The Best Budget-Friendly Campsites/Holiday Parks in Victoria
Welcome to your ultimate guide to exploring the stunning landscapes of Victoria (VIC) without breaking the bank. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-time van travel adventurer, this blog will uncover the best budget-friendly holiday parks in VIC that put you in a prime location for this state’s must-do experiences and breathtaking views.
From coastal retreats near sun-kissed beaches to serene hideaways in the lush hinterlands, each of these campgrounds offers a unique gateway to Victoria's diverse attractions. Let’s dive into our curated list of the best budget-friendly campsites in Victoria for your upcoming campervan adventure!
Why you should go camping in Victoria
Camping in Victoria is hands down one of the best things to do in Australia. Renowned for its pristine beaches, rolling vineyards, and dramatic coastlines, Victoria is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Here are a few reasons why you should pack your bags and hit the road for an Australia road trip through Victoria:
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Diverse landscapes: Victoria's varied landscapes make every campervan camping trip unique. Driving east of Melbourne, you have access to the Great Ocean Road, which takes you past the crumbling Twelve Apostles, surf at Bells Beach, the lush rainforests of Great Otway National Park and continues up into the hiker’s paradise of the Grampians. In contrast, within a few short hours west of Melbourne, you can immerse yourself in the Gippsland Lakes, Australia’s largest expanse of inland waterways, which offers tranquil beaches, water sports, and the chance to observe playful dolphins in their natural environment.
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Accessible adventures: Many of Victoria's campgrounds are conveniently located near major attractions and cities, offering easy access to some of the best things to do in Australia. In Melbourne, immerse yourself in a metropolitan buzz with vibrant arts, bustling markets, and a thriving cafe culture. A short drive away, Daylesford invites relaxation with its mineral springs and luxurious spas, while Ballarat offers a historical journey through its meticulously recreated 1850s gold rush town at Sovereign Hill, complete with period costumes and authentic settings — adventure is at your fingertips in VIC!
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Wildlife encounters: Victoria's national parks and reserves are teeming with wildlife, providing campers with opportunities to encounter native species like koalas, kangaroos, and myriad birdlife in their natural habitats. For example, Phillip Island provides a front-row seat to the famous penguin parade, along with chances to spot koalas and seals. Further afield, Wilson’s Promontory National Park is a haven for spotting wombats, emus, and kangaroos, set against some of the state’s most stunning coastal backdrops.
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Events and culture: Each region of Victoria has its own unique character and local festivals. Camping gives you a front-row seat to this culture without the price tag. In the Yarra Valley, campers can participate in wine tastings and gourmet dining in the heart of Victoria's wine country. Meanwhile, along the Murray River, travellers can enjoy laid-back vibes and fresh local produce at the Riverboats Music Festival or indulge in leisurely river paddling, embracing the serene riverine landscape.
READ MORE: For more inspiration, check out our list of the best budget-friendly things to do in and around Melbourne.
What’s the best way to explore Victoria?
The answer is clear: there’s no better way to experience all that Victoria has to offer than in a Cheapa Campa. Campervan travel is the ultimate way to make the most of your adventures in this beautiful state, offering flexibility, comfort, and the freedom to explore at your own pace
A campervan allows you to chart your own course, changing your itinerary as you go – giving you ample time and freedom to discover hidden beaches, quaint villages, or scenic hiking trails. With a campervan, you’re free to explore off the beaten path. Best of all, campervan travel is a budget-friendly option. Save on accommodation costs by staying at the budget-friendly holiday parks in VIC and cooking your own meals on the road. Additionally, by travelling during off-peak seasons or being flexible with your dates, you can enjoy lower campground rates and fewer crowds.
Equipped with beds, kitchen facilities, and often even a shower and toilet, campervans provide a home away from home. This means you can focus more on enjoying your travels and less on logistics. Venturing through Victoria in a Cheapa Campa van not only enriches your travel experience but also ensures that you do so in comfort, style, and within budget.
The best budget-friendly campsites/holiday parks in Victoria
Exploring Victoria on a budget has never been easier, with more and more budget-friendly holiday parks in VIC popping up with every passing year. Ideal for young travellers and families alike, these campgrounds provide affordable accommodation options, a range of amenities, and easy access to some of Victoria's most famous attractions. Get ready to discover the best spots to park your campervan and enjoy everything Victoria has to offer without straining your wallet.
1. BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park
Located in Coburg, just a short drive from the heart of Melbourne, BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park is a prime choice for travellers seeking budget-friendly holiday parks in VIC’s capital city, Melbourne. This park offers spacious caravan sites, as well as a swimming pool and a gym. This campground is the perfect base to explore nearby attractions such as the Melbourne Zoo and Queen Victoria Market or hop on public transport to discover the city’s bustling laneways and vibrant art scene.
Departing from the Melbourne Cheapa Campa branch, you’ll find this holiday park easily accessible and a perfect addition to your itinerary for a seamless start to your urban campervan adventure.
2. Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park
Nestled in the heart of the Grampians region, Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park offers breathtaking mountain views and direct access to some of the best hiking in Australia. This park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and relaxing in the tranquil surroundings. Their basic camping sites give you access to the well-equipped park grounds, including a solar-heated pool, campfires, a large community area and modern amenities blocks.
The park is an excellent base for exploring the Grampians National Park’s panoramic views, rich Aboriginal heritage, and abundant native flora and fauna. Easily accessible within a 3-hour drive from the Melbourne Cheapa Campa branch, with its affordable rates and prime location, it’s an unbeatable option for nature lovers travelling Victoria on a budget.
3. BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park
For those looking to experience a blend of history and leisure, look no further than BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park. Situated in the historic town of Ballarat, this is one of the best budget-friendly campsites in Victoria for those planning a visit to inland attractions like Sovereign Hill, where you can step back into the gold rush era, and the Ballarat Wildlife Park. The park itself boasts a range of facilities, including a camp kitchen, mini gym and a games room, as well as powered sites for your campervan.
Within just a short 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from the Melbourne Cheapa Campa branch, this campground throws you deep into historic Victoria. It's a budget-friendly choice that doesn’t skimp on enjoyment or accessibility.
4. Phillip Island Caravan Park
Situated on the picturesque Phillip Island, Phillip Island Caravan Park offers an idyllic setting for beachfront camping in close proximity to some of the most unique wildlife encounters in Australia! This prime location is just a stone's throw away from some of the island’s top attractions, including the famous Penguin Parade, where you can watch little penguins return ashore at dusk, and Seal Rocks, known for its thriving seal colony.
Easily accessible within a short 2-hour drive from the Melbourne Cheapa Campa branch, this is one of the best budget-friendly campsites in Victoria for those planning a campervan adventure filled with wildlife viewing opportunities. With its affordable rates and variety of accommodation options, it caters to budget-savvy travellers looking to enjoy Victoria’s natural beauty.
5. Great Ocean Road Tourist Park
Located in Peterborough along the scenic Great Ocean Road, Great Ocean Road Tourist Park provides an excellent base for exploring this iconic Australia road trip coastal route. This tourist park offers powered sites, as well as BBQ areas, laundry, tennis courts and fire drums. From here, you can easily access spectacular sights such as the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, as well as soaking up the breathtaking coastline.
Departing from the Melbourne Cheapa Campa branch, a drive along the Great Ocean Road itself is an experience, showcasing cliffs, ocean vistas, and lush forests. The park's budget-friendly pricing and prime location make it an ideal choice for travellers wanting to maximise their Great Ocean Road experience while keeping expenses low.
Think camping in Victoria sounds like fun?
After exploring some of the best budget-friendly campsites Victoria has to offer, it's clear that this stunning state is perfect for your next campervan Australia road trip. From the bustling streets of Melbourne to the tranquil shores of Phillip Island and the historic landscapes of Ballarat, each location not only provides affordable camping options but also grants access to some of the most unique attractions and experiences in Victoria.
If you’re interested in even more cheap camping ideas, be sure to check out our guide on the best free camping spots in Victoria. Think camping in Victoria sounds like fun? Book your Cheapa camper online today and pick it up from any of our Cheapa Campa branch locations — Victoria awaits!