There’s no better way to unplug and disconnect from the hectic day-to-day than camping. Pitch up a tent or park the caravan and give yourself the gift of slowing it down and reconnecting with nature. Get that much-needed R&R even just for a quick weekend getaway while experiencing the best camping on Victoria’s stunning landscape!
Victoria’s sandy beaches and coastal parks are the perfect destinations for campers, as they are great spots to pitch up a tent. Set up camp near the waters and enjoy falling asleep with the calming sound of the waves. National parks are also considered as one of the best camping places in Victoria, where you can close your eyes and meditate with different bird songs.
What are you waiting for? Pack up your torch and off you go - here are the best camping spots in Victoria:
1. Phillip Island Caravan Park
Experience the best beach camping spot in Victoria at Phillip Island Caravan Park! Achieve peaceful serenity near Newhaven Beach as you marvel at the natural beauty of the nature reserve. You might even get the chance to witness the parade of local fairy penguins waddling up the beach during sunset!
Choose from powered or unpowered caravans or camping sites. Set up your tent on their grass sites and shaded area, and enjoy a few nights under the stars when you pick their non-powered camping grounds. If you’re looking for a much more modern camping experience, opt for their powered caravans. And if you have your own caravan, you may book their drive-thru powered caravan sites so you can plug in your own camper van.
All accommodations are in close proximity to the park’s amenities including showers, toilets and a large camp kitchen. Campers can also enjoy a variety of activities such as an adventure playground, electric BBQs, buggy hire and so much more!
Don’t miss the chance to catch the famous penguin parade at sunset! Drive 20 minutes from the caravan park and head to Phillip Island Nature Park! Choose from different viewing platforms and witness little penguins from Australia’s largest penguin colony as they waddle back to their nesting boxes.
See koalas, experience a unique farm adventure, and journey into the wonderful world of the Southern Ocean and Antarctica at Koalas Conservation General Entry, Churchill Island Heritage Farm General Entry and Nobbies Antarctic Journey when you book the 4 Park Pass.
2. Kurth Kiln Scout Loop
Gather the family and get closer to nature when you camp at Kurth Kiln Scout Loop, one of the best camping spots in Victoria! An hour and a half drive from Phillip Island, rejuvenate both mind and body as you explore the great outdoors as you park your caravan or camper car. The park has several camping areas like the Scout Loop and Magazine Camping Areas which offer convenient access to 36 designated sites, as well as a communal camping area at Heritage Fence Camping Area. Bring your own firewood to enjoy a nice crisp bonfire at night.
Inside the national park, there are tons of activities to do! Go on a walking hike across different tracks, go bike riding and horse riding, and witness diverse flora along your way. A range of wildlife including wombats, swamp wallabies and echidnas may also greet you as you explore the park.
Plus, if you’re near the area, you may also check out Phillip Island Chocolate Factory!
Complete your Phillip Island experience by visiting the famous chocolate factory. Observe chocolatiers as they make chocolate right in front of you and learn more about the chocolate-making process. Get the chance to sample these tasty treats as well!
3. Mornington Peninsula Foreshore
Keen on trying out foreshore camping? Then definitely head to Mornington Peninsula, home to Victoria’s most beautiful beaches including Rosebud, Rye and Sorrento. Set up camp at these foreshore camping reserves and have the best camping experience!
Rosebud is the largest of the three camping sites as it stretches for over 10km along the sparkling water of Port Phillip Bay from Rosebud to the seaside village of McCrae. The Rye foreshore provides you a prime location along 2km of sandy white beaches while Sorrento foreshore camping is for those who prefer a smaller camping site.
All camping facilities include shower and toilet blocks, grassy areas shaded by large trees, nearby boat launching ramps as well as their respective villages close by. Both powered and unpowered camping sites are available for all foreshores.
If you have a bit of time to spare, experience swimming with seals from Sorrento Pier!
Revel under the sun as you cruise along the stunning views of Port Phillip Bay and cliff top mansions. Make your trip more memorable and exciting by getting off the boat to interact with Australian Fur Seals at the famed Chinaman’s Hat of Port Phillip! An exciting snorkeling session awaits you to see Australia's fascinating marine life such as giant smooth rays gliding on the sea bed.
4. Try Gypsy Wagon Glamping at Capel Sound Foreshore
Camp with style and try out glamping where relaxing doesn’t necessarily mean going back to basics. Unwind using Gypsy Wagon Glamping’s unique wagons you can camp in at your chosen camping spot in Victoria. Cuddle up with your beau on a comfy queen-size bed, and enjoy other amenities such as a kitchenette with continental breakfast, linen and towels, a sitting area, a picnic rug and extra blankets.
Book one of their sea gypsy wagons and camp out at Capel Sound Foreshore, a 3.8km pristine beach environment. Participate in a range of outdoor activities from beach yoga to walking along the beach to boating. Rangers at the area also provide an environmental tour aimed to encourage visitors to protect the surrounding environment. Sessions are held from 10am to 12pm and are perfect for school groups where they could learn more about managing litter and how it affects wildlife. Make sure to check their website for COVID-19 updates!
Take the nature experience to another level by trying out beach horse riding! Just 11 minutes away from Capel Sound Foreshore, get to enjoy a peaceful horse ride and enjoy the scenic coastline of St. Andrew’s Beach.
Saddle up and ride through coastal bushland and golden sand dunes 2-hour riding experience along St. Andrew’s Beach. A professional guide will be present to guide you on your gentle and well-trained horse so all giddy up as you soak in the panoramic views of the beach.
5. WhiteCliffs to Camerons Bight Foreshore Reserve
Located near the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula bordering the villages of Rye and Blairgowrie, this foreshore reserve is definitely one of the best camping places in Victoria. Make your retreat a memorable one as you explore over 6km of stunning foreshore scenery! Stroll along the foreshore walking track, a perfect activity to do early in the morning. Then head over to Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron to try sailing, boating and beach activities at the southern end of Port Phillip.
All campground sites have direct beach access as well as other amenities like hot showers, toilets, a laundry facility, and a BBQ area.
If ever you’re in the area, you might as well check the Montalto Winery Experience on the Mornington Peninsula! Choose between the Discovery Tasting experience and the Estate to Plate Gourmet Indulgence.
Set off on a wine tasting tour at Montalto where beginners and wine connoisseurs alike will receive unique insights into how variety, site, and winemaking play vital roles in producing the world-class cool-climate wines of the Mornington Peninsula. Explore the peninsula’s scenic landscape of rolling hills, numerous vineyards and orchards, and historical museums.
Enjoy a stunning five-course tasting experience in the restaurant with matching wine when you book the Estate to Plate Gourmet Indulgence Package.