If you’re looking to escape the rush of your daily Melbourne life, there are plenty of free camping spots scattered around Victoria that will help you disconnect and recharge. The fact that this priceless time away is just that- completely priceless, makes it even better!

With plenty of beach camping, countless stops along the stunning Great Ocean Road, as well as free camping spots just a stone’s throw away from Melbourne, here is a list to get you started planning your next free camping trip!

Meredith Park, Lake Colac

Meredith Park in Lake Colac is a huge campground, and conveniently sits right next to a glorious lake. This means there are endless opportunities for priceless sunsets, fishing and easy access, slightly freezing bathing options! The campsite is complete with wood-fire BBQs, toilets and drinking water.

Location: 175 Meredith Park Road, Ondit

Distance: Two hours south west of Melbourne

Stevensons Falls

A family friendly, free camping spot nestled along the Great Ocean Road, Stevensons Falls is the perfect sheltered spot within the great Otway Forest. There are plenty of useful facilities at this campsite, like picnic tables, fireplaces, toilets and caravan access.

Location: Upper Gellibrand Road, Barramunga

Distance: Two hours southwest of Melbourne

Aire Crossing

A serene hideaway in the Great Otway National Park, Aire Crossing campground is a peaceful spot slightly north of the waterfalls. A natural oasis free of charge, immerse yourself in the leafy native forest and the many vast waterfalls surrounding the campsite. There are plenty of interesting walks, or alternatively, sit yourself down in a nice spot and breathe in the fresh air.

Location: Halls Ridge Road, Johanna

Distance: Two and a half hours southwest of Melbourne

Aberfeldy River

A perfect spot set in the idyllic Baw Baw National Park, Aberfeldy River is a free camping spot with all the conveniences of living along the riverside. A good hike to try is the rewarding walk to the summit of Mount St Gwinear. The perfect city escape that isn’t too far out of Melbourne but feels years away.

Location: Aberfeldy River, Baw Baw

Distance: Three hours east of Melbourne

Toolangi Recreation Reserve

Small but full of unique surprises, Toolangi Recreation Reserve is a free camping spot on the banks of the Yea River. One of the best free camping spots in Victoria, it is surrounded by towering gum trees. The Tooalngi State Forest has heaps of cool spots to discover, like the Sculpture Trial. Bring your dog along, as this spot is dog-friendly.

Location: Healesville- Kinglake Road, Toolangi

Distance: One and a half hours northwest of Melbourne

Kurth Kiln

Perfect for reconnecting with nature, but not too far from your doorstep, Kurth Kiln is free and dog-friendly. Prepare yourself for the fully immersive experience, as the amenities at this campground are pretty basic. There are no showers and you must provide your own firewood. There are nice walks nearby, other than that- breathe in the fresh air!

Distance: 90 minutes west of Melbourne

Location: Soldiers Road, Yellingbo

Mount Franklin Reserve

A volcanic crater that you can camp in, Mount Franklin Reserve certainly offers an unusual free camping experience. Also a good option for the glampers out there, Mount Franklin has a range of amenities, with toilets, fireplaces and washing water. While you’re here, explore Daylesford, a quaint country town with plenty of cafes, pubs and eclectic stores.

Location: 4 Powells Lane, Mount Franklin

Distance: 90 minutes northwest of Melbourne

Gunbower Island

This free campsite is a bit of a journey out of Melbourne, but Gunbower Island is well-worth the road trip. After three hours of tunes, take a break amongst the Red River Gum Trees or have a swim in the nearby Murray River. There are no toilets or water facilities, but dogs are welcome!

Location: Island Road, Gunbower

Distance: Three hours north of Melbourne

Johanna Beach

Johanna Beach camping is the quintessential beach camping paradise! If you’re embarking on the beautiful journey along the Great Ocean Road, this is an ideal place to stop. Ocean views for days, Johanna Beach is a free campsite that has 25 sites with non-flush toilets and no showers or drinking water. Basic in amenities, outstanding in location.

Location: Red Johanna Road, Johanna

Distance: Three hours west of Melbourne

Andersons Garden

Don’t let this free campsite’s location lead you astray, located in Mount Disappointment Stare Forest, Andersons Garden is quite the opposite. One of the best things about this free camping spot is its proximity to Melbourne, only one hour away! However, this means it does get super busy. While you’re here take the time to hike, fish or go on a scenic bike ride

Location: Boundary Road, Clonbinane

Distance: One hour north of Melbourne

Plantation, the Grampians

A visit to The Grampians National Park is a vital Melburnian tradition and The Plantation is a free campsite that effortlessly shines a light on this stunning national park. Perfect location with easy access to beautiful spots like Halls Gap. Due to the sheer size of the Grampians, there is plenty to do- countless walks and even rock climbing for the more adventurous types.

Location: Mount Zero Road, Halls Gap

Distance: Three hours northwest of Melbourne

Blue Pool

Blur Pool Campground is located in the beautiful Briagolong State Forest in East Gippsland. It is known for its clear, deep blue swimming hole that sits along Freestone Creek. There are plenty of hikes that take you through the leafy, tropical forest. It’s also the only campground in the forest with a toilet so get in quick, because it does get busy!

Distance: 3 hours northeast of Melbourne

Location: Freestone Creek Road, Briagolong

Acheron

Perfectly nestled along the Goulburn River, Acheron is one of the best simple pleasures that free camping spots in Victoria has to offer. This spot is surrounded by lush, shady forest, full of fern, wattle, Manna Gum and Mountain Ash. This is the perfect campsite for the avid fisher, but be warned there are no spots for swimming, or toilets.

Location: Maroondah Highway, St Fillans

Distance: Two hours north east of Melbourne