Exploring Australia’s wilderness, relaxing in nature and spending time outdoors – Camping is something both humans and their dogs love.
For many it is impossible to imagine a life without this adventurous way of travelling, as 1 in 13 Aussie households owns a caravan. Yet, for dog owners, it is often very difficult to find the perfect camping destination, because of a rule that forbids dogs to enter national parks. Luckily some states have made exceptions! This is our guide to dog-friendly camping in Victoria.
Paradise Beach – Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
The spectacular Gippsland Lakes are Australia’s largest inland waterways and consist of 600 square kilometres of lagoons and lakes on the coast of Victoria. It’s a great place to go camping, especially if your pooch just can’t get enough of the water. Dog-friendly Paradise Beach Campground lies on the western side of the coastal park, nestled between the ocean and Lake Reeves. It offers 12 unpowered sites that are suitable for both tents and caravans, camping close to the beach and heaps of outdoor activities right at your doorstep.
Lake Elizabeth Campground – Great Otway National Park
Great Otway National Park features some of the most beautiful forest landscapes in all of Australia with hidden waterfalls, stunning hiking trails and a long-stretching coast line. And yes, at Lake Elizabeth Campground your dog is welcome too! Pitch your tent on one of the 20 unpowered campsites under a canopy of eucalyptus trees and go on the short 1km walk to the lake. On the way, you might encounter the occasional satin bowerbird, platypus and, after dark, maybe some glowworms. There are plenty of activities to enjoy while here, from four wheel driving to mountain biking or simply just relaxing amongst the beautiful natural surroundings. Just make sure your furry friends are always kept on a lead to guarantee for their own safety and the preservation of the national park.
Banksia Bluff Campground – Cape Conran Coastal Park
Nestled in the tranquil banksia and mahogany woodland of Cape Conran Coastal Park, Banksia Bluff is the perfect campground to recharge your batteries in the company of your pooch. Explore the beaches of the Southern Ocean, where keen anglers will find more than one spot to catch an abundance of fish, or follow the Estuary view trail to immerse yourself in the lush nature of the park and take your pooch on long walks. The campground itself offers both dog-friendly and non-dog-friendly campsites, so make sure to select the one that’s right for you. Some of the campsites even feature a campfire ring, perfect for roasting marshmallows and enjoying cosy nights by the fire.
Corringle Foreshore Campground – Marlo Coastal Reserve
While Marlo used to be a busy port in the 19th century, it is now a quiet little fishing village recognised for its pristine beaches and camping spots. Every year, visitors are drawn to the area because of its excellent boating and fishing opportunities on the sheltered waters of the coastal reserve. A great place to stay at here is Corringle Foreshore Campground. It is perched in the woodlands between the ocean and a lake and provides its guests with fireplaces, various picnic areas, two jetties and a boat ramp. Both you and your pooch are gonna love it!
Johanna Beach Campground – Great Otway National Park
Are you doing a trip down the Great Ocean Road with your pup and need a place to stay? When you’re coming through Great Otway National Park, Johanna Beach Campground is the ideal stop over. Spend the night on one of 25 unpowered sites with basic amenities and hear the waves crashing against the rocks, as the beach is only a one minute walk away. With the ocean right next to the campground, there are plenty of awesome outdoor activities you can do like surfing, fishing or whale watching. Plus, it is only a one hour drive away from Triplet Falls and the 12 Apostles, which are known as some of Australia’s greatest natural landmarks.
If you liked hearing about dog-friendly camping in Victoria, you’ll love this story on campgrounds in NSW where you can take your pooch with you.
Travel to Victoria
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