Long Weekend Camping in the Yarra Ranges: Three Weekends of High Country Adventure
Yarra Ranges National Park, Victoria. Image by Mattinbgn (talk · contribs), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Victoria’s Yarra Ranges offer keen travellers a change of scenery and the taste of adventure on their doorstep.
For those ready to venture east of Melbourne, the Yarra Ranges offer a wild proposition. Here, forest roads stretch for kilometres, alpine air replaces suburban bustle and off road caravans truly come into their own.
Weekend One: The Acheron Way
This renowned drive threads between Narbethong and Warburton through dense mountain ash forest.
Long gravel sections create a satisfying touring experience, particularly in dry weather, while winter can introduce snow, rain and added challenges for the 4WD traveller. Secluded bush campgrounds nearby allow self-sufficient travellers to settle down for the night beside bubbling creeks, to enjoy a rare moment of stillness and connection with nature.
Weekend Two: Lake Mountain Drive
For a change in elevation, Lake Mountain Drive delivers spectacular alpine drama.
Snow gums and cool-climate forests frame the climb toward one of Victoria’s most accessible high-country environments.
Although the main road is sealed, surrounding tracks and nearby bush camping areas open the door to rewarding 4WD exploration and winter snows add complexity to the drive.
From higher vantage points, layers of blue ranges can be seen rolling endlessly toward the horizon, while native birds and mammals flit, dance, fly, creep and bounce between the trees.
Weekend Three: Seven Acre Rock
Seven Acre Rock is a spectacular lookout that rewards enterprising travellers with sweeping views across the Yarra Valley.
The access road can be slippery after rain, but prepared drivers are treated to golden sunsets and expansive panoramas.
Nearby campgrounds, including riverside options, provide ideal overnight bases.
The Yarra Ranges
The broader region offers so much variety, so there’s sure to be something for everyone. Plan your trip around one or two must-do or must-see adventures and then fill in the gaps!
4WD tracks, mountain biking, waterfalls, trout-filled streams, gourmet food, charming towns, caving and stargazing are just some of the amazing things this region has to offer.
What sets the Yarra Ranges apart is scale. Drives feel limitless, camps more secluded and scenery more dramatic. Yet Melbourne remains within easy reach, making these High Country weekends achievable without extended leave.
For travellers seeking fresh air, forest immersion and the satisfaction of navigating gravel backroads with well-equipped caravans in Melbourne and beyond, the Yarra Ranges stand out as one of Victoria’s most compelling off road camping destinations.
