Victoria is chock-full of great spots for an outdoor adventure. From the steep mountains of the alpine region, to the cracking stretch of coastline followed by the Great Ocean Road, there’s something for everyone in this amazing state! Victoria is truly a BCFers paradise, and with so much to do, the trickiest part of visiting is deciding where to go first! If you’re planning a trip in Victoria, jump into this guide and check out some of the great places that you can pitch a tent. Whether you're just visiting or if you call this ripper state home, we’re sure you’ll learn something new from this guide!
Echuca
From a sleepy town in Winter, to a bustling hotspot in Summer, Echuca is without a doubt one of the most popular camping locations in Victoria, and for good reason! There are heaps of camping spots just minutes away from the main town, meaning that you can experience true bush camping while still being able to drive into town for a hearty pub meal at Shamrocks! Echuca is ripper spot with something to do for the whole clan. You could spend a day flicking spinnerbaits for cod in the Campaspe, tackle some tricky 4-wheel driving, try your hand at some water-skiing, or simply kick back and relax at Betts ‘beach’ on the banks of The Murray with a bevvy in-hand! Echuca really does have it all. The best news is, you don’t need a fourbie to reach the amazing camping spots on offer! Over summer the town does get very busy, so it can be difficult to find your own piece of paradise, but don’t stress! There are many other places along the Murray River where you can find a spot to camp, away from the hustle and bustle. Torrumbarry, Barmah and Gunbower are all only a stone’s throw away from Echuca and can provide you with your own slice of the Murray River during the busy summer months.
Lake Eildon
When full, ‘Eildon’ holds twice the amount of water as Port Phillip Bay, and with over 600kms of shoreline there’s no shortage of spots to roll out a swag. There are a number of campgrounds near Eildon itself, with Jerusalem Creek and Fraser Camping Area being two of the most popular sites. Lake Eildon is truly a paradise for BCFers, with so much to do the whole year round! During summer, watersports enthusiasts are likely to have a ball whether they are skiing, wakeboarding, or knee boarding around the lake. For kayakers, the area surrounding Bonnie Doon bridge provides easy access to the lake, and days can be spent paddling around with a rod in-hand, before going for a dip. The natural beauty on display at the lake will knock your socks off and taking a walk up the Pinnacle Walking Track can be a great way to see some of the native plants and critters around the area. Lake Eildon is also a great spot to catch a fish and is one of the only locations in Victoria where you can catch a murray cod all year round. During the summer there is great fishing for natives such as yellowbelly and cod on offer, particularly down the Delatite Arm, with scrubbies (scrub worms) being the bait of choice. In the winter, the trout fishing comes alive, and can be caught casting Tassie Devils from the bank or on the troll behind a boat or a kayak. If that’s not enough, Lake Eildon is also a great spot for some 4-wheel driving, with more tracks around than you can poke a stick at. With so much on offer at Lake Eildon, you’ll need more than one trip to do it all!
Grampians National Park
When most people think of camping in Victoria, one place instantly comes to mind - The Grampians! Grampians National Park is a must-visit location and is one of the state’s most popular camping spots due to its unique bush landscape, diverse flora and fauna, and a huge number of trails to hike that offer cracker views. Located 3 hours west of Melbourne, The Grampians is loaded with campsites and holiday parks for both caravanners and campers alike. Camping at the Grampians is at its best during Spring and Autumn, as the long hikes can be tricky both during the Summer heat and Winter chill. Halls Gap lies at the heart of the Grampians and is a great spot to base your adventures from, with lookouts such as the Pinnacle lookout, as well as some beaut waterfalls only a short walk away. The Grampians is home to a number of lakes including Lake Fyans, which holds some monster redfin. Lake Bellfield and Lake Wartook are also great for fishing, and you can even try your hand at some fly fishing for trout! You would be forgiven for leaving your fishing rod at home though, as there are so many hikes that are waiting to be conquered, such as the newly introduced Grampians Peaks Trail, a multi-day hike through the rugged landscape of the Grampians. The Grampians National Park is one of Victoria's most popular camping spots for a reason and camping under its beautiful peaks is an experience like no other! Whether you're planning on bringing the whole clan or going solo, the Grampians is a spot to chuck on the list!
Croajingolong National Park
Stretching from Bemm River to Mallacoota, Croajingolong National Park is a place in Victoria like no other. A coastal national park, Croajingolong is home to a number of secluded camping spots that will leave you speechless! Camping spots can be found along the many inlets within the park including Thurra River, Muler Inlet or the peaceful Wingan Inlet. These quiet spots are also great places to have a paddle around and drop a line, so make sure you bring the kayak and a packet of soft plastics! Lying in dense scrub, Croajingolong offers a rare chance to be taken to another world, far from the creature comforts of the big smoke. For those who prefer to be closer to town however, Mallacoota sits at the Northernmost point of the park, with camping available at the holiday park near the city centre. Mallacoota is well-known as a fishermans paradise, with monster flathead, mulloway, tailor and bream all abundant in Mallacoota Inlet. Bastion Point is only a short drive from the city centre and provides access to some great offshore fishing. It is also a great spot for a dive, or even a surf! Croajingolong National Park offers some of the most pristine natural environments in Victoria, with coastal views and great fishing, this really is a piece of God's country that can’t be missed!
The Otways
The Great Ocean Road is one of the most popular tourist spots in Victoria, with many loading up into campers to explore the lush green forest that borders the ripper rocky shoreline for over 240 kilometres. The Great Otway National Park is a slice of heaven and there are a number of campsites where you can spend a night under the stars. As you make your way along the Great Ocean Road there is so much to do! You can visit Lorne and catch trout in the streams, or stop at Wye River where there is great fishing for salmon, particularly through the colder months. From Torquay all the way to Aire River you will be joined by rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, dense rainforest and amazing waterfalls. Even if you forget the rods at home there is plenty to do, with bushwalks galore, 4-wheel driving tracks of varying difficulties and the ‘Otway Fly’ zipline. The Otways allow you to camp next to sandy beaches one day and in lush, green rainforest the next. Stevensons Falls are well worth checking out and free camping is available only a short walk away. The Otways is truly a must-visit location in Victoria and has so much to offer for everyone. Whether you’re planning on hiking through the forest with a backpack or tackling some of the area's most challenging tracks in your 4-wheel drive, The Otways really do have it all.
Although Victoria is better-known for being the capital of sport and fine dining, there is so much more to this Southern state. These are only some of the best camping locations that Victoria has to offer, and there are so many more spots to start your adventure! Whether boating, camping, or fishing is your jam we’re sure you’ll find a camping spot to suit. When preparing for the big trip or if you accidentally forget some of the essentials, there are a number of BCF stores throughout Victoria, with friendly and knowledgeable teams that will help ensure your camping trip is a ripper. So, get out there and explore the best of what Victoria has to offer today!