The best Great Ocean Road camp spots

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 the 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.

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 Great Ocean Road camp spots.

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 campsite.

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.

Cumberland River Holiday Park — Lush landscapes meet serene river views. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Jamieson Creek Campground

Located within the Great Otway National Park, Jamieson Creek Campground has 24 campsites by the ocean. There are a range of campsites, each accommodating up to six people, for tents and small carvans and trailers. Note that it is very basic (i.e. no toilets, running water or barbecues), so you’ll need to come well prepared, but the picturesque location certainly makes up for it.

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.

Eumeralla is a popular scout camp by day

Marengo Holiday Park

This is a well-maintained park with good access to the beach and lovely views back towards nearby Apollo Bay. Visitors can choose from both powered and unpowered camping sites, as well as cabins for those wanting to be extra comfortable.

It’s also dog-friendly and has good facilities including a camp kitchen, BBQ area, laundry facilities, a playground, and free wi-fi. 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 offers as many bells and whistles as camping can

Kennett River Holiday Park

This part of the world is known as koala country, and you have a good chance here (and at nearby Grey River) to spot a few of our furry friends. Located between the towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay, the beach at Kennett River has reasonable surf (particularly good for beginners) and the campground is set right across from the beach. Amenities include bathrooms, a camp kitchen, barbecue areas, a playground for children, and a general store nearby for essentials and food.

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 near Aire River campsites 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 (not on days of Total Fire Ban).

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).

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.

Powered camping from $60 (for 2 people)

Unpowered camping from $50 (for 2 people)

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. $32-$52 per night.

Expect your basic camping facilities at Port Campbell Recreation Reserve

Discover the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road

Get around the natural beauty and bounty of regional Victoria on a guided tour that reveals extraordinary moments from coast to country.

Walk the Great Ocean Road

forest walk along the Great Ocean Road — Swap your car for walking shoes on the Great Ocean Road.

The Australian Walking Co’s immersive three-day, lodge-based walk is absolute bucket-list fodder. The easy-going, guided coastal hike is marked by epic scenery and end-of-day luxury. You’ll have no need for heavy packs or tents, instead expect fresh-caught crayfish, post-walk canapés and local wines. Each day explores the drama of this ocean-facing landscape with an approachable three-hour-ish walk, leaving plenty of time to unwind at the lodge.

Swim with seals and dolphins at Port Phillip Heads

dolphins swimming in Port Phillip Head Marine Park — Swim with dolphins in Port Phillip Head Marine Park.

Dive into Popes Eye, within Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, for this wild swimming experience with mankind’s BFFs of the sea. On the See All Dolphin Swims 3.5-hour experience, departing from Queenscliff, you’ll begin in shallow, calm waters before venturing off to Chinaman’s Hat and beyond to meet seals and dolphins in their own habitat. All gear is provided and all ages are welcome.

Get your ghost on in the Grampians

For those with a penchant for the paranormal, get ready for goosebumps when you embark on the Lantern Tours J Ward Paranormal Investigation excursion that takes place under the moonlight in the west wing of Aradale Lunatic Asylum. As you keep a lookout for supernatural activity, you’ll enjoy tales of the criminally insane inmates that will make the hairs on your neck stand to attention.

Paddle along the mighty Murray

a woman on a stand-up paddle board along the Murray — Glide along the scenic Murray on a stand-up paddleboard.

Swoosh softly through the silky waters of the mighty Murray on a stand-up paddle board with Echuca Moama Stand Up Paddle . This gentle downstream sojourn meanders for one-and-a-half hours covering 4.5 kilometres of the river, taking in the beauty on the banks and the vibrant birdlife. From Echuca Moama slip under the Moama Bridge and glide beside its iconic paddlesteamers and the historic port.

Sip and cycle in the Yarra Valley

cyclists exploring Yarra Valley — Cycle around Yarra Valley wine country.

Wine and wheels make a great pairing on the Tour De Vines six-hour Yarra Valley tour that weaves through vine-threaded roads. It’s a relaxed pace along 20 kilometres of the Warburton Rail Trail as you spot native birds and stop in at local vineyards and produce stores. You’ll pull in at a local winery for a tasting and enjoy lunch before hitting up a couple of cellar doors. Depending on your pedal power, there may be time to sneak in a visit to a chocolate or cheese factory.

Dig for gold in Bendigo

Think you have what it takes to unearth a gilded treasure? Try your hand at prospecting and learn the art of gold-digging (in the geological sense) on the two-hour Gold Nugget Hunter tour in the Loddon Valley. On the tour, mine the wisdom of locals Shane and Jackie – who have honed their hobby of gold-detecting into an art – to learn how to read the land and use a gold detector. You may even go home with a nugget of your own.

Cruise around Wilsons Promontory

the Skull Rock in Wilsons Prom — Cruise around Skull Rock in Wilsons Prom. (Image: Connor Vaughan)

It’s a thrill to drive directly from the sand into the waves aboard the Wanderer Adventures ’ bright-yellow amphibious boat. On this 2.5-hour tour, you’ll skip along the water to take in Wilsons Prom’s top highlights, such as the imposing Skull Rock, The Glennies, Anderson Islets and Anser Island. Spot seals, penguins and seabirds as you absorb the tranquillity of this stunning environment.

Walk with llamas in the Macedon Ranges

Make friends with a llama in the Macedon Ranges.

If you’ve always felt an affinity for long-lashed camelids, then bonding with a llama on a leisurely walk might just be the thing for you. Opt for either a three-hour, five-kilometre hike or a longer 12-kilometre trek along the Domino Rail Trail paired with a gentle, hooved friend. Things kick off with a llama orientation, where you’ll learn how to lead and look out for your new mate before you hit the track. It’s a lovely way to explore the beauty of the region with a sensitive and curious companion by your side.

Go underground in the Grampians

Take a subterranean tour of Seppelt Wines. (Image: Ben Savage/We Are Explorers)

Oenophiles and cave-lovers alike will enjoy going underground at Seppelt’s ‘Drives’ . The largest underground cellar in Australia, The Drives were dug by local goldminers in 1868 and meander for three-kilometres – keeping wine treasures at a temperate 16-degrees year-round. A 50-minute tour through the heritage-listed granite tunnels happily conclude with a tasting of the label’s celebrated sparkling wines.

Discover island life in the Mornington Peninsula

Discover the Mornington Peninsula’s flora and fauna on a guided tour of French Island.

Eject from the mainland on a catamaran bound for the wildlife haven of French Island with Naturaliste Tours . Once you disembark from the boat, you’ll hop into a 4WD to explore the pristine flora and fauna, from salt marshes to vast Fairhaven Beach. Look out for echidnas and koalas and enjoy short walks and historic sites on this half-day tour.