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Good news, campers! Parks Victoria recently announced that camping will be free at 131 of their previously paid campsites from December 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. These include all the most popular sites, so be sure to book your reservations early, as they might fill up fast!
Our guide covers five fantastic sites that are free this season. From family-friendly powered sites to peaceful off-grid riverside escapes, scenic hikes, and 4×4 adventures, these locations have something for everyone.
Now, let’s plan your ultimate budget-friendly camping adventure in Victoria’s great outdoors.
Horseshoe Bend Camping Area
The Horseshoe Bend area is a beautiful forest site nestled amongst ancient Red River Gums. Relax on the banks of the Wimmera River and watch the amazing variety of colourful birds. Or get out and enjoy some fishing, swimming, or canoeing in the river. There are even some easy walking tracks nearby suitable for any skill level.
This site has 30 unpowered sites that are suitable for tents, camper trailers, campervans, and caravans. There are flush toilets, communal firepits, and picnic tables. However, you need to bring your own firewood and drinking water, as none are available onsite.
Big Hill Campground
For those looking for forests but still want an open, accessible grassy site, the Big Hill Campground is a perfect choice. You can simply relax in nature and enjoy watching the wildlife in the forests, or more adventurous campers can enjoy mountain biking, 4×4 drives, and horse riding nearby.
This small campground offers 13 unpowered campsites, some suitable for tents only and others for camper trailers and caravans. There are non-flush toilets, shared fireplaces, and low tables. No firewood or drinking water is available on-site, so you must bring your own.
Peachtree Creek Campground
If you are looking for a coastal boating adventure, the Peachtree Creek Campground is set on the eastern shore of Tamboon Inlet. Note that you must have a boat if you want to access the nearby beautiful coastline, so be sure to bring your canoe, motorboat, or kayak with you.
There’s also a dock in the inlet for lounging or swimming, and you can enjoy fishing, waterskiing, or just relaxing and enjoying the scenery. There are non-flushing toilets and fireplaces on site, but there is no firewood or drinking water, so be sure to bring your own.
Buchan Caves Campground
If you enjoy camping outdoors but still want the comforts of home, this popular site is one of the best camping spots in Victoria, especially for families. Set amongst rare exotic trees planted in the 1930s, this site includes 41 powered and 20 unpowered sites.
Plenty of facilities are on-site, including hot showers, toilets, laundry facilities, a camper’s kitchen and electric and wood-fired barbecues. There is water on-site but no waste dump facilities for caravans. You can enjoy wildlife viewing, rugged bushlands, and short family-friendly walks.
Coppermine Campground
And for the really adventuresome campers who want to enjoy a 4×4 adventure and the peace and quiet of a small, secluded site, the Coppermine Campground is located in the northern Grampians and is a 4WD accessible site, so the traffic will be lighter than most.
Limited spots are available, but they are suitable for tents, camper trailers, and campervans that can get into the site. There are non-flush toilets and firepits on site but no other amenities, and you must bring your own firewood and drinking water.
Be sure to bring your EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max + 160W Solar Panel to charge your electronic devices and run your lights at night. Then, you can recharge it with your portable solar panel during the day while you are relaxing or out exploring. It’s super lightweight, so it’s easy to pack in and out.
How to Book Free Campsites in Victoria
Take advantage of Parks Victoria’s free camping at its 131 paid campgrounds between December 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. However, this excludes huts, cabins, and other specialty sites. Even though it’s free this season, it’s essential to still reserve your site online to secure a spot.
Essential Gear When Free Camping in Victoria
Food Supplies
Be sure to bring all your food and cooking supplies to last your entire trip. If you bring your EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator, which can wirelessly keep your food cold for up to 40 hours, you can keep your food at food-safe temperatures. It even has a built-in icemaker, so you can have ice-cold drinks while you soak in the sun. Talk about camping in style.
Appropriate Clothing
Victoria’s summers are warm, so be sure to bring appropriate clothing for the family, including shorts, T-shirts, and shoes that can get wet while playing in the rivers, lakes, and beaches. Don’t forget to pack some pants and sweatshirts for the cooler nights while you sit around the campfire.
To help beat the heat, you can bring your EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner, which lasts wirelessly for up to 8 hours and doubles as a heater for winter camping. For an eco-friendly power option, you can recharge it with your solar panels.
Portable Power
Since many sites lack power, you need a portable power station to charge your essential devices, run small appliances if you have them, and power your camping lights at night. EcoFlow Solar Generators come in plenty of sizes. They’re ultra-reliable, rugged, and durable, providing safety for emergencies and comfort in different weather conditions.
The portable and lightweight EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max is perfect for recharging electronic devices. It’s so lightweight that you can even carry it while hiking on all the nearby tracks.
Tents, Sleeping Gear
Depending on your camping style, be sure to bring tents if you are using them, as well as light to medium-weight sleeping bags and pillows for the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, during the 2024/2025 camping season, all 131 Parks Victoria paid campsites are free. However, you still need to go online and book your spot, just like before, but it won’t cost you anything.
In 2024/2025, you can stay for free at any of Parks Victoria’s 131 paid campsites between December 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Other unpaid year-round sites include Blue Pool Campground, Aberfeldy River, Ada River, Reeves Beach, and Dando’s Campground.
Yes, even though Parks Victoria offers free camping in the 2024/2025 season, all bookable campsites must still be booked online to secure your spot. Book early, as they may fill up fast!
There are plenty of free campgrounds in Victoria, with Parks Victoria’s 131 paid parks now available for free between December 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Other year-round unpaid sites include Blue Pool Campground, Aberfeldy River, Ada River, Reeves Beach, and Dando’s Campground.
Final Thoughts
Free camping in Victoria is an unbeatable way to enjoy the state’s incredible beauty, whether cooling off by a river, hiking through ancient forests, or boating along the coast. The Parks Victoria free camping season runs from December 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, with plenty of great options available. But don’t forget to reserve your spot online.
Also, remember to bring all your essentials like drinking water, firewood, and a reliable power source, like EcoFlow Solar Generators, to stay powered in remote locations. Now, pack your gear, head out to the bush, and take advantage of these beautiful budget-friendly sites across Victoria.