Blog Off Road Camping in the Dandenongs – Amazing Weekends Away!

There’s something magical about pointing your car toward the hills and watching the city skyline fade in the rear-view mirror, as your trusty JAWA camper rolls along behind.

Just an hour from Melbourne the Dandenongs rise in layers of mist. The soaring mountain ash forests and winding dirt tracks will beckon you deeper into this wild wonderland.

Once there, the towering trees, fern-filled gullies and hidden picnic grounds beg you to stay just a little while longer.

This region delivers big adventure in a compact package.

Image by Uzman Naleer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Camping Dandenong Ranges National Park

The crown jewel of the region is the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

While many areas of this forest escape are sealed and tourist-friendly, there are plenty of lesser-known gravel access roads and quiet picnic reserves where a capable 4WD and off road caravan can escape into the wilds.

For camping Dandenongs and surrounds, base yourself near Kalorama or Silvan for easy access to forest drives and walking tracks.

Early mornings bring low cloud drifting through the trees, and lyrebirds scratching in the undergrowth. You’ll feel a world away, even though you’re a short drive from the bustle of Melbourne.

And when your wheels start itching to hit the road, take on the network of narrow mountain roads linking Sassafras, Olinda and Sherbrooke. They’re not extreme 4WD tracks, but they’re ideal for travellers who love scenic touring with their caravan in tow.

Puffing Billy Railway

No trip to the Dandenongs feels complete without a ride on the most iconic steam train out there – Puffing Billy. Watching the historic steam train wind through the forest over historic trestle bridges is pure nostalgia and is sure to delight young, old and everyone in between.

Set up camp nearby and turn your camping weekend into a relaxed mix of adventure and heritage. Enjoy forest drives around Emerald and Gembrook, where gravel roads branch into quiet bushland, perfect for a peaceful overnight stay in one of the designated camping areas.

Image by Erin Silversmith, GFDL, via Wikimedia Commons

Bunyip State Park

A scenic drive along peaceful, forest-lined roads takes you to Bunyip State Park, where offroad adventure time begins. Expect rutted climbs, clay sections, and water run-offs if it’s been wet.

The reward? Elevated clearings with panoramic views across rolling farmland and distant ranges. Rare native birds and plants hide among the trees, and tranquil bush campgrounds invite you to enjoy a different kind of camping holiday.

Outdoor adventures beyond the tracks

While there are enough offroad opportunities for a fun-filled weekend, the Dandenongs are made for slow exploration. Head out each day to see what’s on offer and return each night to the peace and quiet of your off road camper.

Explore walking tracks that beckon you deeper into the forest, hiding rainforests, waterfalls and delights you’ll only ever see on foot. If hiking’s not your thing, bring the mountain bike along and explore hidden tracks on two wheels. A weekend in the Dandenongs is less about conquering hardcore tracks and more about blending comfort with adventure.

Why the Dandenongs are perfect for off road caravan travel

Not every weekend needs to be a remote Outback escape – although here at JAWA Off Road Campers, we get the appeal!

The Dandenongs prove that off road camping can be close to home yet still feel like a true escape. With manageable gravel roads, forest tracks and plenty of scenic camping spots, it’s ideal for travellers easing into off road caravanning or testing out new gear. So load up the camper, bring the hiking boots and enjoy an easy weekend in the cool mountain air.

For more inspiration, check out these off road camping spots near Melbourne.