6 top family-friendly campgrounds around Melbourne

Planning to take the kids for an overnight experience into nature?

From tall forests to dramatic coastlines, in basic bush settings or with the convenience of facilities, there’s a campground around Melbourne to suit every family’s taste and adventure appetite. These six top-rated campgrounds offer the ideal escape for quality time together.

Read on to discover the perfect family-friendly campground for your next camping adventure. 

Jump to section:

  1. The Gums, Kinglake National Park
  2. Point Nepean Discovery Tents, Point Nepean National Park
  3. Lake Elizabeth, Great Otway National Park
  4. Banksia Bluff, Cape Conran Coastal Park
  5. Buchan Caves, Buchan Caves Reserve
  6. Lake Catani, Mount Buffalo National Park

 

 

1. The Gums, Kinglake National Park

Couple setting up their tent at The Gums Campground in Kinglake National Park

The Gums Campground, Kinglake National Park

  • Distance from Melbourne: 90 mins
  • Facilities: toilets, barbeque, firepits
  • Dogs allowed? No
  • Best time to visit: October and May
  • Booking required? Yes – book now

 

Nestled in a tranquil eucalypt forest next to a meandering mountain stream, The Gums Campground in Kinglake National Park, Taungurung Country, is an ideal campground for families and small groups.

The campground has 18 campsites, five of which are suitable for camper vans and caravans. Each site is separated by native vegetation, with shared picnic tables, wood fireplaces, and a free communal gas barbecue.

The Gums is a popular base for exploring the northern section of Kinglake National Park. Families can visit nearby Wombelano and Mason Falls for scenic short walks and stunning views, or spend your time together bushwalking, horse riding, or cycling through the forest.

 

2. Point Nepean Discovery Tents, Point Nepean National Park 

Pre-pitched Point Nepean Discovery Tents at sunset

Discovery Tents, Point Nepean National Park. Image: Mamma Knows Melbourne

  • Distance from Melbourne: 2 hours
  • Facilities: pre-pitched tents, hot showers, flushing toilets, fully equipped camp kitchen
  • Dogs allowed? No
  • Best time to visit: September – April
  • Booking required? Yes – book now

 

If you’re new to camping or looking for a stress-free family camping experience, the pre-pitched Discovery Tents in Point Nepean National Park, Bunurong Country, offer the opportunity to stay in nature without the fuss of setting up your own camping equipment.

Available from September to April, these fixed canvas tents cater for two to four people and are fitted with stretcher beds and mattresses. There’s also dedicated accessible tents, pathways and amenities.

You’ll just need to bring your own pillows, linen/sleeping bag, chairs, torch, toiletries and personal items – making it a great campground option for families with young children.

All Discovery Tent guests have access to a fully stocked camp kitchen and an outdoor barbeque and dining area. A coffee caravan near the Information Centre in the Quarantine Station will keep parents well-caffeinated.

Camping within Point Nepean National Park is a great way to immerse the whole family in the rich history, outstanding coastal scenery and panoramic views of the area.

Read more: Your guide to the ultimate trip to Point Nepean National Park

 

3. Lake Elizabeth, Great Otway National Park

Couple relaxing by campfire at Lake Elizabeth Campground in Great Otway National Park

Lake Elizabeth Campground, Great Otway National Park

  • Distance from Melbourne: 2+ hours
  • Facilities: toilets, firepits
  • Dogs allowed? Yes
  • Best time to visit: October and May
  • Booking required? Yes – book now

 

Lake Elizabeth Campground in Great Otway National Park, Eastern Maar Country, has 20 unpowered tent-only campsites.

Located a 10-minute drive from the small, but bustling town of Forrest, and a 40-minute drive to the Great Ocean Road, Lake Elizabeth is a convenient base for families to explore the dramatic coastlines, nature activities and breathtaking waterfalls of Great Otway National Park.

It’s a 1km walk from the campground to Lake Elizabeth, where the kids can spot platypus early in the morning or you can enjoy canoeing or birdwatching together.

Note: there is no direct vehicle access to the campsites at Lake Elizabeth. A 15-minute unloading bay is located close by, and a separate carpark is just a two-minute walk from the campground.

Non-flush toilets, shared fireplaces and picnic tables are provided. Dogs are permitted on-lead.

Ranger tip: Late winter to early spring is platypus breeding season. It’s strongly advised to avoid canoeing or water sports on the lake at this time to avoid disruption.

 

4. Banksia Bluff, Cape Conran Coastal Park

Parent, dog and child gathered by tent at Banksia Bluff Campground in Cape Conran Coastal Park

Banksia Bluff Campground, Cape Conran Coastal Park

  • Distance from Melbourne: 3+ hours
  • Facilities: toilets, outdoor beach showers
  • Dogs allowed? Yes
  • Best time to visit: September – November, March – May
  • Booking required? Yes – book now

 

Banksia Bluff Campground in Cape Conran Coastal Park is a tranquil wooded campground. It’s the perfect setting for families wanting to escape the city and get into nature.

The pristine beaches of Cape Conran Coastal Park will be right at your doorstep meaning the kids will be easily entertained for hours building sandcastles, swimming, or looking at seashells.

There’s also plenty to see and do in the coastal park including swimming, diving, boating, fishing or rock pooling, and day walks. From May to October, Southern-Right and Humpback Whales can be seen frolicking off the coast as they migrate to their calving grounds.

The campground has 135 unpowered campsites. Campground amenities include toilets and cold-water outdoor beach showers.

Dogs are permitted at specified dog-friendly campsites and must always be on a lead to protect native animals and sensitive revegetation areas.

Ranger tip: East Gippsland is also known to have some of the mildest winter temperatures in the state. You can escape the summer crowds by camping in this beautiful part of Victoria in winter. 

 

5. Buchan Caves, Buchan Caves Reserve

Parent helping children set up a sent at Buchan Caves Reserve Campground in Buchan Caves Reserve

Buchan Caves Campground, Buchan Caves Reserve

  • Distance from Melbourne: 3+ hours
  • Facilities: hot showers, toilets, laundry, camp kitchen and electric and wood-fired barbecues
  • Dogs allowed? No
  • Best time to visit: September – November, March, or May
  • Booking required? Yes – book now

 

Leafy Buchan Caves Campground in Buchan Caves Reserve on Krauatungalung Country is a firm family favourite. There’s 40 powered sites and 21 unpowered sites, each accommodating up to six people.

It’s the perfect spot to immerse the whole family in a peaceful landscape. There’s a babbling brook nearby and outdoor communal fireplaces to warm up by. Keep an eye out for local lyrebirds and kangaroos, too.

Buchan Caves Reserve is famous for Victoria’s largest cave system full of spectacular limestone formations. Royal Cave and Fairy Cave are open for guided tours daily. The caves and town of Buchan are all within easy walking distance of the campground. You can also cool off in icy waters of the nearby Buchan Pool on a hot day.

Campground facilities include hot showers, toilets, a laundry, a camper’s kitchen and electric and wood fired barbecues. 

 

6. Lake Catani, Mount Buffalo National Park

Scenic landscape shot of Lake Catani in Mount Buffalo National Park

Lake Catani, Mount Buffalo National Park. Image: Visit Victoria

  • Distance from Melbourne: 4+ hours
  • Facilities: hot showers, flushing toilets, firepits, sink areas for dishwashing and laundry
  • Dogs allowed? No
  • Best time to visit: mid-week, November – April
  • Booking required? Yes – book now

 

Idyllic and family-friendly, Lake Catani Campground within Mount Buffalo National Park on Taungurung Country offers 47 campsites amongst picturesque snow gums. Open from November to April, there are sites suitable for small caravans and campervans, and others for car camping and tents only.

Lake Catani Campground and its adjoining day visitor area are centrally located on the Mt Buffalo plateau, within easy access to The Gorge and many family-friendly walking tracks. It’s the perfect setting for picnicking, enjoying a cool swim, fishing or paddling a canoe.

You’re required to be self-sufficient with drinking water, but the campground is equipped with flush toilets and hot showers. The nearby Lakeside Day Visitor Area has accessible toilets, free gas barbecues and tables. 

 

So, pack your tent and gather the kids, it’s time to head off on a camping adventure that will leave you refreshed, reconnected, and eager to explore more of what Victoria’s parks have to offer. 

For more inspiration on exciting things to see and do in Victoria’s parks and reserves, subscribe to our monthly Outdoor Inspiration e-newsletter. 

Camping essentials

New to camping, or need a refresher? With some simple equipment and a little planning, you’ll be on your way to getting into nature.

Two women setting up their camping space on sand.

Camping for beginners

If you’re new to camping, you might not know where to begin. Luckily, we’ve pulled together all you need to know to enjoy your first camping trip.
A couple sit around a campsite and welcome their friends to their campsite as they walk in.

Top tips for your first camping trip

If you’re new to camping, want to give it a go and ready to start planning here’s our top tips to help to get ready to book your trip.
Two couples car camping on grass.

Packing list

We’ve compiled an extensive list of what you might need for your first camping trip. The more you camp, the more you’ll be able to refine and tailor the packing checklist to suit your needs.
Two campers chat with a ranger while sitting at a picnic table at the Gums Campground at King Lake National Park

Ranger tips

To help you, your friends and your family have a safe, stress-free, and well-planned stay in Victoria’s incredible parks and natural landscapes our rangers have shared their know-how in these handy tips. 
X
By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Confirm