caravan parks near port melbourne

Hi Phil

Ashley Gardens, Melbourne: This is used principally by people going to and from Tasmania.

They also have an area to park vans for those who go without their caravans, as well as cabins. At $32 per night when we were there in 2006 it was expensive, but it is well located, easy to get to, and easy to get to the ferry terminal. Staff advise you when and where to go.

Facilities and laundry very good. Lightly grassed campsites, including drive through. Nice touch - the staff member who books you in then escorts you (on a buggy) to your site. Area seemed fairly quiet at night for a city. Small shopping area with Safeway store right next to CP - very convenient. Can take a bus into central Melbourne.

It is easy to find from all directions of entry, and although they give you a map, you just need to follow the convoy of caravans towards the ferry terminal.

A very good park conveniently located.

Motherhen

Hi Phil and better half,

We've been 'on the road' on and off since 2002 and have only one suggestion - give all capital city caravan parks the big swerve if you can. Without exception they've been a disapointment (other's may disagree).

We just landed in Devonport this morning (Sun 30 Nov). Friday night we were in Eildon (not too flash a caravan park - wouldn't recommend it). Sat. morning we left Eildon, drove across to the Tablik winery on the Goulburn River north of Seymour, enjoyed an early lunch and their wetlands cruise, then hit the Hume to Melbourne. We still arrived with an hour to spare before we could go through the security check (i.e. fruit & veg, not bombs!) at Station Pier.

So, our suggestion if you have booked a night crossing (i.e. departing Melbourne in the evening), is to find a nice place about 100 to 200 km out of the city and travel to Station Pier in the afternoon of deparure.

Hope you enjoy your travels and please feel free to send us an email if you'd like to 'talk' to us while your in Tassie.

Ian & Annette

Hi Phil,
We also stayed at Ashley (Ashleigh?) Gardens in Feb last year and found it quite convenient for going and returning. Yes, I agree with others that cities are not my first choice for camping but it did give us a chance to get into Melbourne and have a look around as the bus stop is opposite the c'van park. The hotel nearby has excellent food (not Sunday nights). Ask the c'van park people to give you a map and explain the best way to get to the Port.

If you are crossing in the daytime I strongly suggest you get a cabin especially if there is any chance you will be seasick. People are very greedy with the seats and pile all their stuff on them and really spread out and the staff don't do anything about it. You can usually get a cabin when you get on the boat.

Enjoy your time in Tassie

Interestingly, I'm heading off to Tassie this Sunday. I leave from the GC and I'll spend night 1 in Moree, night 2 in Forbes but haven't decided where in Vic I should stay on night 3. I'm doing a night crossing. Last time I stayed in Seymour at the Highlands Van Park (and really liked it). Seymour is a bit close to Melbourne and I'd like to stay a bit further out and will follow this thread with some interest. The idea is to do a leisurely drive into Melbourne arriving mid afternoon. All suggestions gratefully appreciated and it may help the original poster. He might even like the Highlands van park.