Free Camping in the Yarra Valley
Escape the City for a Weekend
Camping or just getting out in nature has always been something to reset the system, clear your mind, and just pause your crazy life for a moment. Victoria has some of the most beautiful lush landscapes to do so. With free camp spots scattered around victoria, it's easy to have a low cost weekend away with friends or family, or a romantic getaway.
Yarrawood Estate
The Yarra Valley is one of my favourite places to be in the warmer seasons, where the green hills covered in vineyards contrast the blue Australian sky. We love to spend the weekend in a van in a free camp spot in the forrest and spend the days wine and food tasting at all the incredible wineries nearby. My favourites include Massaros, Nillimbuk and Yarrawood Estate.
Yarrawood Estate
Nillumbik Estate Winery
Getting to the Yarra Valley and finding free camp spots :
From Melbourne CBD it's around an hours drive to Toolangi State forrest, where you can camp for free at designated spots, such as Toolangi Rescreationional area, or simply anywhere in the State forrest grounds if you're brave enough to be on your own in the woods! It's best to have your own car or hire a car for this.
Stopping for a cheeky wine at Nillimbuk Winery
Having a van is an even better option as you can set up the back all cosy and not have to pack up anything when you leave, simply hop in the front and drive off!
Our cosy van setup next to our camp fire.
There are numerous beautiful walks and hikes to go on in the area, which are completely free of cost and make you feel like you're far far away. One of my favourites for either a quick half an hour walk, or a 2-3 hour option, is called Wirrawilla Rainforrest Walk, where you're surrounded by the beautiful sounds and smells of the lush, green rainforrest of Toolangi.
Another one of the best things to do around the Yarra Valley is to stop off at The Yarra Valley Choclaterie, which has some of the most delicious ice-cream, and free samples of their house made chocolate!! It's a great spot for kids to run around whilst the adults have brunch with the stunning view of the valley.
For a quieter place for brunch and something different, you could also visit The Dark Horse Antique Shop and Cafe. Here they sell a range of home made products and treats as well as serve up incredible food which you can enjoy whilst listening to live music amongst the eucalyptus trees.
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice-creamery
The Dark Horse Cafe