Camping in Victoria, Australia is fun and can be character-building. In the southern state of Australia where the weather is ever-changing, camping holidays are more like a risk-taking adventure, experiencing all the elements.
There are plenty of free camping spots in Victoria, for road-trippers or families and groups planning a few days away on a budget.
And thanks to recent government funding, paid campsites throughout Victoria are free until 30th June 2025. More info here.
Here is a list of some of the best free campgrounds in Victoria, year-round.
Free Camping Great Ocean Road
There are lots of free campgrounds on The Great Ocean Road– the famous road trip in Australia. The beautiful coastal drive winds through both small and large beach holiday towns, each with something unique to offer. From fishing in Anglesea to whale watching in Warrnambool, visiting the Great Ocean Road is a fun way to experience the nature and wildlife of southern Victoria.
Here are the notable campgrounds on The Great Ocean Road:
Dandos Campground
Dandos Campground is a large site situated on the Gelibrand River, in the Otways. Swim in the river when the ether is warm and discover the nearby hikes within the forest.
Sawpit CampgrounD
Located all the way along the Great Ocean Road near Portland, Sawpit Campground is perfect for big groups. Biking, hiking, and picnics are all popular here.
Beauchamp Falls
Another beautiful spot in the Otways with stunning waterfalls. Beauchamp Falls is great for families with a lot of space and flat areas, a 3 km walk through the forest to the wonderful waterfalls.
Wye River Road Camping Area
Camping at Wye River, Victoria is popular and it’d sometimes diffiult to book a site at one of the many campgrounds. The Wye River Road Campground is another option, inland at the back of Wye River, a little further along the Great Ocean Road from Lorne.. First in best dressed at this free camp, a beautiful and quiet spot to discover the Otways.
Free Camping Mornington Peninsula
Fairhaven Campsite French Island
Fairhaven Campsite on French Island, south east of Melbourne, is a free camp which you need to pre book through the Parks Victoria website.
French Island National Park is accessible by boat and the free campsite is only accessed by foot.
Free Camping Baw Baw
Toorongo Falls Campground
Toorongo Falls is a popular sight seeing spot in the forest near Noojee in Baw Baw Shire. The Toorongo Falls Campground is a flat grassy area at the base a short walk from the falls.
Starlings Gap Campground
Starlings Gap Campground is a quiet site surrounded by lush forest. The perfect stop to break up a day or overnight hike.
Loch Valley Campground
The grassy sites and pretty scenery at Loch Valley Campground are ideal for families making this campground popular in holiday periods. Only 10 minutes from Noojee and Toorongo Falls.
Seninis Campground
Seninis Campground is a lovely, quiet campsite on the Tyers River in the Moondarra State Park. Good amenities but you will need to take your own water.
Free Camping Daylesford and Hepburn
Mount Franklin Reserve
The Mount Franklin Campground is in Hepburn regional Park. The campground is ideal for large groups and families. It has good toilet facilities but BYO drinking water.
Free Camping Murray River
Walwa Victoria CaMPgrounds
There are 3 free campgrounds in Walwa on the Murray River. The 3 locations are Gadds Bend, Burrowye Bend and the River Murray Reserve. All are pet friendly and have beautiful views, right before the NSW border. These are only a handful of the many campgrounds along the Murray River in Victoria.
Free Camping Victoria Map
Conclusion
Free camoing in Victoria is easy, with a little research. As all these free campsites have limited ammenities, bear in mind that you will need to bring your own water, and other supplies as needed. Check out the links for a full break down of each site for vehicle access, toilets, water and if booking is required.
Enjoy your camping adventures and remember some of these sites are popular in the summer seasons, so it will pay to have a back up plan!
