Why Marysville is the Glamping Destination everyone in Melbourne should know

It’s a Friday afternoon and the city hum slows down as roads head north.

In two hours, you can leave behind concrete and traffic lights and arrive somewhere quiet. Somewhere with rivers, forests, and well-appointed glamping sites. Marysville is not only reachable — it might just be the best glamping spot within driving distance of Melbourne.

Others promise escapes. But Marysville offers access, scenery, and comfort in a way many others cannot match.

When Melburnians search for “glamping near Melbourne,” the usual suspects come up: the Yarra Valley, Daylesford, the Mornington Peninsula, and even Gippsland. Each has its charms: vineyards, hot springs, coastal walks. But many are either too short for a full sensory escape or too touristy in peak season.

Marysville sits just beyond the Great Dividing Range, giving it that escape quality without turning into a multi-hour drive that eats the relaxation time. Its mixture of forest, river, waterfalls, and proximity makes it uniquely suited for those who want nature without losing convenience.

From Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, the drive to Marysville is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. From the CBD, perhaps 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic. That puts it squarely in the sweet spot: far enough to feel removed, near enough to make weekend trips practical.

By comparison:

• Daylesford may be closer, but its glamping options are fewer and often booked months ahead. Daylesford v Marysville for Glamping 
• Peninsula glamping may offer coastal views, but it lacks forest quiet and riverside settings.
• Gippsland options often require more travel, especially for those in western or northern Melbourne areas.

Marysville’s advantage lies in the setting. At Marysville Holiday Park, many glamping options sit close to the Steavenson River, with forest on one side and a clearing on the other. You can fall asleep to river sounds, wake to bird calls, and still be back in Melbourne by evening.

• Riverside proximity: many glamping tents or cabins at Marysville Holiday Park are a short step from the water. Not just for show — the river’s presence becomes part of the experience.
• Forest walks and waterfalls: nearby destinations such as Steavenson Falls, Thornton’s Hut and Black Spur drive are just minutes away.
• Night skies and quiet: less light pollution than coastal or valley glamping spots.
• All-season use: glamping in Marysville works not just in summer, but in shoulder seasons and even winter — with proper heating.
• Local creature comforts: cafés, artisanal produce stores, the Marysville township are close by.

These features allow Marysville to compete with destinations further afield because it delivers a complete getaway without needing to compromise.

Here’s a sample itinerary:

Friday evening: arrive, unpack, light dinner or barbecue at glamping site. Let the forest and river set the tone.
Saturday: morning walk to Steavenson Falls, afternoon lunch in town, late afternoon rest by river. In the evening, enjoy the stars.
Sunday: morning forest walk or explore Thornton’s Hut, brunch in Marysville, leisurely return via Black Spur scenic drive.

This kind of pace is harder to achieve in locations that require multi-hour drives. Marysville gives you enough time to slow down.

Glamping is not just about being in nature. It’s about staying in nature without giving up comfort. Marysville Holiday Park’s glamping accommodations offer:

• Proper beds, sealed tents or cabins, insulation.
• Decking or private verandas for morning coffee.
• Proximity to amenities: bathrooms, kitchens, maybe even some light cooking facilities.
• Options for heating, lighting, and protection from weather.

Compared to other areas where glamping is merely a tent in a paddock, Marysville offers more substance.