Free Camping Melbourne - Best Free Camping Spots

Written By Bastian Graf

Melbourne isn’t just about its vibrant city life; it’s also surrounded by nature’s playground and offers some of the most incredible places to camp in all of Australia. Camping in Melbourne doesn’t have to be expensive either, and if you’re itching for adventure without breaking the bank, you’ve come to the right place!

Below, you’ll find a list of the very best free camping spots in Melbourne and the surrounding area, making it easier than ever to plan the perfect road trip without having to spend a fortune in the process.

What are you waiting for? Let’s go exploring!

Toolangi Recreation Reserve

Toolangi, VIC

A scenic drive from Melbourne, Toolangi Recreation Reserve is a free campsite nestled on the banks of the Yea River. Here, you’ll spend the day and night surrounded by towering gum trees, which also offer a great way of cooling off during the blistering summer heat.

The campground location is dog friendly, so you’re welcome to explore the surroundings with your canine companion. There are also some awesome things to discover here, including the Sculpture Trail, or if you prefer, you can simply kick back and bathe in the sights and sounds of nature and birdsong.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Toilets
BBQ Areas
Fire Pits

Andersons Garden

Clonbinane, VIC

Located in Mount Disappointment State Forest, Anderson’s Garden is a free campground that is anything but disappointing! Set around an hour’s drive from Melbourne city centre, this isn’t only a wonderful place to spend the evening but also a great pitstop if you’re looking to spend a day off the road.

Here, you’ll be able to explore the surrounding national park (which is also dog-friendly), hike or bike the nature trails, or fish in the nearby lake. By night, you can gaze upwards and take in the wonders of the Milky Way in one of the best places to stargaze in Australia.

FEATURED AMENITIES

BBQ Areas
Toilets
Fire Pits
Phone Reception

The Farmyard

Cathedral Ranges, VIC

A perfect place for anyone taking a hiking holiday to stop and rest for the night, The Farmyard is surrounded by the Cathedral Ranges and all of the breathtaking nature and scenery they are home to. There are some excellent walking trails here, too, including the 1.4km uphill Jawbone Track Creek, the Sugarloaf Peak, and the Northern and Southern Circuits.

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed at this campground location, so it’s not the best place to stay if you’re travelling with a four-legged friend. There are extremely limited amenities here, too, and you’ll need to be self-sufficient, but if you’re willing to rough it for the beautiful surroundings and incredible hiking opportunities, it’s definitely one to visit.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Drinking Water (via Jawbones Creek)

Kurth Kiln Regional Park

Yellingbo, VIC

Another free campground with limited amenities, Kurth Kiln Regional Park is ideal for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in nature and get a real down-to-earth camping experience. You do need to note, however, that as there are no fees for camping here, there is no booking system in place, and camping is offered on a first-come-first-served basis.

You can bring your dog with you to this campground, and there are loads of walks in the surrounding park that you can enjoy together. As you’d expect from a regional park, there are also loads of opportunities to go birdwatching, spot native animals in their natural habitat, and get plenty of fresh air.

You’re even able to build an open fire (as long as you bring your own firewood) and gather around by night to sing songs or tell ghost stories!

FEATURED AMENITIES

Picnic Tables

Mount Franklin Reserve

Mount Franklin, VIC

Suitable for a camper trailer, campervans, and motorhomes, Mount Franklin Reserve is a free campground located 4km North of Hepburn Springs. This campsite operates on a short-stay basis, and you can stay for up to 24 hours, but you must bring your own firewood and drinking water as amenities are quite limited.

As well as the surrounding nature reserve, which is ideal for hiking and exploring (dogs allowed on leads), you’ll find yourself close to the town of Daylesford. Here, you’ll find pubs and cafes to dine at, as well as unique stores to pick up some souvenirs of your camping trip.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Toilets
Fire Pits

Stevensons Falls

Barramunga, VIC

The ideal place to pull up and spend the night as you make your way along the Great Ocean Road, Stevensons Falls is suitable for campervans, camper trailers, and 4WDs. Tent camping is also permitted here, although you must ensure you pitch in one of the designated camping areas rather than creating a new one. You must also ensure you set up at least 20 meters from any natural water sources.

While you’re here, you can explore the surrounding forest using the walking and cycling trails or simply kick back and immerse yourself in nature. You’ll also be close to a few small surrounding towns, which is ideal for grabbing some essentials before you head back out on the road.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Toilets
Picnic Tables

Meredith Park

Ondit, VIC

Home to 30 designated camping areas, Meredith Park is a great place to spend the night for free as you make your way through Melbourne and Victoria. You’ll have to be organised, though, as this is a very popular free campsite and, as such, fills up quite quickly.

Campervans, 4WDs, and tents are welcome to set up for free at Meredith Park, and you can get a really scenic view by camping close to Lake Colac. There’s also a boat ramp here, making it a wonderful place to head out with a canoe or kayak and watch the sun set from the water.

Amenities here are pretty good, and you can build a fire or use one of the on-site wood-fired barbecues as long as you bring your own firewood. However, the site operates with a “leave no trace” basis and there are no rubbish bins, so you’ll need to take your rubbish with you when you leave.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Wood-Fired BBQs
Fire Pits
Toilets
Drinking Water

Free Campsites Within 200km of Melbourne

As you might expect from the free camping Melbourne has to offer, these sites are extremely popular and finding a space can be difficult, particularly during peak season. This means you may have to head slightly further afield, so here are some free campsites within 200km of Melbourne you can use as well.

Aberfeldy Bridge Campsite

Mt Baw Baw, VIC

Located within Mount Baw Baw National Park, Aberfeldy Bridge Campsite offers free camping for campervans, 4WDs, camper trailers, and tents. As with most other free campgrounds, this site operates on a first-come-first-served basis, and you cannot book to stay here, but there are plenty of designated areas, so you stand a good chance of getting a space.

In terms of amenities, you’ll need to bring your own drinking water and firewood, but you will have access to non flush toilets and picnic tables. You’ll also need to take any rubbish you generate with you when you depart, leaving the area exactly as you found it.

While you’re at Aberfeldy Bridge Campsite, you’ll find a plethora of exciting activities you can enjoy, such as rock climbing, abseiling, swimming, and plenty of walking trails. There are even Grade 3 rapids located nearby for the super-adventurous camper to enjoy.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Non Flush Toilets
Picnic Tables

Beauchamp Falls Campground

The Otways, VIC

The Beauchamp Falls campground location is within Beauchamp Falls Reserve itself, offering one of the most picturesque places to pull up your campervan for the night. Not only is the site surrounded by lush, green vegetation, but you’ll also have immediate access to three of Australia’s best-loved waterfalls: Triplet Falls, Hopetoun Falls, and, of course, Beauchamp Falls.

Exploring these incredible waterfalls is a must when you’re here, and as the reserve is dog friendly you’re able to do so with your trusty companion. Or, should you want to explore something a little different, the Great Ocean Road is just a few minutes away.

There are some good amenities here, too, including toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables, and there are also plenty of open green spaces to play a game of cricket or throw a ball for your dog.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Toilets
Fire Pits
Picnic Tables

Acheron

St Fillans, VIC

Located two hours Northeast of Melbourne, Acheron is a free campsite that is actually a bit of a hidden gem and certainly worth the journey. Set along the banks of the Goulburn River, here you’ll be able to park your campervan or 4WD and surround yourself in a forest of ferns, Mountain Ash and Manna Gum, not only giving you a relaxing atmosphere but offering plenty of privacy.

You can also enjoy a spot of fishing straight from the river here, although it should be noted that swimming is prohibited. You’ll also need to be confident in being self-sufficient as amenities are minimal, but if you’re looking for a beautiful place to relax in the day and stargaze by night, this is a wonderful choice.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Fire Pits

Aire Crossing

Johanna, VIC

Surrounded by towering eucalyptus trees, Aire Crossing is one of the most secluded free camping spots in the Melbourne area and is located within the Great Otway National Park. Campervans, trailer campers, and tents are all welcome, but because of its secluded location, this is one of the most popular spots, especially on weekends and during school holidays.

You’ll find drop toilets here and basic washing facilities (no showers) with water that isn’t suitable for drinking. As such, you’ll need to be a self-sufficient camper to spend more than 24 hours here. You also aren’t allowed to light any fires, so you’ll have to think about your cooking and eating facilities before you arrive.

In terms of activities, the national park is just begging to be explored, and there are loads of walking trails to enjoy and you can also enjoy fishing in Aire River.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Drop Toilets
Non-Drinking Water

Explore other popular free camping spots in Victoria

Check out some of our other popular free camping spots in Victoria below:

Check out Free Camping Spots in Echuca
Check out Free Camping Spots in Geelong
Check out Free Camping Spots on Great Ocean Road
Check out Free Camping Spots in Ballarat
Check out Free Camping Spots in Shepparton

Looking for more inspiration? Check out the best places for free camping in Australia.

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FAQs about free camping in Melbourne

Free camping isn’t available right in the heart of Melbourne, but there are plenty of legal, designated free camping spots within one to two hours’ drive of the city. You’ll generally be able to free camp at designated campgrounds, in state forests, national parks and crown land.

No, sleeping in your campervan on Melbourne’s streets is a no-no. City laws prohibit overnight stays in vehicles in public areas, so your best bet is to head to one of the nearby free campgrounds in the surrounding regions.

Most free campsites near Melbourne operate on a short-stay basis, usually allowing 24 to 72 hours. Some, like Mount Franklin Reserve, have clear 24-hour limits, while others are more flexible.

Facilities at free campsites in Melbourne range from very basic to fairly well-equipped. For example, Toolangi Recreation Reserve and Andersons Garden offer toilets, BBQ areas, and fire pits. The Farmyard, on the other hand, is more rugged with minimal amenities and requires full self-sufficiency. Meredith Park and Beauchamp Falls offer a nice middle ground, with toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits. We recommend comparing the facilities at different sites before going, so you know what to expect.

Yes, and it’s important to consider that each site may enforce its own set of rules. These often include restrictions on campfires, requirements to bring your own firewood and water, and a “leave no trace”. It’s always check local signage or online for each site so you adhere to the specific rules of each place.

Fires are allowed at certain free campsites. For example, Andersons Garden, Meredith Park, and Kurth Kiln allow fires, but only in designated fire pits and when no fire bans are in place. Be sure to bring your own firewood, and always check current fire safety warnings before lighting anything.

Yes, many of these free campsites are family-friendly. Meredith Park, with its lake views and open space, is ideal for families. Toolangi is also a great pick with nearby walks and nature trails. Just be cautious at remote sites like The Farmyard or Aire Crossing if travelling with younger children, as amenities are limited and make these places less family-friendly.

It’s best to compare sites, like those listed in our guide, before going to make sure they’re a good fit for your family.

Most campsites do not offer drinking water. A few, like The Farmyard (via creek access) and Meredith Park, may have non-potable sources, but you’ll still need to bring your own safe drinking water, especially for cooking and longer stays.

Most free camping sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, this doesn’t mean all of them don’t require you to book. So, arrive early if you’re camping over weekends or school holidays, as popular sites can fill up quickly, and always check ahead to ensure you don’t need to book.

Make sure to bring drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, a first aid kit, a gas cooker, insect repellent, a torch, and a backup power source. If you’re heading to more remote sites like Aire Crossing or Acheron, plan to be fully self-sufficient.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for free camping around Melbourne. The weather is mild, the tracks are open, and there are fewer bugs. Summer can be hot and dry with frequent fire bans, while winter tends to be cold and wet, especially in forested areas.

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About the Author

Bastian Graf

Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.

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