Eight of the Best: Camping by the Water in Victoria

Lakes. Rivers. Beaches. Pitch your tent by any of these, and relax in nature.

Please note, these camping grounds often close due to weather and maintenance. Visit the Parks Victoria website for updates.

Sealers Cove Hike-in Campsite, Wilson’s Promontory National Park

Wilson’s Prom is packed with campers every summer, but the golden sand and turquoise water of Sealers Cove offers some welcome respite – it’s only accessible by boat or by foot. The 10-kilometre hike in – considered one of the finest bushwalks in Victoria – peaks with stunning views of the idyllic cove from Windy Saddle, before the descent into the campsite by the beach at the southern end of the inlet. When the boardwalk is closed, access to Sealers Cove is possible via a 25-kilometre hike from Telegraph Saddle. The campground includes toilet facilities, but be sure to book in advance and bring your own supplies to purify the creek water for drinking.

Photo Credit: Fernando de Sousa

Sealers Cove Hike-In Campsite. Update: Sealers Cove Walking Track and Boardwalk is currently closed.

Blanket Bay, Great Otway National Park

Blanket Bay is one of the most popular coastal camping spots in the state, and it’s easy to see why. It’s right on the beach, with plenty of swimming and fishing, open firepits, a glut of hikes and walking tracks – keep your eyes peeled for koalas – and panoramic views of the Southern Ocean. Amenities are sparse; there’s no power or drinking water, and only non-flush toilets, so packing appropriately is a must. The road into the site is camper- and trailer-friendly. Pricing from $16.40 per night.

Photo Credits: Christina Hendricks and Kevin Rheese

Blanket Bay, Great Otway National Park. 

Aire River, Great Otway National Park

There are campsites on both the east and west banks of the Aire River – the former is ideal for kayakers and the latter has a large open area that makes it great for larger groups. There are also more toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces and hot plates than a lot of campgrounds. Once there, there’s also fishing, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, and the beach is just a short walk from the campground. Pricing from $16.40 per night.

Photo Credits: Shaun Astbury and Bruce Melendy.

Aire River, Great Otway National Park

Parker Hill, Great Otway National Park

Sorry hatchback owners – the road into the Parker Hill campground is a difficult one. You'd better ask your friends who own 4WDs if they like camping. The reward for that tricky drive is a small, rugged and beautiful campsite that’s completely secluded. The Parker Hill campsite overlooks the mouth of the Parker River, at the point where it flows into the ocean. Pricing from $16.40per night.

Parker Hill, Great Otway National Park

Johanna Beach Hike-in Campsites, Great Ocean Road, Great Otway National Park

The 25 regular campsites at Johanna Beach are a fine choice for camping, but for an added element of challenge and isolation, it’s worth considering the hike-in-only section. Purpose-built for walkers undertaking the iconic Great Ocean Walk, there are only eight tent sites at the hike-in campground. The site is situated atop a ridge, with sweeping views of the coastline. With just a single untreated rainwater tank, amenities are scarce, so preparation is important. Pricing from $16.40 per night.

Johanna Beach Hike-in Campsites, Great Otway National Park

Fraser Camping Area, Lake Eildon National Park

The Fraser Camping Area is a year-round favourite for families and has three campgrounds: Lakeside, Candlebark and Devil Cove. Although each site offers different views of Lake Eildon and its surrounding forests, they all have flushing toilets and free gas barbeques. Lake Eildon is enormous – this is the place for people into watersports and fishing. Swimmers, of course, will do fine too. Pricing from $16.40 per night.

Fraser Camping Area, Lake Eildon National Park

Update: Gap Track is currently closed.

Update: Lakeside and Devil Cove Campgrounds will close for construction from early February 2026 until the 2026 Easter public holidays. Candlebark Campground will remain open during this period, then will close for construction after the Easter public holidays, reopening in mid-2026.

Bear Gully Campground, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

The Bear Gully Campground is so close to the water you’ll fall asleep to the sound of lapping waves. Pitch your tent near the tall banksias, and start exploring the rocky outcrops and beaches of Waratah Bay. Although swimming near the campground isn’t recommended, it’s just a 10-minute drive to the stunning Walkerville South Beach nearby. Be sure to bring your own drinking water and firewood to light the communal fireplaces. Pricing from $16.40 per night.

Photo Credit: John Englart

Bear Gully Campground, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

Update: Limeburners Track is currently closed. Access between Walkerville South and Walkerville North is available via the beach.

Barmah Lakes Camping Area, Barmah National Park

Barmah National Park, right on the border of New South Wales, forms part of the world’s largest river red gum forest. The park protects 38 threatened and rare plant species and provides a crucial habitat for engaged and various other birds. The free campground sits at the convergence of Broken Creek, the Murray River and Lake Barmah, with lots of opportunity for swimming and fishing. On dry land, there are ample walking and cycling tracks around the lake. The campground has good phone reception throughout, and well-kept toilets, however dogs are not allowed.

Barmah Lakes Camping Area, Barmah National Park

Sheepyard Flat, Howqua Hills

Sheepyard Flat is a pretty camping spot in open woodland by the Howqua River, just outside of Mansfield. The campsite is surrounded by forest and the scent of manna and peppermint gum. It’s a hallowed ground for fly-fishing aficionados: trout, perch, redfin and Murray cod are all abundant. For non-anglers, there are nearby swimming holes, and the gentle Howqua Hills Heritage Walk starts at the campground, with plenty of longer walks nearby. The site offers waterless toilets and non-drinking water; dogs are allowed on leashes. You can light a fire, but you’ll have to bring your own firewood. Camping is free and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sheepyard Flat, Howqua Hills

Bookings are required at some of these campsites. For more information about camp site bookings, go to parks.vic.gov.au.

This article was originally published on 20 December 2017. It has been updated to reflect new information.