How good’s a free campsite? There’s something innately beautiful about a patch of ground you’re allowed stay on for no money, especially in regulation-rich Australia. Explorer Pat’s done a roundup of the best free camping spots near Melbourne for your penny-pinching pleasure.

 

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

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A few weeks back, I went for a hike up around the Mt Buller region of Victoria. We were gone for two nights and all we spent was 90 smackeroos, only $45 each. And to be honest, a fair chunk of that was on Maxibons and delicious country bakeries.

Was it the best free camping spot in the world? No. Did it have free picnic tables? Yes! We didn’t pay any park entry fees, needed no exy gear, and we sure didn’t pay for the campsites. Are we free camping Melbourne experts now? Sure. 

Get the Guidebook: Camping Guide to Victoria (Enter WAE15 at checkout for 15% off!)

This article is for anyone who appreciates a cheap weekend away, eschews the idea that adventure has to be expensive and just froths a good time amongst some mates and nature.

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Buller Huts Trail – A Multi-Day Hike Through the Best of Victoria’s High Country. Reanna Clark. Mt Buller, Victoria, Hiking, Alpine trail, Mountains, campsite, car campsite,

Camping at Mt Buller | Shot by @reannajc

Best Free Campsites Near Melbourne

1. Beauchamp Falls Campground

Location: The Otways
Distance from Melbourne: 204 km (approx. 2.5 hours)
Amenities: Toilets, picnic tables, picnic shelter, BYO water and firewood

Settled in the Otways National Park, the Beauchamp Falls camping area is green, lush and surrounded by some big ol’ trees. But the real kicker on this one is that you’ve got three of the best waterfalls in Victoria (Triplet Falls, Hopetoun Falls and Beauchamp Falls) just down the road, the epic redwood forest just off your doorstep, and the Great Ocean Road around the corner.

The icing on the cake for all you dog lovers out there is that this campground is also dog-friendly! So bring ya woofer!

Now, I’m not one to tell you how to live your life, but my advice would be to fang it down via the Princess Highway and then take your time cruising back along the Great Ocean Road, soaking up the beaches along the way. And it’d be downright rude to ignore the free picnic tables so you better take some snacks!

 

6 Epic Free Campsites Near Melbourne, Pat corden,, Beauchamp 3, waterfall, wild swimming, victoria

Shot by @patcorden

2. Aberfeldy Bridge Campsite

Location: Mt Baw Baw
Distance from Melbourne: 198 km (approx. 2.5 hours)
Amenities: Toilets, BYO water and firewood

This free campsite is listed as 4WD access only, but people do access it with 2WD in dry weather. For those who do make it out there, you’ll be well rewarded. As far as best free campgrounds go, this one is right up there.

I don’t want to go on for too long about this perfect, free camping Melbourne spot because it would put you at risk of wetting yourself with excitement. However, with rock climbing, abseiling and a few cheeky swimming spots for summer, skiing and tobogganing in winter, and walks all year round, it’s safe to say that you’re not going to run out of things to do around Baw Baw on your free camping trip.

There are even some Grade 3 rapids for kayaking and rafting on the Thompson River (which need to be timed with the water releases from Thompson Dam). I guess there’s a reason why it’s one of the top five mountains to hit up in Victoria – check the feature image on this article for the view!

 

6 Epic Free Campsites Near Melbourne, Pat corden, kayaking, river, victoria, near melbourne

Shot by @patcorden

3. Plantation Campground

Location:The Grampians
Distance from Melbourne: 261 km (approx. 3 hours)
Amenities: Toilets, picnic area, BBQ, bush shower, fire pit, BYO drinking water and firewood

At 3 hours, we’re pushing the limits of what could be considered ‘near Melbourne’, but hear me out ‘cause this is one of those free camps that’s well worth the drive.

It’s a spacious campground surrounded by gums and maybe a couple of roos, and it even allows fires in the provided pits for your very own campfire mulled wine. Not bad for a free campsite ay?

But while it’s a bang on campsite, that’s not really what you go there for. There’s rock-hopping up to Mount Zero, the Pinnacle, Venus Baths or the Balconies. And I’m only just getting started. There are numerous waterfalls, literally thousands of climbs, and plenty more walks to sink your teeth into.

With everything from gentle strolls to multi-pitch climbs and multiday walks, you can make your time in the Grampians as relaxing or ridiculous as you want. It’s got something for everyone.

Read more: The Ultimate Explorer’s Guide to The Grampians

 

6 Epic Free Campsites Near Melbourne, Pat corden, Grampians 2, victoria

Shot by @patcorden

Nearby Accommodation

4. Blue Pool Campground

Location: Briagolong State Forest
Distance from Melbourne: 246 km (approx. 3 hours)
Amenities: Toilets, picnic area, fire pit, BYO drinking water and firewood

This one is for the fresh-water frolickers and is hands down one of the best free camping spots near Melbourne. The campsite is just off the road and can be a bit dusty, but let me tell you, you ain’t going to be spending much time at the campsite. Just 200m from where you’ll set up is the main attraction.

There’s a waterhole and gorge that is just begging for a swim, cliff jump, or float. And for when you’re as wrinkled as a pickle and need to dry out, there’s a bunch of day walks and trails just waiting to be explored with your four-legged friend. Yep, that’s right, this campsite is dog-friendly too. Yipeee.

I’ve heard from some people that there can be some bigger and louder groups there on public holidays and whatnot but each time I’ve been there I haven’t had a problem. As with any epic spots near the city, you may want to pick quieter weekends to get down there.

Read More: A Water Baby’s Playground at Blue Pools (VIC)

P.S. I’ve returned to the Blue Pool in the middle of winter since writing the microadventure and can confirm that what I wrote about the water staying the same temperature all year round was unequivocally false. It was freezing.

 

6 Epic Free Campsites Near Melbourne, Pat corden, Blue Pools 1, wild swimming, victoria

Shot by @patcorden

5. Sheepyard Flat

Location: Howqua Valley
Distance from Melbourne: 247 km (approx. 3 hours)
Amenities: Toilets, BYO drinking water and your own firewood

Now this one almost didn’t make the list. Don’t get me wrong, it’s more than worthy – sitting in the stunning Howqua Valley surrounded by trees and with the Howqua River running alongside it. I’m just a spud and didn’t know it was a free campsite. Either my memory is failing me or some bloke made a killing last time I was there by pretending to be a ranger and collecting camp fees…

It’s a great jumping off point for a handful of multiday hikes in the area, supposedly a good spot for fishing, and guaranteed to be more relaxing than a weekend at home on the couch.

It’s well set up with campfire spots to cook your meals and you’re even allowed to bring your shaggy best mate if you pinky-promise to keep her/him on leash.

6. The Farmyard

Location: Cathedral Ranges
Distance from Melbourne: 120 km (approx. 2 hours)
Amenities: Toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, BYO drinking water and your own firewood

This one is a special addition to this free camping Melbourne list. It’s a hiker’s-only campground, but it’s free, beautiful and serves up a solid nature kick – so it well and truly makes the list of best free camping spots near Melbourne.

The Cathedral Ranges is the perfect spot for a quick and dirty weekend away. It’s not far from Melbourne, has plenty to do, and of course, it’s free. There’s a 1.4 km uphill slog along Jawbone Creek Track to get there. Or if you’re looking to push yourself then tackle the full Northern and Southern Circuits over a weekend, treating yourself to the epic Sugarloaf Peak along the way.

For the cliff dwellers, there are also a handful of climbs in the area ranging from beginner to intermediate.

Just be aware that there’s no water available at The Farmyard, so you’ll have to walk in with everything you need (and some extra just in case).

 

6 Epic Free Campsites Near Melbourne, Pat corden, Cathedral Ranges 1, river, forest, victoria

Shot by @patcorden

7. Lerderderg State Park Campground

Location: Lerderderg State Park, near Bacchus Marsh
Distance from Melbourne: 60km (approx. 1 hour)
Amenities: Toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, and BYO drinking water

The Lerderderg State Park Campground offers some of the best free camping within an hour of Melbourne. Set amongst towering gum trees and beside a peaceful river perfect for swimming and fishing, it’s perfect for those seeking adventure.

With numerous walking and biking trails, you can explore the park’s diverse landscapes. Don’t miss the chance to cool off in the Lerderderg River or enjoy a campfire under the stars – paying attention to fire ban periods of course!

This campground is an excellent base for day hikes, including the popular Lerderderg Gorge Circuit Walk. While this is a state park – not a national park – the rules around doggos are a bit trickier than the normal ‘dogs allowed in the state park and not in national park’ system.

The free camping sites at the campground are dog-friendly, but dogs must stay on lead and you must pick-up after them. They also aren’t allowed along any of the trails. Campground only! This is to protect the fragile flora and fauna in the region, so don’t be that guy, and do the right thing.

 

Tips Before You Go Free Camping Melbourne!

Almost every free campground you visit is unlikely to have rubbish collection or bins, and you’ll most likely need to take out everything you bring in to make sure you leave no trace. Pack some rubbish bags to leave your free camping spot as neat as you found it!

The campsites also don’t guarantee drinking water, so bring enough to keep you going for the weekend.

Finally, not all of these fee campgrounds are caravan or camper trailer friendly, dog-friendly, and may be tent only, so if you’re used to travelling in luxury, check up on that before you go. If drop toilets are a deal breaker, you’ll definitely want to do your research first!

Now get out there and get some fresh air, open skies, and a whole load of free nature.

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6 Epic Free Campsites Near Melbourne, Grampians 3, Pat corden, victoria, driving

Shot by @patcorden

Free Camping Melbourne FAQs

Where can I go free camping Melbourne or Victoria for free?

As well as the above mentioned sites, Victoria has a range of free campsites. Plantation Campground in the Grampians and Anderson’s Garden at Mount Disappointment are also good options.

Can you camp on the side of the road in Victoria?

Yes you can, but only in designated camping areas, and the best free camping spots are set back from the road.

How long can you stay at a free campsite?

As long as you’re camping you can stay as long as you like.

What are the best free camping spots near Melbourne?

If you’re on the hunt for the best free camping spots, you can’t go wrong with places like Mount Franklin Reserve and Beauchamp Falls Campground. Both offer stunning views and access to nature!

Is free camping allowed in Great Otway National Park?

Absolutely! Great Otway National Park has designated free campground areas, making it an excellent choice for nature lovers seeking adventure without the price tag. If you’re chasing somewhere a bit quieter, give Mount Franklin Reserve a go.

Can I camp at Mount Franklin Reserve for free?

Yes! Quieter than the Great Otway National Park, Mount Franklin Reserve offers a fantastic free camping experience, complete with beautiful scenery and a chance to connect with nature.

What should I pack for my camping trip at free campgrounds?

When free camping, make sure to remember the essentials like a tent, sleeping gear, cooking supplies, and of course, your sense of adventure! Before you leave, check if your chosen free camping site has picnic tables or just bring a good picnic blanket as a back-up plan.

Do free camping spots all have picnic tables that are free to use?

No! Picnic tables, while common at free camping spots are by no means a guarantee. It’s worth researching this before you go to save brining gear you might not need.

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