Free Camping Victoria
Camping can be enjoyed through all four seasons in Victoria however please note you should always be prepared for any weather conditions.
Camping is a fantastic recreational pursuit, and a very popular activity in Australia, and Victoria. You may choose to camp in popular seaside towns, or rough it in rugged mountain ranges far away from the busy cities and towns. You may choose to stay in a cabin, pitch a tent, bring a caravan and stay in the grounds of a commercial caravan, cabin or tourist park. Camping is also typically permitted at several places in any region such as close to rivers or in national parks or forest reserves. You will typically find fireplaces, toilets and water at many sites. You’ll need good camping equipment and to be well prepared for any weather conditions.
There are many different forms of camping, some described briefly below:
Adventure camping
- Adventure camping is a form of camping by people who compete (possibly running trails or mountain biking) during the day, and camp in a minimalist way at night. They might use the basic items of camping equipment such as a micro-camping stove, sleeping bag, and bivouac bag. In Victoria, there are multiple areas where people can enjoy adventure camping.
Dry camping
- Dry camping is camping at a site without a reliable pre-existing water source; such locations are known as dry camps. Campers must carry their own water in and out of camp, which requires much more preparation than would otherwise be required. Dry camping is very common in deserts, and is often preferred due to the risk of flash floods. Always check before leaving to see if you will need to carry your own water supply.
Backpacking
- Backpackers carrying camping equipment; backpacking affords a maximum wilderness experience. Specialised gear allows enthusiasts to both enjoy popular local recreational spots and access the most remote locations.Technological advances and consumer interest in camping have led to lighter and more diverse backpacking gear. Improvements such as titanium cookware, ultra-light wicking fabrics, and heat moulded hip straps make for lighter loads and enhanced performance. As there is always the possibility of severe weather and injury in remote areas cell and satellite phones are sometimes carried for emergencies, with varying coverage.Ultralight backpacking enthusiasts bring as little as possible while camping, inherently producing a smaller footprint and minimalised impact on a wilderness environment. The choice to camp with less, or even the minimum necessary to survive, may be a matter of preference. Camping while engaging in such back-country activities as rock climbing and cross-country skiing puts a premium on the amount of gear that can effectively be carried, thus leading to a less rather than more is better approach.
Kayak Camping
- Kayak camping is similar to backpacking, and often affords much more weight and bulk to be carried when extended portaging is not involved. Electric motors or small gas ones may be attached on some canoes, where allowed, for a faster journey on the water. Waterproof bags and fishing gear are common gear. Victoria affords many options for combining camping and kayaking or canoeing such as at Big River Camping.
Bicycle Camping
- Becoming increasingly popular, bicycle camping combines camping with cycling, both in developed and natural areas. A form of bicycle camping that has become popular in some parts of the world involves cycling organisations offering organised multi-day rides and providing riders with facilities and luggage transport. The Great Victorian Bike Ride in Australia is one of the oldest and most successful examples of this, operating since 1984 and involving thousands of riders on a nine-day journey of around 550 kilometres each year. Motorcycle camping is more similar to bicycle camping than car camping due to limited storage capacity. Lightweight, compact backpacking equipment is used.