Blog Three Amazing Off Road Camping Destinations Near Melbourne

There’s nothing like taking a break to do some off-road camping near Melbourne to remind us that we’re all tiny dots in an amazingly vast universe. Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there’s nothing quite like a night under the stars to bring you back to yourself.

We city-dwellers can get comfortable in our urban jungle and forget to leave, but it pays to remember what stretches beyond the concrete boundaries we call home.

It pays to load up the JAWA Off Road camper and go on an adventure!

Offroad Camping Near Melbourne

Melbourne is a city surrounded by forest, ocean and rolling farmland. No matter which direction you head off in, you’re sure to find beautiful landscapes, mouthwatering artisan food and small-town Victorian hospitality.

And if you’re longing for the quiet of the bush, you’re in luck, with so many options for off road campers.

Here are three gems to add to your list for a quick weekend away.

Firth Park Campgrounds. Photo by wanderingchina, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Firth Park Campground, Trentham East

Around an hour and a half north-west of the Melbourne CBD, you’ll find Firth Park Campground in the stunning Macedon Ranges region.

How To Get There

Access to the campsite is via Firth Road, Trentham East, which is an unsealed gravel track.

The Campground

Firth Park is a free campground nestled within the Wombat State Forest. Set amongst ornamental trees and eucalypts, you’ll find basic facilities with a few special additions.

A horse yard, riding trails and historic remnants make this an appealing spot for groups with mixed interests. Spend some time learning about the past before heading off on your off-road adventure.

What’s Great About It

Firth Park’s scenic setting makes it a lovely place to stay, but the real magic lies in exploring Wombat State Forest.

Adventurers will love the fascinating Wombat 4WD Tour. The full-day journey covers 100km with multiple opportunities to stop and enjoy historical sites, scenic picnic areas and various walks. Easy to medium grade during the dry season, this track is a great beginner off-roading experience for families.

Aberfeldy-Walhalla Road, Victoria. Photo by: Melburnian, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Little O’Tooles Campground, Donnelly’s Creek

Head a few hours east of Melbourne to Donnelly’s Creek in the Victorian High Country, where Little O’Tooles Campground is the perfect jumping-off point for 4WDing adventure.

How To Get There

Little O’Tooles Campground is accessible via Donnelly’s Creek Road in Toombon.

The Campground

This quiet 4WD-only campground is designed with self-sufficient travellers in mind. Off road campers in Melbourne will find plenty of open space to park the van and basic facilities, including picnic tables, fire pits and pit toilets.

If travelling with a larger group, O’Tooles Campground offers more space to spread out than its little neighbour, so choose your spot accordingly.

Not planning on spending the night? Little O’Tooles Campground is also a lovely place to stop for a picnic lunch or billy tea over the fire pit. Remember to check fire restrictions before you go.

What’s Great About It

Catering only to travellers with 4WD capabilities, Little O’Tooles is a peaceful and often less busy place to stop.

It’s also one of several campgrounds and huts tucked along the Aberfeldy Back Road 4WD Tour – Donnelly’s Creek Loop.

The 4WD Tour itself is rugged and spectacular, taking in awe-inspiring views along the way. As you traverse this rough country, spare a thought for the early miners who came to these parts to try and make their fortune – a story that all too often ended in tragedy or loss. Historic sites and mining relics along the way help paint a picture of what life must have been like for those hardy souls. Best done over at least two days, the route invites you to pause, take a deep breath, and reconnect.

Cathedral Range from Taggerty. Photo by Luke Steenhuis, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cooks Mill Camping Area, Cathedral Range State Park, Taggerty

Just over 2 hours from Melbourne, heading northeast along the Maroondah Highway to Buxton, you’ll find Cooks Mill Camping Area, set within Cathedral Range State Park in Central Victoria.

How To Get There

Take Cathedral Lane from Buxton until you reach the park entrance. Turn right onto Little River Road and follow it until you reach Cooks Mill – you’ll pass another campground (Neds Gully) along the way.

The Campground

Once the site of an historic sawmill and now shaded by various species of gums, the scent of the bush surrounds you as you set up your off-road camper in the designated area. Look out for koalas during the day and remember to bring a spotlight. You might be lucky enough to spot a possum or glider above your camper at night!

What Makes It Great

This campground is the perfect place to base yourself for rugged mountain hikes or less strenuous forest walks.

With names like Razorback Trail and North Jawbone Peak Walk hinting at the challenging conditions keen hikers will face, families are advised to stick to the friendlier-sounding Little River Walk and Friends Nature Walk.

For your 4WDing fix, try the nearby Rubicon and Cathedral Range 4WD tracks.

Explore Further in a JAWA Off Road Camper

So you see, whether you’re new to off-road camping or a seasoned pro, there’s always some place new to discover when your travels are powered by a JAWA Off Road camper! Take a closer look at our range.