Where to go glamping in Victoria

This place puts the "glam" in glamping – think heating as well as heated terrazzo flooring, a walk-in wardrobe and exquisite décor. Whatever they saved by erecting tents instead of building the accommodation from scratch, the reinvested in the tents' interiors. Better yet – when all the day bathers head home for the evening, you get the place to yourself, with 24-hour access to hot springs by starlight (with a drink in hand, if you want), and dinner and breakfast at the lovely restaurant. How good.

Best for: relaxing after a day spent soaking in the hot springs.

Hiding between the vines at Bellarine Estate Winery, Coastal Glamp blends vineyard views with the comfort of cosy bell tents pitched just behind the cellar door. Days are made for wine tastings, beach trips and lazy lawn games, while nights wind down with sunset drinks and stories under the stars. With fully furnished tents and a light breakfast included, it’s camping – but with the creature comforts firmly intact.

Best for: a wine-soaked weekend among the vines.

This adults-only oasis in Gippsland is set in a lush location of densely wooded eucalyptus forest punctuated by laughing kookaburras and warbling maggies. This is glamping as it should be – that is, as far removed from camping as possible (it features a luxe freestanding bathtub, expansive deck, fire pit and pizza oven). Arrive while there's still enough daylight to check out the impressive six hectares of gardens that feature everything from glassy secret lakes, curious donkeys and spectacular views over Mt Baw Baw.

Best for: exploring acres of fairytale gardens

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that giraffes, lions, hippos and meerkats live peacefully just 45 minutes from Melbourne's CBD. What’s more, Werribee Open Range Zoo offers animal lovers the chance to have a sleepover in a tented safari lodge. Get up at dawn and head out to your own private balcony – the perfect vantage point to watch beautiful beasts wake up on the African savannah. Your accommodation includes dinner and drinks, a guided night walk and marshmallows by an evening campfire. 

Best for: switching off to the sounds of wild animals

Pristine beaches, famous wineries and lush hiking tracks are what makes the Mornington Peninsula one of Vic's most beloved holiday spots. Cash in on all of that plus fresh air in your camping spot of choice thanks to the good people from the Happy Glamper. These glamping masters make every moment feel special – with colourful bunting, fresh linen, board games and a solid stock of books and magazines. Choose from a regular bell tent or a yurt-like situation, or go all-out and opt for the gloriously enormous emperor tent.

Best for: choosing your own adventure – with mobile tents set up and packed away for you.

Bell tents are the done thing when it comes to glamping, but Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park has upped the ante with their decked-out safari tents. Located right in the middle of the Grampians National Park, these huge tents have canvas walls as you’d expect, but are filled with handmade furniture that make them feel more like designer apartments than campsites. There’s a barbecue on the deck, and a kitchenette inside so you can whip up some fireside feasts. Bringing the family? Our pick is the five-person safari tent which has a king bed, a single bed and a bunk bed.

Best for: groups or families who want to glamp together

The charming seaside town of Inverloch is the perfect spot to base yourself to explore South Gippsland. If you’re keen to embrace the great outdoors, we'd suggest booking into one of the most glamorous glamping set-ups in the state at Inverloch Glamping. These bell tents comfortably fit two people, and they’re hella cosy – with a split system air conditioning set-up for year-round comfort. Outside, you'll find a cute-as-a-button chimenea (outdoor fireplace), a private outdoor copper shower and a grassy picnic area for reading in the sunshine. If the tents aren’t available, you can also book into Inverloch Glamping’s beachside cabins. 

Best for: lighting the fire and chatting with friends as the sun goes down

Set across 36 rolling acres in the Mornington Peninsula hinterland, Iluka Retreat’s glamping village pairs bell tents with big-sky views over wetlands, lakes and native bush. Expect crisp linen, peaceful walking trails and the kind of sunsets that make you forget your phone exists. It’s a gentle back-to-nature stay that still keeps things comfortable with camp kitchens, hot showers and a short stroll to Shoreham Beach.

Best for: a laid-back nature escape close to Melbourne.

Hidden among bushland near Heathcote wine country, The Yellow Box Wood offers a quietly luxe safari-tent stay designed for switching off completely. Think off-grid living, big bush views and evenings spent listening to the sounds of the Australian countryside instead of city traffic. It’s glamping at its most peaceful: simple, sustainable and surrounded by nature.

Best for: an off-grid bush retreat with serious serenity

Combining the luxury of glamping and the magic of nature, at these new bubble-shaped retreats situated near the picturesque Wilsons Promontory you can gaze at a sky full of stars while staying warm in a comfy bed. Despite being immersed in the outdoors, you can still expect plenty of indoor comforts: heating and cooling, lush linens, a kitchenette, a decked-out bathroom and even a barbecue. Whether you're a keen stargazer or simply want to experience a unique overnight stay, it makes for a truly magical evening.

Best for: gazing up at the stars while snuggling with someone special

At this serene camping spot in the picturesuque Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region, you'll wake up to the sounds of birds and the breeze through the gum trees. Open the flap of your large canvas tent and you’ll find a breakfast hamper filled with milk, bread and fruit. After breakfast, all of Victoria's spa country is yours to explore; treat yourself to a massage at one of the town’s many spas, or soak into the natural mineral waters of the nearby Hepburn Bathhouse. 

Best for: unwinding in an adults-only environment

A solid proportion of Aussies have fond memories of summer holidays spent at holiday parks around the country. They're often in a great location, with a fun, welcoming sense of community and loads of amenities for all ages (everything from tennis courts and board games to pools, mini golf and the famed jumping pillows). These days some holiday parks, like Big4 Taggerty, also have glamping tents you can stay in. Choose from large safari-style tents to powered bell tents with outdoor decks.

Best for: the convenience and amenities of a holiday park, with the bells and whistles of glamping