Hubby & I are heading off to Victoria for approx 6 weeks in early May (fully understand that it will be cold..we love the winter)..am interested in any advice..ie free camping etc; places worth seeing etc that anyone can help with...have found in other States that country pubs often allow you to overnight in their back yard..is this the case in Vic (we are self sufficient)..I guess these pubs often allow it..as they know that you may well eat/drink etc there..any help would be appreciated...also if anyone can point me towards a booklet on free camping in Vic it would be much appreciated.

We have both visited a few areas in Vic ..but mainly on Melb..we like quiet rather than the cities although I have earmarked ballarat & Bendigo. Thanks in advance.
Pat

-- Edited by Patricia at 20:10, 2008-04-03

Check out exploreoz.com - the have 600-odd nation-wide free campsites. Cheers Sue

sorry, exploroz.com.

If you're near the NSW/Victoria border at Tocumwal, there's a nice free camp on the banks of the Murray River on the Victoria side. 
You might have a look at a Victoria National Parks brochure as many of the National Parks camps are fairly cheap to stay in and are quite scenic too.  We used Craig Lewis and Cathy Savage's "Camping in Australia" for our trip and we found it pretty good.  A lot of people we met also used "Camps 3" which shows rest areas and free camps across the country. 

Hi Patricia,
Sounds like you've got a great trip ahead of you.  We've just had an email recently from someone who recommends Paynesville Victoria as a nice place to visit http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/destinationspages/readersrecommend.htm
Have you been to Wilsons Prom?  Although the camping isn't free, it's a great place to go and you'd probably miss the crowds at that time of year.

THanks each of you for your replies ..am taking it all onboard (no pun intended)...we have always enjoyed stopovers in NP's so will probably do that again..regards Wilsons Prom..yes we have pencilled that in as well..currently now trying to get some info on wireless connections ..as I do like to keep intouch ie emails/bank accts etc ..also do a little "paid work" when I travel so have decided to look into all this.....back to the research...very confusing I might add!!

Theres a book you can buy at most camping shops, RACV, etc, called Camps 4. it shows all the free camping spots right around Aus. it also gives them a rating, and indicates dogs, showers, hot water available etc. Well worth the $45. it costs.

Patricia, I would never forgive myself if anybody I could influence were to even contemplate a visit to Victoria without seeing the beauty of the Shipwreck Coast and the Great Ocean road . The scenery that is between Mount Gambier and Melbourne via this route is truly remarkable . --- Do not miss the Loch Ard Gourge ,scene of a tragic shipwreck . Portland and Port Fairy are just two stopover points along the way worthy of a look. but the beaches along the Great Ocean road can only be described as spectacular .From Warrnambool you should go through the forest of the Ottway Ranges to Lorne and then follow the road through to Geelong ,passing through Anglesea ,Appolo Bay and many more coastal towns each with it's own charm Good luck with your travelling and loads of enjoyment MEXLEFT