Best Dog Friendly Camping Victoria – If you want to go camping with dogs in Victoria, there are plenty of dog-friendly campsites to choose from, including many cheap or free options. Whether you want to camp on the beach or in the bush for the weekend, or stay for a longer trip, choose one of these great dog friendly campsites in Victoria.
Although dogs are not allowed in almost all national parks in Australia, one of the few places in a national park where dogs are allowed is Johanna Beach in the Great Otway National Park, located along the Great Ocean Road.
Best Dog Friendly Camping Victoria
As well as being a popular surfing beach, Johanna Beach is also home to Johanna Beach Campground, which has 25 self-catering sites. There are no showers and only unflushed toilets, and you will need to bring your own drinking water. Dogs must be kept on a lead in the camp and on the beach.
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The dog-friendly town is just west of Cape Otway, near the world-famous Twelve Apostles. It’s a three-hour drive from Melbourne by direct inland route, or four hours if you follow the Great Ocean Road.Â
Additional bookings are available and essential during the busy summer months, especially over the Christmas holidays and weekends. Camping fees vary by date, but are generally around $15 per night, at least during off-peak periods.
Cape Conran Coastal Park is located in East Gippsland, just over 5 hours’ drive east of Melbourne and approximately 90 minutes from the NSW border. Dogs are allowed in this park, including the campsite at Banksia Bluff campsite near East Cape Beach.
The 2020 bushfires hit the whole park hard. However, the campsite has now fully reopened and many of the old facilities have been rebuilt, although some work continues in 2023.
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The facilities at this campsite are basic, with only flush toilets, cold showers and non-potable bore water. It is important to bring all supplies as the nearest town Marlo is 17 km away and the nearest supermarket is Orbost 34 km away. However, the camping office sells ice, gas and firewood on site.
Just over half of the campsites allow dogs to be rented. Pre-booking is currently required, so make sure you check the map before booking to make sure you’ve chosen a dog-friendly spot. During the Christmas holidays, an electoral system is used to allocate seats. Site fees vary by date, but are generally around $20 per night, at least during off-peak periods.
East Cape Beach is dog friendly, although dogs must be kept on a lead. There are a number of dog friendly bush walks in the area, although some may still be closed following the bushfires. It is also a good idea to check the dog’s area every day for ticks.
A great way to spend a night near Echuca is camping on the banks of the Murray River. While there is plenty of dog-friendly accommodation in town, there are also nearby places to stay with your dog, including dog-friendly campsites at Wills Bend, Betts Beach and Christies Beach.
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We camped overnight at the Wills Bend Camping Area, which is located in the Murray River Reserve, approximately 17km west of Echuca. It’s a very peaceful place (especially midweek) for sunsets and sunrises. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead.
Not many options at hand, just pit toilets. Choose from undeveloped campsites, some next to the Murray River. Note that the last 5km stretch of the unsealed access road (via the Uà Dálaigh Way) was quite rough during our visit.
Alternatively, head to Betts Beach or Christies Beach, both about 8km east of Echuca and accessible via Simmie Road, which is also unsealed.
Daylesford offers plenty of luxury accommodation, including many dog-friendly lodges, but if you want to stay nearby with just the basics, head to Mt Franklin Reserve, also known as Lalgambuka Campground.
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This reserve and campsite is just over 10 minutes’ drive north of Daylesford in Hepburn Regional Park. It is located in the crater of an extinct volcano. It is also the location for a short 2km walk along the edge of the rift.
This free, sheltered campground is surrounded by trees that turn brilliant colors in the fall, and has clean restrooms and fireplaces. Bring water and firewood, and adhere to fire safety restrictions. Dogs are welcome to accompany you as long as they stay on a lead.
The historic village of Walhalla is a lovely dog-friendly place to visit, just over two hours’ drive east of Melbourne, near Mynydd Baw Baw.
At the time of my visit to Walhalla in late 2021, the North Gardens campsite was closed after major storms during the year, but thankfully the popular dog-friendly campsite has been revised to reopen in 2022.
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This free campground at the north end of town offers only basic amenities, but is a great option for RV, trailer or tent camping. There are toilets on site, but no showers or electricity. There are also several gas barbecues under a shaded table and picnic areas.
As the campus does not accept bookings, be prepared to arrive early during the busiest times, especially during the summer school holidays and the Easter long weekend.
The city of Geelong is suffering from a lack of dog-friendly caravan parks, especially now that the city is one of the destinations on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry crossing. However, when we spent a few days exploring the city and its surroundings, we came across a large campsite with dogs.
If you drive 25 minutes north of Geelong, you will reach Maude Recreation Reserve and Bunjil Lookout. This lovely place is on an elevated site with a beautiful view to the west and has clean toilets, BBQ facilities, a communal fire pit and even a playground.
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Please note that camping on the site is only permitted for 48 hours. Donations are greatly appreciated and encouraged to keep this option open.
Just south of the NSW/Victoria border on the Prince’s Highway is the small town of Genoa, just off the Malacoote turnoff. Genoa has a great campsite, perfect for an overnight stay while driving along the highway or if you want to explore the nearby beaches.
I have stayed in Genoa twice before, including once with my dog. At one time the campus was a small caravan park and there are still toilets (of varying cleanliness) on the site – useful if you are not alone. However, the showers are disconnected and note that the water is not drinkable.
The grass is often green and lush, great if you are staying in a tent. Nearby is the Genoa River, where you can paddle in warm weather. Please note that the maximum waiting time is 36 hours and be sure to leave your subscription.
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On my last drive along the Princes Highway through East Gippsland, I came across another great free camping option about 30 minutes’ drive west of Genoa – Cann River Rainforest Camp.
Also a former caravan site, these days you can stay overnight here until further notice. (Make sure you support the shops in town!) Please note that camping is only allowed for up to 48 hours and there is no longer hot water or electricity – only cold water and no electricity in the areas. Pets are welcome to join you.
The campsite is located between the highway and the banks of the Canna River, surrounded by rainforest. I read that there is a walking trail at the back of the park with a Bell Bird colony.
Just outside the small town of Tyrendarra in western Victoria, about 30 minutes’ drive west of Portland, is a great low-cost camping reserve close to the beach, a great place to camp with dogs in Victoria.
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I haven’t camped here for many years, but it was a great place to stay in a tent on the grass surrounded by coastal scrub. Long flush toilets are nearby and a popular fishing beach is only a short walk away.
On these days, friendly caretakers come to collect camping fees, which can be paid in cash or card. Currently the fee is $10 per night or $50 per week, but I believe this does not apply to the winter period except December to April.
This dog-friendly campsite is also in western Victoria, but further north, near Horsham. After a scenic drive through the Grampians National Park, we camped here for the night.
Located on the north shore of Lake Taylor, this campsite is completely free and still well maintained by GWM Water. Toilets are available, but no drinking water. Care is advised even after rain – the dirt tracks around the campsite turn into mud and there is a real possibility of getting stuck.
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Most of the time the camp is relatively quiet. It is a good location to access the Silo Art Trail in Western Victoria, one of the best things to do in Victoria. Yes
