The Great Ocean Road Collective

great ocean road camping

The Ultimate Guide to Camping Along the Great Ocean Road – Free Camping, Paid Campsites & Caravan Parks

Whether you are into trekking, bushwalking, or scenic road trips, the southern coast of Victoria is the ultimate playground for outdoor lovers. Camping on the Great Ocean Road is a great way to reconnect with nature, discover the many picturesque trails that twist around creeks and ridges, and explore the rugged coastline in a truly unique way. 

Thanks to the many camping sites and caravan parks on the Great Ocean Road, this 243km-long stretch of road has become the perfect destination for the most epic camping journeys.

great ocean road camping

For something different, check out merging your love for camping under a starry sky with a cycling trip, check out our bike ride itinerary . Alternatively, check out what to expect from your Great Ocean Walk experience and learn about all the best Great Ocean Road attractions that are hidden along the way!

Table of Contents

Types of Campsites on the Great Ocean Road

No matter whether you started your journey from Melbourne or Warrnambool , or you are just following a quick 3-days itinerary , there are campsites on the Great Ocean Road for any budget and taste. In this article, we will guide you through the best ones, how to reach them, and what you should expect once there. Here are the types of campsites offered on the Great Ocean Road:

  • Free Camping Sites
  • Victoria Parks Campsites
  • Private (paid) Campsites
  • Caravan Parks

Free Camping on the Great Ocean Road

If you are traveling on a budget, there is no better way to save money while on your trip to Victoria than free camping on the Great Ocean Road. Free campsites dot the whole itinerary, they require no fee or booking, but they come with a couple of downsides that you want to keep into consideration.

The facilities provided on any site for free camping on Great Ocean Road are usually very limited compared to private campgrounds. While definitely providing a great value for money, free campsites are often un-powered and only a few provide toilets and shower facilities.

Camping in Australian bush

Free campsites on the Great Ocean Road often work on a first come first serve basis, which means that if you have been on the road for a little longer than you were meant to, you might find it hard to secure a space.  

List of Free Campsites Great Ocean Road

Allenvale mill bush campground.

Google Maps Address

Due to its proximity to Lorne and the St. George River Walk, this is one of the best spots for free camping on Great Ocean Road.

This campground is reachable with a 6 minutes drive from Lorne. Camping here is on a first-come-first-serve basis and there are 16 spaces suitable for tents only. Cars have been banned from the area, but you can drop yours at the nearby car park and then spend the night here in your tent. In the Allenvale Mill Bush Campground, you can find drop toilets and numbered pitches.

Sharps Camping Area

Located 12 minutes drive (5km) inland from Lorne, camping here will require you to be self-contained as there are no toilet facilities. The area is split into two sections, one dedicated to tents only, one accessible by caravans and vans as well. 

This campground is perfect to explore the nature around Lorne as it is located just off Henderson Falls, Won Wondah Waterfall, and Phantom Falls. The nearby Sheoak Picnic Area has toilet facilities.

Big Hill Track Campground, Lorne 

If you are looking for free campsites on Great Ocean Road that don’t require you to be self-contained, here you can find long-drops toilets. However, there are no water facilities so it is recommended that you bring your own.

This campground has 12 sites, split into two sections, one accessible by all caravans, vans, and motorhomes, the other one dedicated to tents only. The sites are all on a first-come-first-serve base and the campground is closed seasonally from the 1st of June to the 31st of October. 

If you like king parrots visiting your tent every now and then, this a great place for the best Lorne camping experience.

Hammond Road Campground

Located 16 minutes drive away (12km) from Aireys Inlet and 20 minutes away from the Memorial Arch that marks the beginning of your journey, this is one of the best free campsites, Great Ocean Road. Here you can find drop-toilets, fire-pits, and BBQ facilities. The campground is split into sections to accommodate around 20 campervans, vans, motor-homes, and tents. 

Stevenson’s Falls Free Campground

This is one of the most inland sites for camping in Great Ocean Road. Located 43 minutes north-east from Apollo Bay and just under an hour away from Kennett River, the site boasts 50 pitches, each of them equipped with a fire-pit but unpowered, and basic toilet facilities. While this is one of the best spots for free camping on Great Ocean Road, it can be extremely crowded at peak times.

Stevenson’s is one of the best free campsites (Great Ocean Road) due to its proximity to the scenic Stevensons Falls. Don’t miss out on a hike here!

Beauchamp Falls Campsite

Google Map s Address

At 55 minutes’ drive from the coast, here you can find toilets, fire pits, and BBQ facilities deep within the rainforest.

This is one of the best campgrounds for your Apollo Bay Camping experience! The site is located just off the beautiful Beauchamp Falls, one of the marvels of the Otways National Park.

Dandos Camp Ground

Located only 40 minutes inland from Skenes Creek, Dando’s is one of the all-time-favorite free campsites on the Great Ocean Road for families with kids. In fact, here you can find toilets, BBQ facilities, and even a playground. 

The nearby grassy area makes for the perfect picnic spot.

Aire Crossing Campsite

If you are looking for a peaceful spot just off Apollo Bay, camping here is definitely a great experience. There are only 5 pitches so you need to secure your place much earlier than you would normally. In this campsite, you can find drop toilets but unfortunately, no fires are allowed at this idyllic site.

The area is famous for glow worms, so don’t miss out on a walk at dusk. The campsite is located by the Triplets Waterfall, which you can even swim in!

Panmure Campground

Located only 20 minutes’ drive from Warrnambool , this is a great spot for camping on Great Ocean Road, near one of the last stops of your journey. One of the unique perks of this Campground is that here you can find flush toilets as well as playgrounds for kids and BBQ facilities.

The swimming spot nearby won’t leave you short of a refreshing morning swim! 

Victoria Parks Campsites, Great Ocean Road

After a long day on the road or hiking along the Great Ocean Walk , everything you want is to relax under a starry sky or enjoying an evening BBQ. Well, there is no better place in the area than in the campsites located within Victoria Parks.

great ocean road camping

Whether you are looking at camping on the Great Ocean Road away from the crowds or you prefer to enjoy a night in a luxury tent, here there is something for you.

Everything You Need to Know About Victoria Parks Campsites

Parks Victoria created 6 campsites along the Great Ocean Road with the needs of the hikers attempting the long-distance Great Ocean Walk in mind. Each campsite is completely unique and boasts diverse facilities, but they are all located in the heart of unspoiled natural surroundings.

Here are the ones you will find on your trip:

Lake Elizabeth Campground

This is one of the best campsites on Great Ocean Road and one of the first ones you meet after beginning your journey. Here dogs are permitted on leads, there are toilets, BBQ and picnic facilities, and 20 pitches. The mobile reception in this Otways camping site is quite poor.

Lake Elizabeth is located just 1 km from the grounds. Here you can admire Platypus during the day and glow worms at nighttime.

Cost : $14.50 per night per pitch.

Blanket Bay Campground

If a Blanket Bay camping experience is on your bucket list, you should definitely tick it off with this stunning spot for camping in Great Ocean Road. These grounds include 22 campsites which can accommodate up to 6 people each. The campsites are unpowered and suitable for tents, caravans, and motor-homes. This is one of the many Great Ocean Road caravan parks where is recommended to book in advance.

Located on the shore just outside the stunning Otway National Park, this is one of the best spots for camping on the Great Ocean Road or for an Otways camping experience. Here you can immerse yourself in nature and admire the rugged coastline from atop a ridge at sunset.

Parker Hill Campground

There are 20 campsites on these grounds, all of them are unpowered. If you are looking for a comfortable but scenic overnight stop during your Otways camping trip, here you can find toilets and a semi-private beach.

This is one of the best spots for camping on the Great Ocean Road to start or end your Otways camping experience. Here you can admire koalas, kangaroos, and much, much more wildlife. A climb down 300 steps will also take you from your tent to the beach!

Cost : $14.50

Aire River East and West Campgrounds

These two campsites, Great Ocean Road’s finest, located on the banks of the Aire River are incredibly scenic. Here you can find 40 unpowered campsites. Only some of these are suitable for large caravans and advance booking and payment are required.

The heritage-listed Aire River nearby makes this spot one of the favourites by fishing aficionados as here you can catch bream, salmon, mullet, trout, and much more! 

Johanna Beach Campground

If your dream is beach camping, Victoria has a few treats in store for you. One of these is the stunning Johanna Beach camping site. Here you can find 25 sites and drop-toilets but no showers or available drinking water. 

This is an incredibly popular spot for experienced surfers. Even if you are not too keen on surfing off an unpatrolled beach, don’t miss out on spending a night at the Johanna Beach camping site.

Private Campsites on the Great Ocean Road

While camping on the Great Ocean Road, sometimes, the limited facilities of free campgrounds can take a toll on you, especially during a long journey. This is why you might want to stop for a night or two at one of the many private (or paid) campsites on the Great Ocean Road.

camping along the great ocean road

Most of these will be able to supply useful services such as charging points and showers. But how do you pick the ones that are worth paying for? Let’s have a look at where to spend your money and get a good night’s sleep!

The Best Private Campsites

Private campgrounds offer the utmost comfort when it comes to camping. These are the best private campgrounds along the Great Ocean Road.

Killarney Beach Camping Reserve

With 15 powered and 53 unpowered campsites, a playground, BBQ sheltered facilities, and pet access, this is one of the most loved campsites towards the end of the Great Ocean Road by families and couples alike.

The beautiful Killarney beach is located only a stone’s throw from the campsite and Warrnambool and Port Fairy are just around the corner from your pitch.

Price : $30 powered / $25 unpowered

Princetown Recreation Reserve 

This is a great site if you have decided to live the ultimate Port Campbell camping experience. Aside from being located in an amazing spot near Port Campbell, this site boasts hot showers, powered and unpowered campsites, a playground, laundry facilities, and even a tennis court!

Located a short drive away from the scenic 12 Apostles, this is definitely the best one of campsites on the Great Ocean Road if you are planning an early morning visit to this natural marvel. And keep an eye out for the kangaroos that visit the camp often!

Price : $20 for unpowered /  $25 for powered. The site accepts cash only.

Timboon Recreation Reserve

While extremely cheap, this Port Campbell camping spot has everything you need: drinking water, toilets, dump point, and showers.

Its location within the stunning Timboon Recreation Reserve makes it unique. If you have only a few days left of your journey, this is the perfect base to explore Port Campbell and the 12 Apostles. From here, your next stop should be the nearby Peterborough camping site.

Price : runs on donations. The suggested price is $5

Cumberland River Holiday Park

Cumberland River Holiday Park offers cedar cabins as well as camping grounds. Here you can enjoy over 80 well-grassed unpowered sites. The grounds also offer hot showers at the price of 20 cents for 5 minutes of water.

Cumberland River Holiday Park is one of the few campsites on the Great Ocean Road that are built by the river edge and create a magical atmosphere just a few minute’s drive from Mount Defiance and Teddy’s Lookout points.

Price : from $40

Caravan Parks on the Great Ocean Road

If you are looking at finding the perfect mix between comfort and mesmerizing natural surroundings while camping on the Great Ocean Road, your choice should be staying at one of the many Caravan Parks that dot this stunning coastal stretch.

great ocean road caravan park

Most of the caravan parks on the Great Ocean Road are fully equipped to welcome any sort of travelers, from families to couples to solo travelers. Here you can always find a hot shower, playground, and, in some cases, laundry facilities. Keep in mind that in most of Great Ocean Road caravan parks booking in advance is recommended!

Kennett River Holiday Park

This Caravan Park offers great accommodation options for families or couples either powered or unpowered. This campsite does not accept pets, but it is one the most conveniently located if you are on an Apollo Bay to Torquay camping trip.

Surrounded by the Otways National Park and located a few minutes away from a pristine beach, this is one of the best spots for camping on Great Ocean Road just off the world-famous Kennett River Koala Walk.  

Price : $35 per night for a powered site, $41 for unpowered. Cabins start at $130 per night.

Port Campbell Holiday Park

If you need to relax in a great caravan park on the Great Ocean Road after a long day of hiking, the TV room, kitchen, and all the home comforts of this camp will make you feel like a new person in no time.

If you are looking at living the ultimate port Campbell camping experience, this is one of the greatest caravan parks on the Great Ocean Road. A short drive from this Port Campbell caravan park will take you to the heart of the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Arch, The Grotto, and the scenic Port Campbell Discovery Walk.

Price : $35 for a powered site, cabins start at $120

Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park

Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park offers one of the best views of all Great Ocean Road Caravan parks and it is composed of 5 different areas. Here you can find all the facilities you might need during your Lorne camping trip. Note, the Kia Ora Park is open only to permit holders.

Located just off the city center and a short drive away from the breathtaking Teddy’s Lookout, this Lorne caravan park is perfect to relax after a day of hiking, camping, Great Ocean Road tours, or outdoor activities.

Price : starts at $40

Anglesea Family Caravan Park

With a pool, kids’ playground, and a mini-golf course, this is one of the most loved caravan parks on Great Ocean Roads by kids and adults alike. If you prefer to do your food shopping in town, Anglesea is easily reachable with a few minutes’ walk.

Are you planning an Anglesea camping trip? There is no better way to start it than from this caravan park. Here you will be close to the world-famous Bells Beach and the beautiful Anglesea Heath. For the best experience, merge your trip with a Torquay camping detour or visit the nearby Aireys Inlet Holiday Park.

Price : $55 for powered sites, cabins start at $150

Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park

Located right in the heart of the town, this is a great caravan park if you are planning a Torquay camping holiday. Here you can enjoy an indoor game room, outdoor playgrounds, a kitchen, and cabins and pitches, a fishing platform, and clean bathroom facilities.

Located just off the town center and a few minutes drive from the iconic Bells Beach, this Caravan park is great regardless of whether you are an experienced surfer or not!

Price : Starting from $65

Apollo Bay Holiday Park

Apollo Bay Holiday Park is one of the most luxurious caravans parks on the Great Ocean Road and ready to exceed all the expectations you had from your Apollo Bay camping trip! Here you can enjoy a swimming pool, a new bathroom and kitchen facilities, and a kids’ playground.

As their motto states, they are the “only holiday parking within walking distance of the town center”. If you like to be at the center of the action throughout the day but be able to relax in pristine nature, this is the place for you!

Price : Starting from $100

Things to Consider While Camping the Great Ocean Road

While camping on the Great Ocean Road, there are a few things that you should keep in mind throughout your journey. Here are some tips to make your journey unforgettable!

Safety While Camping Along the Great Ocean Road

  • Phone reception: it can be particularly weak at times, especially because holiday parks and campsites, Great Ocean Road’s greatest asset, are often hidden away among nature. It is a good idea to travel with a radio, whistle, map, and compass.
  • Be wary of fires (Great Ocean Road): while camping in Great Ocean Road, fires are usually only a seasonal problem. Keep yourself updated about this issue throughout your journey.
  • Natural Surroundings : it is not uncommon to encounter snakes, spiders, koalas, and kangaroos while camping. While wild camping in Great Ocean Road’s area is not legal, in private or free campsites it is normal to be close to wildlife. Take all the precautions you need in this case, and opt for a rooftop tent to be safer!
  • Food and Water: not all the camping sites will have drinking water and food options, so make sure to have enough with you before stopping overnight.

Weather Along the Great Ocean Road Australia

  • Summer : Summer in Victoria is characterized by incredibly high temperatures. If you are looking at camping or sleeping in a tent this can make your trip much more difficult. Opt for a camping Great Ocean Road trip in Spring or Autumn for the best temperatures.
  • Winter: While it is never particularly cold, winter can bring strong winds and storms. If you are planning a camping holiday, it is recommended to use a caravan or motor-home instead then a tent at this time of the year.
Read Next: Great Ocean Road Weather and The Best Time to Visit

Pros of Camping the Great Ocean Road

  • Camping on the Great Ocean Road is the cheapest accommodation option in Victoria.
  • If you are traveling on a budget, free camping on the Great Ocean Road can reduce your expenditures.
  • You will be able to get face to face with the incredible wildlife of Victoria including kangaroos, koalas, platypus, glow worms, and much more.
  • You have the freedom to explore every corner of the Great Ocean Road at your own time.
  • The location of many of the camping sites allows you to spend a night in some of the most beautiful natural surroundings of Australia.

Cons of Camping Great Ocean Road

  • If you are looking at embarking on a Great Ocean Walk camping experience, you will need a camping permit for the whole length of your journey.
  • Some camping sites require a permit to stay the night or allow for only 1-night stays. Check with you accommodation in advance.
  • You will be subjected to weather conditions.
  • Especially free campsites on Great Ocean Road will offer limited facilities.
  • If halfway through your driving day you have decided to be camping, Great Ocean Road free campsites are bound to be particularly busy by late afternoon. 

The beautiful spots for camping on the Great Ocean Road have made Victoria a paradise for hikers, trekkers, and campers. Here there are accommodation options for anybody with a tent, caravan, motor-home, and RV.

Just don’t forget to book in advance or stop at your chosen free campsites on the Great Ocean Road in time to secure your place. Are you planning your Great Ocean Walk camping trip? Let us know!

Where is your favourite place to camp along the Great Ocean Road Australia?

Southern Right Whales

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The best camping sites along the Great Ocean Road

Simone Mitchell

Travel Journalist

30 October 2023

Time

Considered to be one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road gives you the opportunity to see the iconic 12 Apostles , get up close to native wildlife and take in iconic surf breaks, pristine rainforest and misty waterfalls.

The 243-kilometre stretch of road that runs between Torquay and Allansford is actually the world’s largest war memorial – it was built by return First World War servicemen and 2019 marked the centenary of commencement of construction.

Along the road you’ll discover beautiful little seaside towns with a rich maritime history and deserted beaches. Popular nature activities include bushwalking, surfing, mountain biking, canoeing and koala-spotting. There’s also excellent food and wine and shopping.

Don’t miss our Secret accommodation of the Great Ocean Road or the Secret Road Trips of the Great Ocean Road if you are looking for more Great Ocean Road tips.

The natural beauty of this area draws visitors from far and wide. To truly drink in the stunning scenery, camping is a great way to go.

Simon Williams at Great Ocean Road Adventure Tours has made a career out of introducing visitors to the best spots along this beautiful stretch of coastline. Here he shares some of his secret favourite camping sites with us.

1. Cumberland River Holiday Park

Just a short drive beyond the popular resort town of Lorne is this truly excellent camping spot . There is great bushwalking around the beautifully grassed camp site.

Walks from here are some of the best in the area and extend up into the Great Otway National Park. The beach opposite is spectacular and the river that runs through the campground has some great areas to relax in and cool down on hot summer days.

If pitching a tent doesn’t appeal there are some well-appointed cabins onsite.

camping great ocean road trip

Cumberland River Holiday Park

2. Jamieson’s Track Bush Campground

This is a very small campsite right near the ocean. It’s also free, which adds to its appeal. Note that it is very basic (i.e. no toilets, running water or barbecues), so you’ll need to come well prepared.

3. Eumeralla Scout Camp

This popular scout camp set in more than 300 hectares of beautiful natural bush is 35 kilometres from Geelong and two kilometres from the popular beach in Anglesea.

It’s an excellent spot if you’re into mountain biking.

The camp is set high on the cliffs and offers spectacular views of the ocean and the township of Anglesea.

As well as cabins and bunk dorms there are a couple of good bush camping sites where you can sleep under the stars.

camping great ocean road trip

Eumeralla is a popular scout camp by day

4. Marengo Holiday Park

This is a well-maintained park with good access to the beach and lovely views back towards nearby Apollo Bay.

It’s also dog-friendly and has good facilities. The shops of Apollo Bay are reasonably close which is handy if you’re not a well organised camper and you need to be close to supplies.

Marengo Holiday Park

Marengo Holiday Park offers as many bells and whistles as camping can

5. Kennett River Holiday Park

This part of the world is known as koala country, and you’re a good chance here (and at nearby Grey River) to spot a few of our furry friends. The beach at Kennett River has reasonable surf (particularly good for beginners) and the campground is set right across from the beach. There’s also a decent little cafe and store here.

Great Ocean Walk spots

If you want to get off the beaten track, Simon recommends the Great Ocean Walk, which runs between Apollo Bay and the 12 Apostles. Along the way you’ll discover some remote and rarely visited camping spots. Many of these are hike-in campsites and are fuel-stove only, you’ll also need to remember to bring your own drinking water and good hiking shoes.

You’ll need to get a camping permit at least two weeks before you start your hike here. Some of Simon’s favourite spots along this route are:

Blanket Bay campsite

This is basic, beautiful bush camping right on the beach . It’s remote and peaceful and there’s plenty of shade. It’s a popular spot for diving.

Aire River campsites

The beach here is spectacular and is a great place for canoeing, fishing and just sitting on the bridge as the sun goes down. There’s lots of birdlife and at one end you’re able to light fires.

Johanna beach campsites

This location is super popular with surfers as it’s one of the country’s best breaks. As such it’s considered to be one of the best beach camping spots along the Great Ocean Road. The 25-pitch campsite is tucked away behind sand dunes and has non-flushing toilets only.

Last but not least …

If you want to whale watch in Warrnambool: Logan’s Beach in Warrnambool is a hotspot for whale watching. Surfside Holiday Park is not far from Logan’s Beach and has powered and unpowered campsites available. There’s also a good camp kitchen and laundries (as well as cabins if you’re not up for pitching your tent).

camping great ocean road trip

Surfside Holiday Park is not far from Logan’s Beach

If you want to check out the world-famous Bells Beach surf break : The Jan Juc Caravan Park is about as close as you’re going to get. There are barbecues, powered and unpowered campsites and cabins available. Book early, as this spot is popular.

If you want to spend time at the 12 Apostles : Your best bet is to head to Port Campbell which is about 10 minutes away from this incredible natural wonder (and is also a good spot to stock up on supplies). The Port Campbell Recreation Reserve has some good amenities, hot showers, nice views of the Campbell Creek estuary and a decent camp kitchen.

camping great ocean road trip

Expect your basic camping facilities at Port Campbell Recreation Reserve

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Victoria Uncovered

Great Ocean Road Camping Guide: Unveilling The Best Spots!

This article may contain compensated links. For more information read our disclaimer here.

By Audrey Chalmers

Looking For Great Ocean Road Camping Tips?

Then you’re in the right place!

In this article, we share the top tips for camping on Great Ocean Road and everything you need to know for choosing a campsite.

We also point you in the right direction when it comes to finding the best campgrounds on Great Ocean Road.

Some of the best campsites are situated in the Otways just off the Great Ocean Road and you’ll find those here as well.

We live close to the Great Ocean Road and have explored the region inside and out, staying in all kinds of places.

This means we’ve gathered all the best insider tips which we can’t wait to share with you here.

If you’re thinking of camping on the Great Ocean Road there are some fantastic options when it comes to finding places to stay.

From nature-based free sites to holiday parks that have modern facilities and activities for children, there’s something to suit every traveller and budget.

So if you’re planning a trip camping on the Great Ocean Road, read our tips and advice below, and uncover our picks for the top campsites on the Great Ocean Road.

Plan Your Trip With These Self-Drive Itineraries:

  • 2 Day Great Ocean Road Trip
  • 3 Days On The Great Ocean Road
  • 4 Day Great Ocean Road Guide

Great Ocean Road camping beside a river at sunset. Two people are relaxing on camping chairs while admiring the view. There is a yellow tent and a white 4 wheel drive vehicle nearby.

Table of Contents

Best Time To Go Camping Along The Great Ocean Road

The best time for camping along the Great Ocean Road is in the warmer months from November to May when there’s much less chance of rain.

With that said summer can get very hot when you’re camping, so spring and autumn are good options if you’re staying in a tent.

After May the weather becomes much colder (by Australian standards). The worst thing in winter though isn’t the low temperatures, but the rain, which can cause muddy campsites.

Those with caravans and RVs will find it much more comfortable year-round, especially on windy and stormy winter days – just be careful not to get bogged!

👉 Planning a trip to the Great Ocean Road? Have any questions? Join our Great Ocean Road Travel Planning and Tips Facebook Group! It’s the perfect place to ask your questions and find inspiration for your trip!

Great Ocean Road Camping Essentials

  • Head Torch: Useful for finding your way around at night, find one with good battery life and a bright LED beam.
  • Gas Cooker: Boil water and cook warm meals with a reliable gas cooker.
  • Portable Solar Panel: Useful for when there is no power at a site; charge your devices like phones and cameras.
  • Water Filter: As many campsites only have rainwater, it’s important to have a filter to make clean drinking water.
  • Ground Cover
  • Camping Chair
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Rain Jacket
  • First Aid Kit

Things To Know

It’s important to follow the GOR camping rules and implement key safety precautions.

Due to potential limitations in mobile reception at campsites, make sure you inform someone of your whereabouts. And keep them updated when your plans change or you move to the next destination.

Stay informed about bushfires, learn to identify and avoid hazardous wildlife, and pack an adequate supply of food and water to ensure you’re prepared for emergencies. Don’t forget to bring a first aid kit.

The emergency number in Australia is 000.

Whether camping in a tent or caravan, make sure that doors and other openings are sealed to prevent entry by snakes and other creatures.

Additionally, don’t leave your shoes outside to stop insects from crawling inside them.

When camping the Great Ocean Road, always practice the ‘Leave No Trace’ principle. Many sites lack waste disposal facilities, so it is your responsibility to properly manage and dispose of your own rubbish.

Top Tip – although there are some free campsites (see below), it’s important to pay attention to signage where no overnight parking is allowed. The local police are quite strict with this and will enforce these rules.

A small green tent surrounded by gum trees in a Great Ocean Road campground. Free Great Ocean Road camping is a great way to save money when travelling in the area.

Dog-Friendly Camping

Several campgrounds and caravan parks accommodate dogs, although they may not permit them during peak times. It’s best to ask about pet policies before booking a caravan or campsite.

Please respect other campers and park owners by following the rules. That way everyone gets to enjoy the beautiful surroundings including your beloved pet.

Types Of Campsites

Some of the best camping on Great Ocean Road takes place on campsites run by the Victoria Parks service, while others are privately owned or free to camp at.

Choose between off-the-beaten-track sites in the small clearings of great forests, large family-friendly sites right on the beach, and strategically placed sites that make them a perfect overnight stop along the Great Ocean Walk.

Victoria Parks Campsites

Victoria Parks campsites are campgrounds managed by the park authorities.

They generally cost around $15 per site per night and are usually quite basic with no power and only essential facilities.

Private Campsites

Private campsites are another option that usually offers more amenities like powered sites and hot showers.

For something a little more comfortable, caravan parks are generally more expensive but they offer cabins, modern amenities, and things to do for the kids.

Free Campsites

Free camping on Great Ocean Road is also possible, but it’s less widely accepted than in other parts of Australia.

Only use designated free campsites – Great Ocean Road car parks and other public areas do not allow overnight parking.

Free camps don’t always have basic facilities, and they can be more difficult to get to as they are often located further inland.

Best Campsites On Great Ocean Road

Bimbi park- camping under koalas.

Koala sleeping in a tree along the Great Ocean Road. You can often see koalas when camping the Great Ocean Road.

Address: 90 Manna Gum Drive, Cape Otway 3233

Just off Lighthouse Road on Cape Otway, Bimbi Park is one of the best campsites on the Great Ocean Road.

Known as the place to ‘camp under koalas’, it’s a beautiful site surrounded by nature and wildlife.

There are play areas for the children, toilets and hot shower blocks, a camp kitchen, a laundry, and an onsite shop.

The tourist information point at the site is really helpful and offers track notes and shuttle services for the Great Ocean Walk.

As well as the choice between unpowered and powered camping sites, you can also opt to stay in a cabin.

Bimbi Park camping is fun for the whole family and a stay here won’t disappoint.

👉 Check Rates and Availability Here!

Port Campbell Recreation Reserve

Address: Desaily Street, Port Campbell 3269

Port Campbell Recreation Reserve is one of the best campsites Great Ocean Road has to offer due to its great location.

Located just off of Desailly Street in Port Campbell, it’s a great spot to explore the best sights of the national park, including the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

There are both unpowered and powered sites, toilets, a hot shower block, and a sheltered kitchen area.

You also have all the Port Campbell attractions, restaurants, and shops right on your doorstep. Camping prices start at $15, with an additional $10 for powered sites.

Bookings are only accepted for powered sites. Unpowered sites are taken on a “first in” basis.

Click here for more information.

Hammonds Road Campground

Hammonds Road Campground with grass campsites, firepits, picnic tables and a caravan parked amongst the trees. This is a popular spot for camping the Great Ocean Road.

Address: Hammonds Road, Wensleydale 3241

Hammonds Road Campground is a small Victoria Parks campsite that offers peace and quiet away from the crowds.

It is located 12 km inland from Aireys Inlet on a small dirt road that can be accessed by car, it’s also close to Wensleydale and Anglesea Heath.

There are 16 sites mainly for tents, with four pitches that can accommodate campervans and caravans.

Kangaroos can often be spotted hopping around the site and the surrounding bushland.

Click here for more information

Allenvale Campground

Allenvale Campground amongst the gum trees with a covered picnic table and a small green tent. A Victoria Parks campground near the Great Ocean Road.

Address: Allenvale Road, Lorne 3232

Allenvale Campground is just a 6-minute drive from the attractions in Lorne and it’s close to the St. George River Walk. Making it the ideal spot to set up camp for the night.

Allenvale Mill Campground offers drop toilets and 16 numbered pitches. It’s basic but the sites are well spaced out, and there’s a handy undercover area in the centre of the campground.

It only allows tents, and cars have to park a short distance away – so you will need to be able to carry all of your gear in.

Big Hill Track Campground

Campervan parked amongst huge gum trees at Big Hill Campground in the Otways, Great Ocean Road region of Victoria.

Address: Big Hill Track, Benwerrin 3235

Set in a small clearing in the forest , Big Hill is one of the most scenic camping sites on Great Ocean Road.

It’s a popular base for mountain biking, hiking, and relaxing in nature. There are non-flush toilets, fireplaces (bring your own firewood), and some tables and seats.

It’s not large with just 13 sites available for camping. Half are tents-only and the other half are available for campervans, caravans, and other vehicles.

It’s now run by the Victoria Parks Authority (it used to be one of the popular free camp grounds Great Ocean Road had on offer).

Caravan Parks On Great Ocean Road

For something a bit more upmarket, Great Ocean Road caravan parks offer many amenities, accessible locations, and friendly staff with helpful tips and advice about the local area.

There are plenty of caravan parks on Great Ocean Road to choose from, but here are some of the best.

Anglesea Family Caravan Park

Family relaxing on their deck at Anglesea Family Caravan Park one of the top-rated Great Ocean Road Caravan Parks.

Address: 35 Cameron Road, Anglesea 3230

Anglesea Family Caravan Park offers a beachside location, convenient access to Anglesea town, and a solar-heated swimming pool.

The location and facilities make this one of the best places to take the kids on a Great Ocean Road camping holiday.

Make use of the kitchen, mini golf course, giant jumping pillow, the basketball court, and multiple playgrounds.

They offer a variety of cabins and cottages, ranging from budget dog-friendly cabins to luxury cottages that include their very own spa.

As a Great Ocean Road Coast Caravan Park (managed by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority), all of your camping fees are directly reinvested back into the caravan parks, surrounding coastal reserves, and communities of the local area.

NRMA Port Campbell Caravan Park

Balcony with an outdoor setting and nature views at NRMA Holiday Park Port Campbell Victoria.

Address: 30 Morris Street, Port Campbell 3269

The NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park is in a great spot right next to Port Campbell Beach and town.

With plenty of restaurants and cafes within easy walking distance and top sights like the Twelve Apostles just a short drive away, you could easily spend your whole holiday at this caravan park.

The Port Campbell Caravan Park offers a range of accommodation options, including cabins, villas, powered caravan sites, and campsites.

They also offer school holiday activities to keep the kids entertained while you take time out to relax.

Marengo Holiday Park

Marengo Caravan Park cabin with a verandah and a small garden. There is a pink car parked in the allocated space beside the cabin.

Address: 15 Marengo Crescent, Marengo 3233

Marengo Holiday Park is another great option for families. Close to Apollo Bay, it’s well-maintained with modern facilities and has easy access to the beach.

One of its major selling points is that it’s close to the shops in Apollo Bay, which is great for last minute supplies or finding things to keep the kids busy.

There are unpowered and powered sites, as well as comfortable cabins with sea views.

Another bonus is that Marengo Family Caravan Park offers dog-friendly camping; Great Ocean Road holidays are the best when the whole family can come along!

Private Campsites On The Great Ocean Road

Private campsites usually have hot showers and better facilities, but still offer affordable overnight prices starting from as little as $15 per night.

Cumberland River Holiday Park

A tent and car sitting beside the river surrounded by nature at Cumberland River Campsite. A beautiful Great Ocean Road campsite.

Address: 2680 Great Ocean Road, Lorne 3232

Cumberland River Holiday Park is one of the best options for bushwalking, with paths that lead right into the Great Otway National Park.

There is a lovely river that runs right through the campground that’s great for cooling off and a beach opposite.

The grassed campsite is terrific for tents, but there are also cabins available.

Princetown Recreation Reserve

Address: 93 Old Coach Road, Princetown 3269

The Princetown Recreation Reserve is a quiet spot that has sites available at most times of the year. Even so, booking ahead is requested and it does get busy at Easter and Christmas.

There are both powered and unpowered sites, toilet facilities, a shower block with hot water, laundry facilities, and a children’s playground.

While the sheltered kitchen and barbecue area are handy if you’re travelling with limited cooking facilities. Firepits are available from reception outside the fire danger period and dogs are welcome too.

Just a 5-minute drive from the Twelve Apostles the reserve is well-located for exploring the Great Ocean Road area.

The Princetown Recreation Reserve charges $15 for an unpowered site for one person or $20 for two people, powered sites cost $20 for one person or $25 for two.

Bookings can only be made by phone.

Call Rebecca on 0457 198 662 to make a booking.

Timboon Recreation Reserve

Address: Curdies River Road, Timboon 3268

Timboon Recreation Reserve is a good option if you’re looking for an easy place to stop for the night, especially when other spots fill up in summer.

Located on the oval at the local football club, there’s ample space and flat ground for camping.

There are spaces for caravans, trailers, and tents and no booking is required – simply check in upon arrival and pay by card.

The amenities are clean and modern with hot showers. Payment can be taken 24/7 and it costs $20 per night per car or caravan.

Victoria Parks Great Ocean Road Campsites

Some of the very best Great Ocean Road campsites are run by the National Park Authority.

The Victoria Parks campsites on Great Ocean Road usually have prices of around $15.00 per site. It’s best to pre-book a pitch via the Parks Victoria website .

Note that many of these sites do not offer pet-friendly camping, Great Ocean Road dog-friendly sites like Marengo Holiday Park or some of the free camping spots are a better option for four-legged friends.

Blanket Bay Campground

Address: Blanket Bay Road, Cape Otway 3233

Blanket Bay Campground sits on the eastern side of Cape Otway, it’s another one of the most family-friendly Great Ocean Road camping sites.

The sheltered beach makes it a great spot for swimming and snorkelling along the intertidal reef.

Facilities are basic with 22 unpowered campsites, drop toilets, rainwater tanks, and picnic tables. Visitors are asked to bring their own drinking water and firewood.

Campsites are available for tents, camper trailers, campervans, and small vehicles but are unsuitable for caravans.

It gets very busy here so booking ahead is required, especially if you plan to visit the Great Ocean Road during December and January and on holiday weekends.

Parker Hill Campground

Address: Parker Hill Track, Cape Otway 3233

Parker Hill Campground is located on the southern edge of the Cape Otway peninsula, its hilltop location overlooks the beach and the Parker River estuary.

It’s a small and quiet site with 20 unpowered campsites, suitable for up to six people per site, with stringybarks providing shade for the pitches.

Take the 300 steps down into the sheltered cove below to find a secluded beach that’s ideal for fishing and rock pooling.

From the Parker Hill Camping Ground, Great Ocean Road, you can hike the Stringybark Track, a 3km loop walk that takes in some highlights of the area.

Aire River West Campground

Address: Sand Road, Glenaire 3238

Aire River Camping covers two camping grounds, Great Ocean Road visitors can expect basic facilities at both like rain-fed water tanks and drop toilets.

There are plenty of grassy picnic spots, and the river that separates the two can be followed all the way down to the beach.

There’s a good chance you’ll spot koalas, echidnas, and kangaroos in the area too.

Aire River West Campground is the larger of the two with more campsites and it’s better for caravans and groups.

Aire River East Campground

Address: Great Ocean Road, Horden Vale 3238

Aire River East Campground is more sheltered, making it the better option for tents.

The sites are unpowered like at the west site, and there is no phone reception at either campground.

It’s best to book these two sites online in advance as there is no reception and they are unmanned.

Free Camping Great Ocean Road

You can’t book free sites, just turn up and find a pitch when you arrive. When visiting a free campsite, Great Ocean Road travellers will need to bring all of their own supplies like fresh drinking water, toiletries, and firewood.

Stevensons Falls Campground

Campsite with tents at Stevensons Falls campground a popular spot for free camping on the Great Ocean Road at Otways region in Victoria.

Address: Roadknight Creek Road, Barramunga 3249

Stevensons Falls Campground is near the Upper Gellibrand Road off the Forrest-Apollo Bay Road in Barramunga.

The site is first come first served, but there’s plenty of space as there are around 50 unnumbered pitches available. There are drop toilets and fire pits available for use.

There’s lots to do in the area, making it one of the more popular camping spots Great Ocean Road has to offer, even though it is quite out of the way.

Take the walking trail for 1.5 km to Stevensons Falls, an easily accessible Otways waterfall, that begins from the far end of the camping area.

The town of Forrest is a short drive away and features a cafe and a local craft brewery.

Beauchamp Falls Campground

Grassed reserve at Beauchamp Falls Campground. There is a small red tent, a firepit and picnic table, and tall gum trees in the background. This is a popular spot for free camping in the Great Ocean Road area.

Address: Beauchamp Falls Road, Beech Forest 3237

Beauchamp Falls Campground has lovely views that overlook the pine plantations due to its elevation, and there’s also a good 4G phone reception (rare on free campgrounds).

It’s also quite exposed with little shade – something to keep in mind in hot weather.

It’s close to Otway sights like the Redwoods Forest, Hopetoun, and Beauchamp Falls.

The campground is located just opposite the visitor car park for the falls, so it can get busy with visitors during the day.

Aire Crossing Campsite

Address: Aire River Crossing Track, Johanna 3238

Aire Crossing Campsite is a peaceful and secluded campsite in the heart of the forest.

Just off of Halls Ridge Road in the Aire Valley, it’s close to popular sights like Triplet Falls and Otway Fly Treetop Adventures.

The site has untreated water as well as drop toilets. It’s only small with room for around five vehicles, so get here early to make sure to get a spot.

Panmure Campground

Address: 8830 Princes Hwy, Panmure 3265

Panmure Campground, Great Ocean Road, is another free place to camp, located northeast of Warrnambool.

Like a lot of the free campsites on the Great Ocean Road, you will need to bring your own drinking water.

You will find unallocated campsites, electrical stoves, a kitchen sink and wash area, a shelter, a children’s playground, and toilet facilities.

As an added bonus the Panmure Pub is within easy walking distance.

Dogs are allowed and there is good mobile phone service, but the site is located next to a main road so expect some traffic noise.

People cooking a meal on a camp fire beside a parked motorhome. Camping in a motorhome is a popular way to travel on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp along great ocean road.

Yes, you can camp along Great Ocean Road. There are privately owned campgrounds and caravan parks, free camps, and campsites run by the state park authority where you can pitch your tent or park your van or motorhome.

Can you camp for free at Great Ocean Road?

Yes, you can camp for free at Great Ocean Road. There are many free campsites in the Great Ocean Road area and the Otway National Park. Facilities are often limited at these camping sites but they’re often located in the most beautiful spots with walking tracks nearby. Booking is not necessary at free camps as they work on a first come first serve basis.

Do you need to book campsites on the Great Ocean Road?

Yes, you do need to book campsites on the Great Ocean Road if you are travelling during the peak season. Some campsites fill up a year in advance as camping is very popular with local families and tourists alike. The winter months are much less busy so booking in advance is not necessary at that time. You do not need to book free camps as they operate on a first come first served basis.

Is Great Ocean Road safe for caravans?

Yes, the Great Ocean Road is safe for caravans if the driver takes care and follows the road rules. Every day caravans, motorhomes, and huge tour buses travel this stretch of road without incident. Although there is just one lane going in each direction, there are plenty of bays big enough for a car towing a van to pull over and let others pass. Always remember to drive on the left in Australia.

Like Some More Great Ocean Road Inspiration?

  • Discover the best waterfalls in the Otway N.P : Beauchamp Falls, Hopetoun Falls, Erskine Falls…
  • Accommodation Guides: Cottages in the Otways, Anglesea stays, where to stay in Port Campbell
  • Travel guide to the best Otways things to do,
  • What to see in Torquay and where to eat in Torquay

We hope you’ve found these Great Ocean Road camping tips useful in selecting a suitable campsite for your trip.

Whether you prefer nature-based free sites or well-equipped holiday parks, there are excellent options for every type of camper.

Recommended:

  • 9 Best Warrnambool Beaches: Don’t Miss These!
  • 21 Fun Things To Do In Portland Victoria
  • 7 Of The Best Warrnambool Markets
  • 21 Unmissable Things To Do In Port Fairy
  • 13 Must-Visit Grampians Wineries
  • 31 Best Things To Do In Halls Gap

camping great ocean road trip

Audrey grew up in Victoria and travelled the world but she always called Victoria home. She loves nothing more than exploring her home state and sharing it here.

great ocean road view

The Best Great Ocean Road Camping Grounds [Free & Paid]

A list of great camping sites along the Great Ocean Road (free & paid)

*It is important you find out about the restrictions and conditions for the place you are traveling to. You should do this before booking or leaving your home.

Exploring the scenic Great Ocean Road is a bucket list item for many adventurers (near & far). A Great ocean road camping road trip however is perhaps one of the best ways to explore this rugged coastline.

So if you are looking for the best campgrounds to explore ( known & lesser-known) you’ve come to the right place!

How to get there?

The Great Ocean Road is an iconic road on the South-Western coast of Victoria. It begins in Torquay and ends in Allensford , you’ll have 238 Kilometers of gorgeous views along the B100 Highway. The campsites listed here are scattered along this route.

Only 90 minutes from Melbourne City Center and your adventure truly begins. Have your camera ready because the scenery and memories will last a lifetime!

Best time of year to go Camping on the Great Ocean Road

While traveling the Great Ocean Road remember that even though you may have the perfect campsite picked out, you should always have a backup site as well.

During peak season (December - February) reserve your site whenever possible and send a scout ahead if you can, leave early and claim your little piece of paradise within nature and enjoy. 

The best time of year to avoid crowds is between September and November. Enjoying the natural wonders of this route is what it’s all about and the journey can be just as fun as the destination.

June through August will have fewer water activities on the Great Ocean Road but some might enjoy the minimal traffic more. 

Once you’ve picked a destination on the Great Ocean Road you can begin planning and preparing for what you’ll see and encounter along the way.

This article aims to assist in your planning by giving key insight into the locations listed below.

We’ll provide locations for both the rugged off roader and the glamping enthusiast all while letting you know what to expect once you arrive and nearby attractions.

6 Top Unpowered Sites Along the Great Ocean Road Suitable for Campers & Camper Trailers with Easy Access

1. tanners camp: serenity camping.

2WD & 4WD Accessible All Year Round

Amenities: Pit Toilets, Large Rig Accessible, Designated Tent Space Available, Dog Friendly

Not Available: Electricity, WiFi, Kitchen Area, Restaurants, Showers, Water (portable or otherwise), Sewage Dumping Station

Before you hit the road be sure to enjoy the surf culture in Torquay and stock up on any last-minute items. Free camping along the Great Ocean Road used to be bountiful before the masses of eager Instagram-driven visitors discovered this beautiful coastline.But there are still a few key locations that are not far from the ocean or controlled by Parks Victoria .

A bumpy road leads to a clean bush camp with long drop toilets, picnic tables, and plenty of even ground for your tent or parking a large rig. Ensure you arrive early because it’s a bit tight on space and big rigs will be limited for turnarounds.

Best to take Tanners Road in because Gherang road is a bog during the wet months and there’s a possibility of getting trapped.                     

This easily accessed location is a pet-friendly site so you and your fur babies are always welcome to enjoy peaceful nights.

Tanners Camp has four horse holding yards and a couple of hitching posts for the larger family members.

Plenty of fire pits are available to tell scary stories around in the evening hours while cooking a delicious meal .

During the day many visitors to Tanners Camp head out to enjoy the trails on their mountain bikes all while having a cozy retreat when returning from a day of fun.

2. Mount Cowley: Your Elevated Escape

Amenities: Large Rig Accessible, Tent Space Available, Dog Friendly

Not Available: Electricity, WiFi, Kitchen Area, Restaurants, Showers, Water (portable or otherwise), Pit Toilets, Sewage Dumping Station

Bring your 4WD vehicles for fun and your 2WD friends can join you at camp!

This true rainforest campsite sits over 500 meters up and will be a scenery upgrade for anyone that ascends to the summit.

Beyond the “4WD only” sign you’ll stumble into an open field awaiting your arrival. Ensure you bring everything with you because amenities are scarce here.

2WD access roads all the way to the summit tower when it's the dry season. When it's the wet season, a winch and mud tires are a must. 

Cell reception is minimal so having a booster and solar energy could come in quite handy for this adventure. The view is minimal at the top of Mount Cowley near the tower so be sure to chase adventure and not scenic elevated views.

Due to the abundance of critters and visitors at the campsite, this is a wildlife photographer's dream. With your tripod and batteries ready to go, you’re sure to capture some amazing shots.If you’re feeling extra adventurous, Mt Cowley Track is a 1 km popular green dirt/gravel road family-friendly trail located near Deans Marsh. This multi-use trail can be used in both directions and has an easy overall physical rating with a 35 m green climb. On average it takes 10 minutes to complete this trial.

Due to recent wildfires, a lot of the area was badly burned, but seeking out beauty is not lost on a 17-minute drive from Mount Cowley to Erskine Falls . One of the most visited waterfalls due to its excellent trail and photogenic scenery, it’s easy to see why this is a must-visit.

3. Kennett River Holiday Park: Glamping Made Easy

All Vehicle Accessibility Year Round

Amenities: Electricity At Sites, WiFi (slow), Kitchen Areas, Restaurants, Water (non-potable), Showers, Pit Toilets, Large Rig Accessible, Designated Tent Space Available, Dog Friendly

Not Available: Sewage Dump Station

If glamping is more your style and you want all that a relaxing atmosphere has to offer, this TOP chain park is where it’s at. Halfway between Lorne and Apollo Bay you’ll find that Koalas, kookaburras, parrots, and other native wildlife enjoy this sheltered location amongst the gum trees.

Be sure to make your reservations in advance because Kennett River is a hot spot during the holiday season. Visiting the Kennett River’s own Kafe Koala is a popular stop for international travelers from all over the world so be sure to check it out when you’re in the area.

Clean restrooms, washing machines, barbeques, and WiFi all the while being surrounded by nature and the calming sounds of the ocean. It’s a relaxation dream in the making.

The Telstra reception will be the only thing missing from the glamping paradise just off the Great Ocean Road. Don’t forget to visit some Koalas.

4. Aire Crossing Campsite: Waterfall Adventure

Most areas 2WD Accessible During Dry Season & 4WD Accessible During Wet Season

Amenities: Water (non-potable), Pit Toilets, Large Rig Accessible, Designated Tent Space Available

Not Available: Electricity, Showers, WiFi, Kitchen Areas,  Restaurants, Sewage Dump Station, Not Dog FriendlyAfter the turn onto Aire Settlement Road, you’ll find free camping next to the Aire River. Roughly 11Km later you’ll find yourself among the rainforest and all the peace that comes with it. Be sure to bring potable water and any other amenities you might need because this site is the bare minimum.

Down the Phillips track, you will find the well-groomed campsite. Although it states 4WD only, most any vehicle can endure the journey during the dry season.

This Beech forest is full of waterfalls and excellent picnic areas to enjoy your escape from the hustle and bustle of life.

The Great Otway National Park rarely disappoints and this campground is no exception.A simple getaway with simple amenities like long drop toilets and non-potable water will keep you humble as you enjoy family and friends around the fire pit.

5. Colac Tree Road: Raw Wild Nature Site

Amenities: Dog Friendly

Not Available:  Electricity, WiFi, Kitchen Areas, Water, Showers, Pit Toilets, Large Rig Accessible, Designated Tent Space Available, Restaurants, Sewage Dump Station

Less than 2 Kilometers down Colac Tree Road is a clearing on this nice tree logging road. The surrounding tracks are posted as four-wheel drive tracks but during most of the year are fully accessible by 2WD vehicles. Be sure to check the weather before heading out so you can enjoy your holiday and stay dry.    

Milanesia Beach is a short drive from camp but well worth the drive and 1.7Km walk. The stunning cliff sides and open ocean will have you leaving your woes behind.

If you’re feeling like a good hike would clear your mind, take a look at this section of the Great Ocean Walking trail . Believe me when I say the scenery is worth the journey. A good portion of the trail is wheelchair accessible so everyone can enjoy this adventure.

If you still need to stay in touch with civilization, have no fear, Telstra reception is fairly decent in the area.

6. Princetown Recreation Reserve

Reservations : First come first served

Unpowered: 10/ Person Powered: 15/ person Cash Only

Amenities: Electricity, Showers, Water (non-potable), Running Water Toilets, Large Rig Accessible, Tent Space Available, Dog Friendly on lead. Not allowed at the beach

Not Available: WiFi, Kitchen Areas, Restaurants, Sewage Dump Station

This sea-level oasis will have all the amenities for the family to have that long-awaited vacation. Only 6 Km East from 12 Apostles , adjacent the Gellibrand River.

Park your rig and turn the kids loose to enjoy the playgrounds. 

Hot showers, running water, and pet-friendly, this site can allow you to escape while still being in touch with real life.

Just off of Old Coach Road you’ll be greeted with all your new friends during peak season because this campground is a popular one with the holiday crowd. 

All sites are first come first served so be sure to arrive early because reservations are not allowed and the campground location fills up quickly.

When visiting you’re sure to see mobs of Kangaroos in the area so be sure not to leave food out. A list of rules and regulations can be found here

kangaroo and joey on the pouch

With all this campground has to offer, you’re sure to enjoy yourself and secure memories for years to come.

With the Gellibrand River being in close approximation to the Reserve you can enjoy a long day kayaking, hiking, or fishing all while returning to your comfortable retreat back at camp.

5 More Great Ocean Road Camping Sites Worth Visiting Managed by Parks, VIC

1. aire river west campground.

Aire River West has many campgrounds, it’s an open, large flat area located on the banks of Aire River. It’s perfect for large groups, it has 40 campsites catering for large caravans to tents and everything in between. A great family campsite with heaps of birdlife around the wetlands. It’s an awesome spot for fishing & canoeing, while only a 15-min walk to Glenaire beach!

Bookings are essential for the site, so get in early and claim your turf.

bird view at wetlands

2. Sharps camping area

Sharps track campground is a very basic no thrills camping area in the Otway National Park, vic Australia. It’s a 15-min walk away from Sheoak picnic area where you’ll find flush toilets & bbq facilities. This is actually a free campsite and 4WD access only. Note there are only 6 campsites, and only 3 are suitable for camper trailers or caravans. It’s a first come, first serve basis.

3. Blanket Bay Campground

This is a fantastic campground for the whole family. Blanket Bay Campground is in the middle of the forest right on the coastal shores of Cape Otway. This sheltered bay is perfect for swimming, exploring the rockpools teeming with marine life while checking out the Koalas in the trees. There are 22 unpowered campsites suitable for tents, camper trailers, campers or other RV’s.

sleeping koala on the tree

4. Johanna beach campground

Johanna Beach camping ground is run by Victoria Parks and offers 25 paid unpowered campsites. It's often used as a hub for hikers and experienced surfers (this is an unpatrolled beach). It's surrounded by pristine rainforest on one side and sand dunes on the other. Be sure to book in advance, as it can get quite busy at peak times.

5. Big hill track camping area

This camping site is just inland about 14mins from Lorne via Deans Marsh Rd. It used to offer free sites however these days you need to book in advance on the Parks VIC website and get a camping permit.The big hill camping area has basic toilet facilities, shared fireplaces, and picnic tables. It seems like quite a small campground but the sites are scattered through the trees with a mixture of tent-only sites and camper-trailer & caravan sites. This place is great for bird watching, exploring the mountain bike trails, or four-wheel driving.

Things to do on the Great Ocean Road

Before you go camping though, it's a good idea to plan out your adventure around some must-visit locations that you'd be kicking yourself if you missed.

Check out these 4 must-visit attractions on the great ocean road.

Twelve Apostles

twelve apostle scenery great ocean road victoria

The Twelve Apostles are one of the most iconic wonders along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, as it is best known for its famous limestone stacks right on the coast. The twelve Apostles don't have any campgrounds as it is far too windy, however about an hour drive away is Apollo Bay with many options.

Great Otway National Park

garden track great otway national park

The Great Otway national park provides fantastic views of beautiful forests, coastal heathlands, wild rocky shores, and windswept cliff tops.

Great Ocean Walk

ocean walk aerial

The Great Ocean Walk weaves its way through the Great Otway National Park.

Why not explore the great ocean walk on your own at your own pace? You can easily stay in comfortable accommodation with excellent local meals, or pitch a tent at a wild and picturesque campground along the way.

The full Great Ocean walk is just over 100km (about 3 days walk), but feel free to put together your own plan with a short walk or a full day walk.

apollo bay view

Apollo Bay is ­a busy fishing port that offers great ocean views from the hills. The main attraction in this small town is the Great Ocean road itself. Offering great dining, a selection of stores, and access to the 100km Great Ocean Walk which extends 100km from Apollo Bay and the twelve apostles. Explore the rock pools around the cliffs.

Holiday Parks / Caravan parks offering Powered and Unpowered Campsites

If you are looking to recharge (batteries) with powered sites or a few more facilities provided by paid campsites in between the more remote facilities on your camping holiday, then these camping sites will tie you over. Don't forget to top up your drinking water, leverage the BBQ facilities and have a hot shower!

Cumberland river holiday park

Cumberland river holiday park requires a notable mention, because it offers a wide variety of accommodation with facilities to boot, not to mention many campgrounds right on the Cumberland rivers edge. It's about 15min southwest drive along the great ocean road from Lorne

Marengo holiday park

Marengo holiday park is 2km outside the Apollo Bay township and is perfect for families with Caravans & Camper trailers. It's situated right on the beach off the Great Ocean Road.

Port Campbell recreation reserve

Okay, not a holiday park, but great for Caravans & Campers. Port Campbell recreation reserve is on the outskirts of Port Campbell township, it's a pet-friendly great pit spot with free hot showers hidden amongst the bush! Sometimes they close for renovations, be sure to always check their website. For unpowered sites, no bookings are required.

Timboon Recreation Reserve

This isn’t technically a holiday park either, but it is a useful lay over if you are on an extended trip. While a little more inland from the Great Ocean Road, the timboon recreation reserve is also a showground and there is a $20 fee payable over the phone. It is about 30 minutes from the 12 Apostles and is a great place to access showers, top up your own drinking water, and offers a refuge for larger RVs and Caravans.

With all the possible locations the Great Ocean Road has to offer for both 2WD & 4WD campgrounds, we hope this article provided some insight to a few new locations you might not have known about along perhaps one of the most scenic coastal drives on the planet.

Remember, You may have a superb location picked out and find a better one along the way. That's what travel and adventure are all about! Be on the lookout for new camps

Plan and prepare for almost any situation that may arise to include weather, restrictions, vacancy, and activities. 

We hope you enjoy your next holiday whether it's living large in one of our Trayon campers or the simple living of a ground tent. Life can be both about the journey and the destination. Outside of lockdown, get out there and explore!

P.S. If you're looking for more 4 Wheel Drive campsites in Victoria, check out our VIC 4WD Touring Guides .

Be sure to leave no trace, enjoy the ride, and stay safe.

*All information herein was gathered from the various linked websites and personal encounters as of 21JUL21. Please be advised to do your own research and use this article strictly as a guide on your next adventure.

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Home » A 3-day Camping Trip on Great Ocean Road: The Best Way to Take in the Incredible Australian Coast. [UPDATED FOR 2024]

A 3-day Camping Trip on Great Ocean Road: The Best Way to Take in the Incredible Australian Coast. [UPDATED FOR 2024]

Nic (The Roaming Renegades) - Last updated on January 15th, 2024 at 4:07 pm

camping great ocean road trip

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Great Ocean Road History This incredible 243 km

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One of the highlights of our year spent in Australia and our 7 months living in Melbourne has to be The Great Ocean Road, an icon of not just Victoria but of Australia in general and something people flock from the other side of the world to experience. Living in Melbourne has meant we’ve been able to come down here on several occasions, some on overnight camping trips and others just for the day. That means we are in a position to advise how long you should spend on Great Ocean Road and where we think the best stopping off points for sightseeing, experiences and camping are. Here’s our three day Great Ocean Road itinerary!

Great Ocean Road History

How long should i spend on great ocean road, tips for camping on great ocean road, tips for driving on the great ocean road, our 3-day itinerary for the best way to explore great ocean road: both the well know and more obscure spots., day 1: set off from melbourne, visit torquay and the first section of the road, torquay/ bells beach, the memorial arch.

  • Airey's Inlet

Day 2: Spot wild Koalas and explore Lorne and Cape Otway

Erskine falls:, see wild koalas at kennett river:, w.b godfrey wreck and artillery rocks at separation creek, take in the several amazing viewpoints as you make your way along the road, day 3: get an early start and take in the 12 apostles, loch ard gorge and the rugged coast.

  • Gibson's Steps

The Twelve Apostles

Loch ard gorge, london arch and the grotto, head back to the city along the coast or via the higher inland roads, can i do it in a day, book a tour here, book your accommodation here, what are your tips for a three-day great ocean road itinerary .

This incredible 243 km long coastal stretch is not only one of the most impressive spans of road in the world, but it is also an amazing piece of construction and historically significant. Starting around the seaside towns of Anglesea and Torquay the road winds its way around some of Australia’s most impressive coastline, from sweeping beaches to rugged cliffs and jagged sea stacks when it reaches the Port Campbell national park towards its end. The road was created between 1919 and 1932 in tribute to those who fell during the First World War and is the largest war memorial in the world. It was also a way of connecting several isolated rural communities that existed along the coast cut off from the rest of the state.

How long is a piece of string! We’ve done a 3 day camping trip twice and done two day trips too! So really you could easily spend a week on Great Ocean Road and not see everything or at least have more time to spend at each spot and truly take it in. Having said that, if you are pushed for time you can see the main places in a day but you will have to start VERY early, you will be pushed for time and it will be a LONG day, you will also want to go in the summer to maximise sunshine hours! We did add it to our recent  Melbourne 5 Day Itinerary post but we recommend probably taking a tour if you do a day trip!

Read about the other amazing day trips from Melbourne here:  The Most Incredible Day Trips to Take from Melbourne, Australia

For us the best way to see Great Ocean Road is over a 3 day camping trip where you can break it down into three main sections and camp over in some great spots which allow you to get on the road early and beat the crowds. You can rent out a station wagon and sleep inside, a camper van or a tent, either are great options for our Great Ocean Road itinerary but it can get cold during the winter!

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Download Wiki Camps, it does cost you £5 but it is an invaluable resource in finding places to camp. It is illegal to just pull up in a car park or by the side of the road and camp overnight on Great Ocean Road and with it being quite popular they do clamp down on it more than other areas in the country. If you get caught you will get a hefty fine! There are many places to camp along the road but quite a few are overpriced so it’s best to plan out your Great Ocean Road itinerary.

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Some great places to camp are:

The Barwon River Reserve, Winchelsea. This is free but a little out of the way and inland. Apollo Bay Rec reserve costs $25 a night for 2 adults unpowered, had a kitchen, showers, toilets etc. Princetown Rec reserve, same as above. If you are willing to go more inland and use Wiki camps you can find free places to camp that are pretty basic.

Make sure you bring along plenty of camping equipment, cooking gear and camp furniture, warm bedding and food as there are plenty of great places to pull up and eat but some of the cafes and supermarkets can be overpriced.

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Book Your Campervan

camping great ocean road trip

Best Place to Book A Campervan

Renting a campervan is a great way to explore the world with your own transport & accommodation all rolled into one!

We love Spaceship Campervans and they offer various different options for different budget too.

Watch your speed and your driving. Speed limits change around corners and where there are towns and many of these do have speed camera/ speed traps. The roads here a winding and tight so the limits are for good reason. Plus, there’s no need to speed when you want to take your time and take it all in. But plan your timing ahead to avoid rushing.

Rent out a good quality car with brakes that have been serviced! Equally, if you’re taking your own car then be sure it’s in a good condition to tackle the roads, plus breaking down along here is a major hassle and expensive!

Take your time and stop at some of the smaller lesser known spots along the way. But also be very careful where and how you pull over and pull back out again. It might be best to park somewhere and walk. Also be mindful of wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies and koalas that live along the road and can appear without warning on the roads!

Day one on the Great Ocean Road itinerary you will be setting off from Melbourne, the beginning of the road starts around Anglesea but the first leg should take you to the surfing mecca of Torquay and Bells Beach. This is around 104 km from Melbourne CBD and should take 1hr 30mins and is a perfect stop off point.

Bells Beach is the home of the world’s oldest continual Surf competition and is a world-famous break. In the nearby town of Torquay is where the world-famous surf company Ripcurl was founded and is still home to many outlet stores of big surf and skate brands. The town and beaches are a perfect place to take a surf lesson or just to take in the surf culture and beautiful surroundings. It is also a great place just to hang out, get something to eat and has a very young and hipster vibe about the town, if you know Melbourne, it’s like Fitzroy by the sea!

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The arch marks the official start of the Great Ocean Road and is a perfect place to pull over and reflect on the significance of the road before enjoying it. The arch is the gateway to the Great Ocean Road and is a memorial to the 3,000 returned soldiers who worked tirelessly to create this memorial to those who didn’t make it back and a perfect first stop on our Great Ocean Road itinerary.

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Airey’s Inlet

Growing up I always wanted to visit Australia, probably in large part to the fact that we would watch “Round The Twist” before school and “Neighbours” in the afternoon after classes! Well the famous lighthouse that features in the opening credit of “Round The Twist” is the Split Point Lighthouse at Airey’s Inlet. The lighthouse itself dates back to 1891 and for years has been helping ships negotiate this dangerous coastline in what was considered a remote location at the time. Now many people come to see not only the famous lighthouse but also the beautiful town and coast that surrounds it. 

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Drive inland up to the little village of Winchelsea and free camp at the The Barwon River Reserve. It’s a pretty basic set up by the river, it has areas to sit and eat and some public toilets.

If you don’t mind paying for your camp, there are some amazing campsites around Torquay and Anglesea. Be sure to ring up beforehand and secure your spot, especially in peak times.

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Day two of our Great Ocean Road itinerary starts in the wonderful little seaside town of Lorne. This is one of our favourite places to stop off on Great Ocean Road. Firstly the town is a lovely place to grab some food and just sit by the beach with your fish and chips! Exploring the pier and coast around here could easily take up half a day. But the real highlight of Lorne is Teddy’s Lookout just above the town. The short but steep drive inland reveals an incredible viewpoint out over the turquoise waters and gives you a Bird’s Eye perspective of the twists and turns this amazing roads takes as it wraps around this landscape.

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Just inland from Lorne is one of Victoria’s most impressive waterfalls. Plunging an incredible 30m into the lush rainforest that surrounds it, it is a great side trip from the coast and a nice change of scenery on a Great Ocean Road itinerary. There are two vantage points you can take the falls in from, the higher which is a short stroll from the carpark or the lower viewpoint which requires you to walk up and down almost 250 steps but leaves you with amazing views at the base of the falls.

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Another great spot to stop off at as you make your way along The Great Ocean Road is the little village of Kennett River. In itself there isn’t really much around here, though there is a nice caravan park if you did want to stop the night. However the big attraction are the wild koalas that call the gum trees around here home. We’ve been three times and at least spotted  one Koala each time and often many more, it’s a great place to see Australian animals in the wild . Seeing as these docile little fur balls are pretty slow, they seem to hang around here and often stay in the same tree for weeks, making them pretty easy to spot! There are also often many local birds and parrots around here too making it a great place to spot come classic Aussie wildlife, which is a must on your Great Ocean Road itinerary.

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These two spots probably aren’t ones you will find on most Great Ocean Road itinerary plans and the truth is we just stumbled on them by accident. But what we did find are two spots of exceptional beauty that you will likely have all to yourself or share with a couple of locals fishing!

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The first is the wreck of the W.B Godfrey which crashed in 1891. The coast around here isn’t know as the Shipwreck Coast for nothing and was famous as an exceptionally dangerous last stretch of water before making it to Melbourne. Many ships had travelled months from England only to run aground is rough weather so close to their destination. Though no one died in this wreck, 5 lost their lives on 3 different salvage attempts before the wreck was left to the sea. Today at low tide the anchor and several other pieces of the ship can still be seen.

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Probably our favourite off-the-beaten-track stop on The Great Ocean Road is Artillery Rocks. We initially just stopped here on our first trip down the road to stretch our legs but soon noticed the strange rock formations below. Named after the strange cannon ball-like rock formations that seem to magically float on the sandstone rock shelf it resembles an alien landscape more than the Australian Coast. The formations here have been sculpted, carved, pitted and formed over thousands of years of weathering to form this beautiful and surreal landscape.

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The area along the road from Lorne towards where it cuts in at the Otway National Park has many great viewpoints and stop off you can take along the way. This section of the road will probably be the slowest as around each corner there will be yet another inlet to jump out of and snap a few photos. Some of the best are Mt. Defiance lookout and Cape Patton Lookout. However most aren’t sign posted and are usually spotted at the last minute! There are many little beaches too along here that make a wonderful place for a dip. The town of Apollo bay is also a lovely little place to eat, get supplies and relax.

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After a long day exploring the section of the road around Lorne you have two options and the road down cuts inroad and through the Otway National Park.

You can choose to stay in Apollo bay at the recreational reserve for $25 per couple unpowered and then make an early start in the morning towards the 12 Apostles 83 km away which should take around an hour. Apollo Bay is a great place to stay due to it being a mid way hub along the road with lots of facilities and a great seaside town vibe. If you have time it’s a nice place to stop during the day on your Great Ocean Road itinerary.

Another option if you have time is to push on through the Otway National Park and head to Port Campbell Recreational Reserve which is also $25 per couple unpowered. This is a great little site situated on an oval and often full of wild kangaroos, it is also only 6.7km away from the 12 Apostles which makes it a great base for getting an early start on this section of the road. There are also a few trails around here and coastal walks if you make it before night falls, so bringing some hiking equipment with you is always advised!

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Gibson’s Steps

Now, down the far end of the Great Ocean Road, on the third day of this epic adventure, we are getting to what everyone comes here to see! But as a prelude to the main event is a smaller stop-off called Gibson’s Steps. The unique thing about this section of the towering cliffs along this section of the road is that beach level can be reached via a set of steps clinging to the side of the cliff wall. Descending down here you really get a sense of the scale of these giant cliffs and the sea stacks that sit out from them. From here you can take in Gog and Magog, two stacks not considered part of the 12 apostles but just as impressive and a perfect stop on our Great Ocean Road itinerary. 

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The Twelve Apostles are just over 1 km down the road from Gibson’s Steps and are undoubtedly the most famous feature of this magnificent road. This means they get busy, so heading to this spot as early in the day as possible is a must, the sun is also on the stacks themselves in the morning too and it sets behind them in the evening.

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These incredible feats of natural engineering where always one of the reasons we wanted to come to Melbourne, but seeing them with our own eye we could never have imagined just how spectacular they are in person. Curiously there were never twelve sea stacks here having been renamed from a probably less catchy “ Sow and Pigs”. 

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In fact there were only ever nine stacks here and today only eight remain after the last one dramatically collapsed in 2005. The coastline here is ever changing and another could fall into the sea at any moment, however with the coastline eroding too it is likely more stacks will also be created in the future.

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Just a touch further down the road is my favourite spot on the whole Great Ocean Road, even more stunning than the 12 apostles themselves in our opinion, is the Loch Ard Gorge. This picturesque spot is home to many different rock formations and features that create some impressive and beautiful coves, caves and stacks. If you add anywhere on your Great Ocean Road itinerary it has to be this spot!

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Named after the clipper ship, the Loch Ard, which ran aground nearby killing all but two of the 54 passengers who had just made the arduous 3 month journey from England it is a peaceful spot to explore. Here you can climb the stair down into the narrow rock opening where the incredibly blue ocean gently laps against this naturally sheltered section of this unforgiving coastline. It really is an incredibly place to visit.

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Nearby on the same section of coast are many short walks which provide again some of the best views along Great Ocean Road. A favourite of ours is the Island Archway lookout, a one time sea arch which collapsed to form two stacks now named Tom and Eva, the two survivors of the Loch Ard wreck. Other places of note are the impressive Razorback formation, the mutton Bird Lookout as well as many others that can be seen from the walks around this area.

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Further down the road just on from the town of Port Campbell is another spectacular feature of this coast line, the London Arch and a must do on your Great Ocean Road itinerary. This incredible natural arch was at one time a double span natural bridge that connected to the coast line and was known as “London Bridge”. The connecting section of rock collapsed in dramatic form with two hikers trapped on top of the now newly formed island in 1990. The two men were stranded for hours and eventually were rescued by helicopter, thankfully no one was injured and the new feature was renamed “London Arch”.

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Another great little spot to stop off at and to round up a fantastic day is “The Grotto”, an enchanting part cave, part arch way, it is a beautiful rock pool that many miss out on being a little road weary on this leg of the journey!

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Now your 3 day adventure of the Great Ocean Road is complete!! You can now either stay another night at Port Campbell and leisurely head back to the city in the morning back along the road, stopping off in the Otway National Park if you have time or at some of the spots you might have missed.

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Or you can head straight back to the city on the inland roads which is around 245 km and takes just under 3 hours. After such a hectic and adventurous day you’ll be needing a day spa in Melbourne CBD and a well deserved coffee down one of the cities famous laneways !

If you are headed for South Australia as we were on our first visit to the Great Ocean Road you could push on to Mt Gambier just over the state border and stay at the showgrounds here for $15 unpowered before continuing on to Adelaide in the morning. This too is around 245 km away. A good midway point would be Warrnambool if you are pushed for time.

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Yes and no. It is possible to plan a Great Ocean Road itinerary from Melbourne, but it is an awfully long day with a very early start, we usually set off at 5 am and the drive out to The 12 Apostles is around 3 hours and is where you will most likely want to start. In order to do it in a day you will need to plan things out a little more and pick out the places you really want to see, spend a little time there and move on. One benefit to taking a day trip is not having to find places to stay or drag along camping equipment and of course spending less money on multi-day car or van rentals.

We will be writing a more detailed one-day Great Ocean Road itinerary soon for those on a shorter time scale.

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11 comments

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I stumbled across your website and was excited at all the information you have made available for the Great Ocean Road. Very nice blog, you’ve got it all covered.

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Thank you very much, we love this area of Victoria!

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Love the Great Ocean Road! We too did it on a budget but couldn’t stay in the NP because we have a dog but other great places to camp. Did you visit Port Campbell? Such a cute little seaside town.

Yeah, we love Port Campbell too, really lovely place to stay. It can be an expensive area for sure but it is still possible to do on a budget if you do a bit of research.

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Such an elaborate post with helpful tips for the road trip. 12 apostles, Loch, Grotto these are sights I want to see in real. Possibility of sighting a koala is exciting too. Hope travel resumes soon.

Thanks! Yeah lots of places to see on the way, some more popular than others which is nice. Yeah we’ve seen heaps of them down there, it’s a great spot. Us too!

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Loooove the great ocean road! Kennet river was my favourite spot so I’m glad you stopped there too! I feel like we missed London Arch though =/ Guess we’ll have to go back!

It’s one of our favourite places in the world, it was so nice to live close (in Aussie terms) to it and go there often! Yeah that’s further down and always quite a bit quieter than the other spots so many a few people don’t know it’s there.

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We don’t camp very much but I think it’d be a great way to explore the Great Ocean Road. The ability to stop at the beaches, waterfalls and other sights like Gibson’s Steps would be fantastic. And the chance to actually see koalas in the wild is a dream come true for me! We really need to explore Australia one day.

Yeah, even if it’s not your usual way of travel down here and in Aus and NZ it’s the perfect way to get around and see so much as you really do need your own transport here!

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⛺️ (11 Sites) Free Camping the Great Ocean Road, VIC

Free camping on the Great Ocean Road used to be an easy task, but with the rise in tourism along the coastline, the free camps are a bit harder to come by these days. In fact, many of the sites that were previously free, now require a booking fee through Parks Victoria.

However, there are still some gorgeous free camping opportunities for a Great Ocean Road adventure, especially for those who prefer bush camping amongst nature. For free camping on the Great Ocean Road, you’ll be heading into the hinterland after your coastal day trips.

If you haven’t yet visited The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, it is a must to add to your Australian bucket list. The Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay and travels alongside the ocean all the way to Port Fairy and is 240 kilometres in its entirety. The Great Ocean Road winds its way past some of Victoria’s most famous landmarks including: Bells Beach, the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge.

The Great Ocean Road was constructed between 1919 and 1932 and is an iconic Australian tourist attraction that has been recognised as one of the world’s great coastal drives. It is free to drive on for tourists. You can stop at any time of the day or night and take in the scenery, walk along the beaches and enjoy a swim in the sea.

There are plenty of free camping spots along this stretch as well so you can save money while you explore this spectacular region. Located an hour and a half from Melbourne, it’s easy to visit parts of the Great Ocean Road for the day or take a longer road trip stopping along the way at key spots to enjoy food, wine, beaches and the natural scenery.

If you take a longer road trip, you can make the most of the great free camping on the Great Ocean Road. There are plenty of other accommodation options as well for those looking for caravan parks. Ensure to book ahead in peak times! Below are listed the best free camping on the Great Ocean Road with information on what to expect when you arrive and how to get there.

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Free Camping the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay to the East and makes its way along the coastline to Allansford in the West. All of the listed free camping sites have been marked on the interactive map below.

No matter which direction you travel along the Great Ocean Road, it’s worth visiting Melbourne on the way through if you’ve never been there before. With plenty of well-known things to do in Melbourne , it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most eclectic cities in Australia.

Tanners Road Bend Campground

Location: 20km north-west of Anglesea

Camping is first-in, first-served and early arrival is best during peak periods. Enjoy basic, yet beautiful bush camping in the Otway State Park. You’ll find toilets, picnic facilities and plenty of fire pits spotted around. Be sure to take your rubbish with you when you leave Tanners Road Bend Campground.

Tanners Road Bend FEATURES:

💲 FREE 🐶 Dogs allowed 🚻 Toilets 🔥 Fire pits 🪑 Picnic tables 🚶‍♂️ Walking tracks 📶 Telstra reception ⛺️ ACCESS – Tents, Campers Trailers, Caravans, RV/ Motorhomes

Torquay, Victoria

Hammond Road North Campground

Location: 40km north-east of Lorne

The Hammond Road North Campground offers a beautiful camp in the Otway National Park. It has been recently upgraded with space for 12 campsites. You’ll find fire pits and drop toilets onsite and will need to bring in your own water, as well as taking your rubbish out with you when you leave.

The road in is quite corrugated, making it better suited for 4WD vehicles (although not required). Caravans and large motorhomes are not recommended as there’s just not enough space.

Hammond Road North FEATURES:

💲 FREE 🐶 Dogs allowed 🚻 Toilets ♿️ Wheelchair accessible 🔥 Fire pits 🚶‍♂️ Walking tracks 📶 Telstra reception 🚙 4WD tracks 🔀 Dangerous when wet ⛺️ ACCESS – Tents, Campers Trailers, Small RVs

Cora Lynn Campground

Location: 6km north-west of Lorne

The Cora Lynn Campground can only be accessed on foot. To get in, you take the 1km walk from the Blanket Leaf Picnic Ground carpark to the Cora Lynn Cascades Walking Track sign. Behind the sign is the access track, which should only take a minute to traverse.

The campsite clearing is only big enough for about 2-3 small tents as you’ll be camping in amongst the forest. If you need access to facilities, the nearby Blanket Leaf Picnic Ground has drop toilets and sheltered tables.

Cora Lynn Campground FEATURES:

💲 FREE 🌳 National Park 🚶‍♂️ Walking tracks 📶 Telstra reception ⛺️ ACCESS – Tents only

Aus Line Break

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Sharps Track Campground

Location: 5km south-west of Lorne

Sharps Track Campground is a small and nicely located camping spot just a short 5km drive from Lorne. Be aware that there are only 6 sites here – 3 for caravans and 3 smaller ones for tents. Ensure to arrive in the morning for a chance at a site.

With no facilities available, you’ll need to be fully self-contained. No pets or fires are allowed. You can head to the nearby Sheoak Picnic Area for use of BBQs, toilets and hiking trails, but bear in mind that its a day use area only.

Sharps Track FEATURES:

💲 FREE 🌳 National Park 🚶‍♂️ Walking tracks 📶 Telstra reception ⛺️ ACCESS – Tents x 3, RV/ Motorhomes x 3

Location: 45km north-east of Apollo Bay

The Goat Track camp is located in the Otway Forest Park, about 4km north of Lake Elizabeth Campground. It’s really just a clearing up a 4×4 track with room for a couple of vehicles and tents/ swags. The track is often closed in wet weather and due to clay soil, can be very soft and slippery in the wet. A high-clearance 4WD is a must!

Goat Track FEATURES:

💲 FREE 🐶 Dogs allowed 🌳 National Park 🚙 4WD tracks 🔀 Dangerous when wet 🌨 Seasonal closure ⛺️ ACCESS – Motorbikes, 4WDs & tents only

Stevensons Falls, Great Ocean Road, VIC

Stevensons Falls Campground

Location: 35km north of Apollo Bay

This well grassed campground is situated by the Gellibrand River. Be aware that the campground can get a bit muddy after rain, so I recommend checking the most recent reviews on WikiCamps for current conditions.

The nearby waterfalls are an easy stroll from the carpark with wheelchair access. Dogs are allowed, but as you might spot some kangaroos here, be sure to keep dogs on leads. Toilets and fire pits are available, however you’ll need your own supply of water and all rubbish must be taken out with you when you leave.

This is an easily accessible spot for 2WD vehicles in a stunning location. All the facilities are well maintained.

Stevensons Falls Campground FEATURES:

💲 FREE 🌳 National Park 🐶 Dogs allowed 🚻 Toilets 🪑 Picnic tables 🔥 Fire pits 🚶‍♂️ Walking tracks 🔀 Dangerous when wet ⛺️ ACCESS – Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, RV/ Motorhomes (best suited for campers and tents)

Coastline between Lorne & Apollo Bay, VIC

Dando’s Campground

Location: 41km north of Apollo Bay

Dando’s is a very large campground with fire pits situated in the foothills of the Otways. Campsites are taken on a first in, first served basis and pets are allowed. You can have a campfire in the designated areas, plus wood BBQs are available. Due to the shady nature of the campground, be mindful that solar panels and batteries aren’t going to charge very quickly (if at all).

Getting into Dando’s is via an unsealed road, which 2WD vehicles have no problem with, just take it easy. There are also some great fishing locations near Dando’s Campground.

Dando’s Campground FEATURES:

💲 FREE 🌳 National Park 🐶 Dogs allowed 🚻 Toilets 🪑 Picnic tables 🔥 Fire pits 🚶‍♂️ Walking tracks 🏊‍♀️ Swimming 🌨 Seasonal closure 🔀 Dangerous when wet 🚰 Self-contained vehicles only ⛺️ ACCESS – Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, RV/ Motorhomes, Big Rigs

Beauchamp Falls, VIC

Beauchamp Falls Reserve

Location: 39km north-west of Apollo Bay

The Beauchamp Falls Reserve is a beautiful campground in the north section of the Otways. There are shaded and grassy spots for tents with about 6 large gravel sites for vans and motorhomes. Drop toilets and individual fire pits are available with mountain views beyond.

Nearby is a short, but steep hike, leading to a waterfall and creek (3km return). There is a viewing platform at the waterfall but no access for swimming.

Beauchamp Falls Reserve FEATURES:

💲 FREE 🌳 National Park 🐶 Dogs allowed 🚻 Toilets 🪑 Picnic tables 🔥 Fire pits ♨️ BBQs 🚶‍♂️ Walking tracks 📶 Telstra reception ⛺️ ACCESS – Tents, Camper Trailers, Small Vans/ RVs

Directions : Located at the end of Beauchamp Falls Road, via the Beech Forest, Mount Sabine Road, Aire Valley Road and Flannagans Road. 21km east of Lavers Hill via Beech Forest Lavers Road.

The Otways, VIC

Aire Crossing Campsite

Location: 13km south-east of Lavers Hill

This basic and remote campsite is located in the cool temperate Great Otway National Park. You will find yourself among huge eucalyptus trees next to Aire River, with a lovely area on the bank to set up a camp chair and relax.

Camp spots are based on first in, best dressed, since there are only 5 sites available. There are toilets, however you need to provide your own water. Bear in mind that no fires or generators are permitted.

Access to Aire Crossing is by the Great Ocean Road, or directly via an inland route through the Otways. The road in is unsealed but still accessible for 2WD vehicles. It can be a bit slippery in the wet, so enter at your own risk during or after rain.

Aire Crossing Campsite FEATURES:

💲 FREE 🌳 National Park 🚻 Toilets 🚶‍♂️ Walking tracks 🏊‍♀️ Swimming 🎣 Fishing 🚙 4WD tracks 🔀 Dangerous when wet ⛺️ ACCESS – Tents, Camper Trailers, Small RVs (no caravans!)

Lake Elingamite Campground

Location: 40km north of Port Campbell

The Lake Elingamite Campground is run by the local fishing club. Although there is no fee to camp there, a small donation in the tin helps to keep the camp running. Access to the sites are easy and suitable for all vehicle types. Kick back and enjoy the views of the lake or throw a line in for a fish. There’s also a boat ramp for those with tinnies, plus a little playground for the kids.

Lake Elingamite FEATURES:

💲 Donation 🐶 Dogs allowed 🪑 Picnic tables 🏏 Playground 🎣 Fishing 🚤 Boat ramp 📶 Telstra reception ⛺️ ACCESS – Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, RV/ Motorhomes, Big Rigs

Panmure Campground

Location: 13km north-east of Allansford

The Panmure Campground is a nice one to round off your Free Camping along the Great Ocean Road trip. It can be a noisy as its close to the highway, however you can enjoy flushing toilets, BBQs, a nearby river for swimming, grassy sites and a playground.

Panmure Campground FEATURES:

💲 FREE 🐶 Dogs allowed 🚻 Toilets ♿️ Wheelchair access 🪑 Picnic tables ♨️ BBQs 🚮 Bins 🏏 Playground 🏊‍♀️ Swimming 📶 Telstra reception ⛺️ ACCESS – Camper Trailers, Caravans, RV/ Motorhomes

Best Time for Free Camping on the Great Ocean Road

The time of year you decide to go free camping along the Great Ocean Road may depend on your travel circumstances or you might be able to time the weather to suit you. Whichever way you go, there are pros and cons for all seasons.

SUMMER (December – February)

  • Warmest weather
  • Longer days
  • Less chance of rain
  • Peak time – very busy
  • Harder to get free camping spots

AUTUMN (March – May)

  • Milder weather
  • Cooler nights

WINTER (July – August)

  • Cold & wet
  • Waterfalls are really flowing
  • Whale watching as they migrate north
  • Quietest time to visit
  • Easiest time to get camping spots

SPRING (September – November)

  • Flowing waterfalls
  • Blooming flowers
  • Tail end of whale watching
  • Crowds starting to increase

Hotspots on The Great Ocean Road

Aireys Inlet, VIC

Bells Beach, Torquay

Bells Beach is the iconic surf beach where the Rip Curl world tour surf competition is held each year. Also featured on the film Point Break, Bells Beach has long been known as a peak surf destination, surrounded by other key surf spots, located at the beginning of the Great Ocean Road.

Aireys Inlet Beaches

Aireys Inlet is a popular family holiday destination on the Great Ocean Road between the surrounding areas of Fairhaven and Anglesea. There are plenty of water activities on these clean and appealing beaches, including surfing and swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. Either side of Aireys Inlet, the Fairhaven and Anglesea beaches are both patrolled in summer and there are rock pools close to the lighthouse.

Erskine Falls, Lorne

Erskine falls are popular waterfalls in the Otways and are only 15 minutes from Lorne by car. You have a choice of an easy, short walk to the first lookout or a tougher hike down 230 steps to the second lookout, where you will see Erskine waterfalls in full force. The trip to Erskine Falls is an ideal half-day trip if you are staying in Lorne or one of the other nearby seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road.

Otway National Park

The Otway National Park is one of the most magnificent national parks in Victoria, Australia. The Otways have everything you need with natural scenery and wildlife. Exploring the Otway’s by car is easy and there are plenty of scenic drives available.

Apollo Bay is a popular destination for both tourists and travellers because it has a large range of accommodation options available. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area and beaches suitable for experienced surfers, or families with kids.

The Twelve Apostles, VIC

The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are situated 275 kilometres west of Melbourne, a four-hour drive along the Great Ocean Road at the start of the seaside town of Port Campbell. The Twelve Apostles were created by erosion from the Southern Ocean and strong winds of the limestone cliffs of the mainland beginning over 10 million years ago, which created caves in the cliffs. There are currently only eight apostles remaining, which are slowly breaking down until they are expected to become smaller stacks of rocks.

Timboon Distillery, Timboon

The Timboon Distillery sits in the sweet, small town of Timboon, which is 15 minutes inland from the beach town of Port Campbell. The distillery offers whiskey tastings, an open fire to eat lunch by on colder days and delicious food and drink options.

Whale Watching

Between Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland, there are viewing spots for whale spotting in the vast Southern Ocean, including Humpback Whales, Southern Right Whales, Blue Whales and the sometimes Orca’s.

BIG Things Along the Great Ocean Road

If you’re a collector of Big Things around Australia, you’ll find three of them along the Great Ocean Road. There are over 120 Big Things in Victoria, which are all included on the Big Things VIC checklist below.

  • BIG Cassette Player – Torquay
  • BIG Whale Shark – Apollo Bay
  • BIG Milkshakes – Allansford

VIC Big Things Checklist

VIC Big Things Checklist

See if you can find all 120+ Big Things as you travel around Victoria!

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The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2024)

Check out our ultimate self drive itineraries for the Great Ocean Road, Australia!

One of the most iconic road trips in all of Australia, if not the world, has got to be the Great Ocean Road drive.

375km of scenic winding roads along the southern ocean will take you through some of the country’s most beautiful UNESCO-listed landscapes.

You can tackle the Great Ocean Road in one long day, or break it up over a few days, which is what we suggest doing.

Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary

Having your own vehicle is highly recommended so you can explore all the things to see on the Great Ocean Road on self-drive itineraries, as it really is one of Australia’s top destinations .

If that is not an option though, or you don’t like the idea of driving on the ‘wrong side of the road’, there are plenty of excellent tours like this one   that will take you to see all the sights including the Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell, Otway National Park and more.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Table of Contents

Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay

Memoria arch, where to stay in apollo bay, great otway national park, the twelve apostles, port campbell national park, where to stay in warrnambool, back to melbourne, onto adelaide, how long does it take to drive the great ocean road, where does the great ocean road start and finish, is the great ocean road dangerous, great ocean road drive itinerary.

Self drive itineraries are the best option for the Great Ocean Road, Australia. With your own car, you’ll be able to stop when and where you want, spending as long as you need to check out the beaches, taking in the views and having the freedom to explore at your leisure.

Let us help you get started with planning your Great Ocean Road itinerary.

Our particular itinerary starts in Melbourne and finishes in Port Fairy over 3 days, and is the exact route we have personally done numerous times.

READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide!

  • Distance: 195km
  • Drive Time: 3 Hours
  • Sightseeing Time: 5 Hours

For most people, driving the Great Ocean Road trip will  start in Melbourne  and can be done in a loop or a return journey. That’s how we’re going to structure this post for you.

Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the Great Ocean Road itinerary backwards.

If you’ve hired a car you’ll most likely collect it at the airport. Stock up on essentials, fill up the car, turn up the radio and head towards Apollo Bay!

How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne?

To drive direct from the Melbourne CBD to Torquay, where the road officially starts, is 104km, or 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The first stop when driving the Great Ocean Road will be  Geelong.  This port city is the second-largest in the state of Victoria and overlooks the gorgeous  Corio Bay.

Head for  Eastern Beach  first. Go for a swim in the southern ocean, soak in the sun or admire the stunning views out over Corio Bay and go for a stroll along the  Eastern Promenade . If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on the  SkyWheel .

For a great post-drive meal check out the  Geelong Boathouse  for a classic fish & chips by the sea. While wandering around town you’ll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for.

And to get your fill of more art you can visit the  Geelong Art Gallery  and  The Heritage Center .

There are also several wineries and breweries in the area worth stopping in at to pick something up to enjoy throughout the rest of your trip too.

Not too far down the coast is an iconic must-visit stop on any of the Great Ocean Road drives,  Torquay, known for its epic surf beaches.

Torquay

One of the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road is going out for a paddle at some of the most famous surf beaches in Australia.

Taking  a surf lesson  is a sure-fire way to have you feeling confident on the board and in the water if you haven’t tried the sport before.

For more experienced surfers, and those looking to set foot onto a world-renowned surf beach, head to  Bells Beach .

Made famous for the  Rip Curl Pro  hosted every Easter, Bells Beach is not only beautiful but a huge part of both Australian and surf culture.

Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach include  San Juc, Winki Pop, Bird Rock  and  Sparrows  just to name a few.

Torquay is also home to the  Surf World Museum  with tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia. You’ll also find the  Australian Surfing Hall of Fame  here as well.

If you’re a hiker more than a surfer, you’ll be in for a treat with the  Surf Coast Walk  – 44km of trails that connect Torquay to  Angelsea  and  Aireys Inlet  along the coast.

The landscape varies depending on which route you take. But all the views are spectacular on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road Trip. For more information on routes and trails visit the website  here .

No Great Ocean road trip is complete without making a stop at  Memoria Arch , which is less than 30 minutes from Torquay and a real highlight of the journey.

Built in honour of the 3,000 soldiers who worked on this stretch of road after WWI, there is now also a sculpture there to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the arch.

A great photo op spot, this is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road.

Continue on from this point as there are tons of Great Ocean Road attractions to come.

Lorne  is the closest town from the arch and a great spot to grab some lunch at  Bottle of Milk , use the facilities and continue on towards  Kennett River .

It’s also a fantastic place if you are looking to see some native Australian wildlife.

The  Kennett River Koala Walk  is the perfect place to get your fix. The whole trail is about 15km, but your best chances for spotting the cute indigenous animals are about 6km in at  Grey River . Turn off for this road just before you reach Apollo Bay.

Make sure you visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon for the best koala viewing times. You’ll find them sitting up in the eucalyptus trees.

Koalawalk

Apollo Bay is a popular place on the Great Ocean Road, so make sure you have booked your accommodation ahead of time.

Our personal recommendation for where we stay in Apollo Bay every time is The Apollo Apartment .

With great facilities, cozy apartment-style suites and great views from almost any room on site, this is your best choice if you’d like a bit of space to stretch out after a big day of driving the Great Ocean Road.

Day 2 : Apollo Bay to Warrnambool

  • Distance: 160km
  • Drive Time: 2 hr 30 min
  • Sightseeing Time: 5 hours

Apollo Bay is a gorgeous seaside village, located at the entry to the Otways, and without a doubt is one of the most scenic and picturesque stops on our Great Ocean Road trip.

For the best panoramic views in Apollo Bay head straight for  Marriners Lookout.  From the car park, there is a short trail that will lead you right to the viewpoint where you’ll be gifted with the most incredible sweeping views of Apollo Bay and the coastline.

If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearby  Lake Elizabeth.

The lake views here are stunning and if you’re lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two.

These unique and adorable local animals call this spot home and have been known to use the lake as a nesting ground when having babies so best to keep your eyes peeled.

Great Otway National Park

Not even 15km from Apollo Bay is the incredibly lush and beautiful  Great Otway National Park . While the Great Ocean Road covers a ton of coastline, this national park is a gem located more on the inland route.

Covering nearly 200 hectares, this park is one of the few Great Ocean Road highlights that is not a beach. Deep lush valleys, sky-high rainforests, stunning waterfalls and tons of walking tracks make it a great spot to get off the beach and still be in nature.

One of the best walking tracks to visit here is  Melba Gulley  which is full of gorgeous giant fern trees and home to glow worm caves, which are best seen after dark.

For a shorter track check out  Maits Rest  which will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. For more trail information in Great Otway National Park, visit this  website .

If you’re looking to do a bit of waterfall chasing, this is a great place to find them!

Stevenson Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls , and  Hopetoun Falls  are just a few of the many highlights here. Keep an eye open as you wander the trails for koalas up in the trees and beautiful native birds soaring around too.

From here you are well on your way to having covered a ton of ground on your road trip. But one of the most incredible Great Ocean Road attractions is just around the corner.

The Twelve Apostles  are one of the most amazing sights within Australia and it’s not hard to see why as you road trip along the coast from Great Otway.

Due to crashing waves over millennia, saltwater and erosion there are now only 8 limestone stacks remaining out of 12. But that does not take away from the impressive views at all.

An absolute must-do for anyone wanting one of the best views of this part of the Great Ocean Road is to book in for a  Twelve Apostles Helicopter Ride.

Soaring high above the limestone stacks you’ll get the best views of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast . Sail through the clouds with only 1 other person for an up-close and personal adventure. This is a highlight of visiting the Great Ocean Road!

Twelve Apostles Aerial View

You’ll also find the end of the  Great Ocean Walk  here, which allows you to get some stunning coastal views from a boardwalk before taking to the beach to see these immense stacks from the ground.

Seeing the Twelve Apostles for yourself should be at the top of your Australian Bucket list, no matter the weather. It’s a highlight of a Great Ocean Road itinerary!

If you really want a unique perspective though, and love a bit of adventure, how does skydiving over the 12 Apostles sound?

Jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet above the ground and get the best, most exhilarating views of the entire coastline.

Make sure you book ahead though, as it’s not something you can just show up and do. Reserve your spot here .

And your Great Ocean Road route should not miss out on two other attractions nearby either.

After the Twelve Apostles, continue along the Great Ocean Road towards Port Campbell.

Loch Ard Gorge  is the first attraction on the way, just a stone’s throw from the Twelve Apostles. This stone archway once formed a natural bridge over the gorge, but unfortunately collapsed almost a decade ago.

However, Loch Ard Gorge is still a stunning place for a swim. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view in  Port Campbell National Park .

After the gorge you’ll pass the town of Port Campbell. It’s a small village, but Port Campbell is a nice place to stop for a snack and some fuel.

After passing through Port Campbell, you’ll pass by The Arch and London Bridge. Both are natural, offshore stone archways. The Arch is a giant archway in the ocean, and London Bridge is the same but is more square instead of arched to it looks like a bridge. Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out.

The Grotto is one of the most impressive sections of the coastline, and essentially a sinkhole. What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at.

The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. However, when the winds pick up it is best to stay above the Grotto. 

Before making your way onto day number 3 of your adventure-packed Great Ocean Road trip you’ll be looking for a place to catch a good night’s sleep.

Quest Warrnambool is the perfect place to do just that. Conveniently located a little ways from Port Campbell, these serviced apartments have great rooms, a gorgeous pool area and make for a great stopover.

We personally stayed there when we travelled across Australia, and highly recommend it.

Loch Ard Gorge Port Campbell

Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide)

  • Distance: 30km to Port Fairy, then 312km to Melbourne
  • Drive Time: 30 minutes to Port Fairy, 4 hours to Melbourne
  • Sightseeing Time: 4 hours

With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced.

After a late arrival into  Warrnambool,  you’ll want to see a few of the sights the city has to offer.

To get you fueled up for your last day head to  Bohemia   Cafe & Bar  for a takeaway coffee or a wicked and delicious breakfast.

Brekkie tacos, smoothie bowls and a full lunch menu to eat in or take away will please anyone visiting.

As Victoria’s 5th largest city, Warrnambool is a lot bigger than most of the seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road drive.

However, the views aren’t affected by the bigger cityscape.

Cannon Hill  is a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city.

The  Foreshore Promenade  is a great place for a stroll as well and stretches on for about 6 km.

From  Warrnambool Breakwater  all the way to  Logan’s Beach  this is a great spot to take in the coastal views and even pass a little penguin breeding ground. So you may get lucky to lay your eyes on some of these cute local beach dwellers.

While it is a large city the laid back beach vibe is very present here and you could wind up spending more time here than you planned.

Once you’ve had your fill, hop in the car for a quick drive and to the next and last destination of your road trip.

Your Great Ocean Road itinerary may be coming to an end, but don’t worry, you’ll finish up with a dreamy little visit to  Port Fairy .

Port Fairy

Port Fairy is a tiny town on Victoria’s iconic shipwreck coast with a charming vibe and an exciting causeway that leads you out to an island worth exploring too.

One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on the  Port Fairy Wharves.

Head down to the Moyne River and stretch your legs along the wharves. This is a great place not only to catch some stunner views but also to watch the fisherman come in with their catch, which you likely can find in the restaurants in town.

Griffiths Island  can be accessed by a footbridge nearby to the wharf and is a great place to do a little bird watching.

There is a walking track around the island and on the most westerly point you’ll find a lovely little lighthouse and a pretty viewpoint too.

Battery Hill  is a great spot to get a view from on high of the town and see some pieces of Port Fairy history like the remnants of a Russian invasion from the 1860s.

The  Port Fairy   Botanical Gardens  are a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and to admire the plants and flowers.

What used to be a swamp was reclaimed and turned into these pretty gardens in 1858. Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed.

One of the most adventurous things to do on the Great Ocean Road drive is to do a bit of scuba diving.

Port Fairy offers great locations for  scuba diving  including  The Thistle.  This dive spot is actually a ship that was wrecked off the eastern beach in Port Fairy in 1849.

Now you’ll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore.

While your stop here signals the end of your epic 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary, you’re now on to new and exciting things.

At the end of your Great Ocean Road itinerary, you can leave Port Fairy and  head back towards Melbourne  on the M8 National highway to take on your next series of Aussie fun.

Along the way be sure to stop off at one of the small towns for a late afternoon-snack or coffee, or you can take a detour up to Ballarat for the night to learn about the gold rush.

If you’d like to continue travelling Australia beyond the Great Ocean Road, you can  head northwest to Adelaide .

You can do this in one big day (it’s almost 600km direct), but we personally recommend breaking the trip up into 2 or 3 days, spending some time in Mount Gambier and Coorong National Park.

You can drive the entire length of the Great Ocean Road in one long day (about 8 hours return), but we recommend splitting the journey up into a few days.

The road starts in Torquay, and finishes in Allansford.

No, the Great Ocean Road isn’t particularly dangerous to drive, as long as you take proper precautions. The main issues can be poor visibility due to fog, slippery roads in wet weather, and traffic from vehicles and pedestrians in the busy sections.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

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About the Author - Alesha and Jarryd

Hey! We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook , YouTube and Instagram .

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7 thoughts on “The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2024)”

Jarryd, thank you for talking us along the Great Ocean Road, we are coming down from Brisbane mid April 2023 and plan to self drive it. You have given us a great itinerary to get the best out of our trip. thought of doing it in one day, but now will make a stop over and take two days.. Again thank you. David & Marg.

Hi David and Marg, thanks so much for your comment. We hope you have a great time along the Great Ocean Road. Happy travels. 🙂

Perfect write up, very helpful indeed, Appreciate your work guys, Cheers.

Thank you so much. We appreciate it. 🙂

Great post guys, you have inspired me to take a trip here when I finally get to Australia again!

hi guys my husband and l are going to drive the great ocean road in early November. We want to book accommodation as we go . Do you think that will be possible that time of year or do we have to book in advance ? Can’t wait for the trip , Thanks Tracy

Hi Tracy, November is a beautiful time to travel the Great Ocean Road. We know what you mean by just taking your time and booking the day of but we would recommend booking in advance as it is so much busier now. After the last couple of years, it seems everyone wants to be out and about and go travelling. Have a great time. Happy travels.

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The famous 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria rocks and ocean

Road Trip Guide: the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most widely-known and driven tourist highways in Australia. It’s a perfect picture of how most tourists view Australia. This includes the iconic ocher-shaded cliffs, and bright blue ocean, next to creamy white beaches. Taking a road trip on the Great Ocean Road won’t disappoint, no matter what time of year you go.

The Great Ocean Road is frequented by tourists, locals, families, backpackers, retirees and everyone in-between. What’s special about the drive, aside from stunning ocean views, is that the drive itself is relatively short. Making it an easy drive with lots to see. There’s also endless road stops for ocean photo opportunities.

Everything is close together and the towns along the highway are small. Warrnambool is the largest city along the Great Ocean Road and it’s at the end or beginning, depending on which end you start at.

camping great ocean road trip

Whether you’re in Australia long-term or just a short vacation, this road trip guide is all you need while travelling in a vehicle on the Great Ocean Road—especially a van. This guide has options for free campgrounds , swimming spots, craft breweries and other stops along the way. The route follows the east to west route, but it can be done either way.

This road trip can be done any time of year, but spring and fall are likely the most comfortable times to do it. This is because it’s less busy than summer, but still warm enough for camping. It’s worth it to mention Australia doesn’t get that cold during the winter anyways, so camping is still be fun.

For accommodation along the way, check out the search box below for deals.

Table of Contents

The Great Ocean Road: Melbourne to Port Fairy

One-way trip time: five hours and 45 minutes, return trip time: nine hours, minimum recommended days: 4 days.

camping great ocean road trip

Day 1: Melbourne to Lorne, VIC

Drive time: two hours.

There’s nothing that compares to the feeling of leaving the city for the Great Ocean Road. Melbourne is the nearest big city to the highway and a common starting point for this road trip. Beginning this road trip, there’s many stops before arriving in Lorne, VIC. Get excited about beginning to see the Great Ocean Road!

Start off the road trip by stopping in Torquay, VIC. This is actually where the Great Ocean Road starts. This town is known as the beginning for many iconic Australian brands such as Rip Curl and Quicksilver. It’s not hard to wonder where these store got their inspiration from, as Torquay is Victoria’s surfing capital .

Aside from shopping and surfing in Torquay, it’s beaches are great to go for a walk, if surfing isn’t your thing.

camping great ocean road trip

Next up, for the Great Ocean Road, stop down the road at Anglesea for more beach views and walks. Take the time to pull over at the road stops, on either side of the road—when it’s safe. These road stops have some of the best birds-eye-views of the coast line, next to driving the Great Ocean Road.

What to do:

In all of the towns of the Great Ocean Road, it’s always a safe bet you’ll enjoy exploring around. Even if it’s just for a coffee, or people-watching. To soothe your soul from big crowds, focus on beach and bush walks.

Take advantage of having your own wheels to get slightly away from the Great Ocean Road—it’ll always be there when you’re ready to come back. Such as some of the free campgrounds in the area. Because they’re free, they’re not going to be right next to the beach.

Free campgrounds:

On the first stop of this itinerary for the Great Ocean Road, there’s just a few free campsites (as per most of the road trip). These are the campgrounds around Lorne:

  • Big Hill Track Campground
  • Sharps Campground
  • Allenvale Mill (tents only)

camping great ocean road trip

Day 2: Lorne to Apollo Bay, VIC

Drive time: one hour.

Before continuing on the Great Ocean Road, take the time to visit Lorne. There’s numerous cafes and wildlife to see in the area. It was the first place I saw Galahs since arriving in Australia. On a side note: did you know Galah’s have a 40 year life span?!

Back to your road trip, the next point of interest on the drive is Lorne’s Scenic Beach Roadside Parking on the ocean’s side of the road. This is just past Lorne heading south on the Great Ocean Road.

camping great ocean road trip

Other places to stop along the way include: Sheoak Falls, Cape Patton Lookout Point and Apollo Bay. Spend your lunch at one of the grassy roadside parks or by the ocean. I recommend stopping in a grassy area because on a windy day, it’s hard to work a gas stove by the beach.

Depending on how the day goes, skip visiting the town of Apollo Bay and leave it for the next morning. Mornings are also a time when there’s less tourists around—if that’s something you’d like to avoid. Apollo Bay has a servo and is one of the only places to fuel up on the Great Ocean Road.

Take advantage of this while you’re there to prevent from having to backtrack, or run out of fuel.

camping great ocean road trip

This route specifically goes to Apollo Bay and further to Barramunga for the free campgrounds in the area. I couldn’t recommend Stevensons Falls more. It’s a great break from a tourist-filled road trip on the Great Ocean Road. Many people avoid this campground because it’s a bit out of the way, making it more relaxed.

At the campground there’s bush walks in the area, which are a good change from sitting in a vehicle for most of the day. This makes it a rewarding stop for many reasons.

Here’s the free campgrounds in the area:

  • Beauchamp Falls Reserve
  • Dando’s Campground
  • Stevensons Falls Campground

camping great ocean road trip

Day 3: Apollo Bay to Warrnambool, VIC

Drive time: two hours and 15 minutes.

After a good sleep around Apollo Bay, it’s time to get back on the Great Ocean Road for another day of road tripping. Leaving Apollo Bay, the highway veers slightly from ocean views through Great Otway National Park. Eventually, it’ll head back to the ocean around Glenaire, then, later to the Twelve Apostles.

If you haven’t already, take some time to visit Apollo Bay. If you’re into seafood and ready for a breakfast pie, splurge on Apollo Bay Bakery’s famous scallop pie. It comes in different flavour options, including curry.

Although this leg of the Great Ocean Road has less beach views than previous, it’s one of the most eventful, to see the Twelve Apostles. Before getting there though, take your time to enjoy the drive from Apollo Bay. Maits Rest Rainforest Walk is just a short way out of Apollo Bay.

Back on the road, depending on the time of year, there may be a sudden influx of bugs hitting your vehicle. This is what I experienced doing this road trip in late-February (late summer/early fall). Crowes Lookout is another spot to stretch your legs coupled with scenic views of the area.

camping great ocean road trip

The Twelve Apostles is the next major stop on this part of the road trip. There’s so many lookouts to visit, it’s not necessary to go to them all though. Pointing out west to the Twelve Apostles is the Secret Apostles Lookout, just before arriving there, heading west on the road trip. Gibson Steps goes down to the beach to see the apostles from beach-level.

Then, there’s the Twelve Apostles Visitor Facility. It has bathrooms, a small cafe and helpful staff to feed tourists important information. It’s also the gateway to the main viewing platforms in-between many of the Twelve Apostles.

Keep in mind, it’s not possible to see all twelve of the apostles from any viewing platform or lookout. That’s one of the reasons people choose to do a helicopter tour.

Getting back on the Great Ocean Road, it’s possible to see different views of the Twelve Apostles at both Tom and Eva Lookout and The Razorback.

Then, Port Campbell is a short-drive away. This is a perfect spot for a swim on a hot day—or any day, really. Aside from swimming it’s a good place to spot stingrays that come into the bay.

After a swim, grab a craft beer at the local hostel/craft brewery: Sow and Piglets Brewery . The beer is crafted by a German beer master, but—unsurprisingly—the drinks are sure to please all.

Free campgrounds

At this point of the travelling on the Great Ocean Road, the free campgrounds are at a minimum. If you’re still looking to avoid paying for accommodation, head to Panmure Free Camp . It’s a rest stop frequented by locals and tourists from the high demand of a free camp close to the Great Ocean Road.

It’s also one of the only places in the community for swimming—in the creek. So it gets busy on hot days. Warrnambool has major stores such as Super Cheap Auto and ALDI to stock up on food or other goods.

camping great ocean road trip

Day 4: Warrnambool to Port Fairy, VIC

Drive time: 30 minutes.

The Great Ocean Road technically finishes in Warrnambool, but if it’s a hot day, and you have time, you won’t regret a visit to Port Fairy’s Southcombe Beach. The beach is not only crystal clear, but it has a natural rock barrier to prevent most jelly fish and sharks from getting into where the swimmers are.

The clear water makes it a perfect spot for snorkelling too. And, there’s barbecue facilities across the street from the beach. Along with showers and bathrooms, it makes this beach the perfect day spot.

After spending time at the beach, or just for a look, head back towards Melbourne to finish the road trip. Alternatively, in another direction, such as South Australia. Port Fairy back to Melbourne drive time is three hours and 20 minutes.

For other road trips in Australia, check out regional Victoria , Sydney to Melbourne inland and the coastal route !

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Mt Yasur volcano in all her glory. Despite not being able to witness throbbing molten lava, we loved the experience of staying next to a volcano for a week. It sounds like a thunderstorm, and sometimes we could see the red glow at night, or black ash billowing during the day. #travelvanuatu #tannaisland #mtyasur

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Great Ocean Road Guide

Unofficial Guide to Australia's favourite Coast Road

Great Ocean Road Campsites & Caravan Parks

If you enjoy the great outdoors then a camping adventure along Australia’s Great Ocean Road is going to be right up your street. With plenty of beautiful scenery to admire, lots of outdoor activities and attractions, it’s a road trip ideal for nature lovers and thrill seekers alike.

And for those of you who would prefer to extend your outdoor adventure to your accommodation, instead of staying in one of the many hotels or apartments dotted throughout the area, you will also find a host of amazing Great Ocean Road Campsites and caravan parks along the way. These are not only great if you enjoy an evening under the stars but also a top choice for those of you looking to keep travel costs down during your trip.

In our guide to camping on the Great Ocean Road below, we have highlighted some of what we consider to the best caravan parks and camping grounds the Great Ocean Road has to offer, covering all the info you could need to decide which one (or two!) are right for you including the different from types of accommodation available, facilities, location and cost.

Great Ocean Road Campsites & Great Ocean Road Caravan parks

Table of Contents

Map of Great Ocean Road Campsites & Campgrounds

Big4 anglesea holiday park, great ocean road tourist park, lorne foreshore caravan park, nrma warrnambool riverside holiday park, kennet river holiday park, apollo bay holiday park, port fairy holiday park, big4 apollo bay pisces holiday park, wye river holiday park, torquay foreshore great ocean road caravan park, nrma port campbell holiday park, marengo holiday park, cumberland river holiday park, recreation reserves on the great ocean road.

Great Ocean Road Campsite Map

Campsites & Caravan Parks on the Great Ocean Road

When it comes to the Great Ocean Road Australia there are a number of ways to ‘tackle’ it. From epic day trips from Melbourne to self-drive multi-day road trip itineraries. But for those who have the luxury of time, a good few days camping, glamping or caravaning along Australia’s favourite southern touring route along the Great Ocean Rd can be exactly what the doctor ordered.

From the swells of Bells Beach to the Koala’s of Kennett River; the natural beauty of Otway National Park & the incredible rock formations of Port Campbell National Park – oh and not forgetting the delicious local food and drink along the way that makes the Great Ocean Road so special. So scroll down to start planning where you are going to rest your head with our guide to the best Great Ocean Road Campsites, Caravan Parks & Campgrounds.

Big4 Anglesea Holiday Park

Popular amongst families the large Anglesea Holiday Park has a wide variety of accommodation options and plenty of fun activities to keep your little ones entertained, including the sites brand new adventure playground. Staying at this park is also a wonderful opportunity to get up close with nature and enjoy the resident kookaburras, parrots and kangaroos and is the perfect place to include on your Great Ocean Road camping adventure.

Great Ocean Road Tourist Park

Situated just outside of Port Campbell, visitors staying at the Great Ocean Road Tourist Park will love its convenient location: a short walk from the beach with breath-taking views of the coastline, and only a short drive from the Twelve Apostles, the highlight of the Port Campbell National Park. With a great selection of amenities, this is a tourist park suitable for everyone, featuring a children’s playground, disabled facilities, TV reception, beautifully decorated cabins and permits for camp fires. Its one of the top rated holiday parks on the Great Ocean Road Australia.

Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park

The Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park is the ideal setting for nature lovers with the beautiful Erskine River & rugged coastline all within easy reach. The Caravan park offers a range of accommodation across its fives sites (Erskine River Park, Kia Ora Park, Ocean Road Park, Top Bank Park & Queens Park) around Lorne to suit your requirements. Whether you are looking for a peaceful break with that special someone, a fun – filled family adventure with plenty of activities to keep you little ones entertained or somewhere to stay with your furry companion, this caravan park has it all and is one of the best campervan sites on the Great Ocean Road.

NRMA Warrnambool Holiday Park

Accommodation types: Cabins / Powered Caravan Sites Facilities: Camp kitchen & BBQ area / outdoor pool / tennis court / gym / mini golf / jetty access / Wi-Fi / group function rooms Price range: $63 – $266 per night – Pet Friendly Powered Sites available, blackout dates around Christmas & Easter apply, Pre-Booking essential.

It’s not just the fantastic facilities that attract plenty of tourists to the Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park every year. Its coastal location is well-known for an abundance of whale activity making it a popular choice with nature lovers. If you are travelling with your dog you will also love the sites pet friendly cabins with their open-plan living and secure veranda.

Kennett River Holiday Park

Half way between Lorne and Apollo Bay and surrounded by The Great Otway National Park, Kennett River Holiday Park lies on the banks of the river of the same name and boasts its own (patrolled) beach access that is favoured by surfers. Wildlife lovers will be overjoyed with the local fauna and guests are likely to see Koalas, King Parrots and Kookaburras in the trees; Dolphins, Seals and even sometimes Whales in the Ocean, and even a colony of Glowworms in the rainforest! Whether you are a camper or a caravaner, you find Kennett River Holiday Park is a perfect place for camping in Great Ocean Road. Check the official site for a full list of facilities here .

Apollo Bay Holiday Park

Within easy walking distance of the town, the Apollo Bay Holiday Park makes a great base for those looking to spend a few days exploring the area, visiting some of the many popular attractions found along the Great Ocean Road. The park offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets from standard tent pitches to luxury spa cabins. No wonder it’s one of the premier caravan parks on Great Ocean Road.

Port Fairy Holiday Park

Whether you are travelling as couple, group, family or are having your very own solo Great Ocean Rd adventure, there is something to suit you at the Port Fairy Holiday Park . Tucked amongst the trees, the peaceful setting of this park make it the ideal location to enjoy a relaxing break away from the crowds. When you feel like venturing out, take a short walk to the nearby historic village of Port Fairy to soak up the culture and unique art galleries that line the streets.

Big4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park

The huge beachfront site at the Big4 Apollo Bay which jam-packed with family-friendly facilities which will keep the kids entertained for hours is the ideal place to base you and your family on your Great Ocean Road vacation. From here you can explore the Great Otway National Park, Otway Fly Treetop Walk, beautiful waterfalls, the Cape Otway Lighthouse, Twelve Apostles, whale and koala nurseries and more. There is also a bike/walking path that runs 1.5km along the beach to the town centre, the perfect way to stroll into town.

Wye River Holiday Park

The stunning backdrop of the surrounding riverside valley and mountains make the Wye River Holiday Park a completely unique destination as part of your Great Ocean Road adventure. With the beach on your doorstep and a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the local wildlife including the resident koalas, you and your family will fall in love with this picturesque camping park.

Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park

As the only beachfront caravan park in Torquay, you can’t get much better than a break at the Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park if its sun, sea and sand that you are after. Ideal for families and couples looking to enjoy the outdoors, within easy reach of Torquay town centre, the caravan park is also dog friendly from May – October, so your four legged companions can enjoy an outdoor break too.

NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park

Located between Apollo Bay and Warrnambool, NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park offers a range of accommodation styles including villas, bungalows and studios alongside free WiFi and free parking. All cabins and villas are self-contained and include a kitchen with a stovetop, microwave and kitchenware and most have balconies – and some even have water views.

The Port Campbell River and beachfront are within easy reach, located just opposite the property, with the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Bay of Islands and London Bridge all less than a 10 minute drive away.

Marengo Holiday Park Campsite

Accommodation types: Cabins / powered sites for caravans, mobile homes & tents Facilities: Camp Kitchen / BBQ Areas / Adventure Playground / Amenities Block with Laundry Price range: $36 – $170 per night

Located on the Apollo Bay beachfront, Marengo Holiday Park offers self-contained deluxe cabins with a private balcony and multiple powered and unpowered sites. Free parking is available on site, as well as a barbeque area, camp kitchen, amenities block with family bathrooms, laundry facilities and a children’s playground.

Pets are also welcome, although mush remain on-leash whilst in the park.

Cumberland River Holiday Park

A gorgeous riverside campsite with great amenities to make camping feel more comfortable. They have covered BBQ areas, Hot Showers (20c per 5 minutes) and an on-site kiosk for basic comforts (ice/firewood etc) and marshmallows for the fire – just in case you forget.

Free Campsites close to the Great Ocean Road

Most free campsites have basic (if any) facilities, and can fill up quickly at peak times. For the best chance of securing a spot at your desired site, be prepared to arrive early afternoon (as the previous night’s guests tend to leave early in the morning).

  • Stevenson Falls Free Campground: With a walking track to Stevenson Falls deep in the Otways, Stevenson Falls campground has approx 50 non-powered campsites assigned on a first in basis. Basic toilet facilities, Dogs allowed as long as they are on leash.
  • Sharps Camping Reserve: 5km from Lorne, and the closest campsite to Erskine Falls, 6 unpowered sites (3 tent only & 3 tent, caravan, campers) for up to 6 people per site on a first-in first assigned basis. No toilets. No water. Not dog friendly.
  • Allenvale Mill Bush Campground: Walk-in camping area 3km from Lorne via great ocean road, 16 non-powered sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Suitable for tents only, long drop toilets provided. Not pet friendly.
  • Big Hill Track Campground: 11km from Lorne along the Great Ocean Road Victoria, 12 unpowered campsites available (6 tent, 6 caravans/camper trailers) on a first-come basis. Long Drop toilets. No water. Not pet-friendly. Closed between 1 June & 31 October.
  • Aire Crossing Campground: Very small campground 50m from the river (swimming allowed), 8 unpowered sites for tents/campervans (but not caravans). Basic toilets, No pets allowed.
  • Beauchamp Falls Camp Area: 15 unpowered sites suitable for tents and campers only, access via a 2wd track, Wood BBQs available (firewood not supplied); Long drop toilets. Dogs permitted on-leash.
  • Dando’s Free Campsite : 100 sites available on a first-in basis; Wood BBQs available (firewood not supplied); fishing and swimming spots nearly; long drop toilets, dog-friendly as long as they are on a leash.

If you are planning to camp for extended periods (like a lap around Australia!), we highly recommend downloading the WikiCamps app. It’s under $10AUD to purchase (with a lifetime licence) and helps its users locate roadside rest areas, caravan parks or campsites suitable for you and your vehicle. Not to mention, it’s a great way to find spots with wi-fi and will make caping in Australia heaps easier.

If you’re still struggling to find a place to camp, be sure to check out local recreation reserves (such as Port Campbell Recreation Reserve, Princetown Recreation Reserve or Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve) as they do offer some camp facilities, although often on a first-in best-dressed basis.

If you were planning on booking one (or several) caravan parks, holiday parks or camping spots during your Great Ocean Road road trip, we hope our guide has helped you narrow down which ones are best for your and your tribe. Let us know if you prefer staying in caravan parks rather than traditional accommodation or bed and breakfasts in the comments below and tell us why you love them so much – or if you have a favourite that should be included in our guide!

Best Great Ocean Road Campsites & Caravan Parks

READY MORE GREAT OCEAN ROAD TRAVEL INSPIRATION? YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THESE TRAVEL TIPS, TRAVEL ARTICLES, DESTINATION GUIDES, TRAVELER RESOURCES, TRAVEL GEAR GUIDES AND RELATED POSTS ABOUT OUR AMAZING COAST ROAD:

  • The Best Waterfalls on the Great Ocean Road ft. Phantom Falls, Henderson Falls & Cora Lynn Cascades near Erskine Falls;
  • Beyond the Great Ocean Road: 100+ Things to do in Australia inc. Sydney, New South Wales, Uluru in the Northern Territory & Phillip Island in Victoria!
  • Accommodation Guides: Wye River , Apollo Bay , Airey’s Inlet & Torquay!
  • Foodie Finds: Torquay Restaurants , Lorne Restaurants & Apollo Bay Cafes

Hi There! Thanks for reading our travel guide to The Best Great Ocean Road Caravan Parks & Great Ocean Road Campsites   I just wanted to let you know that this post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something after clicking a link, I may get a small commission – which is at absolutely no cost to you . If you enjoyed this article and are going to be searching for some of the things I mention anyway, I would love it if you could click through from the links above & thank you in advance! Read my full Disclosure here .

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Camping in Great Ocean Road

Soak up the views along one of the world’s most epic drives.

  • Australia —
  • Great Ocean Road

Popular camping styles for Great Ocean Road

Tent sites

Available this weekend

Platypus Creek

Platypus Creek

Clear Springs

Clear Springs

Olive Farm

FeatherLeaf Sanctuary

Access down to Site 2 The Old Orchard

Matthews Creek Farm

Ridgetop Campsite at St Anselms

Ridgetop Campsite at St Anselms

12 top campgrounds in great ocean road.

Tucker's Rest

Tucker's Rest

Green Falls Escape

Green Falls Escape

Now Site 2 tucked away down the bottom of the property, plenty of room and privacy, close to the creek and overflow (very small) dam. Suited to those with 4x4 and just want piece and quite. Wel suited to familes, who like added privacy and extra shade.

Dairy Countryside Camp

Sanctum Otway

Sanctum Otway

Secluded Otways Forest Camp

Secluded Otways Forest Camp

Goldane Bush Retreat

Goldane Bush Retreat

Star hosts in great ocean road, dog-friendly getaways.

Olive Farm

Camping in Great Ocean Road guide

Australia’s most spectacular drive, the Great Ocean Road takes you along the wild and windswept coastline of the Southern Ocean, past world-class surfing breaks and isolated beaches, through pristine rainforest and charming seaside towns, and to the famed rugged limestone stacks known as the Twelve Apostles. Although the 243-kilometre drive starts at Torquay and ends at Allansford for a popular day trip from Melbourne, Hipcampers can make the most of the scenery by slowing down and settling in to some great camping sites, from beaches to bush, along the way.

Where to go

Surfers won’t want to skip Torquay: Next to Bells Beach, it’s famed for its big swells and hosts the world's best surfers at the annual Rip Curl Pro around Easter. Those who prefer to stay on dry land can embark upon the 44-kilometre Surf Coast Walk to Airey’s Inlet. A little farther south, Lorne has inviting white-sand beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great place to see migrating whales between May and September. Around town, expect to find centrally located powered sites with access to swimming pools, camp kitchens, and laundry. Just south of Lorne, Cumberland River Reserve is set in lush surroundings and has unpowered sites with access to hot showers, laundry, and barbecues.

At the foothills of the Otways, the little town of Apollo Bay is a great place to base yourself for walks into the hinterland and around Great Otway National Park, as well as for exploring the 104-kilometre-long Great Ocean Walk, which starts in Apollo Bay and ends at Gibson Steps near the Twelve Apostles. This is also a good spot for wildlife spotting: Look out for platypus and koalas at Lake Elizabeth near campgrounds with powered and unpowered sites with access to laundry, camp kitchen, and barbecues. Just outside Apollo Bay are additional holiday parks, while the more adventurous can find basic hike-in campsites along the Great Ocean Walk, including Johanna’s Beach Campgrounds, tucked behind sand dunes near a popular surfing beach.

Twelve Apostles

The Great Ocean Road’s star attraction, the seven rocky stacks of the Twelve Apostles jut out from the ocean and can be seen from a network of viewing platforms around the clifftops. Visit around sunset and you might also spot penguins come into shore after a day’s fishing. The closest campsite to the Twelve Apostles, Princetown Recreation Reserve and Camping offers powered and unpowered sites with access to hot showers, laundry, and a barbecue area. Twenty minutes east, Port Campbell Recreation Reserve is set in a natural reserve with powered and unpowered sites, plus access to hot showers, laundry, barbecues, and free wifi.

Warrnambool

At the end of the Great Ocean Road, the city of Warrnambool is famed for its whales, best seen from Logans Beach between June and October. You can also dive into the lively arts scene, discover the history of the Shipwreck Coast at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and admire the historic lighthouses, whitewashed cottages, and maritime charm of nearby Port Fairy. Powered and unpowered sites with access to the camp kitchen, barbecue, laundry, and shower are available at holiday parks on Warrnambool’s foreshore, while nearby family- and pet-friendly Hipcamp sites typically offer powered sites, some ensuite.

Popular Great Ocean Road holidays

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  • Great Ocean Road

7 Sites for Free Camping, Great Ocean Road Victoria

by mumslittleexplorers · May 20, 2023

Free camping along the Great Ocean Road is an epic way to end your day on this world-famous route. Accommodation in Australia in general can be expensive, especially in popular tourist destinations. But despite the region’s popularity, there are surprisingly several free camping sites on Great Ocean Road .

So, dust off the camping gear and get ready to pitch up under the stars to enjoy an adventure outdoors surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes in Victoria.

Free Camping, Great Ocean Road Victoria

Below we have put together a list of the best sites for Free Camping on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria. This list is perfect if you are planning a road trip on the Great Ocean Road or even just a weekend getaway.

1. Allenvale Mill Bush Campground

After a day exploring Lorne Waterfalls , why not camp at the nearby Allenvale Mill campground located just 3km from Lorne on the banks of St George River.

If searching for free camping on the great ocean road to escape the crowds and traffic, Allenvale is perfect thanks to towering eucalyptus trees which surround the grounds from the outside world. There is also no power allowing you to switch off and fully enjoy the natural surroundings including the nearby St Georges River Walking Track or the 2.7km walk to the coast.

In efforts to protect the landscape, cars are not allowed inside the camping ground, instead there is a carpark around a 200-metre walk away and pitches are strictly tents only.

Like most free camping sites on Great Ocean Road, the pitches are on a first in, first-served basis so it is advised to arrive early to secure your spot, with each pitch clearly numbered and drop toilets also available on site.

Recommended: Things to do in Lorne

2. Big Hill Track Camping

Located near the intersection of Big Hill Track and Lorne-Deans Marsh Road is this peaceful campground. Another ideal base for exploring the numerous things to do in Lorne as the picturesque seaside town is just a 15-minute drive away.

Soon after arriving at Big Hill, you will likely be acquainted with the site’s friendly permanent residents – the colourful king parrots. Although charming, these boisterous birds are renowned to forage for leftovers so ensure any food is well locked up.

There are 12 campsites available on a first-come basis with the site divided in two – half the sites are for tents, the other reserved for caravans and campervans. Note there are drop toilets only and you will need to bring your own water. When free-camping on the Great Ocean Road most campsites forbid fires, but Big Hill provides fire pits so remember wood if you plan on toasting marshmallows or a song or two around the campfire.

3. Jamieson Creek Campground

Around 11kms from Lorne and 5kms from Wye River, turn inland at the Jamieson Track to find this secluded gem which is suitable for campervans, caravans and tents. There are so many reasons Jamieson Creek is one of the best free camping sites on Great Ocean Road.

Firstly, its location – it is mere metres away from a stunning beach which is home to an epic sunrise if you set your alarm. Secondly, it is a favoured spot for local wildlife including koalas so keep an eye on the surrounding eucalyptus but also an eye on any food from inquisitive kangaroos . Finally, it is one of the best camping spots on the Great Ocean Road for stargazers as on a clear night you will be treated to a sky full of stars free from light pollution.

There is one negative with Jamieson Creek in that there are currently no toilets however upgrades are taking place to install some. When free-camping along the Great Ocean Road it is often easiest if you are in a self-contained campervan or have portable facilities to avoid damaging the natural landscape.

2023 UPDATE: Jamieson Creek Campground has now had upgrades and now needs to be booked through Parks Victoria to stay at a small fee. Read More here .

4. Aire Crossing Campsite

If you are lucky enough to secure one of the 5 sites at Aire Crossing, you will get to experience one of the most beautiful free camping grounds on the Great Ocean Road. It is located around 10 minutes from Lavers Hill with the stunning Triplet Falls also nearby.

The site is nearby the heritage-listed Aire River which is a popular spot with families who enjoy a refreshing swim in the Summer months. There are drop toilets available but ensure to take enough drinking water as there is no water supply on-site.

As a tip, when night falls, go for a little explore of the local woodland as you may be treated to a magical display of glow worms which are common at Aire Crossing.

5. Sharps Camping Area

If you have plans to explore the walking trails of Great Otway National Park, then Sharps camping area is an ideal base. It is located around 5km from Lorne, directly adjacent to Sharps track. The site is also just a 5-minute drive (or 25-minute walk) to Sheoak Picnic Area which is the starting point of many waterfall trails as well as the nearest flush toilets and electric barbecues as there are none at Sharps.

As usual when free camping along the Great Ocean Road, this campsite cannot be booked in advance and runs on a first come, first served basis. It’s advised to arrive mid-afternoon to secure a spot as there are only 6 spaces.

Also, expect wildlife in abundance as the peaceful atmosphere may be interrupted by a cheeky parakeet or two as well as an inquisitive kangaroo or koala who are known to frequent the campsite.

6. Dando’s Camping Spot

If you’re a family looking to go free camping along the Great Ocean Road, Dando’s is guaranteed to be a favourite. Not only does it offer spacious, flat pitches suitable for vans or tents, it also has toilets, BBQ facilities and fire pits as well as a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere.

There is a large open grassy area ideal for little ones to run around as well as the nearby Gellibrand River which has pools safe for a swim. From the main road, you will need to drive around 20 minutes inland to reach Dando’s which heightens the campground’s appeal as it feels remote, without heading too far off the Great Ocean Road.

7. Stevensons Falls Free Campground

Not only does Stevensons Falls offer one of the prettiest waterfalls in Lorne , but also one of the best spots for those free camping along the Great Ocean Road. Alongside basic toilet facilities there are around 50 pitches, each with their own fire pit so remember to bring wood.

Stevensons Falls campground is one of the most popular sites with families going free camping along the Great Ocean Road as it’s a short hike (around 25 minutes) to the stunning waterfalls, which is perfect for little ones who can’t manage the longer trails in the area. Although due to the campground’s location, it can be difficult to get a spot during weekends and holidays so plan in advance and arrive early if you hope to secure a space.

During the cooler months, the campground is renowned for getting very muddy with cars occasionally getting stuck so arrive early to ensure you have a good spot either shaded from the rain by the trees or slightly more uphill to allow any water to run off.

Best time to go camping on Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of Victorias most popular attractions, and one of the most famous day trips from Melbourne. However with so much to see, many decide to take a road trip and camping on the Great Ocean Road is common, especially for families who don’t want to drive too much in one day. Camping on the Great Ocean Road is popular all year round and each season has it’s advantages.

Summer (December-February): The best time to go camping on the Great Ocean Road if you are after sunny skies, stunning views of the coast, and warm weather to head to the beach. Summer is peak time though so free camping on the Great Ocean Road can get quite busy.

Winter (June – August) : If you are looking to ditch the crowds, then Winter is the perfect time to go camping on the Great Ocean Road. The camp sites aren’t as busy as in the Summer, and you can still visit all the nearby attractions. It can get quite cold in the Winter months so rug up!

Autumn Spring: March – May, September – November): Camping on the Great Ocean Road during Autumn and Spring is ideal if you are looking to visit off peak but with nice weather. In general this time of year has nice weather with plenty of sunny days. The camp sites aren’t too crowded, and you can explore the surroundings comfortably.

Free Camping Great Ocean Road Victoria

Hopefully, this guide has proved you’re spoiled for choice when free camping along the Great Ocean Road and that going off grid for a night or two is an adventure the entire family will enjoy. If you know any other spots for free camping on the Great Ocean Road let us know below, we would love to check them out!

Make sure to see our full guide of Things to do on the Great ocean Road for more information! And make sure to check out Bimbi Park , it might not be free but it is reasonably priced and a great place to stay!

  • Best things to do Lorne
  • Best things to do Apollo Bay
  • Best things to do Warnambool
  • Best things to do Geelong

Looking for things to see and do in and around Melbourne for families? Make sure you check out our full post: Melbourne with Kids where we offer a range of fun options. Check out our  Instagram and follow on Facebook for more family travel inspiration!

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TravelTrained

Great Ocean Road map – Directions, Camping sites and Facilities

camping great ocean road trip

Going on a long road trip like the Great Ocean Road trip in Australia that has many incredible sights can be quite daunting.

If you don’t plan on the sights you’d cover, the time you’d spend at each site and on how much time would it take for you from one spot to another, you may not squeeze the best out of it.

Although Google maps is the commonly used as a journey planner but it has its limitations on how much information it can provide in a single view. This is where our map of Great Great Ocean road comes handy.

The Great Ocean Map below not only has all the main destinations and attractions of this fascinating road trip but it also is a handy printable guide of the Great Ocean Road that you could print and carry with you in your pocket.

Great Ocean Road Map

See also: The Best Great Ocean Road Beach Resorts  

Great Ocean Road Stops

There are 7 main destinations along the Great Ocean Road: Torquay, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne, Apollo Bay, Twelve Apostles and Port Campbell. However, many travelers visit it from locations like Melbourne, Geelong, Colac, Warrnambool, Avalon airport and even Adelaide.

Therefore, for their ease of planning, we have listed the distances and time to travel for the 7 Great Ocean Road destinations from some of these popular locations at the end of this article for you.

If you’re coming into Melbourne on a vacation to explore the Great Ocean Road and its stunning destinations, you could use a car rental in Melbourne to hire a rental car straight from the Melbourne Airport and get going. Renting a car provides you with the flexibility and convenience to make the most of your road trip adventure.

Great Ocean Road Drive

Many travelers ask how long is the Great Ocean Road? The answer is 237km. From the starting point in Torquay until where it ends in Allansford, the scenic coastal drive passing through the Great Otway National Park it takes about 4 hours to drive non stop.

Camping Sites Great Ocean Road

Camping along the great ocean road is one of the most popular family activity all round the year. Aussies love being outdoors amongst the nature to unplug themselves from distractions of modern life.

There are variety of camping options on the great ocean road. You could set-up your tent amidst towering trees on the Otway rainforest or you could choose to be on the beach where you could gaze at the star-studded sky!

Powered camping sites Great Ocean Road

For overnight camping , a low cost alternative to a caravan park is a powered camping site. Also known as powered campsite or powered site, these campgrounds are equipped with power outlets.

It allows you to use and charge electric devices, light up the campsite and afford amenities like heating and cooling while camping .

There are a few such low cost powered camping sites available on the Great Ocean Road:

Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park

Pros : Great for families and kids, close to two beaches and local shops and amenities, dogs are allowed from May to Oct (excluding Melbourne Cup weekend)

Cons : Can be overpriced, no second car allowed during peak season

Anglesea Family Caravan Park

Pros : Clean and family friendly, great amenities on site – pool, oval, play areas

Cons : Pet friendly camp sites are not as good

I stayed here with a few families and friends in 2016 and I had the most fun staying in the cozy cabins, spending time and playing with friends and enjoying the heated pool.

Wye River Campground

Pros : Beach front location, small site – good for beginner campers without being too daunting

Cons : Campfires and solid fuel barbeques not allowed, no dump point

Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park

Pros : Good location for kids and family activities, accessibility to amenities and shops

Cons : Next to a busy road, more suited to RVs than camping, Pricey

Kennett River Family Caravan Park

Pros : Adjacent to Kennett river nature walk, wildlife spotting including Koalas and Glowworms, daily activities for kids,

Cons : No dump point

Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve

Pros : Pet friendly, close to beach and amenities, great spot for fishing on the beach

Cons : Can get muddy during rains and winters

Marengo Family Caravan Park

Pros :  Dog friendly, Wi-Fi available

Cons : Less privacy with lesser shaded campsites

So on your next Great Ocean Road camping trip, you know now where to go with your electric camping appliances such as electric grills or hot plates. What a way to enjoy the nature while still enjoying the comforts and conveniences that electricity provides!

Our top pick:  Kennett River Family Caravan Park

  • Location: Ideal camping site away from any busy town. The beach is right across the road, and there are plenty of hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities in the surrounding area.
  • Accommodation: The campsites are neatly organized in rows, are spacious and have access to power and water. The cabins are all self-contained and have kitchenettes, bathrooms, and TVs.
  • Facilities: Playground, Tennis Courts, Camp Kitchen, Laundry, WIFI, Garbage bins and general cleanliness of the park make it a value for money.

BIG 4 Great Ocean Road

BIG4, the well known family parks chain in Australia has plenty of parks in this region. Most of these resorts have both powered and unpowered sites as well as many other cabin and glamping tent options. There are 8 BIG4 Holiday Parks on the Great Ocean Road.

1. BIG4 Anglesea Holiday Park

BIG4 Anglesea Holiday Park is a family-friendly caravan park located at a short walk from Anglesea Beach. With a new adventure playground and a heated water complex the park makes a great base camp for exploring the Great Ocean Road.

2. Ingenia Holidays Torquay

Located on the Surf Coast Highway, Ingenia Holidays is great camping park for a surfing escape. A solar heated pool, heated spa, mini golf, tennis courts, games room and a playground makes for a good family spot.

3. BIG4 Wye River Holiday Park

This riverside holiday park is set against a mountain backdrop with the beach only a few walks away. With plenty of nature around you there is never a dull moment camping here. It has powered sites, un-powered sites and cabin options.

4. BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park

BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces holiday park is directly opposite the apollo bay beach. It offers multiple options to stay including powered and unpowered sites with an ensuite, cabins and the brand new beach tents.

5. BIG4 Aireys Inlet

At 5 minutes walk from the famous Great Ocean Road Gin tasting room bar the is another pretty good BIG4 holiday park. You are sure to like the new Bark hut glamping pod that accommodates a family of 4 but gets sold out pretty quick!

6. NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park

If you are looking for a bit of quiet and peaceful camping outing, then this is the holiday park for you.

7. NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park

This riverside retreat is set against the banks of the Hopkins river and will surprise you with its beautiful setting. It has some great activities for kids including a waterslide!

8. BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Warrnambool

This BIG4 holiday park is just 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre of Warrnambool, a historic maritime rural town. It offers free WI-FI and has a full size tennis court amongst other facilities.

Dog Friendly Caravan Parks Great Ocean Road

When you have your furry friend to go along with you on camping, the search for caravan parks on great ocean road that are pet friendly could be quite challenging. Though if you need a quick list then our team has made exactly that for you below:

1. Bimbi Park – Camping Under Koalas

2. marengo family caravan park, 3. big 4 aireys inlet, 4. nrma warrnambool riverside holiday park, 5. big4 tasman holiday parks – warrnambool, 6. ingenia holidays torquay, waterfalls great ocean road.

Here comes the best part of this post!

There are several stunning waterfalls that grace the surrounds of the great ocean road. They provide the nature lovers and thrill seekers a perfect combination to explore and rave about.

Otways waterfalls

Otways waterfalls are located in the rainforest of the Great Otway National Park. You’ll encounter a series of enchanting waterfalls in this region that will leave you breathless. We give you the two of the best to visit here:

Hopetoun falls

Hopetoun Falls, one of the most famous falls in the area, drops a whopping 30 meters (98 feet) into a picturesque gorge.

Triplet falls

The iconic Triplet Falls will leave you in awe with its three cascades flowing side by side, creating a mesmerizing sight.

Beyond the falls themselves, the hiking trails leading to these natural wonders are equally captivating. You’ll go through ancient rainforests, feeling the cool mist on your face as you pass through the moss-covered rocks and wooden bridges.

Lorne waterfalls

Lorne also has two amazing waterfalls in its vicinity.

Erskine falls – A 10km short drive from Lorne, this gigantic waterfall drops from a tall cliff into a fern filled valley.

Henderson falls – After a 10 min short drive from Lorne, a gentle climb through dense eucalypt trees, you reach the Henderson falls that are smaller than the Erskine falls but just as amazing.

Don’t forget your camera to capture these epic natural wonders that will have your friends back home totally jealous. So grab your squad, lace up your hiking boots , and prepare for an unforgettable adventure through these waterfalls.

Great Ocean Road Beaches

The beauty of the Great Ocean Road trip lies in the number of clean and beautiful beaches that you have the luxury to visit and explore. And if you are coming here for a holiday, you would find amazing beach resorts offering un-interrupted beach views on most of these beaches. They are so good I could personally vouch for them.

Torquay beach

Situated close to the Great Ocean Road start point, the Torquay beach is easily accessible by road and easily has the longest coastline of all beaches on the Great Ocean Road. It is also a surfing hub.

Anglesea beach

The next beach on the Great Ocean Road is the Anglesea Beach which is usually less crowded than the Torquay beach.

Lorne beach

Lorne beach is across the best market street on the Great Ocean Road. It hosts a lot of events around the year including the annual Lorne festival of performing arts and the falls festival.

Wye River beach

Wye River Beach stands out for its peaceful village setting, natural beauty, and the chance to experience a relaxed coastal lifestyle

Apollo Bay beach

Apollo beach offer many recreational activities for visitors like boating, fishing, surfing and kayaking.

Port Campbell beach

Port Campbell is a small but very scenic beach and my favorite beach on the Great Ocean Road. It has great photogenic qualities by being surrounded by cliffs.

We’ve done a quick comparison of these beaches below:

Torquay beach vs Anglesea beach vs Lorne beach vs Wye River beach vs Apollo Bay beach vs Port Campbell beach

Great ocean road information centre.

There are 6 visitor information centres spread evenly along the Great Ocean Road. These facilities can be really helpful for obtaining travel updates like current road and weather conditions and security information.

You could also get maps, brochures and other printed material around various hidden gems and local attractions. What’s more, since the staff that work there are locals, they can provide handy tips and insights about the the history, local food joints and a lot more.

Torquay Visitor Information Centre

Address: Surf City Plaza, 77 Beach Rd, Torquay VIC 3228

Open: All days 9am – 5pm

Phone: (03)5261 4219

Lorne Visitor Information Centre

Address:  15 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne VIC 3232

Phone: 1300 891 152

Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre

Address: 100 Great Ocean Rd, Apollo Bay VIC 3233 (inside Apollo Bay Foreshore Reserve)

Phone: 1300 689 297

12 Apostle Visitor Information Centre

Address:  Great Ocean Rd &, Booringa Rd, Princetown VIC 3269

Open: 24 Hrs

Phone: 1300 137 255

Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre

Address: 26 Morris St, Port Campbell VIC 3269

Warrnambool Visitor Information Centre

Address: 89 Merri St, Warrnambool VIC 3280 (inside Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village)

Open: All days 10am – 5pm

Phone: (03) 5559 4620

Great Ocean Road Service Stations

One important consideration while going on a road trip in the regional areas is where to refuel when you run out of gas. Thankfully, due to the popularity of this tourist destination there are quite a few fuel stations on this long stretch.

Shell Coles Express Anglesea

107 Great Ocean Rd, Anglesea VIC 3230

Open 5am – 10pm Sat – Sun, 5am – 11pm Mon – Fri

Liberty Oil – Only Diesel

40 Great Ocean Rd, Aireys Inlet VIC 3231

Shell – Lorne

70 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne VIC 3232

Open 6am – 8pm all days

Ampol Foodary Apollo Bay

Bp port campbell.

32 Lord St, Port Campbell VIC 3269

Open 24 hrs

Great Ocean Road destinations distances from popular locations

Melbourne to torquay.

96km, 1 hr 30 min drive

Melbourne to Anglesea

112km, 1 hr 45 min drive

Melbourne to Aireys Inlet

122km, 1 hr 50 min drive

Melbourne to Lorne

139km, 2 hr 17 min drive

Melbourne to Apollo Bay

200km, 3 hr drive

Melbourne to 12 Apostles

226km, 3 hr 15 min drive

Melbourne to Port Campbell

249km, 3 hr 20 min drive

Geelong to Torquay

19km, 24 min drive

Geelong to Anglesea

40km, 38 min drive

Geelong to Aireys Inlet

50km, 47 min drive

Geelong to Lorne

70km, 1 hr 17 min drive

Geelong to Apollo Bay

124km, 1 hr 46 min drive

Geelong to 12 Apostles

155km, 1hr 56 min drive

Geelong to Port Campbell

157km, 1 hr 57 min drive

Anglesea to Torquay

23km, 20 min drive

Anglesea to Aireys Inlet

10km, 10 min drive

Anglesea to Lorne

29km, 33 min drive

Anglesea to Apollo Bay

74km, 1 hr 26 min drive

Anglesea to 12 Apostles

153km, 1 hr 56 min drive

Anglesea to Port Campbell

155km, 1 hr 56 min drive

Anglesea to Melbourne

114km, 1 hr 34 min drive

Aireys Inlet to Torquay

33km, 30 min drive

Aireys Inlet to Anglesea

Aireys inlet to lorne.

19km, 23 min drive

Aireys Inlet to Apollo Bay

64km, 1 hr 15 min drive

Aireys Inlet to 12 Apostles

146km 2 hr 1 min drive

Aireys Inlet to Port Campbell

147km, 2 hr 1 min drive

Aireys Inlet to Melbourne

132km, 1 hr 32 min drive

Lorne to Torquay

51km, 50 min drive

Lorne to Anglesea

28km, 31 min drive

Lorne to Aireys Inlet

18km, 21 min drive

Lorne to Apollo Bay

45km, 56 min drive

Lorne to 12 Apostles

128km, 1 hr 42 min drive

Lorne to Port Campbell

130km, 1 hr 43 min drive

Lorne to Melbourne

142km, 2 hr 1 min drive

Apollo Bay to Torquay

115km, 1 hr 39 min drive

Apollo Bay to Anglesea

74km, 1 hr 22 min drive

Apollo Bay to Aireys Inlet

64km, 1 hr 12 min drive

Apollo Bay to Lorne

46km, 52 min drive

Apollo Bay to 12 Apostles

85km 1 hr 21 min drive

Apollo Bay to Port Campbell

96km 1 hr 30 min drive

Apollo Bay to Melbourne

198km 2 hr 38 min drive

12 Apostles to Torquay

155 km, 1 hr 52 min drive

12 Apostles to Anglesea

153 km, 1 hr 58 min drive

12 Apostles to Aireys Inlet

144 km, 1 hr 58 min drive

12 Apostles to Lorne

129 km, 1 hr 43 min drive

12 Apostles to Apollo Bay

85 km, 1 hr 15 min drive

12 Apostles to Port Campbell

11 km, 10 min drive

12 Apostles to Melbourne

226 km, 2 hr 44 min drive

Port Campbell to Torquay

158 km, 1 hr 54 min drive

Port Campbell to Anglesea

155 km, 1 hr 58 min drive

Port Campbell to Aireys Inlet

147 km, 2 hr drive

Port Campbell to Lorne

131 km, 1 hr 45 min drive

Port Campbell to Apollo Bay

97 km, 1 hr 25 min drive

Port Campbell to 12 Apostles

11 km, 9 min drive

Port Campbell to Melbourne

229 km, 2 hr 49 min drive

Avalon Airport to Torquay

51 km, 39 min drive

Avalon Airport to Anglesea

62 km, 49 min drive

Avalon Airport to Aireys Inlet

72 km, 59 min drive

Avalon Airport to Lorne

91 km, 1 hr 22 min drive

Avalon Airport to Apollo Bay

146 km, 1 hr 58 min drive

Avalon Airport to 12 Apostles

176 km, 2 hr 6 min drive

Avalon Airport to Port Campbell

178 km, 2 hr 7 min drive

Warrnambool to Torquay

187 km, 2 hr 14 min drive

Warrnambool to Anglesea

184 km, 2 hr 17 min drive

Warrnambool to Aireys Inlet

177 km, 2 hr 20 min drive

Warrnambool to Lorne

172 km, 2 hr 14 min drive

Warrnambool to Apollo Bay

158 km, 2 hr 13 min drive

Warrnambool to 12 Apostles

73 km, 58  min drive

Warrnambool to Port Campbell

63 km, 50 min drive

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Last Updated on October 8, 2023 by Sunny

Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles, Australia | Tourism Information

Free Camping Great Ocean Road

Dandos Free Campground, Great Otway National Park

Best Free Camping along the Great Ocean Road

Page Contents

Free camping grounds along the Great Ocean Road used to be quite prolific, years ago and when the region did not attract quite so many thousands of eager visitors.

Nowadays, the coastal sites are all paid and booked through Parks Victoria, but some free spots can still be found in the Otways, not too far from the Great Ocean Road and all the famous sights.

If you decide to partly free camp and maybe include a night somewhere special, we have listed some great places through Booking.com

The work that has gone into many of the camping grounds is extensive and ongoing for Parks Victoria staff. It is not a surprise that most of the free camps are now at a cost- a site for 2 people costs under $20.00 which is very reasonable, even for solo travellers. It does take away the joy of rocking up to find a pitch of your choice but it also means that you can be assured of a campsite by pre-booking.

Some of the campgrounds listed are dog-friendly, so if you plan to bring your pooch camping and for some romps on beaches, it is possible to have a great time.

If you are looking for campgrounds with the full range of facilities, these are the regular caravan and camping parks along the Ocean Road.

Join our Great Ocean Road Facebook group to get the latest info and help planning an adventure.

FREE CAMPGROUNDS

Listed below are the best free Great Ocean Road campsites, all really well-managed by Parks Victoria. Conditions and regulations can change, please read any links that are attached to the details below.

Parks Vic managed paid campsites are also listed on this page, after the free campgrounds.

Angelsea – Hammond Road North Campground

The Hammond Road North free campsite, 12 km inland from Angelsea, is a basic camp area with limited sites. The site has tables and the toilets are in good condition and campsites clearly marked.

Pitching tents may not be as easy, the ground is fairly compacted. Make sure to take a mallet or use pop-up tents like ours and don’t peg down – but make sure they are weighted so they don’t blow away!

This site is Dog-Friendly

Get Directions to Hammond Road North Free Camping Area

Hammond Road North Free Campground – Pan around the image to see more.

Tanners Road Free Camping Ground, inland from Angelsea

Tanners Road free camping area has also had a facelift recently, it is a small campground with very limited sites. Horse yards are also available at no-cost, on a first-come basis. They are really solid! Numerous tracks head off into the bush from this popular site.

Get Directions to Tanners Road Free Camping Area

Tanners Road Free Campground Angelsea Great Ocean Road

Free Camping Near Lorne

There is no free camping within an easy walk of Lorne, but not too far up in the Otway National Park behind Lorne, you can still one place to camp for free.

Sharps Camping Area, Lorne

Located about 5 km from Lorne, the campground is adjacent to Sharps Road.

No booking, no fees. Camping is on a first-in, first-served basis. There are 6 campsites available accommodating up to six people per site. All campsites are unpowered. Half the sites are set aside for tents only; the other sites are suitable for tents, caravans or camper-trailers.  

No toilets, campers need to be self-contained.

Get Directions to Sharps Free Camping Area

This site is Not dog-friendly

Sharps Free Camping Area Lorne

Aire Crossing Campsite – As Remote As you Can Be

Aire River Crossing Track, Great Otway National Park is about as remote as you can camp in the Otways. It is basic bush camping by the river, which is good to cool off in on hot days. Very limited spaces & lots of mozzies… | Seasonal closure s – check with Parks Victoria incase of winter closures | Get Directions to Aire Crossing Free Camp

This site is dog-friendly though they are required to be on-leash.

camping great ocean road trip

Beauchamp Falls Free Camp Area

Beauchamp Falls Camp Area

This little campground has a grassy area with firepits that can be used when camping and for day use. Campervans etc. can stay overnight in the car park. It has long drop loos and is very close to the really pretty Beauchamp Falls.

Get Directions to Beauchamp Falls Camping Area

Dando’s Free Campsite

Dando’s is quite a large campsite beneath tall, slender trees with quite a few tables and fire pits and by a large open grassy area that is ideal for kids to play (watch out for snakes).

From the main road, it takes about 20 minutes to drive in and feels quite remote.

The site has long-drop toilets and is on a first-come basis. It is deep in the Otways beyond Beech Forest, popular with 4 wheel drive clubs. Set beside the Gellibrand River, this is such a lovely spot.

Sayers Track, Gillibrand. Get Directions

Dandos Free Campground Otways

Stevenson’s Falls Free Campground

Stevensons Falls Great Otway National Park Victoria

Currently Closed until late 2023 while upgrades are being done.

There is an awesome free campground with a beautiful walk to the nearby Stevenson’s Falls, one of the prettiest waterfalls in the Otways. The camping area is a good size and the drive into Stevenson’s Falls camping ground has some wonderful views down into the valley. Watch out for kangaroos, we saw some really large mods of Eastern Grey roos on a quick getaway camp we did to Stevensons Falls (this is our go-to gear for a quick overnight camping trip ).

It has basic toilet facilities and about 50 un-powered campsites –  the area can become very muddy after heavy rains. It is on a first-come basis and does get crowded at peak times. Access is from the Colac-Skenes Creek Road near Barramunga.

Get Directions to Stevensons Falls Free Campground

PAID CAMPSITES MANAGED BY PARKS VICTORIA

These sites are low-cost and booked online through Parks Victoria. The prices are very reasonable for what is provided and the maintenance required.

Hammond Road Campsite – Angelsea

This site is just up the road from the free Hammonds Road North Camping ground . It has recently been upgraded with toilets, bbq pits, and some tables. It is a good open site with lots of visiting kangaroos and other wildlife. Book through Parks Victoria.

Not Dog-Friendly .

camping great ocean road trip

Allenvale Mill Bush camp – Lorne

The camping area is about 3 km beyond  Lorne off Allendale Road on the banks of the St George River.

This is a walk-in camping area , although it’s only a short walk to the campground (around 200 metres). No booking, no fees. Camping is on a first-in, first-served basis. There are 16 campsites available. All campsites are unpowered and are suitable for tents only. Long drop toilets are provided. Read More…

Get Directions to Allenvale Mill Walk-in Campground

This site is not dog-friendly

Allenvale Mill Walk in Free Campground,

Big Hill Track Campground, 11 km from Lorne

This unpowered campground, 11km / 15 mins from Lorne has some open grassy sites surrounded by bush. It is suitable for school groups, motorhomes, caravans and has a couple of camping sites.

Subject to seasonal closure between 1 June and 31 October inclusive.

12 campsites are available on a first-come basis.  Half the sites are set aside for tents only whilst the other half are suitable for tents, caravans, and camper-trailers.

Long-drop loos, BYO water.

Located near the intersection of Big Hill Track and Lorne-Deans Marsh Road, Benwerrin.

Get Directions to Big Hill Campground

Big Hill Free Campground Lorne Great Ocean Road

Jamieson Creek Campground – Wye River, Ocean Views

Jamieson Creek is one of the best spots to camp for bushwalks, fabulous ocean views, and easy access to the Great Ocean Road. The camping area is not too far from Lorne and it is a quick drive or a pretty walk into the tiny seaside township of Wye River. A short hike down to the beach and visitors can enjoy exploring rock pools at low tide or relaxing on the beach.

With lots of new planting and recent improvements including toilets, gas bbq’s and seating overlooking the Bass Strait from the viewpoint, this is an awesome spot to spend a few days.

Book a campsite at Jamieson Creek Campground

This short video was made when the camping ground had been newly planted and upgraded, over time the planting will grow and it will look less open in the camping area. We plan to spend a few days down here to really explore the area and will update the video, subscribe to our Youtube channel (link in video) to be notified of new uploads.

Pan around the image, scroll to zoom in, to see the viewpoint at Jamieson Creek camping ground. We were here on a gloomy day… but it was still spectacular.

Lake Elizabeth Campground – Wildlife, Bike Trails, Secluded

Up high in the Otways near Forrest, the Lake Elizabeth Campground is a gem. Walk to Lake Elizabeth, do the circuit, watch for Platypus early in the morning or at dusk. The area is a mountain biker’s paradise with miles of specially marked trails.

Dog-friendly on a lead at all times.

More information and booking – Parks Victoria

Blanket Bay, Cape Otway

Nestled neatly beneath Manna Gums to the east of Cape Otway Light Station and with quick access to the sheltered beach, Blanket Bay is a fantastic little camping site. It is a good koala spotting area and popular with snorkellers (byo gear) and is ideal for exploring rock pools and local walks. It is also one of the stops along the Great Ocean Walk.

Parker Hill Campground, Cape Otway

This idyllic little campground is set up on a hill beneath stringybark trees with plenty of visiting wildlife. It’s a short walk to the beach and hikers keen to explore can walk to Point Franklin with awesome ocean views. It is on a section of the Great Ocean Walk.

Aire River West

Set beside the Aire River and close to the coast, this campsite is popular with larger groups and has open sunny camping sites. Basic amenities and unpowered. A fantastic little campsite, west of Cape Otway, with local walks to explore.

More Information and booking – Parks Victoria

Aire River East

The first time we stayed here was when the kids were small, they had packed their own bags and out of the crammed full case of the youngest (3years old) popped a big stuffed teddy bear… and no clothes or knickers. It is one of the best family camping memories we cherish. Camping and hiking with kids is brilliant fun.

The sites are more sheltered than at the Aire River West campground and it is a good place to take kayaks and SUPS to explore the river.

Johanna Beach – Surfing & Dog-Friendly

Johanna Beach campsite is about an hour from the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge and the most popular camping ground for surfers along the Great Ocean Road (the beach is unpatrolled and remote).

It’s the perfect spot for getting away from the world for a while and enjoying the ocean scents. Johanna Beach is also popular for surf fishing and a section of the Great Ocean Walk also passes through this location, so an ideal base for some day hikes.

Camping near the 12 Apostles

When visiting the 12 Apostles , it is possible to find budget-friendly campsites. The Princetown Recreation reserve is the best budget camping or caravanning option, closest to the Twelve Apostles, it is fairly basic but in a good location on the coast. If you don’t mind a 1-hour drive to the Apostles from your campsite, the Johanna Beach campsite is awesome (paid campground, details above).

Paid Camping & Caravan Parks

More camping and caravan sites can be found along the Ocean Road, some are low-cost and others are more expensive resort-style campgrounds with great facilities for families. Many of these camping and caravan parks are well located by the ocean and towns.

Free Camping near Warrnambool

The Panmure overnight camping area is the closest campsite to Warrnambool, it is close to the busy road so can be noisy at night, but it’s free and we can be happy.

Pet-friendly | Toilets | BBQs and tables | Tents, caravans, etc. allowed. | By a river | Less than 30 mins (29.4 km) drive to Warrnambool | 50 mins (60.8 Km) to the 12 Apostles

8830 Princes Hwy, Panmure, Victoria

Get directions to Panmure

Free Camping before reaching the Great Ocean Road

There is a 24 hour BP Petrol Station at Little River which is about 30 mins after crossing the West Gate Bridge when leaving Melbourne on Highway One. This is a popular overnight stop for people coming off the Spirit of Tasmania with caravans or motorhomes and heading towards the Ocean Road as it takes about 1 hour from Port Melbourne.

Near the service station is a large, unsealed, parking area that is generally accepted as a ‘free camping’ spot. This is not near the Ocean Road, it’s about an hour away.

No facilities and it is beside the noisy highway , campers need to be self-contained or use the toilet facilities (no showers) in the fuel station (which is allowed) .

Little River BP Rest Stop - free camping Princes Highway

Car & Motorhome Hire – Get the best price

Car and Campervan Rental Melbourne Airport and CBD

Self-drive touring along the Ocean Road is an ideal way to explore, going off the track a little into the Otways and taking plenty of time to experience the region. The driving route between Melbourne and Adelaide can include a trip down the Great Ocean Road too.

Waterfalls & 50 Things to Do Along the Great Ocean Road

The waterfalls in the Otways are beautiful and a few of these free campgrounds are very close to some of the best waterfalls as well as near excellent walking tracks.

See our map and list of 50 things to see and do in the region.

camping great ocean road trip

Free Camping in Victoria

Victoria has an incredible number of free camps, sadly, the Great Ocean Road does not offer many these days as fees were introduced some years back. It is not recommended to stop and sleep for the night in parking bays, as allowed in many parts of Australia, fines may be imposed.  However, many campgrounds are at low cost and affordable.

Read more about free camping in Australia…

Finding a free campsite at peak times:

Free campgrounds in Australia are usually on a first-come basis, Western Australia is trialling booking system for free sites, which takes away the ability to be spontaneous when travelling.

If you can’t find a free campsite, local recreation reserves generally offer low-cost sites. The Wiki Camps Au App is one of the best ways to find campsites, it costs under $10 to purchase for lifetime use and is available on Android and IOS.

GREAT OCEAN ROAD FACEBOOK GROUP – Join our FB group to ask questions and share your knowledge about anything to do with travel along the Great Ocean Road. Bushwalks, waterfalls, trip planning, great camping sites, campfire recipes…

IMAGES

  1. The Ultimate Guide To Camping On Great Ocean Road

    camping great ocean road trip

  2. 14 best campsites on the Great Ocean Road

    camping great ocean road trip

  3. The Ultimate Guide To Camping On Great Ocean Road (With images)

    camping great ocean road trip

  4. Camping Australia's Great Ocean Road

    camping great ocean road trip

  5. Best Free Camping on The Great Ocean Road

    camping great ocean road trip

  6. Camping, Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

    camping great ocean road trip

VIDEO

  1. If you had to choose: beach or mountains? #adventureawaits #travel #camping #campgroundlife #rvlife

  2. New Caravan Bogged on QLD Beach

  3. Camping, Great Ocean Road, and Port Campbell Pies

  4. Ocean Side Campsite

COMMENTS

  1. The Ultimate Guide to Camping Along the Great Ocean Road

    Surrounded by the Otways National Park and located a few minutes away from a pristine beach, this is one of the best spots for camping on Great Ocean Road just off the world-famous Kennett River Koala Walk. Price: $35 per night for a powered site, $41 for unpowered. Cabins start at $130 per night.

  2. The best camping sites along the Great Ocean Road

    Considered to be one of the world's most scenic coastal drives, Victoria's Great Ocean Road gives you the opportunity to see the iconic 12 Apostles, get up close to native wildlife and take in iconic surf breaks, pristine rainforest and misty waterfalls.. The 243-kilometre stretch of road that runs between Torquay and Allansford is actually the world's largest war memorial - it was ...

  3. 15 Best Campsites on the Great Ocean Road

    Marengo Holiday Park. Location: Great Ocean Road in Marengo, 3km outside of Apollo Bay. Camping fees: Varies depending on sites and season but ranges from $38 to $50 per camping site.Check availability and prices here.; Facilities: Unpowered and powered camping sites, cabins, toilet and hot shower blocks, camp kitchen, laundry and Wi-Fi. Good to know: The caravan park is just 50m from the ...

  4. Great Ocean Road Itinerary: 20 Stops, Map & Campsites

    A Great Ocean Road trip is one of the most beautiful drives in the world - stretching 244km from Torquay to Warrnambool with pristine coastline on one side and lush forest on the other. ... Camping on Great Ocean Road is one of the best ways to get closer to the beautiful landscape and wildlife, but always remember to take only photos, leave ...

  5. The Great Ocean Road: A Guide to the Ultimate Road Trip

    The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's most popular road trips. The winding coastal drive goes for 243km from Torquay to Allansford along the southwest coast of Victoria. The combination of spectacular coastal scenery and dense rainforests of the Great Otway National Park make it one of the most beautiful regions in Australia.

  6. Best Camping Grounds On The Great Ocean Road

    Discovery Bay Marine National & Coastal Park. If you want to stay near some of the attractions the Great Ocean Road is famous for, Port Campbell and Princetown are the best camping on the Great Ocean Road for the 12 Apostles. Portland is a good spot for whale watching and there are lots of camping options in the Volcanic Lakes & Plains region.

  7. Great Ocean Road Camping Guide: Unveilling The Best Spots!

    So if you're planning a trip camping on the Great Ocean Road, read our tips and advice below, and uncover our picks for the top campsites on the Great Ocean Road. Plan Your Trip With These Self-Drive Itineraries: 2 Day Great Ocean Road Trip; 3 Days On The Great Ocean Road; 4 Day Great Ocean Road Guide

  8. The Best Great Ocean Road Camping Grounds [Free & Paid]

    4. Johanna beach campground. Johanna Beach camping ground is run by Victoria Parks and offers 25 paid unpowered campsites. It's often used as a hub for hikers and experienced surfers (this is an unpatrolled beach). It's surrounded by pristine rainforest on one side and sand dunes on the other.

  9. The Ultimate Guide To Camping On Great Ocean Road

    Stevensons Falls Free Campground. Location: Roadknight Creek Road, Barramunga VIC 3249, Australia. Facilities: Ideal spot for those free camping along the Great Ocean Road as it neighbours one of the best waterfalls in the Otways - Stevensons Falls. From the campsite, it's just a 25-minute walk to reach the waterfalls.

  10. Great Ocean Road Camping

    Cumberland River Holiday Park. Cumberland River Holiday Park : 2680 Great Ocean Rd, Cumberland River | Phone Bookings: (03) 5289 1790 | Check Best Prices for Cabins & Book. The Cumberland River Holiday Park is not far from Lorne. It is a fantastic camping area with lovely cabins onsite.

  11. Our epic 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary from Melbourne!

    Tips for Driving On The Great Ocean Road. Our 3-day itinerary for the best way to explore Great Ocean Road: both the well know and more obscure spots. Day 1: Set off from Melbourne, visit Torquay and the first section of the road. Torquay/ Bells Beach. The Memorial Arch.

  12. Great Ocean Road Camping

    Great Ocean Road: Torquay to Apollo Bay. There are campgrounds to be found in every town along this section of the coastline. Each destination is different. Camp in Torquay or Jan Juc to surf all day and enjoy the great range of casual dining by night. Camping in Anglesea is geared toward family fun, Anglesea is the perfect place for learning ...

  13. ⛺️ (11 Sites) Free Camping the Great Ocean Road, VIC

    Panmure Campground. Location: 13km north-east of Allansford. The Panmure Campground is a nice one to round off your Free Camping along the Great Ocean Road trip. It can be a noisy as its close to the highway, however you can enjoy flushing toilets, BBQs, a nearby river for swimming, grassy sites and a playground.

  14. The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2024)

    READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide!. Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay. Distance: 195km Drive Time: 3 Hours Sightseeing Time: 5 Hours For most people, driving the Great Ocean Road trip will start in Melbourne and can be done in a loop or a return journey. That's how we're going to structure this post for you.

  15. Road Trip Guide: the Great Ocean Road

    The Great Ocean Road is one of the most widely-known and driven tourist highways in Australia. It's a perfect picture of how most tourists view Australia. This includes the iconic ocher-shaded cliffs, and bright blue ocean, next to creamy white beaches. Taking a road trip on the Great Ocean Road won't disappoint, no matter what time of year ...

  16. Great Ocean Road Campsites & Caravan Parks

    Price range: $37 - $140 per night. - Park is dog friendly from February to December with maximum 2 dogs per site in the Top Bank and Ocean Road Parks. The Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park is the ideal setting for nature lovers with the beautiful Erskine River & rugged coastline all within easy reach. The Caravan park offers a range of ...

  17. Ultimate 10 Day Great Ocean Road Campervan Roadtrip Planner

    A Great Ocean Road campervan roadtrip is a must do activity when visiting Australia! Hiring a campervan and going on a self drive holiday along the most jaw-dropping ocean views in Australia is an amazing experience! You will want to stop at every possible lookout, for example to take in the unbelievable beauty of one of the most popular roadtrips in Australia, The Great Ocean Road.

  18. Camping in Great Ocean Road, Victoria: Best Great Ocean Road

    Located within a short drive from the start of the Great Ocean Road, Goldane Bush Retreat has 3 generous size campsites, nestled amongst the trees and bordered by natural vegetation as well as grassed areas. 1 x powered 2 x unpowered. 2WD access to campsites, with an open area for parking caravans or mobile homes.

  19. Van Life Along The Great Ocean Road

    Road Trip The Great Ocean Road. While private tours or weekend trips away are amazing experiences, they don't quite compare to living the van life. A huge element is the freedom camping provides. You can just pull up your van in any one of the amazing sites along the coast, and be right amongst nature.

  20. 7 Sites for Free Camping, Great Ocean Road Victoria

    Find below a list of the best sites for Free Camping on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria. This list is perfect if you are planning a road trip on the Great Ocean Road. 1. Allenvale Mill Bush Campground. After a day exploring Lorne Waterfalls, why not camp at the nearby Allenvale Mill campground located just 3km from Lorne on the banks of St ...

  21. Great Ocean Road map

    There are variety of camping options on the great ocean road. You could set-up your tent amidst towering trees on the Otway rainforest or you could choose to be on the beach where you could gaze at the star-studded sky! Powered camping sites Great Ocean Road. For overnight camping, a low cost alternative to a caravan park is a powered camping ...

  22. Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks

    Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands.

  23. Free Camping Great Ocean Road

    This unpowered campground, 11km / 15 mins from Lorne has some open grassy sites surrounded by bush. It is suitable for school groups, motorhomes, caravans and has a couple of camping sites. Subject to seasonal closure between 1 June and 31 October inclusive. 12 campsites are available on a first-come basis.

  24. K U Y E R S on Instagram: "Our Great Ocean Road roadie, we bought the

    27 likes, 0 comments - kuyers_downunder on September 11, 2023: "Our Great Ocean Road roadie, we bought the basics along with us for this trip. We slept in swags,..." K U Y E R S on Instagram: "Our Great Ocean Road roadie, we bought the basics along with us for this trip.