Where to stay indoors and keep warm in parks

As the temperature drops, it’s easy to see why many people put away camping gear and choose accommodation that keeps you warm and dry in winter. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on staying at some truly unique national parks.

Below are some of our highlights across Victoria to suit a variety of budgets this winter. You can relax indoors and enjoy the benefits of nature right on your doorstep.

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

Caves House, Buchan Caves Reserve

Discover a honeycomb of spectacular limestone formations carved by an underground river almost 400 million years ago at Buchan Caves Reserve. Tour the largest cave system in Victoria, enjoy a picnic in the scenic heritage-listed landscape and enjoy a variety of walks from easy to moderate within the park.

Caves House is fully self-contained house that sleeps up to eight people. There are three bedrooms with a queen bed in each room and an ante room with two single beds. Features include kitchen, dining area, lounge room, toilets, shower, heating and cooling and TV. All linen is provided. Minimum two-night stay applies.

Buchan Caves Reserve, located on Krauatungalung Country, is one of the jointly managed parks within Gippsland. The Joint Management agreement recognises the fact that the Gunaikurnai people hold Aboriginal Title and maintain a strong connection to Country.

Wilsons Promontory National Park

There are a range of roofed accommodation options at The Prom. Winter is a great time to visit to avoid the crowds. Go exploring during the day and come back to a warm cabin where you can cook a lovely dinner and relax for the evening. 

Just Inside The Gate - This self-catering eco-lodge accommodation is past Yanakie and on the border of the national park. Book the East Wing for up to four people, or the whole house for up to eight people. 

Tidal River Cabins - These cabins sleep up to six people and feature lots of natural light and a timber deck area for relaxing outdoors. Features include a spacious living area and fully equipped kitchen with microwave, fridge, one bedroom with queen-sized bed and one bedroom with two bunk beds, bathroom, and gas heating. Linen and towels are provided.

Tidal River Units - With sweeping views to Mount Bishop, these stylishly designed one-bedroom units accommodate two people. Adjoining units can be linked to accommodate up to four people. Features include spacious living area, fully self-contained kitchen, bathroom, gas heating, sun deck, and shared barbecue area. All linen and towels are provided.

Tidal River Huts - The single room huts accommodate either 4 or 6 people and are a great alternative to camping. Guests should bring their own linen and will have access to all the campground amenities. Cooking facilities include an oven, hot plates, and a bar fridge.

Wilderness Retreats - For a unique ‘close to nature’ experience, the Wilderness Retreats offer the perfect mix of bush camping with all the conveniences of modern cabins. Features include a luxurious queen-size bed with all linen provided, gas heating, private ensuite and timber deck, small fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests can also access the exclusive communal kitchen.

Tidal River accessible cabin accommodation - There are two cabins in Tidal River with accessible facilities. Both are self-contained and consist of two bedrooms (including a single electric high-low bed), accessible bathroom, kitchen/living room and outside deck.

Tidal River accessible unit accommodation - The accessible unit at Tidal River is a self-contained, one-bedroom unit, including a personal hoist and specialised bathroom equipment, such as a shower commode chair. 

Shearers Quarters, Murray Sunset National Park

The Shearers Quarters is an historic self-contained cottage nestled in the remote heart of Murray-Sunset National Park. It is a great place to get away from it all and enjoy the serenity of the bush. Go bushwalking and birdwatching in the wide, open landscape and visit the truly spectacular Pink Lakes.

The four-bedroom cottage sleeps up to 10 people with kitchen facilities including a gas fridge and basic cooking utensils. Visitors should bring their own cooking equipment, linen, firewood and drinking water. There is a tank that holds non-potable water for showering, however supply is limited. Access to the site is via unsealed four-wheel drive only tracks.

Murray-Sunset National Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape that includes traditional Country of the Latji Latji, Ngintait and Nyeri Nyeri Peoples. 

If your ideal winter getaway involves enjoying a glass of wine by a roaring log fire with nature on your doorstep, we have plenty of options at Parks Victoria. Find more details on camping and accommodation.