If it’s an epic coastal campout that you’re after, we’ve got you covered with this list of the best beach camping in Victoria.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands and waters for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Victoria’s coastline may not be the longest of all the states, but it’s not short of a beach campsite or two. There’s plenty of opportunity to escape the city and set up camp along the coast.

Spend summer days cooling off in the waves, or rug up for winter beach walks. Either way, it’ll only be a few steps back to your tent at these awesome campsites.

First up – choose your camping adventure. Are you ready to load up your backpack and hike to a secluded beach? Check out our list of Victoria’s best hike-in beach campsites.

Do you prefer to drive, but still want the experience of camping in nature? Find yourself one of Victoria’s best beach campgrounds.

Or do you want all the facilities of a caravan park, but still be camped right at the beachfront? We’ve picked out Victoria’s best beach caravan parks.

Dive in!

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Victoria’s Best Hike-In Beach Campsites

1. Sealers Cove, Wilsons Promontory

Location: Sealers Cove Camp, Wilsons Promontory
Facilities: non-flush toilets

The 10km trail to Sealers Cove winds its way through ancient rainforest and ferny gullies before arriving at a shady beach campground. You can set up your tent just a few steps from golden sand and turquoise water. This is a favourite location for many first-time overnight hikers visiting Wilsons Promontory National Park. Campsites at Sealers Cove must be booked and paid for in advance.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

2. Blanket Bay, Great Otway National Park

Location: Blanket Bay Road, Cape Otway
Facilities: rainwater, fireplaces, picnic tables, toilets

NOTE! This area has recently been impacted by flooding and weather events. For more info visit Parks Victoria

The campsite at Blanket Bay is one of many hike-in sites along the Great Ocean Walk. Sheltered by manna gum trees, you can cosy up at the campsite with views out to the Southern Ocean. Walk inland to look for koalas, or wait for the right tidal conditions to snorkel in the rock pools. This campsite can also be accessed by road if you don’t fancy the hike in. Either way, you’ll need to book and pay in advance.

 

3. Refuge Cove, Wilsons Promontory

Location: Refuge Cove Camp, Wilsons Promontory
Facilities: non-flush toilets

Arriving at the Refuge Cove Campsite, is like arriving at a beach camping paradise. The stunning secluded cove and beach are surrounded by forest and feel a million miles from anywhere else. At the southern end of the beach, the campsite is tucked in amongst the trees, just a few steps from the sand. This campsite can only be accessed on foot or by boat, and must be booked and paid for in advance.

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4. Little Waterloo Bay, Wilsons Promontory

Location: Little Waterloo Bay Camp, Wilsons Promontory
Facilities: non-flush toilets

Another of Wilsons Promontory’s spectacular beach campsites – Little Waterloo Bay has a stunning white sandy beach with crystal clear water. It’s a great camping option if you’re planning a longer hike around the Southern Circuit trails as it’s accessible via Telegraph Track, Refuge Cove or the Lightstation. Sites at this campsite must be booked and paid for in advance.

 

5. Fairhaven, French Island National Park

Location: Coast Road, French Island
Facilities: rainwater, BBQs, picnic tables, non-flush toilets

The journey to Fairhaven Campground starts with a ferry ride to French Island. Once on the island it’s a 5km walk or bike ride from the jetty to the small coastal campground amongst the trees. Set up your tent and head out to explore the French Island National Park along the walking a riding trails. Keep an eye out for the island’s resident wildlife, including koalas, as you go. Campsites at Fairhaven Campground are free but must be booked in advance.

6. Johanna Beach, Great Otway National Park

Location: Red Johanna Road, Johanna
Facilities: non-flush toilets

The epic swells at Johanna Beach – just over the dunes from the campsite – provide the background noise that will lull you to sleep at this awesome campground. If you’re an experienced surfer you can bring your board, otherwise stay dry and explore the beach, surrounding hinterland or sections of the Great Ocean Walk. Campsites at Johanna Beach must be booked and paid for in advance.

 

Victoria’s Best Coastal Campgrounds

7. Wye River Foreshore Campground, Great Otway National Park

Location: Wye Road, Separation Creek
Facilities: hot showers, drinking water, BBQs, toilets, pet friendly (1 May to 28 October only)

Alongside the winding Great Ocean Road the Wye River Foreshore Campground is the perfect place to stop in and relax. Protected from the southerly winds by a row of trees, the campground is right beside the beach. Throw in a fishing line, paddle out to catch the waves, or explore the rock pools at either end of the beach. When you need to recharge, just cross the road for a coffee at the general store or a tasty meal at the pub. Campsites at Wye River Foreshore must be booked and paid in advance.

 

Hidden in Plain Sight – Exploring Deeper Into the Great Ocean Road, photo supplied by GOR Tourism, Wye River, sunrise, surfers, beach

Photo courtesy of Great Ocean Road Tourism

8. Bear Gully Campground, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

Location: Bear Gully Road, Tarwin Lower
Facilities: non-flush toilets, communal fireplaces, picnic tables

Bear Gully Campground is a great place to set up camp and explore the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park. Bring your walking shoes to explore the uncrowded surf beach, rock pools and nature walks. The unpatrolled beach is best for experienced surfers or bodyboarders – or to throw a line in for some surf fishing. The campsites, which are just a short stroll from the beach, must be booked and paid for in advance.

9. Mornington Peninsula Foreshore

Location: 1380 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud
Facilities: hot showers, toilets, playground, boat ramps nearby

The Mornington Peninsula Foreshore campsites give you direct access to the calm bay beaches in Rosebud, Rye and Sorrento. The campgrounds are perfect for families, or anyone who enjoys swimming, cycling or walking. You’ll likely have a view of Port Phillip Bay from your tent, but for convenience you’ll also have cafes, restaurants and shops a short walk away. All sites must be booked and paid for in advance – and usually sell out during peak holiday periods.

 

Summer's Arrived! Here's How You Can Make The Most Of It In Melbourne, photo courtesy of Visit Vic, London Bridge, Mornington Peninsula, ocean, beach, cliffs

Photo courtesy of Visit Victoria

10. Shoreline Drive, Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park

Location: Shoreline Drive, Flamingo Beach
Facilities: non-flush toilets, picnic table, fireplace, shelter

There are seven campgrounds along Shoreline Drive in the Gippsland Lake Coastal Park. They give you direct access to the beach and plenty of opportunities to get out and explore the Gippsland Lakes region. The surrounding area is a haven for outdoor adventure – with plenty of options for boating, fishing, horse riding, swimming and hiking. The campsites are free to campers and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

11. Cape Conran, Gippsland

Location: Yeerung Road, Cape Conran
Facilities: fireplaces, flushing toilets (some campgrounds)

The Cape Conran campgrounds are a great coastal getaway in the far east of Victoria. Pitch your tent just a short walk from the beach and enjoy a range of activities including nature walks, swimming, diving and fishing. There are three different non-bookable campgrounds to choose from – Binn Beach, Gunnai Beach and Pearl Point. There are also some campsites with flushing toilets and cold showers at Banksia Bluff Campground – which must be booked and paid for in advance.

12. Fraser Camping Area, Lake Eildon National Park

Location: Lake Eildon National Park, Eildon
Facilities: hot showers, BBQs, toilets

Pitch a tent alongside Lake Eildon, at one of three campsites in the Fraser Camping Area. Devil Cove, Lakeside and Candlebark campsites are all within the Lake Eildon National Park, and give you great access to the lake as well as the surrounding bushland and forest. There are walking and cycling trails nearby, or you can launch a boat or kayak for a day fishing, wakeboarding, or just enjoying the natural surrounds. All campsites must be booked and paid for in advance.

 

Caravan Parks To Visit For The Best Beach Camping In Victoria

13. Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory

Location: Ring Road, Tidal River
Facilities: hot showers, drinking water, BBQs, toilets

The Tidal River Campground is the main hub for visitors to the National Park. You’ll find a bunch of regular campers, day trippers and school groups using the campground as a base for their adventures. There’s a host of spectacular walking trails, scenic lookouts and uncrowded beaches for swimming and surfing. This campground is so popular there are ballots held for the peak holiday periods.

 

14. Anglesea Caravan Park

Location: 35 Cameron Road, Anglesea
Facilities: hot showers, drinking water, BBQs, toilets, camp kitchen, playground, heated pool, pet friendly

Just off the Great Ocean Road and alongside the picturesque Anglesea River and Surf Beach, the Anglesea Caravan Park is a great base for your next adventure into nature. The caravan park backs onto the beach, which is patrolled in summer and great for swimming, surfing or fishing. The Surf Coast Walk passes right by the park, plus there’s nature trails and wetlands a short walk away in Coogoorah Park. For two wheel adventures, try the Anglesea Bike Park and local mountain bike trails.

 

15. Marengo Holiday Park, Apollo Bay

Location: Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay
Facilities: hot showers, drinking water, BBQs, toilets, camp kitchen, playground, pet friendly

The family-friendly and pet-friendly Marengo Holiday Park on the Great Ocean Road, is a great place to set up camp and explore the surrounding beaches and hinterland. Just outside of Apollo Bay, the caravan park is walking distance to the beach and to Marengo Reef Marine Sanctuary with its resident seal colony. It’s also a short drive from the Great Otway National Park, where you’ll find walking trails and waterfalls waiting to be explored.

Hidden in Plain Sight – Exploring Deeper Into the Great Ocean Road, photo supplied by GOR Tourism, Apollo Bay, couple

Photo courtesy of Great Ocean Road Tourism

16. Killarney Beach, Killarney

Location: Beach Road, Killarney
Facilities: hot showers, drinking water, BBQs, toilets, playground, dog friendly

For a beachside holiday escape that feels miles from everyday life – Killarney Beach Caravan Park near Port Fairy provides the goods. The coastal campsite is a short walk to Killarney Beach, a perfect place for swimming as it’s protected from the swell by offshore reefs. It’s the prime place for whiting fishing, and there’s opportunities to snorkel and explore the rock pools.

17. Newhaven Beach, Phillip Island

Location: 24 Old Bridge Drive, Newhaven
Facilities: hot showers, drinking water, BBQs, toilets, camp kitchen, playground

If wildlife, nature and beaches are your jam – Phillip Island has all in abundance. The BIG4 Phillip Island Caravan Park is located at the eastern end of the island on Newhaven Beach. The calm waters alongside the park are the perfect place to cool off on hot days. Plus you’ve got easy access to all the adventures Phillip Island has to offer – coastal lookouts, nature walks and penguins included!

 

18. Yanakie Campgrounds, Wilsons Promontory

Location: 390 Foley Road, Yanakie
Facilities: hot showers, drinking water, BBQs, toilets, playground, boat ramp, pet friendly

Yanakie Caravan Park is a great place to set up camp for some awesome adventures. Launch your boat from the caravan park ramp, throw in a line, or head out to explore Wilsons Promontory National Park. Located next to the calm waters of Corner Inlet, there’s plenty of campsites with waterfront views. This is a great one for families, with all the regular amenities as well as a kids playground.

Beach camping In Victoria FAQs

What beaches can you camp on in Victoria?

All the beaches mentioned In the article above are able to be camped on. Some of the best options are Little Waterloo Bay In Wilsons Promontory for epic beach views Blanket Bay In Great Otway National Park for gorgeous rock pools and Killarney beach for a caravan park experience!

Are you allowed to camp on the beach?

You can camp on the beach but only In signposted areas such as the above locations.

Where can you legally camp in Victoria?

In Victoria there are numerous places you can camp. Visit sites such as ParksVic and VisitVic for more helpful resources.

Can you wild camp in Victoria?

No. Even In state forests you can only camp in designated camping areas.

Where can I camp in Victoria in summer?

The best place to camp In summer is by a body of water. The list of beachside campsites above are a perfect option.

Beach Camping in Victoria is Easy

Whether you like to hike, drive or tow your home, Victoria has excellent beach camping on offer. These are the best coastal campgrounds we know of, what did we miss? Let us know in the comments.

Feature photo by @lachlan_fox