The Best Off Road Camping Spots within Three Hours of Melbourne

If busy days spent living in Australia’s second largest city have you dreaming of heading out bush to camp under the stars, we get it! Yes, Melbourne has great coffee, delicious multicultural cuisine, and it’s the 4th most livable city in the world (sorry, Sydney!), but nothing can beat the Aussie bush in its full glory.

And while it may be hard to believe while you’re stuck in rush hour traffic stretching as far as the eye can see, less than three hours away, a whole new world awaits.

If you’re not sure where to find the best off road camping near Melbourne, this article is for you! Here are some of our favourite spots.

Lerderderg State Park

If you’re seeking sweet isolation only a short drive from the city, you’ll find it within this 14,250-hectare park. Parts of the park can become busy on weekends, so if you’re after some space, explore the more remote areas or visit during the week.

Lerderberg River Tunnel at Lerderberg State Park, VIC. Photo by Remy B CC0, WikiMedia Commons

Where is it?

Around an hour from Melbourne, Lerderderg State Park sits between Bacchus Marsh and Blackwood.

Amblers Crossing Campground

Bordered by a water crossing that’s perfect for a dip on a hot summer’s day, this isolated campground is only accessible with a four-wheel drive. The rugged bushland landscape offers a peaceful escape surrounded by native wildlife and birds.

Things to note:

• If you’re towing your off-road camper, note that the track is steep in some parts.
• Make sure your water tanks are full, as there is no drinking water on site.

Off road tracks

Lerderderg State Park offers a variety of off roading tracks, most of which are found in the northern part of the park, where it connects to Wombat State Forest, another interesting area to explore.

Check out O’Briens Road for spectacular views of the impressive gorge cut by the Lerderderg River.

Note: Some tracks in Lerderderg State Park are closed between mid-June and October.

Other activities in the area

• The park offers walking trails of differing degrees of difficulty and mountain biking tracks.
• The Tunnel, which starts at the Amblers Crossing Campground, takes you back in time to the days when gold fever swept the region, where you can see the handiwork of miners long gone in the river diversion tunnels and water races.

Baw Baw National Park

Head east out of Melbourne to explore the stunning sub-alpine landscapes of Baw Baw National Park.

View from Mt Baw Baw, VIC. Image by Alex Cohen – Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 3.0, WikiMedia Commons

Where is it?

Just under three hours from Melbourne, Baw Baw National Park is located within the Gippsland region.

Aberfeldy River Camping Area

Accessible only by 4×4, Aberfeldy River Camping Area is a peaceful riverside camping ground situated in the northeastern corner of the park. It’s a lovely setting for a quiet weekend of swimming and fishing.

Keep an eye out for the resident possums, goannas, and other wildlife. They’ve become accustomed to human visitors, so this is a great spot to observe them or get a great photo.

Things to note:

• BYO drinking water and firewood.
• Fuel stove cooking is preferred.
• Be prepared for snowy conditions in winter.

Off road tracks

Baw Baw National Park offers a great variety of 4×4 tracks for varying levels of experience. Be aware that this region does get snow in winter, and road conditions vary by season. Ensure you are adequately prepared.

• The South Face Road is a popular choice with those keen to experience the spectacular views and impressive native flora.
• 4WDing Aberfeldy offers a mix of pioneer history and stunning views from the top of the mountains.

Other activities in the area

No matter the time of year you visit, there’s so much to discover here.

Aberfeldy River at Baw Baw National Park, VIC. Image by Kacey Chong CC BY-SA 4.0, WikiMedia Commons

• In the warmer seasons, visitors enjoy hikes, mountain biking, swimming, fly-fishing and scenic 4WDing.
• See the giant granite boulders at Mushroom Rocks.
• Plan your visit in spring and be treated to a spectacular show of wildflowers in bloom.
• Visit the historical gold mining town of Walhalla – autumn is particularly beautiful.
• The area has lots of interesting and
• Visit in winter to enjoy snow sports including cross-country skiing, tobogganing, and snowshoeing.

Grampians National Park

Although recent bushfires have significantly impacted the area, the Heritage-listed Grampians National Park is still a must-visit destination for campers. An outdoor-lovers paradise, the Grampians has more than enough to keep you busy for a week or more.

A small pocket of cliff faces within the Grampians National Park, VIC. Image by IDK Ramen, CC BY-SA 4.0, WikiMedia Commons

Where is it?

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a 3-hour drive north-west of Melbourne. Nearby towns include Stawell and Halls Gap.

Coppermine Campground

Coppermine Campground is in the north-west of the park and is 4WD accessible only. With only four campsites available, you’ll feel well and truly removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The campground’s elevated position provides spectacular views stretching over the surrounding plains and is an ideal jumping-off point for some amazing Grampians adventures.

Things to note:

• Parks Victoria requires all campers to book and pay in advance.
• BYO drinking water and firewood.

Off road tracks

The Grampians Drive takes you on an epic journey through the best of what the region has to offer, encompassing stunning scenery, ancient rock art, hiking trails, mining history and stops at regional towns – for snacks, of course!

Other activities in the area

The area is a natural playground for those who love the outdoors and an important cultural site for all Australians.

• Visit Brambuk, The National Park and Cultural Centre for up-to-date info and maps to plan your adventures.
• Immerse yourself in the area’s rich culture by exploring ancient Aboriginal rock art. Over 80% of Victoria’s rock art sites can be found here.
• Don’t miss stunning MacKenzie Falls, one of the biggest waterfalls in Victoria. It flows all year round, so add it to the itinerary no matter when you travel.
• Earlybirds must witness sunrise from Boroka Lookout.
• Visit Halls Gap Zoo, Victoria’s largest regional zoo.

Off Road Camping Near Melbourne in Comfort

With so many picturesque camping spots to choose from near Melbourne, Victorians are really spoilt for choice.  The one thing that can make camping dicey in Victoria is the changeable weather.  You don’t want to find yourself beating a retreat to the Mt Buller ski-resort to escape freezing weather conditions – when you came packed for splashing about in one of the cooling alpine streams in the height of summer (yes, this actually happened on one memorable camping trip when equipped with a tent). The best thing about a JAWA off road caravan or hybrid camper? You can beat the extremes with airconditioning and heating as standard. With your own toilet and bathroom facilities on board you won’t be doing the dash in the dark. And with a decent full sized bed you can luxuriate in peace when the weather gets wild outside.