Three Winter Camping Spots Near Melbourne for an Off-Road Adventure
Caravan parks remain booked out all year
It’s no secret that caravanning is becoming so popular in Australia. Couples want to explore their own backyard, families seek some much-needed bonding time, and retired couples are cashed up and ready to take to the open road. But what’s not a secret are all the good caravan parks – they’re always fully booked out months in advance.
Avid caravan-lovers need some seclusion and peace to experience the joys of camping and outdoor recreation. And luckily, there are some places where off-road camping rules – way from the crowds and harder for other campers to get to.
Go off-road camping around Victoria
Winter is the perfect time for off-road camping. There’ll be less mozzies and you can cosy up with your loved ones by the fireplace. Here are the top three recommendations for 4WD campsites near Melbourne – and they’re free.
Fry’s Flat, Howqua Hills
What to do
3 and a half hours north-west of Melbourne lies Fry’s Flat, a grassy 4WD access campsite along the Howqua River in the Victoria High Country. Adventurers can tow their off-road camper to this free, small and quiet site and enjoy some fishing and hiking – you can even swim if you’re not too cold.
This site has a tonne of fire pits around (bring your own wood) and toilets are available. You can even bring along your pet, so there’s no need for the kennel during your time away.
And it’s not limited to dogs either, you can even go horse camping in the yard near Fry’s Hut. Fry’s Hut itself is a landmark worth exploring. It will certainly pique the interest of those who love local niche history.
Where to go
Of course, there are some stunning 4WD tracks to explore nearby, especially on and around Mount Buller. Check out the Howqua Track, Mt Buller to Howqua Gap along Corn Hill Road, and Clear Hills Track. If you want something more challenging, try the Mitchell River National Park – which also has some hiking and walking tracks.
If you want to explore more around the Howqua River, you are spoiled for choice for nearby campgrounds. Some options include Sheepyard Flat, Upper Howqua Campground and Tunnel Bend Reserve.
Jimmy Iversons, Upper Dargo
What to do
Just over 4 hours from Melbourne, you’ll find another gem in the Victoria High Country with Jimmy Iversons in Upper Dargo. Follow down the winding 4WD access road and find yourself right at a bend in the scenic Dargo River. While the area is pretty secluded, there is plenty of open space for you to pick your perfect caravan campsite, private and away from the crowd. There are fire pits to keep you warm in the Victorian winter, picnic tables for your convenience and drop toilets.
Jimmy Iversons is perfect for those who want a little serenity, with gorgeous views of the Dargo River to soak in – or go fishing in! There is no need to book or pay, just stroll on in. And yes, dogs are allowed!
Where to go
Leave the caravan at the campsite and take the 4WD out to some of Victoria’s most beloved and tough 4WD tracks. Unfortunately, the iconic tracks like the Blue Rag Range Track are closed in the winter due to snow. But you can always check out the lower-elevation tracks like Crooked River, Talbotville Track and the Dargo High Plains Road.
You can also keep things relaxed and explore the humble town of Dargo, where you can get a taste of one of the most remote areas in the state. Don’t forget to have a drink at the Dargo Hotel!
If Jimmy Iversons isn’t your vibe but you want to explore around the Dargo River, there are 5 other campgrounds in the Upper Dargo Camping Precinct, including the Italian Flat, Ollie’s Jump Up, and Two Mile Creek.
Mopoke Hut, Murray-Sunset National Park
What to do
This destination is further from Melbourne than the others, but you simply can’t miss it. 6 hours from Melbourne and one of 11 campgrounds in the area, Mopoke Hut is simply stunning. These 4WD access campgrounds are as remote and secluded as it gets, but there are still picnic tables, fireplaces, and toilets available. It’s all dispersed camping, so set up your off-road camper wherever you like.
There are unforgettable hikes and 4WD tracks all around and fun historical sites like the Shearers Quarters Cottage. Aptly named, you’ll find the most gorgeous sunsets here.
And you cannot forget the pièce de resistance, the Pink Lakes. Best accessed from the 2WD campsite, Lake Becking, the Pink Lakes are at their fullest in the winter.
Where to go
Other 4WD campsites to check out in Murray-Sunset National Park include Mt Crozier, Pheenys Track, and Rocket Lake.
