Five of the best secret camping spots in Victoria

To take in some of the best views the state has to offer, head to Halls Gap, the gateway to the Grampians, three hours’ drive northwest of Melbourne. The region is an absolute paradise for nature lovers with some of the best bushwalking tracks and abseiling sites in the country. In the midst of it all BIG4 NRMA Halls Gap Holiday Park has on-site villas and cabins, or you can camp out under the stars. There are powered and unpowered sites, and amenities include hot showers, toilets, barbecues and an ample water supply. Along with additional safety and social-distancing precautions, the park has introduced flexible booking arrangements.

In the heart of ‘Peaches and Cream Country’, on the banks of the mighty Murray, Cobram is a hidden gem of a holiday destination, where you can cruise aboard an historic paddle steamer, enjoy a pint of craft beer at Byramine Homestead and Brewery or a glass of wine at the nearby Monichino Winery, or play a round or three at the Cobram Barooga Golf Club. And don’t forget to call into The Big Strawberry at Koonoomoo for the kids. Pitch a tent or park your van at RACV’s Cobram Resort, which has a 4.5-star caravan park with 61 caravan sites and 20 campsites, as well as apartments and lakeview cabins. You don’t have to rough it either as there are shared camp kitchen facilities and barbecues, a cafe, laundry and meticulously cleaned amenities blocks.

If you want a bush experience with a difference in a gorgeous high-country setting, you’ll want to visit paradise. The Resting Place – Poet’s Paradise is the home of bush poet Maurie Foun who will make sure your stay is one to remember with campfire singalongs and poetry. There’s also plenty of rustic charm, spectacular high-country views, and a window into Victoria’s mountain cattlemen history, courtesy of the Man from Snowy River Museum in nearby Corryong. About 120 kilometres east of Albury-Wodonga, The Resting Place has powered and unpowered campsites, sites for fully self-contained vans (use of amenities not included) and an on-site caravan for hire. There are also hot showers, toilet facilities and tank water available.

This private property, between Mansfield and Benalla at the base of beautiful Mount Samaria, is a working beef cattle farm. Spread over 80 hectares, there’s plenty of space and plenty to do, including farm tours and animal feeding, hiking or horse riding. Nearby Lake Nillahcootie has excellent picnic facilities and a rolling green lawn, perfect for setting up a camp chair for a spot of fishing. There’s also a public boat ramp located on the Benalla side of the lake if you prefer to fish from a boat or water ski. Of course, you can also just relax back at camp and watch the creek trickle by, or try to catch a glimpse of the resident wombats, kangaroos and deer.

Nillawarre  has several powered and unpowered sites to choose from, it’s caravan and camper-trailer friendly and also has group campsites. Sites include hot-water camp showers, toilets and a well-stocked shared camp kitchen with fridge, freezer, toaster and tea and coffee supplies. Campfires are also permitted.

About two-and-a-half hours’ drive southeast of Melbourne, the gorgeous Tara Valley Caravan Park in Fernholme is the perfect place to feel a million miles away from everyone. Leading down to the Tara River and surrounded by the Tarra Bulga National Park, it’s near the start of the Grand Strzelecki Track, which winds through breathtaking rainforests, fern gullies and waterways for more than 100 kilometres. Come here to get back to nature with spectacular walks and mountain bike rides or take in host David’s mouthwatering Devonshire tea.

Fernholme has powered and unpowered campsites along the river, with sheltered barbecue sheds and open fireplaces. There’s a camp kitchen, and toilet and shower facilities that are managed to ensure social distancing. There’s also a cafe, gift shop and a playground for the kids. Four-legged friends are welcome (some conditions apply) and if you don’t feel like camping, Fernholme also has six self-contained rustic cabins (no pets).