Free Camping Spots Near Melbourne

Looking to take the family away without digging into your empty wallet? Our beautiful state of Victoria really turns it on when it comes to free camping spots near Melbourne.

So why not pack up the kids and get back to nature at any one of these free spots? Just bring food, water, and firewood, and you're good to go!

Free Camping Spots Near Melbourne

1. Aire Crossing, Triplet Falls

Head out to the Otways for some camping with a side of a waterfall - always a good choice!

The Aire Crossing Campground is a quiet spot just north of the waterfalls, with five unpowered camping spaces available. There are also toilets but no water, and fires are not allowed. 

Amongst the native forests of mountain ash, ferns, and beech trees, you can enjoy picnics or take several walks to see the majestic scenery. A wonderful place to really get away from it all.

Location: The camping area is located off Halls Ridge Road, but do check the road's access as it is subject to seasonal closure.

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2. Blue Pool

Like swimming and Shakespeare? (admittedly an unusual combination!) Well, you can get your fill of both at the Blue Pool camping area in the Briagolong State Forest in East Gippsland.

Blue Pool gets its name from the huge, deep swimming hole full of beautifully clear water along Freestone Creek, and the Shakespeare fun comes from the nearby town of Stratford - which is actually upon the Avon River!

This spot is the only campground in the forest with a toilet and is great for fern enthusiasts, gorge lovers, hikers, and gold prospectors. 

Hot tip: it gets really busy, so go early in the day or find a different spot if you want peace and quiet.

Location: 10 km north of Briagolong off Freestone Creek Rd.

3. Kurth Kiln

If you're looking to stay close to home (and perhaps bring the family doggo), Kurth Kiln is a great camping area.

The 3,500 hectares of Kurth Kiln Regional Park has plenty to keep you occupied (including bushwalking, nature spotting, picnicking, bike and horse riding, and checking out the amazing kiln used to make charcoal in the Second World War). 

There is a toilet, and campfires are allowed. You can collect fallen wood if there is any, but it's a good idea to bring your own. 

Location: Kurth Kiln Picnic Ground and Camping Area are seven kilometres north of Gembrook.

4. Gunbower Island

Grasses, billabongs, creeks and swamps await at the beautiful Gunbower Island along the banks of the Murray River. 

Choose from 114 rivers and 25 basic creek campsites (each with at least one fireplace), and innumerable things to do ranging from fishing and river activities to walking tracks and forest drives, taking in the local historical, cultural and ecological sites. 

There are no toilets, and pets are allowed with permission.

Location: Gunbower National Park lies along the Murray River between Echuca and Koondrook, around 250km north of Melbourne. Access to the entrances is along the Murray Valley Highway.

5. Acheron 

Wattles and ferns surround this sweet spot along the Goulburn River, which is also great for fishing. A really simple (i.e. no toilets or swimming holes, touristy bits or drawcards) but peaceful area with 40 campsites available at Acheron. 

Location: Access is off the Maroondah Hwy at St Fillans.

6. Andersons Garden

Andersons Garden might be set in the Mount Disappointment State Forest, but the well-equipped camping area surrounded by mountain ash and wattle is anything but! 

There are six campsites, and the area has been rebuilt after the devastating 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Pets are allowed, there are toilets, wood BBQs, and plenty of things to do.

Fun activities include walking, bike and 4WD trails, swimming holes, picnicking, horseriding, and more.

Location: Andersons Garden is 29km from Wallan, entry from Boundary Rd.

7. Johanna Beach

Located right on the beach, Johanna Beach Campground is the perfect pick for your next family camping trip.

Located on the Great Ocean Road just north of the beautiful Cape Otway, there are 25 unpowered campsites nestled among the sand dunes 

Enjoy the gorgeous surroundings with a bushwalk, soak up the surf and picnic on an open, grassy area adjacent to the surf beach at this free campsite that offers the ideal spot to unwind.

Location: Red Johanna Rd, Johanna

8. Meredith Park, Lake Colac

Located on the shores of the lake just out of Colac, Meredith Park offers 30 campsites and is complete with wood-fired BBQs (BYO firewood) and rubbish bins, as well as flushing toilets and drinking water. 

While you’re in the area, check out Colac Botanic Gardens and the charm of this quintessential Victorian town. 

Location: 175 Meredith Park Rd, Ondit

9. Stevensons Falls

*Temporarily closed*

Want to take your puppy with you on your next camping trip? Stevensons Falls ticks all the boxes for an easy, family-friendly stay, and the best part is, it’s free!

Another spot located in the Great Otway National Park along the Great Ocean Road, you’ll love soaking up the stunning views and hikes in this glorious natural area.  

Location: Upper Gellibrand Rd, Barramunga

10. Mount Franklin Reserve

Want to camp in a small volcanic crater? Even better, want to camp in a small volcanic crater for free? This picture-perfect camping setting is situated close to the adorable Victorian town of Daylesford, making it the perfect spot for exploring.

The Mount Franklin Reserve campsite boasts toilets, fireplaces and washing water and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Location: Mount Franklin, Victoria

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