Advice for a late starter

[Catcher]

Hi all, this is my first post.

I want to graduate from a hiking hobby to include camping and overnight routes. I've just bought my first lot of gear, including a Mont Moondance 2 tent. I live in Melbourne and wondered if anyone could recommend a free campsite area not a million miles away from Melbourne where I can start to find my feet. I'm looking to stay somewhere for 1-2 nights and use my gear, including having to source water and make it drinkable.

Thanks in advance.

[north-north-west]

Baw Baw Plateau isn't that far out, there are a number of access points including Baw Baw Village and the Erica carpark, and some very good camping in places such as Phillack Saddle. Good tracks right across (although there's always some part of the plateau that's a bit overgrown).
Lerderderg Gorge is also very popular for one night trips.

[Catcher]

Thanks so much. They both look great.