Discover the best mountainous campgrounds near Melbourne, Victoria

Australia
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Victoria
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Melbourne

92% (1947 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Melbourne

Star Hosts in Melbourne

12 top mountainous campgrounds near Melbourne

98%

(958)

Iron Brook Donkey Farm

22 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · East Warburton, VIC

Rolling hills of mountain pasture, backing on to the Yarra State Forest. Bushwalk along the little creek among tall trees and majestic tree ferns, or just sit in a deck chair and take in the exquisite views at the top of the hill. Multiple tracks head through the Yarra State Forest where you can wind your way along dirt roads through to Noojee, Powelltown, or Reefton, each of which have a cosy pub at the end of the drive. There are different campsite locations on the property, depending on if you would like isolation or convenience. We also offer excellent toilet and bathroom facilities which are now included with all bookings. Iron Brook Donkey Farm is located on rolling hills of mountain pasture, backing on to the Yarra State Forest. Bushwalk along the little creek among tall trees and majestic tree ferns, or just sit in a deck chair and take in the exquisite views at the top of the hill. Multiple tracks head through the Yarra State Forest where you can wind your way along dirt roads through to Noojee, Powelltown, or Reefton, each of which have a cosy pub at the end of the drive. The donkey farm is situated conveniently, halfway between the popular redwood forest, and the giant Ada tree walk. Just chill in your own time, or book an activity or a donkey ride. Donkeys can take riders up to 70kg We do allow pets, but this MUST be discussed with us prior to booking as we have strict rules around this. We also allow campfires only when fire restrictions aren't in place - which is often all summer. Children under 3 are free, but for insurance purposes, please mention them in the comments. Day visitors are $20 per person, which incudes a donkey patting session. This property has an overall capacity to ensure that our number of visitors remain low. This not only ensures that campers recieve the space and peace they look for in a campsite like this, but also so that we can ensure the bathrooms can be kept clean and not overloaded. This is also a part of our COVID safe plan. Due to this overall capacity it is important that you book for the number of people that you intend to have stay, as while we try to accomodate increases to booking numbers, they are not guaranteed unless booked. If we have met overall capacity then we may not be able to approve increases to booking numbers. This is for the comfort and safety of all our visitors. Thank you If you intend to purchase firewood or power or donkey rides or anything from the Donkey Shop during your stay, please bring cash to pay, and payments must be made up front, unfortunately, too often guests have been leaving without having paid for their rides or firewood.

* Before taxes and fees

98%

(60)

Fowkes Family Flower Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Kinglake, VIC

🚙4WD ARE A MUST DURING WET WEATHER. Our farm is only a minutes' drive from the township of Kinglake. Or a 20-minute easy walk to shops and cafes. We are close to all the Yarra Valley and Kinglake Ranges have to offer from wineries to the National Parks for hiking, biking and 4WD driving. Fowkes family farm is a small, hobby, flower farm. Made up of 15 acres of working land and 35 acres of bush land. We have a 2-acre orchard with seasonal fruit available to be picked. ( Dec - April) The farm has over 100 king protea bushes and many other varieties of protea. Seasonal pick your own flowers too. ( Aug - March) Backing onto the national park and walking tracks. Jehoshaphat Gully, Shelley Harris Track, Mt Jerusalem Track. Walking distance to Kinglake historic walk, Cookson Hill Track, Mt Everard Track, Bollygum Park. Visit Mason Falls Waterfall, 12-minute drive to Kinglake West. We have 2 dogs, 5 pet sheep and 4 lambs, 1 blue tongue lizard The farming area is completely fenced in, this is to keep the deer out, but you can venture out onto the property bush land with the correct map and navigation equipment. Eagles, cockatoos, black cockatoos, kookaburras, magpies, rosellas, king parrots, Gang-gang cockatoo, honey eaters can be spotted most days and lyrebirds if you’re keen to go looking. Small playground with swings, slide, monkey bars and sandpit. Taxi service - The Graceful-Goat to get you around to the local eats and wineries. The Kinglake market is on the 4th Sunday of each month 10-2pm except December which is the Sunday before Christmas - twilight 2-7pm No market in January. The St. Andrews market is every Saturday, 9am to 1pm just 12 minutes down the mountain. Whittlesea market is on every Monday 9am - 1pm

* Before taxes and fees

91%

(119)

Kinglake East End

5 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Kinglake, VIC

91 Gordons Bridge Road was once part of a pine plantation that had been planted in the late 60's and harvested just prior to the Black Saturday fires. Across the road from the Kinglake National Park, it is surrounded by protected flora and fauna. Victoria's Pink heath, wattles and tea tree provide a pleasant backdrop in season. It is not an uncommon site to see an echidna or two on the property, with black wallabies, kangaroos and wombats often seen grazing on pasture in the evening. The mud turrets are the home of endangered land yabbies and Lyrebirds have been seen in the area. Feral deer have come to inhabit nearby properties and sometimes wonder down the track. Birds watchers will enjoy a variety of bird life that inhabit the area including eagle hawks, fairy wrens, kookaburras, rosellas, parrots and yellow tailed black cockatoos when in season. The area is a popular spot for hikers with the start of the Mountain Creek trail only a few kms down Gordons Bridge Road and serious cyclists train regularly, on Mount Slide, especially on the weekend. For the serious wine lover the property is within 15km of the Yarra Valley Wine Growing area with many wineries offering tastings.

* Before taxes and fees

67%

(3)

Tranquil Forest River Campsites

6 sites · Tents2 acres · Reefton, VIC

Camp amongst soaring tall trees and set your mind, body and spirit free. Imagine waking to birdsong and the gentle sound of the burbling brook at the edge of these glorious two acres of tall tree open forest. Boil yourself a billy on the communal fire or byo gas bbq and sip tea in bed or gaze at the birds, trees or river and breathe in the serenity. You are away from. everything here. This is camping at its best: quiet, away from it all, yet plenty to do if you want to. There are camp toilets, hot outdoor shower, a washing up area, small communal fridge, communal campfire and filtered rainwater provided. Or invigorate yourself with a bathe in the shallow crystal clear clean river. Sleep or read under the trees, paddle in the creek or explore the incredible beauty of the surrounding area. The property adjoins state forest and is protected in a cosy little valley. Onsite Restorative Yoga, Reiki, Meditation and Deep Relaxation sessions are on offer and one day and half day tours of the local area will surprise and delight. On early morning walks, you might spy the elusive native platypus or fish for a trout. Toboggans are available for hire to enjoy the nearby snow in winter. There are a range of local walking trails, bike trails and activities for the whole family or have a romantic picnic with your beloved/s in nature. Located only 1.5 hours from Melbourne, and there is good Telstra phone range. It is only 10 mins from the historic Reefton Pub with its delicious country meals, live music and famous Thurs eve trivia nights or just 20 mins away are the quirky Warburton's cafes and sublime arts scene. There's history, water parks, wineries, Healesville Sanctuary, the Ada Tree (Victoria's tallest tree) and the famous Redwood Forest is only 10 mins drive. A few bit of info so you know the set up: - There is a short walk from your car to the campsite area. - There is a short steep downhill with steps from the campsites to the creek. - My partner and I live on the property in a small cottage. Camping is at least 10 metres away from cottage. We love camping visitors staying and we love privacy and peace as much as you do. - A cat, rabbit and chooks live there too. If your kids want to hold the chooks or collect eggs for your breakfast we can arrange that. - All dogs & cats must be on a leash at all times - There are dogs in neighbouring properties who sometimes bark. - We are close to the gloriously beautiful Warburton-Marysville-Healesville scenic drive so occasionally there may be sounds of traffic. - Toilets are basic camping toilets in toilet tent - We have planted screening trees/bushes but until they grow up more you can still see the neighbours cottages from some angles. njoy, it's close enough for one night or more, however you will want to stay forever!

* Before taxes and fees

96%

(346)

Seven Hills Tallarook

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents600 acres · Tallarook, VIC

Our property, "Seven Hills Tallarook", sits high above Tallarook with deep valleys and high peaks, just over one hour North of Melbourne's CBD. The property is 600 acres of thick Victorian bush and farmed paddocks. We have a wide range of hobby farm animals - pigs, sheep, alpacas, chickens, ponies, a donkey, along with commercial heard of South African Boer Goats. As night falls, the wildlife come out to play - kangaroos, rabbits, deer and wallabies. Internally, we have in excess of 10 kilometers of roads within the property, the majority being 2WD accessible (weather conditions apply). There are parts of the property which are only 4WD accessible. Our campsites are placed to allow you to be as isolated as possible - away from other campers (you may see others as you drive past, or they drive past you). At some of our bush sites, you will be able to see other campers, but they are not close by. Additionally, we have now entered our Fire Danger Period for the 2024/2025 Summer Season. We have not toggled the Fire Ban on as we do still allow campfires, however campers MUST adhere to CFA guidelines at all times. On days of Total Fire Ban (TFB), no fires, including gas stoves can be lit outdoors. Furthermore, we reserve the right to ask you not to light a fire regardless of TFB status if we feel weather conditions are unsafe, especially the wind element. We cannot plan the weather and the request to not light your campfires will most likely on the day and we will advise as such. Our interest is with your safety, our neighbors and our property & family.

* Before taxes and fees

97%

(402)

Dromkeen Macdeon Ranges

8 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Riddells Creek, VIC

Heritage listed homestead featuring children’s art and literature. Currently featuring a beautiful exhibition by award winning Australian authors/illustrators Mark Wilson, Leigh Hobbs, Ann James & Gabrielle Wang. Nestled in the Macedon ranges in the tiny hamlet of Riddell’s Creek, Dromkeen is 30 minutes drive from Melbourne Airport. This stately National Trust home has beautiful gardens with a range of Australian native and European plants, a gazebo and two resident alpacas. We have space in the large carpark for vans, motorhomes, or alternatively the horse paddock for tents and campers. Ample toilets available. Dogs permitted by advance request. Guests are welcome to visit the Tea Room, open 10am – 5pm Wednesday through Sunday. Our daily menu contains a selection of delicious cakes, devonshire tea, toasted sandwiches, specialty pies and weekly specials and of course, tea and coffee. Breakfast is served all day. Browse in the galleries or wander around the beautiful gardens which have trees more than 100 years old, some listed on the National Trust register. Meet our 2 Dromkeen alpacas Hannah and Lilly. ***Please note, we are a rubbish free campsite, so campers are asked to take their rubbish with them. Dromkeen has very clean toilets, but a reminder there are NO showers. Also all sites are unpowered, but upon request prior to arrival a powered spot may be available at an extra $10 a day. Please ring to verify this. During summer months because of fire restrictions we also remind campers there should be NO outside campfires. ****Also please note, each van or tent is considered a separate booking site and each site is considered a space for 2 adults and up to 4 children. Where there are 2 couples, they are required to make 2 separate bookings.

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97%

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Eden Pines Farm

8 sites · RVs, Tents45 acres · Tallarook, VIC

Eden Pines is our home on 45 acres of undulating pastures with views of the Tallarook State Forest. Take in the beautiful views as you relax from your campsite or take a stroll around the property and say hello to the many different animals/wildlife nearby. We are not a commercial campground and instead want to share the slower farm and country experience with our guests. We are easy to find just off the Hume FWY and are located nearby to many wineries, the Goulburn River, the Great Victorian Rail Trail and the townships of Seymour, Trawool and Broadford. Come along to unwind and relax from the big smoke and feel free to bring your beloved fur babies, paddle board, kayak or bike. For those with horses - we have a secure paddock with a dam and 20m round yard for horses to be secured overnight. The rail trail is a short 5 min drive where you can float your horses to and enjoy a scenic ride with your companion! Instagram: @eden.pines

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(9)

Chain of pond hills

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Broadford, VIC

Pur property is 1 hour away from Melbourne. It has dorper sheep that are more than happy to share some bread pr have a pat. With outstanding views of Mt piper and broadfords township spreading over the valley. Come have a unique experience and see what broadford can offer. The sheep have free roam of the property so they may come sunrise you at night so make sure gates are shut behind you. Any questions feel free to ask away 1- Shut the gate everytime you open and close 2- Fires allowed only in a firepit provided by you 3- No driving the property, access is only located on the flat part near the stock yards. Anyone found driving the property will be forced to leave straight away with no refund 4- Pets allowed but on lead only, there is livestock roaming property 5- Keep the property the same condition you arrived in 6- Firewood cutting is not permitted on the property 7- Be respectful of neighbours 8- No toilets, bring your own camp toilets

* Before taxes and fees

94%

(119)

Magic Mountain

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Humevale, VIC

Nestled amongst the mountains just outside of the township of Whittlesea our 40-acre property sits above the clouds. This experience comes with sweeping views, a hidden waterfall, a clear campground, and plenty of wildlife. The camping area is accessible by 4WD only, otherwise, strap on a backpack and earn it! (800m walk/hike from where a non-4WD can park). The waterfall is reached by a single trail track from the campsite, and you do need to be an experienced hiker to get to the waterfall. Which is part of the appeal! We welcome self-contained campers, who bring their own toilet and take all waste with them. We have a strict Leave No Trace policy. Or choose to stay in our beautiful A-frame cabin, with plush bedding, cozy fire, and outdoor lounge. More than anything else this is a place to relax and be away from normal, live outside yourself, and rediscover what weekends are for. Dogs are welcome, so long as they don't bother the wildlife. Campfires are allowed, BYO firewood or campers can collect fallen timber from the property.

* Before taxes and fees

97%

(65)

Private Alpine Forest Paradise

1 site · RV, Tent100 acres · Trawool, VIC

A truly off-grid away-from-it-all alpine forest experience. If you've ever craved an escape to your own private clearing in the woods, this gorgeous mountain paradise is for you! The moment you step out of your vehicle, the first thing that hits you is the blissful silence. The only sound that fills the pure clear air is that of birdsong and wildlife. Our property is up the top of the mountain in the Tallarook State Forest. The property is 115 acres of beautiful high gumtrees with abundant wildlife. There are motorbike tracks to ride on, and bush walking aplenty! There is a clearing of approx 4 acres, which has a small home, a clean outdoor toilet, an orchard, a few sheds, and plenty of space to set up camp on. The home is unoccupied, so you will have the sprawling bush site to yourself. Sit under the majestic canopy of stars in the evening and enjoy the warmth of the rustic bluestone campfire as you relax and unwind. There is nothing better than enjoying the ambience of an open campfire in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but a stunning night sky above your head! There is plenty of tank water which you can responsibly help yourself to. There is access to a toilet (no shower). The campsite has a picnic table for meals. Whilst it takes approx 10 mins of driving on dirt tracks to get to it, once on the property, surrounded by tall eucalypts, the sound of the birds, the absence of any humans, and the refreshing mountain air, totally zens you out, and you feel like you are miles away from the hustle and in your own little world! Please bring your own food, drinks and camping essentials. Check the CFA website for up-to-date fire safety information, and to ensure there are no fire bans prior to lighting fire in campfire or charcoal bbq's. Plenty of firewood available on site. Large picnic tables available for long lazy lunches with friends. Umbrella mounts on each table if you wish to bring your own umbrella for shade. Note - the site is available for single date bookings if you wish to host a picnic, get together or bush bbq with friends and family, with the guarantee of having a beautiful secluded spot that is totally reserved for you only. Trampolines x 3 available for kids and plenty of spots to set up bike ramps or jumps (BYO). A mini bush kitchen is set up with pots and pans for little budding chefs to cook up a mud pie or wombat stew. Hours of entertainment and exploring for kids, and so much opportunity for parents to relax, unwind and soak in this mountain paradise getaway in the middle of the forest. Another 800 mtrs from our front gates are the Warragal Rocks, which is a excellent walk and view from atop the Mountain. We have one flushing toilet on site, plenty of firewood, a large bluestone fire pit area, and some charcoal BBQs that can be used for cooking on. Water is rainwater via tanks. Would be best to bring your own drinking water.

* Before taxes and fees

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Silver Creek Escape

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Hazeldene, VIC

If you’re looking for a place to set up camp while enjoying a hike through Kinglake National Park then our little space is just made for you. There are plenty of day walks starting right next to your camp or you can go for a swim in the nearby King Parrot Creek. With just 40min drive to Yarra Valley Wineries you are in a perfect location to set up camp and explore the region. Our pet friendly property is located in a quiet neighbourhood, easily accessible from the road (no 4WD needed) and ideal for swags, tents or campers. Power, tank water, bins and compost toilet are included! The space is part of our front yard and our property is located at the end of a quiet no through road. Your camp site is tucked in between the trees away from our family house with plenty of flat space. Sit at the picnic table or around the fire pit (season permitting) and take in the piece and quiet with plenty of wildlife to enjoy.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

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Deep Creek Valley Camping

6 sites · RVs, Tents165 acres · Monegeetta, VIC

Summerleigh is a historic property located in Deep Creek Valley, 10 minutes southeast of Romsey and an hour from the CBD of Melbourne. Deep Creek Valley is characterised by majestic views and steep rocky declines, carved over millennia by the permanently flowing Deep Creek, originating in the Great Dividing Range and eventually becoming the mighty Yarra River in Melbourne. Below the Homestead, in the valley, along the banks of Deep Creek, are four designated and generously sized camp sites, offering two types of camping. All only suitable for 4WD or SUV access. - Sambar : one larger caravan or two tents / rooftop vehicles site, located on Deep Creek (half-) island. A premier site. - Red : one larger caravan or two tents / rooftop vehicles, located next to Sambar. - Fallow : a one family tent site, or two small hiking tents. - Hog : one hiking tent camp with limited vehicle access.

* Before taxes and fees

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Mountainous camping near Melbourne guide

Overview

You don’t need to drive very far to get back to nature in Melbourne, because many of the state’s best camping destinations are within easy reach. Head east, west or south out of the city along the coast and bays and you’ll find fabulous beachfront camping reserves, national parks and well-equipped caravan parks. Or go bush in the ferny tall forests of the Yarra Ranges. But just because it’s wild doesn’t mean you have to rough it–glamping is popular and many of the national park campgrounds have the facilities you'd expect to find in holiday parks, like hot showers, powered caravan sites, playgrounds and flush toilets.

Great Ocean Road

Hipcampers are spoilt for choice when it comes to camping spots on the Great Ocean Road, which helps explain why this scenic coastal route is so popular with the vanlife set, although it’s just as good for those that are pitching a tent. Almost every town along its length has a caravan park, and there are several good foreshore camping reserves, usually within a stone’s throw from the beach, as well as camping spots in the rainforest of Great Otway National Park.

Wilsons Promontory

A night at the prom is a rite of passage for every young Melbournian. This wild knob of land at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia is Victoria’s most popular camping destination and offers everything from remote walk-in camps to powered caravan sites and luxury glamping. Tidal River campground even has a pop-up cinema in summer.

Mornington Peninsula

Another popular summer holiday spot, this boot-shaped peninsula 80km south of Melbourne boasts more than 260 km of coastline. There are three foreshore camping reserves with more than 1,000 campsites between them as well as plenty of caravan and holiday parks. Spend your days on or in the water, or explore the peninsula on one of the wine trails.

Dandenong Ranges

Want to escape the summer heat? An hour's drive to the east of the city rise the Dandenong Ranges, where the towering mountain ash forests and misty fern gullies are a favourite weekend escape for Melbournians. Further north, the pretty Yarra Valley is one of the best cool climate wine districts of the world.

When to go

Winter is notoriously cold and wet in the southern climes, although it’s not nearly as bad as locals like to say it is. The milder half of the year, from November to May, is best for camping; spring is lovely when the wildflowers are out. The Tidal River campground at Wilsons Promontory National Park is always booked out during summer and Easter school holidays and campsites are allocated by ballot, so you’ll need to plan ahead. See the Parks Victoria site for more information on how to apply.

Know before you go

Don’t fancy forking out a fortune buying camping gear? Hire what you need from the equipment library: http://www.equipmentlibrary.com.au/ They’ll even deliver if you live in inner Melbourne.
On a hot day it can be tempting to pitch your tent or park your campervan in the shade, but avoid camping under large gum trees as branches can fall without warning, even on still days. There’s a reason they’re called ‘widow makers.’
If you’re planning on camping in a national park visit the Parks Victoria site www.parks.vic.gov.au before you go for up to date information and alerts.