Best Camping Spots Near Dandenong

~43km (Approx. 45 mins via Wellington Rd)

2WD friendly (unsealed but well-maintained forest roads).

Pit toilets, picnic tables, and communal fire pits. No water or power—come prepared.

The camping areas offer convenient access to 36 designated sites with attractive, natural backdrops.

This is an absolute treasure for Dandenong locals. Centered around a giant historic kiln used during WWII, this park feels like a deep-forest retreat. The Scout Loop and Magazine camping areas offer level, grassy sites surrounded by towering Mountain Grey Gums and Peppermint trees.

This is a "choose your own adventure" site. You can spend the morning exploring the historic kiln buildings or take the Thornton Track walk. It’s also one of the few places near Melbourne where you can bring your dog (on a leash) and even your horse, with dedicated corrals available.

Starts at approximately $12.30 to $13 per night (subject to seasonal variations) for designated sites

Bookings are required for certain campgrounds (like Scout Loop or Magazine Track) and can be made via the official Parks Victoria website or directly through the ParkStay Victoria portal.

All vehicle types.

Drop toilets and fire rings. (Note: Most Bunyip sites are either free or require a very low-cost Parks Victoria booking—check for 2026 availability).

Catering for both campers and day visitors alike, Mortimer Camping and Picnic Area is your launching pad into exploring the lush interior of Bunyip State Park. Set out on the Four Brothers Mortimer Circuit Walk or relax at camp and listen for Lyrebirds imitating their surrounds.

A close-up of a rooftop tent nestled among giant tree ferns, with the morning mist rolling through the Bunyip forest canopy.

Located in the northern reaches of Bunyip State Park, Mortimer is for those who love the "Fern Gully" aesthetic. It’s lush, green, and incredibly cool even in the height of summer. It serves as the trailhead for several great hikes, including the Mortimer Nature Walk.

No booking or camping fees required because it is a first-come, first-served, basic category campground.

The campground is sheltered and intimate. It’s perfect for those who want to "unplug" from the Dandenong suburban hum. Expect to hear lyrebirds and see wallabies right at your tent door.

~62km (Approx. 55 mins)

High-clearance 4WD recommended.

Very basic pit toilets. You must bring everything in and take everything out.

This is one of four campgrounds in Bunyip State Park. Nash Creek was newly refurbished after fires in 2009. The site has picnic tables, some tent pads, is 200m to the nearest hiking opportunities and has a non-flush toilet. The carpark is suitable for caravans and campervans. However, the sites are not able to be driven onto. Vehicles are to remain in the car park and not permitted on camping sites.

If Mortimer is for the hikers, Nash Creek is for the 4WD enthusiasts. Located deeper in the park, the drive in offers a taste of the rugged terrain Bunyip is famous for. It’s more remote and significantly quieter than the roadside camps.

This is a "proper" bush camp. You’ll be surrounded by thick native forest with immediate access to some of the best 4WD tracks in the region (like Gentle Annie or Tea Tree Track). It’s the perfect place to test your suspension and recovery gear without driving to the High Country.

Fees no longer apply to basic category campground. No bookings will be taken for campgrounds where fees do not apply. Camping will be first in, first-served.

A muddy 4WD parked at a secluded forest clearing, with a portable fire pit crackling and recovery tracks mounted visibly on the roof.

~88km (Approx. 1 hour 10 mins—just a whisker over the hour, but unmissable)

2WD/All vehicles.

Toilets and picnic areas.

This is the "crown jewel" of the region. The Toorongo Falls Reserve offers free camping right on the banks of the Toorongo River. The sound of rushing water is your soundtrack for the entire stay.

A stunning 2.2km loop walk takes you to both Toorongo Falls and Amphitheatre Falls. The rainforest here is ancient and vibrant. It’s a highly popular spot, so arriving early on a Friday is a must.

Free. There are no booking fees, as the campsites operate on a "first-come, first-served" basis.

The drive via the Princes Highway is flat and efficient. By avoiding the heavy mountain climbs until the very end, you keep your fuel consumption low. Amenities: Toilets and picnic areas.

A long-exposure shot of the waterfalls with a small campsite in the foreground, highlighting the lush green moss and crystal-clear river water.