The Best Scenic Off-Road Routes for Caravaners Close To Melbourne
There’s a certain thrill that comes with hitting the road, knowing you’ve got everything you need packed into your home on wheels. Whether you’re chasing quiet coastlines, forest trails or high-country views, Victoria has off-road routes that let you escape the noise and enjoy nature. And if you’re travelling in one of these luxury caravans, the ride feels just as good as the destination.
Many of these routes can also be done with off-grid caravans, letting you set up camp far from the crowds. You won’t need a power point when you’ve got solar panels and a water tank on board. All you need is the road, a plan and a few supplies.
1. Bunyip State Park: Bush Tracks and Tall Forests
Just 90 minutes east of Melbourne, Bunyip State Park gives you dense bush, tall gums and a few quiet campsites hidden among the trees. It’s perfect for anyone who wants peace but doesn’t want to drive all day to find it.
The tracks here vary. Some are flat and wide, easy to handle even for newer drivers. Others twist through mud and creek crossings, ideal for folks with lifted suspensions and a bit more experience. The park’s main off-road loop, Forest Road Track, offers a steady climb with rewarding views at the top.
You’ll hear lyrebirds call in the morning and might spot wallabies hopping through the scrub. Dyers Picnic Ground is a great spot to set up camp if you’re towing a van. It’s not flashy, but it’s got toilets and fire pits, and the sounds at night are magic.
This park is ideal in spring or autumn when the air’s crisp but the ground’s not too wet. And for those looking for Victoria’s best coastal off-road caravan spots, this inland gem makes a great contrast to the beach.
2. Wombat State Forest: Hidden Trails and Quiet Nights
An hour west of the city, Wombat State Forest offers plenty of off-road joy. It’s thick with gum trees, ferns and quiet places to camp. The terrain ranges from hard-packed dirt roads to rocky tracks lined with moss-covered boulders.
The Lerderderg Track, a favourite among local 4WDers, winds through tight bush, then opens up to ridge-line views. It’s doable with a caravan if your rig’s built to handle rough terrain. You’ll want a solid tow vehicle and maybe a spotter when tackling the steeper inclines.
Bullengarook Campground is a peaceful base. It’s small, basic and nestled in thick forest. You won’t get reception out here, which makes it perfect for a digital detox. Plus, with wombats, kookaburras and the odd deer wandering by, it’s anything but boring.
If you enjoy exploring Victoria’s secluded camping spots, Wombat Forest delivers big time. It’s all about slowing down, finding a patch of dirt and soaking up the quiet.
3. Otways Back Routes: Forest Meets the Sea
The Otways are known for their waterfalls and tree ferns, but the back tracks between Lorne and Beech Forest show a whole other side. It’s cooler, wetter and feels ancient. Mist hugs the trees in the morning, and the smell of wet eucalyptus fills your van.
There are a few off-road loops that take you deep into the forest. One good option is the Benwerrin-Mount Sabine Track. It’s steep in sections and has switchbacks that test your turning skills. But the views down to the coast and over the forest canopy? Worth every gear change.
Camping at Aire Crossing or Beauchamp Falls gives you waterfalls within walking distance. Sites are unpowered and basic, but peaceful. Bring wood, bring food, bring your camera.
This region is a highlight for anyone chasing scenic off-grid caravan adventures near the Great Ocean Road. It offers bush, ocean and hidden pockets of paradise in a single trip.
4. Big Desert Wilderness: True Remote Travel
Not many think to head northwest for a getaway, but the Big Desert Wilderness Park is one of Victoria’s best off-road challenges. It’s flat, sandy and remote. No towns, no people—just wide tracks and big skies.
The main route, Murrayville-Nhill Track, runs through the heart of the desert. The sand can be soft, especially after rain, so air down your tyres and travel in pairs if you can. You’ll want a high-clearance van and a UHF radio.
Bush camping here is legal in many areas, but you need to be self-sufficient. Carry all your water, fuel and recovery gear. Nights get cold, and the stars are as bright as you’ll ever see.
This spot’s for experienced caravaners who enjoy total isolation. The birdlife and silence out here are unforgettable.
5. Walhalla and the Thomson Valley: Gold History and Mountain Trails
This area east of Melbourne mixes steep climbs, old mine sites and narrow mountain passes. Walhalla itself is a town frozen in time, and the road leading there winds tight through the forest. It’s not built for big vans, but compact off-road models will do just fine.
Past Walhalla, the tracks head into Thomson Dam and beyond. The Bruntons Bridge Track is a scenic way to reach quiet bush campsites by the river. It gets rough in spots, but rewards you with views and a cool dip on hot days.
History buffs will enjoy seeing old tramways and relics from the gold rush. There’s a sense that not much has changed here in a hundred years.
This trip blends nature and nostalgia. It’s perfect for families and solo travellers alike.
6. Cathedral Ranges: Ridge Runs and Rock Formations
The Cathedral Ranges near Buxton are rugged, dramatic and not for the faint-hearted. This place is all cliffs, tight paths and sweeping views. You’ll be towing uphill for much of the journey, but the reward is a truly unique camp experience.
Little River Campground is a top spot. You’re close to hiking trails, and the rock spires above look like something from a fantasy film. The Wells Cave Track, a short but tough hike, offers epic lookouts. Even better with a hot cuppa waiting back at the van.
Trails here aren’t long, but they’re technical. Great for practising control and patience behind the wheel. Not ideal for large caravans, but fine for compact off-road builds.
This area is best enjoyed over a long weekend. Bring your hiking boots and a good camera.
7. Grampians National Park: Cliff Faces and Wildflowers
The Grampians combine culture, views and off-road options. While the main tourist spots are sealed, plenty of gravel tracks run through the quieter parts of the park. Glenelg River Road and Red Rock Track are great for scenic drives and light off-roading.
There are powered and unpowered campsites in the area, but bush camps offer a better escape. Look out for wildflowers in spring and waterfalls in winter.
One highlight? Mackenzie Falls after heavy rain. The track to the falls isn’t off-road, but the journey through the park can be—if you take the long way. Just follow the fire trails and link up to quiet campgrounds like Jimmy Creek or Boreang.
The Grampians are perfect for a mix of road comfort and off-road play.
8. Lake Eildon Back Trails: Water Views and Bush Camps
Lake Eildon’s shoreline is a maze of gravel tracks, steep drops and secluded bays. It’s a fishing hotspot, but it also offers great off-road fun. Try Skyline Road or Maintongoon Spur Track for a challenge.
The campgrounds range from well-kept to wild. The best ones aren’t marked. You’ll need a good map and a bit of instinct to find them. Set up right on the water and watch the sun drop behind the hills.
This area gets busy in summer, so head there in shoulder seasons. Pack for changing weather and expect a mix of heat, wind and cool nights.
For those who love water, dirt and the smell of campfire smoke, this is a top pick.
FAQs
1) What caravan features do I need for off-road tracks near Melbourne?
Off-road tracks call for a tough build. You’ll want a caravan with off-road suspension, high ground clearance and reinforced chassis. Bigger wheels and off-road tyres help with grip on rocky or muddy trails. Make sure your van has enough water storage, solar panels and a strong battery system for when you’re off-grid. Stone guards and dust seals protect your van from wear and tear. If you’re planning creek crossings or sharp climbs, weight balance matters too. Keep essentials low and centred to avoid sway.
2) Can I tow a caravan through mountain tracks like Walhalla or the Cathedral Ranges?
Yes, but only with the right setup. Mountain tracks are narrow, steep and unforgiving. Your tow vehicle should be powerful with low-range gearing. Your caravan should be compact, light and off-road capable. Long vans are risky here—they limit turning and can bottom out. Always check track conditions ahead of time, especially after rain. Bring recovery gear like snatch straps and traction boards. Go slow, take your time and know your limits. These places reward careful planning.
3) What’s the best time of year for off-road caravan trips around Melbourne?
Spring and autumn are your best bets. Spring brings flowers and full rivers, while autumn offers cool air and steady weather. Summer can be dry, dusty and hot—bushfire risks go up. Winter turns tracks muddy and slippery, especially in mountain areas. If you’re chasing waterfalls, go in winter. If you want easier driving and warm days, aim for autumn. Always check local alerts and road closures before heading out.
4) Are there legal rules for bush camping in these areas?
Yes, and they vary. In state and national parks, camp only in designated spots unless signs say otherwise. Some places allow dispersed camping, but you must be self-contained. That means taking all rubbish out, using proper toilets or disposal methods and not lighting fires unless allowed. Rangers check for permits in some areas. Always read signs and local park websites before camping. Respect the land—what you carry in, you carry out.
5) What recovery gear should I carry on off-road caravan trips?
Basic gear includes a snatch strap, shovel, traction boards, air compressor and tyre deflator. Bring a jack rated for your caravan’s weight, a puncture repair kit and extra fuel if you’re remote. A UHF radio helps for calling help when there’s no phone signal. Make sure you know how to use each item. Pack it all in easy reach, not buried under luggage. Better to have it and not need it than the other way around.
Ready to Tow into the Wild?
There’s nothing like pulling into a bush camp, popping the kettle on and knowing your setup can handle the elements. With the right rig and the right route, off-road caravan travel opens up wild, quiet and beautiful places close to Melbourne. It’s about more than the drive—it’s about freedom, connection and peace.
So whether you’re after quiet forests, windy ridges or ocean views, gear up, plan your route and go explore. The road’s calling, and Retreat Caravans has the builds to get you there in comfort and style. See below for our full range of caravans, all carefully designed with you in mind:
