The Best Free Camping Spots in Victoria
Ready to dive into the spectacular landscapes of Victoria from the cozy confines of a campervan? This guide is your ultimate resource, outlining the top free camping near Melbourne and across the state, perfect for adventurers on a budget. We’ll explore everything from the rugged coasts at Johanna Beach to the tranquil waters of Lake Eildon, covering everything you need to know for a seamless Australia road trip.
Expect practical advice on interacting with wildlife, finding spots with the best amenities, and the essential dos and don’ts of Australia freedom camping. Gear up for an epic campervan road trip—it’s time to explore Victoria’s breathtaking beauty and wild charm from the comfort of a campervan!
Why you should go freedom camping in Victoria
Victoria is home to an array of breathtaking landscapes —from the dramatic cliffs of the Great Ocean Road to the tranquil ambience of the Dandenong Ranges. As such, freedom camping in Victoria offers more than just a cheap place to sleep—it's a gateway to experiencing Aussie nature at its purest. Imagine waking up to the sounds of waves at Johanna Beach or the peaceful silence of the high country's rugged wilderness.
If that weren’t enough, Victoria also boasts a rich cultural history, vibrant local communities, and a thriving food and wine scene, making it a perfect destination for any road trip itinerary planner. Whether wandering the laneways of Melbourne, soaking in the mineral springs of Daylesford or marvelling at the views from the historic riverboats along the Murray River, you will have no shortage of ways to fill your road trip itinerary planner while freedom camping in Victoria.
Things to think about when freedom camping in Victoria
Venturing into the great outdoors of Victoria with your campervan requires a bit of prep and know-how. Here are a few things to consider when planning a freedom camping adventure.
Image: Lachlan Gardiner
Legalities and regulations
In Victoria, not all scenic spots are up for grabs for a night under the stars (sadly). Some areas require permits, and others are completely off-limits to campers to preserve the area. Checking with local authorities or the Parks Victoria website can save you from fines and help preserve our beloved landscapes. Staying informed is not just about following the rules—it's about contributing to the sustainability of these beautiful places.
Leave no trace
Leave no trace is not just a courtesy; it's a responsibility. When setting up camp at free campgrounds in your campervan, it is important to ensure it looks untouched when you leave. This means packing out trash, keeping fires within designated pits (where permitted), and ensuring that the natural flora and fauna remain undisturbed. Practising this principle helps maintain the pristine condition of these Victorian campgrounds, making sure they remain enjoyable and open to future visitors.
Safety precautions
When you explore Australia in a campervan, your safety should always come first. Always inform someone of your itinerary, and be prepared for unpredictable weather by packing the right gear. A comprehensive first-aid kit is your best friend in the wild, remote areas of Australia, and a knowledge of basic survival skills can be a helpful addition.
Accessibility and amenities
While the spirit of freedom camping in Australia is often about roughing it, some planning is still essential. Many free camping campgrounds offer minimal amenities, so come prepared with sufficient supplies. Water, food, and basic hygiene products are must-haves. While some freedom campgrounds might offer the bare minimum, like toilets or fire pits, others may have none — so checking site facilities ahead of your trip is a smart move. For extended campervan adventures, remember to book a powered campground every three days to recharge your campervan to keep all systems running smoothly.
Wildlife awareness
When freedom camping in Australia, expect to share your temporary backyard with local wildlife. These furry friends can range from curious kangaroos to spikey echidnas. While encountering wildlife is a pretty exciting part of any camping experience, it's important to store food securely and keep a respectful distance when encountering these wild animals. This not only protects you and your group but also ensures that wildlife remains, well, —wild.
What’s the best way to explore Victoria?
There's arguably no better way to see Victoria than from the comfort of a Cheapa campervan. With the flexibility to move at your own pace and the freedom to access remote corners of this picturesque state, campervan travel becomes the ultimate adventure. Imagine waking up to a different breathtaking view each morning—whether it’s a mist-covered mountain or a sandy beach—this is what an Australia road trip in a campervan offers.
Travelling by campervan allows you to store all your essentials and keep comforts close while you navigate through Victoria’s diverse landscapes. From bustling Melbourne streets to the peaceful Murray River, each day ends exactly where you want it to be. Whether finding hidden gems off the beaten path or following the well-trodden tourist trails, your campervan is your gateway to an unforgettable Australia road trip.
The best freedom camping spots in Victoria
Now that you know the basics of freedom camping and campervan travel, let’s explore some of the top spots where you can park up your campervan and enjoy the natural beauty that this part of Australia has to offer.
Image: Lachlan Gardiner
1. Candlebark Campground, Lake Eildon National Park
Nestled in the heart of Victoria's highlands, Candlebark Campground offers a tranquil escape in the expansive Lake Eildon National Park. This campground is perfect for those who enjoy water sports and fishing, as the lake provides ample opportunities for boating and kayaking. The campground features basic amenities like toilets, picnic tables and fireplaces, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst nature. Located just over two hours’ drive from Melbourne, Candlebark is easily accessible for a weekend getaway or a stop on a northbound Australia road trip.
2. Johanna Beach, Great Otway National Park
For those drawn to the sea, Johanna Beach Campground in Great Otway National Park offers a stunning coastal experience in Victoria. Known for its rugged beauty and as a haven for surfers, this freedom campground provides visitors with basic facilities like toilets. However, what you sacrifice in amenities can be made up with the views!
This is easily one of the best freedom camping sites in Australia, where you can watch the dramatic Southern Ocean waves crash against the shore or enjoy a peaceful sunset. Johanna Beach is approximately a three-hour drive from Melbourne, making it an excellent spot for an extended road trip through the Great Ocean Road. This is a perfect addition to any road trip itinerary planner for those looking to explore the region’s scenic oceanside trails or relax by the beach.
3. Toolangi State Forest
Looking for a little forested paradise? Toolangi State Forest boasts magnificent mountain ash trees and a lush understorey, creating a lush forested backdrop for your campervan adventure. This area offers a variety of free camping sites scattered throughout the Murrindindi Scenic Reserve, ideal for those who love hiking and spotting wildlife. Facilities are rustic, aimed at those who are self-sufficient but still appreciate the accessibility of nearby hiking trails and clearings for campfires.
The best part? This freedom camp in Australia is located just an hour and a half from Melbourne, making this a perfect campground for a quick escape from the city. With so many campgrounds to choose from, even those new to van travel can find a secure place to stay while enjoying the tranquillity of the Victorian bushland.
4. Aire River West Campground, Great Otway National Park
At the heart of the Great Otway National Park, the Aire River West Campground offers a serene setting along the banks of the Aire River, a prime spot for those hoping to add a little canoeing and fishing to their campervan adventure. Keen anglers can choose between the calm estuary of Aire River or the wild ocean waters of Glenaire Beach for their chance to catch salmon, mullet, trout and more.
The campground provides basic amenities such as toilets and picnic tables and is conveniently located about a three and a half hours' drive from Melbourne. For those travelling along the Great Ocean Road by campervan, this is a convenient base to add to your road trip itinerary planner as you explore the surrounding beauty of the Otway ranges.
5. Aberfeldy River, Gippsland
Set in the picturesque outskirts of Gippsland, the Aberfeldy River Camping Area offers an enchanting escape into Baw Baw National Park. The surrounding forest provides ample opportunities for wildlife photography—especially during the wildflower season—and the nearby Australian Alps Walking Track and Mushroom Rocks attractions mean you don’t have to wander far to immerse yourself in Aussie alpine beauty. Plus, with pitfall toilets, firepits, and a fully stocked campervan, you’ll have everything you need for a tranquil getaway.
This secluded spot is perfect for those driving east of Melbourne and looking to add a little fishing, swimming, and bushwalking to their Australia road trip. The drive from Melbourne to the Aberfeldy River takes about three hours, which also makes it a feasible weekend getaway for city dwellers looking to disconnect.
6. Sawpit Free Campground, Mount Clay State Forest
Located near the coastal town of Portland, the Sawpit Free Campground is a hidden gem within the tall eucalypt forests of Mount Clay State Forest. Despite being a free campground, it boasts well-maintained amenities, including BBQs, toilets and picnic tables. This site is an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions like the Cape Bridgewater seal colony, the stunning Bridgewater Bay, and the Mt Clay Mountain Bike track.
Just over a four-hour drive west of Melbourne, Sawpit offers a straightforward, no-frills that is typical of free camping in Australia. The campground’s accessibility and the proximity to coastal landscapes make it a popular choice for those looking to explore the less frequented parts of Victoria's coastline and a perfect addition to an Australia road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide.
7. Meredith Park, Lake Colac
Meredith Park lies on the banks of Lake Colac and offers expansive views across the water. Set on six hectares of the Lake Colac shoreline, this Australia freedom camping site is ideal for those interested in boating, fishing, hiking on the nearby trails, or simply relaxing by the lake and enjoying some enviable lake-side sunsets. The campground itself is spacious, well-suited for campervans and includes basic facilities like toilets and barbeque areas for a little extra comfort.
A drive from Melbourne to Meredith Park takes approximately two and a half hours, making this another top contender for a lakeside weekend getaway or those planning an Australian road trip through the Otways. What’s more, the park offers ample space for campervans to park near the lake, making this one of the best freedom camping in Victoria for water lovers or anyone looking to soak up the peaceful lake atmosphere.
Think camping in Victoria sounds like fun?
After exploring just a few of the many free camping spots available in Victoria, it’s clear why this state is a favoured destination for a campervan road trip. Whether you choose to visit for the weekend or as a quick stopover on a longer Australia road trip, each campground offers its unique charm and a host of activities.
Think camping in Victoria sounds like fun? You can easily book your Cheapa camper online and pick it up from any Cheapa branch before setting out on your very own Victoria road trip. Whether you’re after the lush forests of the Otways or the tranquil waters of Lake Colac, freedom camping in a campervan allows you the simple pleasures of exploring at your own pace. So why wait? Victoria’s stunning landscapes are calling.