Wondering where all the free camping sites are in Victoria? Well, given the sheer amount of them, we won’t go through all of them. However, here are five of the best free camping spots in Victoria to get you started on a budget camping trip.
Aberfeldy River, Baw Baw National Park
For a serene spot of free riverside camping in Victoria, head 2.5 hours east of Melbourne into the Baw Baw National Park and set up camp along the Aberfeldy River. The riverside location is a top spot for swimming, fishing, wildlife spotting and relaxing. The national park has much to offer, so it’s an ideal base to explore the area.
Facilities: Toilet, picnic tables.
Blue Pool, East Gippsland
In the Briagolong State Forest in Victoria, you’ll find a sought-after free camping site called Blue Hole along Freestone Creek. Here, you can swim in the sparkling deep water hole a short walk from the campsite. The hiking here is pretty good as well!
Facilities: Toilet, picnic tables
Dandos Campground, Otways
Located near the Gellibrand River in the Otways, around 2.5 hours from Melbourne, Dandos Campground gives campers plenty of opportunity to swim or hike through the bush. It’s a beautiful free camping site in Victoria, but beware of leeches if you head to the water.
Facilities: Toilet.
Reeves Beach, South Gippsland
Around three hours southeast of Melbourne, you’ll find Reeves Beach in the South Gippsland region. This free camping site offers grassy sites with direct access to 90 Mile Beach in Victoria. However, given its fantastic location and zero cost, the sites fill up fast, particularly during the holiday season.
Facilities: Toilet (only one available for all five campsites, so it’s best to be completely self-sufficient).
Ada River Campground, Errinundra National Park
Camp among old-growth temperate rainforest beside a trickling stream and enjoy nature at its best at this free camping site in Victoria. Around 6 hours northeast of Melbourne, the Ada River free camping area in Errinundra National Park doesn’t usually see crowds.
Facilities: Toilet, picnic tables
Looking for more awesome family holiday inspiration?
Browse our Victoria page for more information on visiting Victoria with kids, or head on back to the home page for inspiration on destinations worldwide.
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Resources for booking a getaway to Victoria with kids
Flights and getting around
- Get a great deal on flights to Melbourne on Trip.com.
- Compare car hire across major brands with Discover Cars.
Accommodation
- You can’t go past the Langham Hotel in Melbourne City. It’s upmarket, in a great location with great restaurants, and has an old-school sophistication that’s hard to beat.
- In West Gippsland, Erica Caravan Park is a top holiday spot with both cabins and camping.
- East Gippsland travellers should head to the Dargo River Inn in the high country for cabins and camping. The Big4 Waters Edge is great for families at Lakes Entrance.
- In South Gippsland, Yanakie Caravan Park (it has cabins as well) has the best views over the ocean at sunset and is located just 5 minutes from the entrance to Wilsons Promontory.
Activities and tours
- Legoland Discovery Centre – Get your tickets here.
- Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium – Get your tickets here.
- Arthurs Seat Eagle Gondola Ride – Get your tickets here.
- Puffing Billy Steam Train – Get your tickets here.
