Melbourne spoils you with gorgeous parklands, beaches, wildlife reserves and easy motorway links. That means you can sleep in a tent or pull up the caravan without losing the convenience of cafés, playgrounds and reliable public transport. For many travellers, Melbourne is also a popular starting point for longer Aussie road trips, with routes heading off to the Great Ocean Road, Adelaide, or up the east coast.
If you're collecting a campervan in Melbourne, we generally recommend driving just an hour or so on that first day and spending the night at a nearby campground. It’s a great way to ease into your trip without a long drive straight off the bat.
Below you will find the top holiday parks in Melbourne for when you’re planning a family-friendly holiday in Melbourne, ordered by how close they sit to the city centre. Each entry highlights key facilities, local attractions and handy tips to help you plan your perfect adventure. There are plenty of things to do in Melbourne the whole family will enjoy!
Melbourne BIG4 Holiday Park, Coburg
Only 10 km away from Melbourne CBD, Melbourne BIG4 holiday is as close as you will get to true caravan parks in Melbourne CBD without feeling closed in by skyscrapers. Trams run every few minutes on nearby Sydney Road and can quickly take you to Queen Victoria Market in about twenty minutes.
Why families love it
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Solar heated pool area and gym
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Adventure playground and movie room
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Ensuite powered sites let you hook up your van while still enjoying your own shower and toilet.
Surrounding highlights: Nearby you’ll find the iconic Melbourne Zoo, where kids can marvel at a diverse range of wildlife, as well as the picturesque Royal Park which is a perfect place for a picnic.
Discovery Parks Melbourne, Braybrook
Discovery Parks is a great caravan park in Melbourne that has everything you need and only around 11 km away from Melbourne CBD.
Why families love it
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Outdoor swimming pool
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Jumping pillow and playground
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Plenty of BBQ areas for outdoor dining
Surrounding highlights: Footscray’s impressive wall murals are a cool outing to see for the whole family and very nearby the park. There are currently 26 large scale murals to check out.
Crystal Brook Caravan Park Melbourne, Doncaster East
Crystal Brook Caravan Park is located in a leafy pocket by Mullum Mullum Creek, around 25km out of Melbourne CBD. It combines bushland peace with short drives to shopping and dining.
Why families love it
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There is a swimming pool
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Playground, table tennis and giant chess
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Dog off leash area
Day-trip ideas: Westfield Doncaster is a short drive away for rainy-day cinema sessions. When you want to venture out, several nearby attractions such as the State Library of Victoria, and the Melbourne Museum offer fun and educational experiences for the whole family. If you want to see kangaroos in Melbourne, head to Westerfolds park and you might spot Eastern grey kangaroos in the wild.
Dandenong Tourist Park, Carrum Downs
Families drawn to Mornington Peninsula beaches but wary of peak-season traffic will appreciate Dandenong Tourist Park. Located 40 km from the city, this park is situated in a peaceful and picturesque location.
Why families love it
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A playground for the kids
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Internet cafe with free wireless internet
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Table tennis
Nearby fun: Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre is a 20 minute drive away, has waterslides and a warm leisure pool, perfect for a cloudy afternoon. Or, drive twelve minutes to Frankston Foreshore for paddle board hire.
Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park, Yarra Valley
Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park is an easy 45 km drive from the city of Melbourne. This is a great option for families because of the facilities on offer. There's a playground for the kids, fire pits to toast marshmallows and plenty of space to run around and explore.
Why families love it
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A beautiful rural environment
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Playground
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Pet-friendly
Things to do nearby: The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a mostly flat, 40 km track following a former railway line through the scenic Yarra Valley, ideal for walking, cycling or horse riding between Lilydale and Warburton.
BIG4 Mornington Peninsula Holiday Park, Frankston South
Mornington Peninsula needs little introduction. Safe beaches, thermal pools and glass-calm kayaking water put this region high on family bucket lists. The BI4 Mornington Peninsula Holiday Park is a wonderful place to stay with the family and enjoy the peninsula, around 50 km out of Melbourne CBD.
Why families love it
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Modular pump track and flying fox
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Brand new adventure playground with toddler zone and obstacle course.
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Swimming pool and tennis courts.
Explore: Drive to Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola for sweeping views, then scoot down to Enchanted Adventure Garden where tree surfing courses and tube slides spark squeals.
Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park, Healesville
If fresh mountain air and wildlife encounters top your wish list, choose the Yarra Valley. This park delivers bush camping in Melbourne Australia style, with resident sugar gliders, wombats and kookaburras. Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park has a lot of great facilities for kids too! It’s around 65 km away from Melbourne CBD.
Why families love it
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A Pump track, games room and playground
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Communal fire pit
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Tennis courts and swimming pool
Things to do nearby: Healesville Sanctuary lets you immerse yourself in the world of the platypus.
Tip: Pack jackets, even in summer. Mountain evenings cool quickly.
BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park, Great Ocean Road
When you crave a classic road trip, BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park makes a perfect grand finale. Though it is a fair bit outside of Melbourne city, a 2 hour drive, it deserves a spot because many Melbourne families drive here at least once a year.
Why families love it
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Kids club, adventure playground
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Sound and light show and heated pool
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Spacious modern camp kitchens
Side trips
Cape Otway Lightstation, approximately forty minutes away, offers whale sightings. Walk a short section of the Great Ocean Walk then reward everyone with homemade ice cream from Dooley’s in town.
Driving advice
Break the journey at Geelong Adventure Park or Torquay’s Surf World Museum so children can stretch legs before the winding Otways section.
Planning your booking
Christmas, Easter and the September school holidays bring quick sell-outs. Most parks open bookings twelve months ahead so set a reminder if you travel during these windows. Outside peak dates you can often nab three-for-two night deals.
Handy packing tips
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Pack Myki travel cards if staying within tram zones. Children under 4 travel for free.
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Bring bikes or scooters for the holiday park roads. Most sites are level and encourage slow vehicle speeds.
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If you plan day trips into the city, load the cooler with picnic bits the night before. Parking costs mount quickly so aim to use park-and-ride trails or hop on a tram.
Making the most of your stay
Use your park as a hub rather than a final destination. Book shorter six-hour return drives so children spend more time exploring beaches, zoos and treetop walks and less time in booster seats.
Schedule one low-key afternoon per two high-energy days. A simple hour at the camp playground often trumps another car journey and helps everyone reset. For more ideas on what to get up to, check out our post on family friendly things to do in Melbourne.
Caravan parks in Melbourne keep improving each year, adding splash pads, pump tracks and all-weather kitchens that make camping with kids easier than ever. Whether you park close to the CBD for tram rides to museums or venture farther to echoing ocean cliffs, you will discover that camping in Melbourne Australia blends city culture with wide open spaces better than almost anywhere else.
Book your Apollo camper
Book your Apollo Camper today and kickstart a family tradition everyone will look forward to each school holiday. Whether you're planning a quick weekend escape or a longer road trip, Apollo’s range of campervans offers comfort, flexibility and great value. With on-board heating, shower, toilet and cooking facilities, you'll have everything you need to feel at home, wherever the road takes you.
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When it comes to family holidays that have a bit of everything, Victoria is a great option. From the rolling countryside to the vibrant city, planning a family-friendly holiday in Melbourne has something to suit everyone’s taste.
One of the best ways to start a family road trip in Victoria is in the urban centre, Melbourne. With so many exciting activities and experiences on offer, family travel in Melbourne won’t disappoint.
Camping with the family can take a lot of planning, from your family camping checklist to finding the best campgrounds and holiday parks. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best caravan parks in Melbourne and the surrounding areas to make your travel planning all the easier.
What’s Melbourne known for?
Melbourne is a city well-known for its amazing arts, culture, and culinary scene, as well as incredible architecture. The city pulsates with a dynamic energy, encapsulating a thriving arts scene that embraces both traditional and contemporary expressions, as well as laneways, adorned with street art and hidden gems which add a unique charm to its cultural landscape.
The city is also Australia’s global hub for coffee enthusiasts and foodies, boasting an array of trendy coffee shops, eateries and restaurants. You could walk around the city all day and find something incredible to see or do at every turn. All in all, Melbourne is a beautiful mix of experiences, activities and attractions that make a holiday here one to remember.
What’s the best way to explore Melbourne?
The best way to explore Melbourne and its surroundings is through the freedom and flexibility of an Apollo Camper. Melbourne is known for its vibrant culture, diverse neighbourhoods, and picturesque landscapes, which all become easily accessible to explore with the convenience of a campervan.
Whether you're cruising along the iconic Great Ocean Road, discovering hidden gems in the city's suburbs, or immersing yourself in the natural beauty of nearby national parks, an Apollo campervan provides the perfect blend of comfort, convenience and flexibility. With the ability to set your own pace, choose your destinations, and enjoy the spontaneity of the journey, a campervan hire becomes not just a mode of transportation, but a home on wheels.
Plus with a range of vehicles to choose from, and branches conveniently located around Australia, hiring an Apollo Camper to explore Melbourne is a must-do.
Image: Visit Victoria
Our top family-friendly holiday park picks in Melbourne
Melbourne is home to some great family-friendly holiday parks. To make your road trip travel planning a little easier, this guide has top holiday parks in Melbourne.
1. BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park
Located just a short drive from the heart of Melbourne, BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park is the first family-friendly holiday park on this list. The BIG4 Holiday Park offers a perfect blend of relaxation and proximity to city life. Families will appreciate the spacious and well-maintained grounds, providing a safe environment for children to play. The park's amenities include a pool, playgrounds, and barbecue facilities, ensuring there's never a dull moment.
Nearby you’ll find the iconic Melbourne Zoo, where kids can marvel at a diverse range of wildlife, as well as the picturesque Royal Park which is a perfect place for a picnic with the family.
2. Discovery Parks Melbourne
Discovery Parks Melbourne, with its prime location, spacious campsites and modern amenities, is a great base for your family holiday in Melbourne. Plus, with excellent facilities including a swimming pool, playgrounds, and barbecue areas, the park caters to the whole family.
Travellers can easily head into town to experience all that is on offer, such as the Queen Victoria Market which has a diverse variety of fresh quality produce, speciality shopping and gourmet bites for the whole family.
3. Crystal Brook Tourist Park
The Crystal Brook Tourist Park is definitely worth considering. Located just 20 minutes from the city centre, this holiday park boasts a range of great facilities and activities for kids and adults alike. The park offers spacious powered sites, a swimming pool, a jumping castle, a playground, and a games room on-site to keep the kids entertained.
When you want to venture out, several nearby attractions such as the State Library of Victoria, and the Melbourne Museum offer fun and educational experiences for the whole family.
4. BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park
Another great campground option for families visiting Melbourne on a campervan road trip is the BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park. Located just 30 minutes from the city, this park is situated in a peaceful and picturesque location. For kids, there are plenty of activities like a playground, a jumping castle, a games room, and a swimming pool. The park also has a fully-equipped camp kitchen, BBQ facilities, and a kiosk adding further comfort to your stay.
Nearby attractions include the Dandenong Ranges, Puffing Billy Railway, and the beautiful beaches of the Mornington Peninsula, all wonderful family activities that are easily accessible in your campervan hire.
5. BIG4 Mornington Peninsula Holiday Park
The BIG4 Mornington Peninsula Holiday Park is a great option to consider as it’s located just an hour's drive from Melbourne's CBD. This holiday park is perfect for families as it offers a range of fun activities and facilities for kids, including a water park, mini golf course, games room, and playground. While parents will appreciate the spacious campsites, lush green surrounds and modern amenities.
It's easily accessible in your camper and within easy reach of all that the Mornington Peninsula has to offer. Nearby attractions include the Enchanted Adventure Garden tree-surfing experience, Arthurs Seat Eagle to get a panoramic view of the area, and the Peninsula Hot Springs, making it the ideal base for adventurous families exploring the region.
6. Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park
Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park is situated in the picturesque Yarra Valley, an easy 45 minute drive from the city of Melbourne. One of the main reasons why Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park is such a great option for families is because of the facilities and activities on offer. There's a swimming pool, playground, basketball court, and games room to keep the kids entertained, as well as plenty of space to run around and explore.
It’s also a great base for wonderful family adventures throughout the Yarra Valley as the area is home to a number of wineries, breweries, and restaurants. Also nearby you’ll find the famous Healesville Sanctuary where you can see Australian wildlife up close. For families who love the great outdoors, there are also numerous hiking and cycling trails to explore in the area.
Image: Visit Victoria
Looking for things to do with your family in Melbourne?
So now you’ve got all the best family-friendly places to stay in Melbourne, it’s time to plan all the fun and exciting activities to do in Melbourne.
For nature enthusiasts, you’ll want to check out the Melbourne Zoo and Royal Botanical Gardens. History lovers will want to stop by the Australia Sports Museum and Captain Cook’s Home. Foodies will be in awe with all the incredible eateries, cafes and restaurants on offer, and for a little adrenaline rush the iconic Luna Park is a must-visit.
Ready to book your Melbourne family road trip?
If this all sounds too good not to do, then be sure to book your Apollo Camper today. We’re sure you’ll find so many other great things to do with the family while in Melbourne, and the beauty of van travel is that you can enjoy it all at your own pace, find hidden gems along the way, and create life-long memories as you go.
