Victorian glamping and unusual accommodation you’ve never heard of

FROM snoozing with rare white lions to stargazing from bed in a yurt, these hidden glamping gems in Victoria are better than your standard campsite. Check them out for a dose of travel inspiration.

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• Phillip Island’s best camping spots
• Where to camp on the Great Ocean Road

FROM snoozing with lions to saddling up on a gypsy-style buggy, Victoria’s hidden glamping gems go beyond your standard campground accommodation.

Slogging it out in the wild isn’t for everyone, but these unique offerings will lure even the most indoors-loving traveller out to enjoy mother nature.

These picks sit in that sweet spot between a generic hotel room and roughing it in the backcountry, and provide more of a unique experience than just a place to rest your weary head.

SLEEP WITH THE LIONS, MANSFIELD ZOO

The white lions at Mansfield Zoo.

You don’t have to journey to the Serengeti to fall asleep to the sound of roaring lions. Mansfield’s little-known zoo is a hidden gem tucked in the foothills of the alps, home to an impressive range of exotic and native animals.

Camping season at the zoo runs from September to May and is a no-frills affair, with shared facilities and swags for hire.

The lions are of course its mane attraction, but the zoo’s furry residents include a cheeky dingoes, majestic bison and a curious gaggle of deer that will follow you around on the morning feed run.

mansfieldzoo.com.au/stay-overnight

DROP ANCHOR IN A BILLABONG, BRIMIN

Captain your own houseboat on a private water hole near the Murray River for the quintessential Aussie experience.

Located in Brimin, in the state’s northeast, Billabong Lodge is a houseboat moored permanently in a tranquil billabong.

Sleeping four, the houseboat’s entire roof is an open-air deck, and it also comes with a punt for exploring the waterway with.

Still finding your sea legs? The owners also run a separate lodge on terra firma, by the banks of the Murray.

briminlodge.com.au/billabong-lodge-3

GET RETRO IN AN AIRSTREAM, BRIGHT

An iconic Airstream has been converted with all the mod-cons for travellers to Bright in Victoria’s alpine region.

One for retro lovers, the Airstream has a sleek, shiny exterior with cosy luxuries and a deck outside for guests to stretch their legs.

It’s set among lush gardens in a private plot of land near the winding Ovens River, away from the bustling tourist strip in Bright.

The curvy retro beauties are making a comeback and can also be hired in the Otways, Melbourne CBD, Mornington Pensinsula and beyond.

airbnb.com.au/rooms/7132822

GOLDFIELDS WITH A TWIST, RHEOLA

Now this is a glamping holiday that harks back to a simpler time.

The Colonial Way’s gentle Clydesdales pull handmade self-contained wagons through the goldfields west of Bendigo, stopping at campgrounds along the way for their holidaying occupants to have a taste of the vagabond lifestyle.

No experience is required, with owners Patrick and Ann to show travellers the ropes before they grab the reins.

colonialway.com.au

COSY UP IN A YURT, MYRRHEE

A slice of Mongolia resides in wine country, with John and Sharon Jarrott creating a peaceful yurt haven 258km northeast of Melbourne.

The traditional residences are cosy, even in winter, with a cast iron stove for heating and thick lamb's wool insulation to keep the warmth in.

Budding astronomers need not brave the chill for a spot of stargazing, with a glass dome for guests to admire the night sky from the comfort of bed.

Facilities are admittedly rustic, but their classic Aussie outhouse still features one of the best views in the high country.

theyurtalpineretreat.com

ALL ABOARD A TRAIN CARRIAGE, FORREST

The romance of rail travel is well and truly alive in the Otways, where a Victorian-era carriage has been resurrected in tranquil Forrest.

Well and truly off the beaten track, the decades-old first-class carriage was lovingly restored over six months and can now sleep up to six occupants.

Despite the renovations, the carriage still retains plenty of nods to its previous life on the rails, including original signs and graffiti.

Pets are also welcome to travel with their owners at this truly unique accommodation.

airbnb.com/rooms/7294998

SADDLE UP LIKE A CATTLEMAN, ANGLERS REST

For a true off-the-grid experience, rug up in your Drizabone and stay the night in one of two historic huts in the lush Bundarra Valley.

With no main power, television and patchy phone service, it’s the perfect opportunity to switch off from technology.

An authentic horse property, there’s plenty of activities on offer for the outdoors lover ranging from fly-fishing, cycling, hiking and seasonal white-water rafting.

horsetreks.com/retreat

THE DEFENDER EXPERIENCE, TRAWOOL

Picture this: Roving around on a rugged Land Rover Defender on a pristine 202ha bush property, fully loaded with modern conveniences and a gourmet dinner.

Laden with fresh bedding, doonas and pillows, the Defender has an outdoor shower, slide-out kitchen, picnic furniture, fire pit and more.

Burnt sausages are off the menu, with campers chowing down on eye fillet and gourmet ice cream, before washing it all down with a hand-selected bottle of wine.

It’s like Man Vs Wild, except you’re Bear Grylls and there’s absolutely no need to drink your own urine.

bushhideouts.com.au

ABSEIL TO CLIFF CAMPING, MT BUFFALO

This glamping experience puts the “air” in Airbnb and certainly isn’t one for the faint-hearted.

Billed as the “world’s highest cliff camping experience”, campers spend the night suspended over the edge of a cliff at Mt Buffalo, with just 300m of thin air and a portaledge between them and the ground.

After surviving the night, true daredevils can also abseil over the edge for a finale that will get the adrenaline pumping.

Just remember to beg, borrow or buy a drone to capture the ultimate selfie that will put everyone else’s Facebook profile pics to shame.

unleashed-unlimited.com.au/beyond-the-edge

Did we miss any hidden gems? Share yours in the comments below.

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