Updated on March 9, 2026
Escape the City and Go Camping Near Melbourne!
To free camp or to pay? Free camping is popular for good reason: not having to commit to exactly where you might stay on a given night, or just rocking up and selecting the best spot available, is fun. Granted, there might not always be a spot available, but that’s the chance we take when camping this way. Camping near Melbourne can be a terrific, quick city escape.
Arriving at a camp ground and knowing you have a spot reserved does provide peace of mind, especially in peak holiday times.
We are incredibly lucky in Australia to have so many low-cost, free, and resort options to camp, with lots of activities on offer for kids… jumping pillows, playgrounds, pools, etc. Read about some of our free-camping suggestions here.
Within about two hours drive of Melbourne, a number of low-cost and free camping and caravanning grounds are available. We’ve gone adventuring to check out some of these fabulous spots and have reported our discoveries below.
For anyone needing a place to camp or stay in their caravan in or around Melbourne, read this article.
Kurth Kiln Regional Park – Free Camping Near Melbourne
Melbourne CBD to Kurth Kiln free camping area: Approximately 1 hr. 30 mins
We recently reviewed this great camp ground in the Eastern Dandenong Ranges on the Explore the Dandenongs website, read about Kurth Kiln free camping area here.
Toorongo Falls Reserve, Noojee – Free Camping
Dog-Friendly – Yes!
Melbourne to Toorongo Falls: 2 hr. 13 mins. Ok, it’s just over the two-hour mark, it’s not quite camping near Melbourne, but it is such a great spot that it’s snuck into our list of free-camping locations!
We have stayed here a few times, and this trip was just as much fun as previous trips. Set beside the pretty Toorongo River (which has some amazingly large freshwater lobsters in it), this free camping ground offers a scenic location, a river big enough to sit in and paddle and a lovely walk up to Toorongo Falls.
Basic long drop toilets, no showers, of course, but take a dip in the river or BYO ensuite!
As you enter the camping area, several sites are set up primarily for tents, though camper trailers and campervans can fit in too. Most spots have a steel fire pit and level camping, plus some have tables too (BYO wood).
Driving on through the first camp area, it opens into quite a large grassy site, aimed more at caravanners to set up solo or in a group. Fire pits are dotted around to share. Take care not to drive into them; they can be difficult to see at night or when backing up. Tents can be pitched here too.
Another nearby free campsite, called ‘The Poplars’, is also a great place to stay. Review coming!
Murrundindi Reserve, Near Yea – Low Cost Camping
Melbourne to Murrindindi Scenic Reserve: 1 hr. 40 mins.
Camping near Melbourne in the Murrindindi Nature Reserve
Possibly one of the best areas for camping near Melbourne for anyone wanting an escape with little to no phone reception and plenty of challenging hikes, as well as the pretty Murrindindi River to camp by, going to sleep listening to the sound of the water coursing its way down to join the Yea River.
100 camping sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. I really like this option, as campers can select the best available site that appeals to them and then book online. The downside of course is that in busy times, it will be harder to find a spot.
Our last trip was during Easter, 2023. It was a rather dull and wet weekend overall in Victoria, and most people had gone home when we arrived on Easter Sunday for a one-night stay. I’d guess it was a combination of wet weather and almost no phone reception! A short 5 min drive from the entrance to the reserve along Wilhelmina Road to Marginal Road, though, and the reception is fine.
Disconnecting for a while can be pleasant. Apparently, Telstra customers can get a signal at times, though. A few downloaded podcasts, such as The History Podcast with Scotsman, Neil Oliver, and some music did the trick for the longer dark nights of Autumn…
Camping Fees at Murrindindi:
Once a site has been selected, book online here. There are 7 camp areas to choose from, 100 sites. Some are walk-in sites, but parking is nearby, and tables and fire pits are provided. Sites 21/22 in the Cassinia camp area looked ideal for a family or a few friends to camp together. The camping fees are very reasonable.
Bushwalking Tracks at Murrindindi Reserve
Gentle river walks or the steep hiking track up to Wilhelmina Falls, there is a good choice of bushwalking in the Murrindindi area.
- Murrindindi River Walk. 24 km return/7-8 hours, some steep sections though mostly an easy walk. Start from the day visitor area, then cross the Blackwood suspension bridge to begin the walk.
- Mill Track Loop. 10km return/3-4 hours. Some steep sections. Start from the day visitor area, then cross the Blackwood suspension bridge to begin the walk.
- Wilhelmina Falls walk. 6km return/ 1.5-2.5 hours. Start from the Water Gauge Camping area; there is a good-sized parking area up on the road. Picnic tables and toilets are available at the start.
- Boroondara Track. 8.6km return / 2-3 hours, some very steep sections. Starts from a sign-posted car park off Falls Creek Road. Drive past Water Gauge Camp for about 1km, and the road is on the left. Map directions.
- Murrindindi Cascades. 300m walk from the Cascades picnic area to the pretty little cascades. The track follows 300m of the Murrindindi River Walk and starts across the road from the Cascades Picnic Area. The track has some steps to negotiate, but nothing too strenuous. Two bridges span the river, offering views of it cascading down the rocks. Retrace your steps back up to the Cascades Picnic Area or keep on walking for 12 km back to the day visitor area. A car shuffle would be a good plan unless doing the 24km return hike. Map directions.