The wild and free bit
This is the bit where we load up the car, hit the road and ditch the everyday for a hearty dose of nature. The best bit? Parks Victoria have made camping free at 131 of their paid campgrounds from 1 December 2024 until 30 June 2025. This is on top of the 250 sites in state parks that are always free.
This is your sign to ditch the cost-of-living crisis for a few days and enjoy a getaway at one of our favourite campgrounds.
Find out more about free camping and book your site via the Parks Victoria website.
Plan before you go
Make sure you check weather and terrain conditions and pack plenty of water before you embark on an outdoor adventure. Keep up-to-date with the latest warnings and advice via the Parks Victoria and Vic Emergency websites.
Camp by the coast
Find the perfect spot to pitch a tent by a sandy beach or in a coastal park. Tidal River Campground in Wilsons Promontory National Park is the proms biggest, best equipped campground with hundreds of camping spots available, close to walks and the beach.
Image: Wilsons Promontory National Park. Image credit: Tourism Australia
Binn Beach and Camping Area in Cape Conran Coastal Park is a first in, first-served site and the perfect base for experiencing maritime wildlife and the beach.
On the eastern coast of Cape Otway, Blanket Bay Campground is situated by a small beach and intertidal rockpools, sheltered by the hills of the cape. Or, sleep by the dunes on the west coast foreshore in French Island National Park at Fairhaven Campground. While here, keep an eye out for koalas or local birdlife and take advantage of the many hiking and cycling paths.
Let’s go bush
Hidden in the south-west corner of the Grampians, you’ll find Strachans Campground, which is situated next to the Glenelg River and close to four-wheel drive tracks, bushwalking and rock-climbing sites.
Enjoy an escape in the company of kangaroos and possibly even koalas at Boar Gully Campground in the Brisbane Ranges National Park, or enjoy the peace of a secluded forest woodland setting and pitch your tent at Middle Creek Camping Area in Mount Buangor State Park.
Image: Little Desert National Park
Relax where the desert meets the river at Ackle Bend Camping Area in Little Desert National Park. Stay at one of the 10 unpowered sites and spot birds in this unique desertscape.
Down by the water
Cool off by rivers and lakes and wake to see the morning sun dancing across glittering water at one of these sites by rivers and lakes.
Canoe or kayak the Wingan River, then stay overnight in the Wingan Inlet Campground in Croajingolong National Park, or tuck yourself away next to Little River at Cooks Mill Camping Area in the Cathedral Range State Park.
Cast a line or relax by the water’s edge at Peachtree Campground, set on the eastern shore of Tamboon Inlet. More remote campgrounds are available but are only accessible by boat.
Image: Lake Catani
Spend some time by the water in an alpine landscape with a trip to Lake Catani Campground in Mount Buffalo National Park. Camp in snow gum woodlands and discover nearby waterfalls and hikes.
Hike in sites
Embark on a true wilderness adventure and hike to the remote reaches of Victoria’s state and national parks, taking advantage of their free hike-in camping spots.
For an authentic and scenic mountainscape, head to Alpine National Park in Victoria’s High Country. There are countless hikes you can do here, ranging from single to multi-day, with dispersed camping permitted in most of the park. In some instances, you’ll need to book ahead. For instance, campsites along the grueling Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing should be booked ahead of time.
Image: Falls to Hotham
Sleep to the sound of crashing waves or surrounded by coastal banksias at overnight hiking sites in Wilsons Promontory National Park. The park’s northern hikes have wilderness sites at Barry Creek, Lower Barry Creek, Five Mile Beach, Tin Mine Cove and Johnny Souey Cove. These locations have no facilities and maximum stay limits of two consecutive nights.
Venture into the Southern Prom and hike the famous Southern Circuit. The three-day version of this hike starts and finishes at Telegraph Saddle Carpark and includes free overnight stops at Sealers Cove and Waterloo Bay.
Image: Great Ocean Walk
Another unmissable coastal gem is the Great Ocean Walk, a once-in-a-lifetime, eight day walk which spans 110 kilometres of rugged coastal terrain. Weave your way through forests, cross creeks and rivers and traverse secluded beaches on the windswept Great Ocean Road, starting in Apollo Bay and finishing at the iconic 12 Apostles. Dedicated campsites are available at certain points along the track.
Dog-friendly campsites
Want to take your furry bestie with you? Some campsites allow dogs to tag along, on leash, ensuring the whole family can enjoy your camping trip.
Set up camp in a grassy hinterland with your pooch in tow at Joanna Beach Campground along the Great Ocean Road, or travel west of Loch Sport in Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park and settle in at Paradise Beach Campground. Here, you’ll be perched between the ocean and Lake Reeves, where you can surf or try your hand at surf fishing.
Image: Lake Elizabeth
Wake to the sound of native birds, embark on a four-wheel drive adventure or enjoy a peaceful bushwalk during your stay in Lerderderg State Park. Meanwhile, down in the Otways you can see birdlife and maybe even a swimming platypus at Lake Elizabeth Campground.
