Follow the signs
Domestic and international visitors to Melbourne each year number in the many millions yet I don't think there are many Melburnians who could claim to have seen everything worth seeing: many local attractions having been put in the "one day I'll get there" basket.
So here's an idea, why not go camping or caravanning in Melbourne even when you already live here. Given the great diversity of landscapes, cultures, attractions and things to do in our city and surrounds, it's a great way to stay a while in a different area and experience just what's available in our own backyard.
A few good reasons to stay in suburban caravan park in Melbourne could be:
A staycation to explore different parts of the city and their attractions;
To attend a nearby festival, concert, sporting or other event;
To find out about an area before moving there;
Visiting friends and family;
Walking/hiking/biking different areas
Making yourself at home in the suburbs
Of course as an intra, interstate or overseas visitor to Melbourne, staying in a caravan park offers another, and often cheaper, accommodation option in Melbourne. Simply bring your own tent or caravan or in some parks you can hire a cabin, villa or motel room. Aside from all the usual reasons to visit our beautiful city, travellers coming through Melbourne in order to catch the Spirit of Tasmania often find staying over in Melbourne before sailing can be a convenient option.
Enjoy some different views of Melbourne / Image: Pixabay CCO Creative Commons
So where can you find caravan parks in metropolitan Melbourne? Turns out there are quite a few, with locations ranging from the very inner urban through to beachside and country surroundings. Given the size of greater Melbourne, I've only listed those parks within around 50 km of Melbourne city.
Braybrook (north-west)
Discovery Park Approx 9 km from the CBD
Offers powered sites for vans and tents, an ensuite site, cabins, villas and townhouses. Local attractions are the
Quang Minh Buddhist Temple and
Fun Galore indoor entertainment centre. Melbourne city is easily accessible by car and public transport.
Carrum Downs (south-east)
Carrum Downs Holiday Park
Approx 48 km from the CBD
This Holiday Park and motel has powered sites and motel rooms. If you're travelling with a pet this one will appeal as they have some pet-friendly sites and rooms. Nearby attractions are
Dainton Family Brewery,
Bayside Rockclimbing, local beaches and golf courses and the park is on the way to the Mornington Peninsula.
Coburg (north)
Melbourne Big4 Holiday ParkApprox 9 km from the CBD
This park is relatively close to the city and is walking distance to public transport. Accommodation options include villas, spa cottages, cabins, powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites and ensuite sites. Nearby attractions are Coburg Lake and
Coburg Drive-in as well as plenty of shopping, cafes and restaurants.
Visit fun places
(south-east)
Big4Dandenong Tourist Park
Approx 50 km from the CBD
This park has units, cabins and powered sites for caravans. There is a regular bus service just outside the park which takes you to Dandenong Station. Things to do in the area include exploring the Dandenong ranges,
Dandenong Market,
Puffing Billy, feeding the birds at
Grants Picnic Ground and the
Lunar Drive-in.
Doncaster East (north-east)
Crystal Brook Tourist Park
Approx 24 km from the CBD
Crystal Brook is set in natural surroundings so you can enjoy the birdlife and fresh air. They have villas, cabins, powered and ensuite caravan sites and powered and unpowered campsites. The Park is pet friendly - conditions apply however, so call first before booking. Nearby attractions include
Schramms Cottage and
Heide Museum of Modern Art.
Laverton North (west)
Honey Hush Caravan Park
Approx 17 km from the CBD
Offering cabins, powered caravan sites and unpowered tent sites this park is close to freeways to the city, the airport and Geelong. Some of the attractions in the area are
Laverton Market and historic
Williamstown and there are numerous parks and beaches nearby.
Rockbank (west)
Sundowner Rockbank Caravan Park
Approx 29 km from the CBD
The park has self contained cabins and powered and unpowered sites. Attractions in the area include
Witchmount Winery and
Woodlea Estate Adventure Playground.
Wantirna (east)
Wantirna Park Caravan Park
Approx 25 km from the CBD
This park has powered sites and ensuite sites for caravans and is close to public transport. The Dandenongs and Yarra Valley wineries are an easy drive and Westfield Knox Shopping Centre is nearby as are several parks with walking and cycling trails.
Werribee South (south-west)
Werribee South Caravan Park
Approx 40 km from the CBD
Offering cabins and powered caravan sites, this park is pet friendly (conditions apply), boasts sea views and is very close to the beach. A kids playground, BBQs, tennis courts and boat launching ramp are nearby. Places to visit in the area include
Wyndham Harbour,
Werribee Mansion,
Werribee Open Range Zoo,
Shadowfax Winery and the
B-24 Liberator Bomber Restoration.
If you'd like to share your favourite local caravan park, we'd love to hear about it in the comments below.
