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Summer in Vic is made for getting outdoors: waking up to the sound of the birds and spending long, lazy afternoons by swimming holes before toasting marshmallows around a (bushfire-safe) campfire. And the wonderful news for Melburnians is – you don't need to drive across the state to find a magical pocket of wilderness. From secluded farm paddocks to sprawling conservation properties, these seven award-winning Hipcamp stays offer a mix of off-grid adventures and creature comforts, all within a couple of hours of Melbourne.
Book A Paddock, Romsey
Award: Best Legacy Hipcamp
Drive: Around one hour from Melbourne
Price: From $55 per night
With just one booking at a time, this secluded paddock gives you plenty of privacy, a mown-out camping area and a ready-to-go firepit. Kangaroos regularly wander through the property, and the famous Hanging Rock is a short drive away. A row of cypress pines provides a little separation from Romsey township, which is super close by for when you need to stock up on supplies.
Strath Creek Station, Strath Creek
Award: Best in Victoria
Drive: Around one hour from Melbourne
Price: From $31 per night
A good pick for families, this magical little farm stay has spacious campsites, a fenced dog park and access to King Parrot Creek for summer splashing and catching yabbies. You can also arrange to collect locally made bread, honey and eggs from the farm on arrival.
Penzance Bushland Retreat, Durham Lead
Award: Best in Victoria
Drive: Around 1.5 hours from Melbourne
Price: From $66 per night
This single-booking bushland retreat is perfect for families or groups wanting the whole campsite to themselves. There's a central firepit, a flushing toilet, a seasonal creek and a dam watched over by resident geese Lucy and Daisy.
Galea Ranch, Taggerty
Award: Best in Victoria
Drive: Around one hour and 45 minutes from Melbourne
Price: From $45 per night
Set on a 20-acre farm near the Cathedral Ranges, Galea Ranch puts bushwalking and trout fishing along the Acheron River within easy reach. Back at the property, kids can feed Highland cows, chickens and a pony. Campers also have access to a toilet, outdoor shower, camp kitchen and play area, and Stevenson's Falls is a short drive away.
Glenmaye Farm, Balmattum
Award: Best in Victoria
Drive: Around one hour and 45 minutes from Melbourne
Price: From $32 per night
This 700-acre regenerative cattle farm in the Strathbogie Ranges has campsites dotted along Faithfulls Creek, with swimming holes and a bushwalking track to Marraweeny Falls. Choose between caravan-friendly pitches or a hike-in site for a more rugged experience. Facilities are pretty basic, and drinking water isn't provided – so come prepared.
Hazelnut Valley Farm Stay, Caringal
Award: Best in Victoria
Drive: Around two hours from Melbourne
Price: From $16 per night
At just $16 a night, this working hazelnut farm beside the Tyers River is a budget-friendly option for self-contained campers. Every group gets a firepit, and the river offers opportunities for trout fishing if you’re up to the challenge. Visit during the March and April harvest for farm tours and tastings, available on request.
Mt Black Station, Wirrate
Award: Best Tent Camping in Australia
Drive: Around two hours from Melbourne
Price: From $37 per night
Wildlife spotting is a major drawcard at this 257-hectare conservation property, which is bordered by forest and national park on three sides. There are marked walking trails and more than 170 recorded native bird species, plus the chance to spot emus and echidnas or join a guided birdwatching tour. Campsites are widely spaced, with drop toilets, and if you’re looking for water-based activities, Lake Nagambie is within easy reach.
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