, If you’re seeking a camping spot that combines stunning coastal views, wildlife, and diverse hiking trails, Wilsons Promontory National Park should be at the top of your list. It is 2.5 hours drive from Melbourne, “The Prom” is a lovely destination for nature lovers. You can setup camp at the Tidal River Campground, having easy access to beaches, hiking tracks, and abundant wildlife like, kangaroos, wombats, and emus.
– Activities: Few of the activities includes Hiking, beach-combing, wildlife watching, and exploring scenic lookouts like Mount Oberon.
– Facilities: The Tidal River Campground is well-equipped with facilities like toilets, showers, and a visitor centre.
2. Cathedral Range State Park
Mountain lovers who wants to have rugged camping experience with incredible mountain views, Cathedral Range State Park is the best spot for them. It is around 2 hours drive to northeast of Melbourne, this park offers challenging hikes with rewarding views. The park’s campgrounds, such as Neds Gully and Cooks Mill, are nestled among towering trees and near the banks of the Little River.
– Activities: It has amazing activities such as: Hiking the Cathedral Ranges, rock climbing, and birdwatching.
– Facilities: It offers some basic facilities like toilets and picnic tables. This site is best suited for campers who don’t need too many amenities.
3. Great Otway National Park
Mind-blowing location for the adventure seekers who loves to camp in forests to experience raw nature and wild animals. This location offers lush rainforests, mind-blowing waterfalls and scenic coastal views. Best for camping experience for nature lovers and it’s just a 2.5-hour drive from Melbourne. This park has multiple camping spots such as Aire River East Campground and Johanna Beach Campground. The park’s biodiversity and stunning landscapes make it an excellent destination for campers looking to reconnect with nature.
– Activities: Various activities you can do here includes, exploring the Great Ocean Road, visiting waterfalls like Hopetoun Falls, and discovering the towering Otway Ranges.
– Facilities: Almost every campground has basic facilities such as toilets, picnic areas, and fire pits etc.
4. Lake Eildon National Park
Lake Eildon National Park is in northeast a 2 hours drive from Melbourne, is a terrific camping spot for water lovers. The park encompass Lake Eildon, offering camping areas like Candlebark Campground and Devil Cove Campground. Here you can enjoy various fun activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. This park’s scenic surroundings are perfect for unwinding and doing water sports together.
– Activities: This campground offers activities like Boating, fishing, bushwalking, kayaking, and spotting local wildlife such as echidnas and kangaroos.
– Facilities: Like other campgrounds it offers basic facilities like toilets, picnic tables, and barbecues, with some sites also allowing campfires.
5. Yarra Ranges National Park
Yarra Ranges National Park is for the people who don’t to go far away from city life and wants to experience beauty of the wilderness. It’s just an hour and a half drive from Melbourne. This park is known for its huge mountain ash trees, lush forests, and dramatic walking tracks. You can setup your camp at Big River Campground spot, because it offers peaceful escape surrounded by nature.
– Activities: Popular activities here at Yarra Ranges are Bushwalking, birdwatching, exploring the pristine rivers, and taking scenic drives through the park.
– Facilities: The campgrounds in Yarra Ranges National Park are more on the rustic side, offering basic facilities like toilets and picnic tables.
Tips for Camping Near Melbourne
Plan Ahead
Popular Campgrounds need pre-booking, especially during peaks seasons, so better to plan in advance to avoid inconvenience later and get you spot booked early on places like Wilsons Promontory.
Pack for the Weather
Don’t forget to pack warm clothes and waterproof camping gears, because the weather could really be unpredictable, especially in the mountains and along the coast. Be prepared for cold nights and sudden weather changes.
Respect Nature
When camping in these natural environments, respect the surroundings and don’t litter around, remember to leave no trace. Take your rubbish with you, respect wildlife, and stick to designated campsites and walking tracks.
Melbourne is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking camping destinations in Victoria, perfect for nature lovers looking to escape the city for a weekend. Whether you prefer the rugged mountains of the Cathedral Ranges, the coastal beauty of Wilsons Promontory, or the lush rainforests of the Otways, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast. So pack your camping gear and embark on an unforgettable adventure at one of these top camping spots near Melbourne!