Blog Five Must-Visit Camping Spots Within 3 Hours of Melbourne

When you think of camping near Melbourne, you probably think of the Great Ocean Road. And don’t get us wrong, it’s a stunning 243 km of scenic beauty and unforgettable destinations. But there’s so much more to discover in Victoria – and you don’t have to drive all day to see it!

We’ve found five destinations across Victoria that are all an easy three hours or less drive from Melbourne CBD. Yes, one of them is a coastal escape along the Great Ocean Road – plus another four adventures just waiting for you to experience them. So load up your caravans Melbourne readers, it’s time to hit the road!

Norman Beach, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Vic. Image by Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons / “Wilsons Promontory National Park (AU), Norman Beach — 2019 — 1641” / CC BY-SA 4.0

5 Destinations To Visit When Camping Near Melbourne

1. Wilsons Promontory National Park

Located: approx. 3 hours’ drive southeast of Melbourne CBD

If there’s one word synonymous with Wilsons Prom in the Gippsland region, it’s pristine – and Victoria’s largest coastal wilderness certainly lives up to the name. From the white quartz sand of Squeaky Beach to the ancient granite cliffs that overlook the turquoise water below, The Prom is some of Mother Nature’s finest work.

Situated on a peninsula at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, Wilsons Promontory is considered a sacred place to the Boon Wurrung and Gunaikurnai peoples.

Things To See and Do

• Wildlife Spotting: Take the Prom Wildlife Walk for the chance to spy emus, kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats.
• Hiking: Take the steady uphill climb of the Mt Oberon Summit Walk and be rewarded with panoramic views across Tidal River, rugged coastline including Norman Bay and Whisky Bay, granite outcrops, forested mountains, and eucalypt valleys.
• Fishing: Stroll the Loo-Errn Boardwalk as it meanders through picturesque wetlands and take advantage of the fishing platforms along the way.

Where To Stay

Tidal River Campground: There are almost 500 camping and caravan sites here, but they book out fast. Plan your trip well ahead to secure a spot.

2. Warby-Ovens National Park

Located: approx. 2.5 hours’ drive northeast of Melbourne CBD

From the granite hills of the Warby Range to the wetlands of Ovens Heritage River, as well as dry woodlands, Box‐Ironbark forests and River Red Gum forests, Warby-Ovens National Park boasts unforgettable natural landscapes.

Located on Yorta Yorta Country, and just 10 km from Wangaratta, this national park is internationally recognised as setting a global standard for nature conservation. Its inclusion on the IUCN Green List makes it one of only four Australian sites to have earned the honour (as of 2025).

Things To See and Do

• Birdwatching: Explore Killawarra Forest where threatened bird species including the Swift Parrot, Hooded Robin, and Speckled Warbler make their homes in the Box-Ironbark forest.
• Canoeing: Enjoy a leisurely paddle through the channels and wetlands of Ovens River.
• Bushwalking: For an easy walk that leads to Kwat Kwat Lookout, with views of Ovens Valley and the Victorian Alps, try Taylors Track and Peregrine Track.

Where To Stay

Wenhams Camp: Individual unpowered sites are free and can’t be booked. Bring drinking water and firewood.

3. Skenes Creek

Located: approx. 2 hours and 50 minutes’ drive southwest of Melbourne CBD

For an unassuming camping destination along the undeniably magnificent Great Ocean Road, consider the humble and isolated beauty of Skenes Creek. A quieter alternative to nearby Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek is on the traditional lands of the Gadubanud people, and its main beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, and exploring the rock pools.

The road between Lorne and Skenes Creek is truly stunning but famously windy and narrow. However, hybrid caravans can safely navigate this stretch by taking it easy and staying focused.

Things To See and Do

• Bushwalks and Waterfalls: Get your nature fix by exploring the Great Otway National Park. Envelop yourself in lush rainforest, following the many walking trails that are thick with fern canopies and mountain ash trees stretching to the heavens. Take in the spectacular sight of the park’s multiple cascading waterfalls, including the 20 metres high Beauchamp Falls.
• Historical Attractions: Visit the ‘Beacon of Hope,’ mainland Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse. Cape Otway Lightstation was built in 1848 on a rugged cliff, the treacherous Bass Strait ocean 90 metres below.
• Eat and Drink: Enjoy handcrafted exotic gins and wood-fired pizza at Apollo Bay Distillery, or visit Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op to shop for fresh local whole fish, Bass Strait scallops, Southern Rock Lobster, calamari and more to cook back at camp.

Where To Stay

Skenes Creek Foreshore Caravan Park: Book early to nab an absolute beachfront powered site.

4. Ararat

Located: approx. 2 hours and 13 minutes’ drive west of Melbourne

Set at the foothills of the Grampians, on the traditional lands of the Eastern Maar, Barengi Gadjin, and Wadawurrung peoples, historical Ararat was once a gold rush town and is now an excellent base to park the offroad campers and explore the surrounding region.

Things To See and Do

• Ancient Rock Art: Grampians National Park, known as Gariwerd to the Traditional Custodians, is home to the most rock art sites in southern Australia. One of the most important sites, Bunjil’s Shelter, is thought to be more than one thousand years old.
• Ghost Tours: For those who dare, up close and spooky paranormal encounters are on offer at the old Ararat Lunatic Asylum.
• Wineries and Breweries: Indulge in a cellar door experience at Mount Langi Ghiran, where the Shiraz is acclaimed, and the sprawling vineyard is visually stunning. Stop by Mountainside Wines to enjoy premium wines and grazing platters of delicious seasonal produce.

Where To Stay

Acacia Caravan Park: Reviews note the friendly owners, clean facilities, excellent camp kitchen and other thoughtful touches that make this a great place to stop over.

Gariwerd Farm Camp: Head out of town for a remote camping experience complete with stunning views, wildlife, and a sunrise worth waking up for.

5. Warburton

Located: approx. 1.5 hours’ drive east of Melbourne

Located in the upper Yarra Valley on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, charming Warburton is a picturesque small town that sits on the banks of the Yarra River and is surrounded by rolling hills and lush forest landscapes. Just a short drive is required for you to shake off the city blues and immerse yourself in regional charm.

Things To See and Do

• Forest Bathing: Wandering through Warburton’s Californian Redwood Forest is good for the soul. Above you, the sky is obscured by the canopies of almost 1500 soaring Redwoods, and below, a soft carpet of fallen needles beneath your feet. Well worth the visit. Alternatively, enjoy the elevated vistas afforded by the seriously gorgeous Rainforest Gallery situated within the Yarra Ranges National Park.
• Mountain Bike Riding: Two-wheel enthusiasts will love Warburton Bike Park, with its cross-country trails running through the tree ferns and towering Mountain Ash of Warburton Valley.
• Adventure: Get the heart rate up with a day of river sledding on the Upper Yarra River, abseiling at Seven Acre Rock, or head underground to explore the cave chambers of Britannia Creek.

Where To Stay

Warburton Holiday Park: A tranquil natural setting with seasonal river sites for those who book ahead, this popular park is a fun and relaxing place to bring the family – furry members included!