Camping near Melbourne: 10 great spots within 4 hours
Updated 13 October 2026 · Four Swags
Melbourne is surrounded by brilliant camping: surf beaches, rivers, mountains and lakes, most within a few hours' drive. Here are ten favourites, roughly in order of distance. Popular campgrounds book out early for summer, long weekends and school holidays, so book your site first.
1. Mornington Peninsula foreshore (about 1–1.5 hours)
The foreshore campgrounds between Rosebud and Sorrento are a summer tradition: calm bay beaches out the front and surf beaches a short drive away. Great for families and first-timers. Bring shade, a SUP or kayak, and a fridge.
2. Phillip Island and the Bass Coast (about 1.5–2 hours)
Surf beaches, the penguin parade and calm Western Port water for paddling. Caravan parks and holiday parks rather than bush camping.
3. Cathedral Range State Park (about 2 hours)
Bush camping under the Cathedral Range, with steep, rewarding hikes along the razorback. Bring good boots and warm sleeping gear: it gets cold at night.
4. Lake Eildon (about 2.5 hours)
A huge lake for boating, kayaking, fishing and swimming, with campgrounds around the shore. A favourite for families with water toys.
5. Wilsons Promontory (about 3 hours)
Tidal River is one of Victoria's most loved campgrounds, right by Norman Beach. Summer sites are allocated by ballot and fill fast. Hiking, wildlife and swimming.
6. The Great Ocean Road and the Otways (about 2–3.5 hours)
Camp near Lorne, Wye River, Apollo Bay or Johanna Beach for surf, waterfalls and rainforest walks. Bring wetsuits and boards.
7. The Grampians (about 3 hours)
Halls Gap and the surrounding campgrounds are the base for hikes to the Pinnacle, waterfalls and rock climbing. Kangaroos around camp at dusk are almost guaranteed.
8. Bright and the high country (about 3.5–4 hours)
Rail trails, mountain biking, river swimming and the drive up to Mt Hotham and Falls Creek. A great spot to hire bikes for the trip.
9. The Murray River at Echuca (about 2.5–3 hours)
Sandy river beaches, kayaking and warm summer days. Many river campsites are bush camping with no facilities, so bring water and a toilet plan.
10. Cape Conran and East Gippsland (about 5 hours, worth it)
A little further than four hours, but one of the most beautiful beach campgrounds in the state: snorkelling, fishing and quiet beaches.
Before you go
- Book your campsite (Parks Victoria runs most national park bookings)
- Check fire restrictions and total fire ban days
- Check road and weather warnings
- Pack out all your rubbish