If you’ve already explored the NSW South Coast or completed a Tassie loop, you’ll find Victoria a refreshingly compact state to navigate. But don’t let its size fool you—from the 12 Apostles to the rugged High Country, “The Garden State” packs a punch. Best of all, for anyone on a Big Lap budget, Victoria is currently the best value destination in Australia.
The big news for 2026 is that the Victorian Government has extended the half-price camping initiative until June 2027. This means that at over 130 Parks Victoria bookable campgrounds, you are paying 50% less than the standard rate.
- Book Your Spot: Even with the discount, popular sites like Wilsons Promontory (Tidal River) and Johanna Beach are high demand.
- Release Dates: Parks Victoria now releases bookings in staggered batches four times a year. Keep an eye on the Parks Victoria website to snag a spot for the AFL Grand Final or Christmas breaks.
- The “Lobby” System: For peak dates, they use an online “holding area” to manage traffic—make sure your apps for finding campsites are updated so you have a “Plan B” if your first choice is full.
2. Climate: Chasing the Sun (or the Snow)
Victoria is famous for “four seasons in one day.” While the north (Mildura) is a dry heat, the south can be wet and windy even in the height of summer.
- Summer (Dec–Feb): Ideal for the Great Ocean Road, but be “fire ready.” Check the CFA website daily for Total Fire Bans.
- Winter (Jun–Aug): Most caravaners head to the Murray River for milder weather. If you’re brave enough for the High Country, ensure your caravan sway control is dialed in for those steep, winding alpine roads.
- The Sweet Spot: March and April offer stable weather and the best conditions for hiking the Grampians.
3. Pests: Flies, Midges, and Mozzies
While we don’t have the “spicy” bugs of the tropics, Victoria has its own challenges.
- The “Bush Fly”: In the northern grain belts (Mallee/Wimmera), flies can be relentless in spring. A head net is a cheap addition to your kit that will save your sanity.
- Mosquitoes: Always active near the Gippsland Lakes and the Murray. Use a repellent with DEET or Picaridin to protect against Ross River and Japanese Encephalitis viruses.
- March Flies: Large, painful biters common in the High Country. They love dark colors, so wear light-colored gear when setting up your showground camping spot.
4. Tech: Staying Connected Under the Canopy
Victoria’s thick forests in the Otways and Dandenongs are notorious for dropping mobile signals. Starlink for Caravans Australia has become a “must-have” for many Victorian travelers.
- Starlink Mini Mount: Great for those doing the Great Ocean Road who need to pack up and move quickly each morning.
- 12V Starlink Conversion: Perfect for extended off-grid stays in the High Country. Check our Starlink Guide to see if the hardware fits your rig’s setup.
5. Top Dog-Friendly Picks
Unlike many other states, Victoria has some fantastic pet-friendly options within (or right on the edge of) its major parks:
- Johanna Beach (Great Ocean Road): One of the few National Park sites where dogs are welcome on a lead.
- Jerusalem Creek (Lake Eildon): Eight separate camping areas that are perfect for a weekend with the pup.
- Beauchamp Falls: A stunning, grassy free spot in the Otways where you can camp among the ferns with your dog.
Postcards from Our 2026 Victorian Leg
Capturing the grit and the glory of our travels across Victoria—this is what adventure looks like from our perspective.
6. Logistics: Towing and Safety
Before you tackle the Great Alpine Road or the winding Otways, check your Essential Caravan Pre-Departure Checklist.
- Towing Capacity: Many of Victoria’s best spots are at the end of steep, narrow tracks. Ensure your vehicle’s towing capacity isn’t being pushed to the limit.
- Road Hazards: Watch for wildlife at dusk—kangaroos and wombats are everywhere in the regional parks.
Ready for the next leg? Whether you’re hunting for free camping Australia has to offer or looking for Easy Camping Meals to cook in the rain, we’ve got you covered.
Unlike many other states, Victoria has some fantastic pet-friendly options within (or right on the edge of) its major parks:
- Johanna Beach (Great Ocean Road): One of the few National Park sites where dogs are welcome on a lead.
- Jerusalem Creek (Lake Eildon): Eight separate camping areas that are perfect for a weekend with the pup.
- Beauchamp Falls: A stunning, grassy free spot in the Otways where you can camp among the ferns with your dog.
