After a couple of years of confining themselves within the four walls of their homes in the COVID era, Victorians are now more than ready to explore the world outside–and what better place to start than our very own Victoria? Discover our list of the top 5 best hidden camping spots in Victoria.
With social distancing still a norm and implemented as a precautionary practice, people are now more geared towards travelling to offbeat places or scenic camping spots that are less crowded and offer more of a tranquil respite than a maddening bustle.
Whether you seek secluded, remote spots or are more of a comfort seeker and prefer ‘glamping’ at provisioned sites with your luxury caravan, you will find places that perfectly suit your taste.
All said and done, there’s one thing that remains unchanged wherever you go: your ever-so-dependable companion through thick and thin–your caravan.
This is especially given the fact that some of the most beautiful offbeat camping spots in the state can only be explored properly if you have a caravan to stay in and spend the night! That said, today we bring to you some of the most awesome hidden gems that you should definitely explore or camp at in Victoria.
1. Halls Gap Holiday Park, Grampians
- 3 hours’ drive from Melbourne
- Nearest town: Halls Gap
Halls Gap offers some of the most spectacular views in all of Australia. The region is a naturalist’s dream, with some of the greatest bushwalking trails and abseiling spots in the country. BIG4 NRMA Halls Gap Holiday Park provides on-site villas and cottages, or you may camp out under the starry night in the middle of it all.
You have the option of powered as well as unpowered sites in the holiday park, as well as facilities such as hot showers, toilets, grills, and an abundant water supply. The park has implemented flexible booking procedures, in addition to enhanced safety and social-distancing protocols.
Highlights:
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- Top-notch facilities available on-site
- Ideal for bushwalking and abseiling
2. Ellimata
- 3 hours’ drive from Melbourne
- Nearest town: Moyhu
Ellimatta is located right at the centre of the King Valley wine region. The key differentiator of this camping spot is that this is a pet-friendly campsite that is an abode to a large number of farm animals.
You are free to pitch your tent by the river and make the most of the astonishing experience that nature has to offer. Ellimata can also serve as a base camp for day visits to the Victorian snowfields. Don’t shy away from trying your hand at yabbying in the spring-fed dam. Alternatively, you can relax in the midday shade of the beautiful, lush gum trees.
People also build a fire and cook their meals beneath the stars. There are also vineyards, restaurants, and bars to visit and explore. If you’re looking for an exciting adventure, you can go for a drive in Ellimatta’s outback.
Highlights:
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- Pet-friendly campsite
- Offers yabbying and wine tours
3. Lake Catani Campground, Mount Buffalo
- 4 hours’ drive from Melbourne
- Nearest town: Porepunkah
This family-friendly campground provides 49 campsites high in the alps in the stunning Mount Buffalo National Park. You can either take a stroll to see the fauna and waterfalls, or you can also swim or kayak in the calm waterways. Alternatively, you can simply relax with the nearby wombats!
The campsite is pretty basic, yet it provides everything tourists need for a pleasant stay. There are toilets and hot showers (including accessible alternatives), dishwashing facilities, a rudimentary laundry, as well as a mess hall that’s equipped with tables and fireplaces to be used on a shared basis. You can also spend your time at the picnic shelter that overlooks the splendid lake and cook up some delicious food in the gas grills provided for free. Tables are also available at the adjoining day visitor centre, providing a tranquil environment to watch the world’s pace go slow. You can book your favourite site among the 49 here.
Highlights:
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- Stunning lake views
- Offers kayaking and additional facilities
4. Clancy Springs
- 25 hours’ drive from Melbourne
- Nearest town: Inverloch
There are a lot of things to do at Clancy Springs, the list is endless! You can camp near the pond and sit back to listen to the amazing sounds of nature by the bonfire at night. Also, where else would you experience keeping an eye out for koalas, roos, and wallabies while sipping your drink? Enjoy the sunset and lie down right under the stars, all while savouring your meal that can be literally DIY! How? You make it with fresh catch of the day by going fishing in Anderson Inlet.
Relish the local wines while exploring the purely Australian wineries where they are made and satisfy your adventure bug by going on a hike or riding a pushbike along the Great Southern Rail Trail. A hybrid caravan is often the best option to cover this kind of offbeat sites.
Highlights:
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- Rich in wildlife
- Offers fishing
Winding Up
Looking for the perfect caravan to be the perfect companion in your adventures? From our signature luxury caravan and off-road caravans to our family hybrid RV’s that’s the best of both worlds, trust us when we say that we at Lyfe RV have got you covered. Email us at info@lyferv.com or call us on 03 8899 7678 for further information.
