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Camping
7 of the best winter camping spots in Victoria
RACV Staff
July 13, 2023
Think camping is just a summer activity? There’s plenty of fun to be found at these cold weather camping spots around Victoria.
Are you one of those people who prefer the crisp cool air of winter to a burning hot sun? Then forget the crowds of people chasing the hot weather and head to a local campground in Victoria.
As well as a magical way to explore regional Victoria away from the hustle and bustle of city life, camping is an easy and more affordable way to satisfy your weekend getaway cravings. Think brisk morning walks, unforgettable sunsets, fewer crowds, and marshmellows by an open fire.
Of course, there are certain essentials to think about when camping in Victorian winter weather – extra doonas or sleeping bags, thermals, and preparations for a good and safe campfire; as well as the regular camping must-haves and making sure you are road-trip ready for your winter getaway.
So, if you’re planning a quick weekend escape, it’s time to pack your gloves, pull out the tent poles, and get ready for the magic of camping in winter.
Here’s our guide to some of the best winter campsites in and around Victoria.
Keep an eye out for seasonal closures, upgrades, local road conditions and weather warnings before embarking on camping to the areas below.
7 of Victoria's best winter camping spots
Jamieson Creek Bush Campground
Great Ocean Road
Amenities: Barbecues, fire pits, picnic tables and shelter, non-flush toilets, and water for cleaning (but not drinking).
For an elevated winter campground with panoramic ocean views, look no further than Jamieson Creek Bush Campground, roughly two hours from Melbourne.
Nestled just off the Great Ocean Road, between Lorne and the Wye River, this beautifully renovated campsite is for those who may be looking for a bushwalk nearby Erskine Falls, a visit to the coastal town of Lorne, or a 4WD tour through the local parklands.
The campground is accessible by 2WD and caters to both caravans and tents, however all sites are unpowered.
Tip: BYO firewood and fresh drinking water, and be sure to take all your rubbish with you.
Native Dog Flat Campground
Upper Buchan River (Alpine National Park)
Amenities: Single toilet, picnic tables, and shared fire pits.
Get off the beaten track to pitch a tent or set up your caravan at the secluded Native Dog Flat Campground, roughly five and half hours east of Melbourne.
Despite the name, this campground is not pet-friendly, so make sure it’s just you and your human friends on the grounds for this camping trip.
The picturesque grassy spot is located along the banks of the pristine Upper Buchan River Heritage River. While accessible with a 2WD, it is popular as a base to go on a motorbike or 4WD tour to nearby Tom Groggin or Forest Hill.
You’ll need to BYO drinking water and firewood, and take your rubbish with you when you leave.
Tip: Being in the Alpine National Park, the campsite can get extremely cold during winter, so be sure to pack appropriately.
Tidal River Campground
Wilson's Promontory
Amenities: Showers, toilets, picnic area, laundry, charging centre, general store.
While an extremely popular camping hotspot in the summer, come wintertime in Victoria, you may get to experience the beauty of Wilson's Prom all to yourself.
Juat over three hours from Melbourne, 'The Prom' is a national park known for its bushtrails and beaches, including the trek to Whisky Bay, local wildlife, and the popular summit to Mount Oberon.
This camping site is open to campers and caravanners. Those wanting more creature comforts can opt for nearby accomodation.
Tip: The Loo-Ern Track is a short trail that is both pram and wheelchair friendly.
There's nothing like the smell of a hot tasty meal on a night of winter camping. Image: Supplied.
Jamieson Park is popular for 4WD tours or visiting stops along the Great Ocean Road. Image: Supplied.
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Lake Sambell Caravan Park
Beechworth
Amenities: Fully enclosed camp kitchen, covered barbecue areas, picnic seating, clean bathrooms, a free Wi-Fi zone, kiosk, water, laundry. Fire drums (and firwood) available on request.
For a well-worn winter camping destination in Victoria, Lake Sambell Caravan Park, about three hours’ drive north-east from Melbourne, is a scenic spot to pitch a tent or park a caravan, or you can elect to stay in an on-site cabin or villa.
Both powered and unpowered sites are available, with canoes and kayaks available for hire alongside recreational facilities like volleyball, mini golf, and badminton, as well as proximity to nearby biking and walking trails.
The caravan park is located just a short walk from Beechworth’s historic main town, perfect for winter activities like visiting one of our favourite craft breweries and historical experiences.
Tip: Bring Fido along, as this place is pet-friendly!
Sheepyard Flat
Howqua Hills
Amenities: Non-flush toilets, wood barbecues.
Sheepyard Flat is a free, pet-friendly campsite (dogs must always remain on leash) set in the secluded Howqua Hills Historic Area, approximately one hour drive from Mansfield in the Victorian High Country.
This tranquil riverside campground is a beautiful place to escape the hustle and bustle of Melbourne life, where you can spot local wildlife like koalas, kangaroos, ducks, and wombats.
While the campsite can generally be accessed by 2WD vehicles including camper vans and caravans, it may become difficult for conventional vehicles during wet weather, so exercise caution when tackling the 17-kilometre stretch of winding dirt road.
Tip: You can collect fallen branches for firewood, but are not permitted to chop any, so make sure to BYO.
Plenty of winter campsites let you bring your best furry friend along - just make sure to keep them warm too! Image: Getty.
After a night of camping, take the family on an adventure to Cactus Country near the RACV Cobram Resort. Image: Supplied.
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Talbotville Camping Area
Grant Historic Area
Amenities: Single drop toilet.
If you want the full starry-night experience, there’s no better place than Talbotville, about five and a half hour's away from Melbourne. The site, located on an abandoned mining village that vanished when the gold ran out, is now an amazing dog-friendly campground.
Set on the grassy flats of the Crooked River in the Grant Historic Area, this camping spot is popular for its proximity to the nearby Blue Rag Range and Billy Goats Bluff Track for avid 4WD enthusiasts, and perfect for mastering your camp cooking skills in the open air.
Tip: The area is relatively protected from wind, however, the road in can be narrow, steep, and stony, so is not suitable for caravans and is recommended for 4WDs only. Take it slow in wet weather.
RACV Cobram Resort
Cobram
Amenities: Barbecues, children’s bathroom, disabled bathroom, laundry, camp kitchen, indoor and outdoor pool, spa.
For a slightly milder mid-year camping experience, try heading north for the winter. Cobram, along the mighty Murray River, offers many of the benefits of winter camping, minus the arctic conditions.
Just over three hours from Melbourne, the RACV Cobram Resort offers 20 camping sites suitable for soft-floor camper trailers, as well as tents and cabins.
Alongside the on-site facilities like the large camp kitchen and hot showers, there’s plenty of recreational activities on site to keep the family busy, from a playground with a giant jumping pillow, to tennis and basketball courts, a rec room, indoor and outdoor pools, BMX tracks, walking trails and hot spots for fishing.
After that, you can spend your days experiencing all the sun country has to offer, whether it’s a spot of mini golf, a ride on a luxury paddle steamer, or a taste of cactus ice cream at the one-of-a-kind Cactus County Garden.
