What is glamping, and what’s in the tent?
Glamping is a tent somebody else has already put up, furnished and heated, with a real bed made up inside it. You arrive with a bag rather than a boot…
Just ninety minutes from Melbourne, the Steavenson River winds its way through tall trees and open meadows. On its banks sits Marysville Holiday Park, a place where weekends stretch longer and camping becomes less about roughing it and more about reconnecting. Families roll in with bikes strapped to the roof, couples arrive looking for a quiet break, and dogs bound out of cars ready for walks. The variety of stays, from riverside camping to glamping tents and family cabins, makes it a rare spot that works for almost everyone.
The riverside campsites remain the heart of the park. People come for the sound of water that flows constantly, a soundtrack that makes mornings slower and evenings more restful.
Trout fishing is a favourite pastime, with anglers setting up rods just metres from their tents. In summer, the shallow bends of the river become natural swimming holes. Families wander down with towels in the afternoon, and children shriek with delight as they splash in the cool water. When the sun drops, the rush of the river blends with the crackle of campfires.
Riverside camping here means you can enjoy:
The combination of convenience and setting is what keeps many campers coming back each year.
Families often choose the large cabins dotted around the park. With kitchens, heating, and private bathrooms, they strike a balance between practicality and the camping atmosphere outside. Kids spill onto the lawns with bikes and footballs, while younger ones find entertainment in the games room. On forest trails nearby, lyrebirds scratch at the leaf litter and wombats emerge in the late afternoon, providing endless fascination for children seeing them for the first time.
When winter arrives, Lake Mountain becomes a drawcard. Only a short drive away, it offers snow play, tobogganing, and gentle ski runs for beginners. Parents know they can return to a warm cabin afterwards, making it a stress-free way to introduce children to the snow.
Families often highlight the appeal of Marysville for:
For many, Marysville becomes the family’s yearly tradition, the place children associate with holidays and discovery.
When the Dog Comes Too
Holidays feel different when the dog can join in. Marysville Holiday Park has made space for that, with cabins and campsites where pets are welcome. Owners walk their dogs along the Marysville River Walk, shaded by tall gums, or let them splash in safe stretches of the river.
Travelling with pets here gives owners:
In a state where pet friendly accommodation is still limited, Marysville offers something that feels both inclusive and practical. The result is a trip where everyone, pets included, comes home tired and happy.
For visitors who want the atmosphere of camping without the compromises, glamping tents provide a different kind of stay. Named after native birds such as Kookaburra, Cockatoo, and Lyrebird, they are fitted with real beds, furnishings, and climate control.
It’s the ultimate bridge between a hotel room and old fashioned camping.
Glamping here provides:
Guests fall asleep to the rustle of trees and wake to the calls of kookaburras, yet they enjoy hotel-style comfort. Couples often choose glamping for anniversaries or weekends away, knowing they can spend the day outdoors and return to a warm retreat at night.
Marysville has long been a place where couples come to recharge. The studio cabins give them privacy, each with its own kitchen and bathroom. From here, it is an easy drive to the cellar doors of the Yarra Valley or a short walk to Steavenson Falls where spray drifts over the viewing platforms. Some prefer to spend their time within the park itself, enjoying the quiet of the river while sitting outside with a glass of wine.
Couples enjoy these cabins because they offer:
The mix of seclusion and convenience makes it easy to see why couples return. It feels like a break without the effort of travelling far.
Marysville shifts character with the calendar.
Season | What Visitors Experience |
Summer | Days spent hiking to waterfalls, cycling shady trails, and swimming in the river. |
Autumn | Hills glowing red and gold as trees turn, attracting photographers and day-trippers. |
Winter | Lake Mountain covered in snow, perfect for skiing, tobogganing, and snowshoeing. |
Spring | Wildflowers in bloom and native animals more active. |
Glamping tents remain comfortable even in winter, with heating and quality bedding ensuring the snow is something to admire rather than endure. Each season brings its own reason to return, making the park a year-round destination.
Visitors do not need to stay within the park to enjoy themselves. Steavenson Falls is one of the state’s tallest waterfalls and only a short drive away. Bruno’s Art and Sculpture Garden combines creativity and forest in a way that feels distinctly Marysville. Lake Mountain Alpine Resort draws crowds in winter for snow play, then opens its trails to hikers and mountain bikers in the warmer months.
The town itself provides:
It is this mix of outdoor beauty and community character that gives Marysville its appeal.
The high country climate can change quickly, so packing well makes a difference. Layers of clothing keep travellers comfortable in shifting temperatures, and sturdy walking shoes are essential for the trails. A rain jacket belongs in every bag, even in summer, and sunscreen is equally important.
Practical tips include:
Marysville Holiday Park provides showers, toilets, laundry, WiFi, and a shared kitchen. Many visitors book early for school holidays, Christmas, and winter weekends when snow attracts crowds.
Many holiday parks across Victoria offer cabins and campsites, but few have the combination of riverside setting, pet friendly stays, family facilities, and glamping. The location is far enough from Melbourne to feel like a getaway yet close enough to make a weekend trip possible.
Visitors value Marysville Holiday Park because it offers:
For many, these qualities are what turn a first visit into a repeat tradition.
The location is close to Melbourne yet feels far removed from the city. The variety of cabins, campsites, and glamping tents makes it suitable for different types of travellers. Yes. Dedicated cabins and sites allow dogs, and nearby walking tracks and river spots make it easy to travel with pets. Families can enjoy Steavenson Falls, play in the snow at Lake Mountain, or explore nature trails around the park. Every cabin has heating, a private bathroom, and a kitchen, which makes them suitable throughout the year. Yes. The glamping tents are styled for comfort and privacy, making them ideal for romantic weekends. The town is about ninety minutes by car from Melbourne, making it easy for a two- or three-day stay.
