There’s something special about exploring the Southern Grampians with a caravan in tow or a tent packed in the back of the car. Wide open landscapes, peaceful rivers, towering red gums and star-filled night skies create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable camping escape.
Whether you prefer the comfort of a well-equipped caravan park or the freedom of a quiet bush campsite, the Southern Grampians offers plenty of options to suit every traveller. From welcoming holiday parks in charming country towns to scenic free camping spots beside rivers and reservoirs, this region is made for slow travel and outdoor adventure.
Holiday Parks
For travellers looking for powered sites, comfortable facilities and easy access to townships, the Southern Grampians’ caravan parks provide the perfect base for exploring the region.
At the foot of Grampians (Gariwerd), Dunkeld Caravan Park is perfectly positioned for visitors wanting to experience the beauty of the mountains.
Set beneath the dramatic peaks of Mount Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug), Mount Sturgeon (Wurgarri), the park offers powered and unpowered sites and a relaxed atmosphere just a short walk from Dunkeld’s cafés, restaurants and the beautiful Dunkeld Arboretum.
In nearby Hamilton, visitors have two great caravan park options. Lake Hamilton Motor Village & Caravan Park is a picturesque, tree-lined property located along the banks of the Grange Burn River, offering a peaceful setting close to Hamilton’s shops, restaurants and attractions.
Also located in Hamilton is Hamilton Caravan Park, which features well-appointed self-contained cabins for couples and families, alongside caravan and camping facilities for travellers passing through the region.
Further south, the friendly country township of Balmoral offers a convenient stop for travellers exploring the western reaches of the Southern Grampians. Balmoral Café & Caravan Park sits adjacent to the popular Balmoral Café and provides powered caravan sites, amenities and laundry facilities – perfect for a comfortable overnight stay or a longer break.
In the heritage village of Penshurst, Penshurst Caravan Park is ideally located in the heart of town next to the public swimming pool and tennis courts. With easy access to cafés, shops and local attractions, it’s a great base for discovering the rich volcanic landscapes and history of the area.
Free and Low-Cost Camping
For those who enjoy a more traditional camping experience, the Southern Grampians also offers a number of scenic free camping areas where visitors can relax and reconnect with nature.
Along the banks of the Wannon River, the small township of Cavendish offers a picturesque riverside camping area shaded by towering red gums. It’s a peaceful place to set up camp, enjoy a picnic, try a spot of fishing or take a stroll along the historic Settlers Walk.
One of the region’s most popular camping destinations is Rocklands Reservoir. As one of Victoria’s largest inland lakes, Rocklands is a favourite among anglers, birdwatchers and outdoor lovers. Several camping areas surround the reservoir, offering easy access to boating, kayaking and quiet bushwalking trails.
Elsewhere across the region, visitors will also find camping opportunities near beautiful natural attractions such as Nigretta Falls and Wannon Falls, where the sound of cascading water and surrounding bushland create a memorable camping backdrop.
Camp, Explore and Unwind
Whether you’re travelling in a motorhome, towing a caravan or pitching a tent under the stars, the Southern Grampians offers the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the outdoors.
Spend your days exploring waterfalls, walking through botanic gardens, arboretums or national parks, fishing in peaceful rivers or discovering welcoming country towns. Then return to camp to relax by the fire, share stories under the stars and soak up the quiet beauty of Victoria’s Western District.
With so many places to stay and explore, caravan and camping adventures in the Southern Grampians are as relaxing or as active as you choose to make them.
