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

Once a service town for gold miners, Healesville has evolved into a destination brimming with character.

If you trace your finger to the heart of the Yarra Valley on a map, you’ll land on Healesville – a charming little town framed by towering gums and rolling hills. Its main street is lined with cosy cafes, a bookshop, silversmiths, boutiques and a providore stacked with artisan breads and cured meats. In other words, all the essentials for a leisurely weekend. Just beyond the shops, parklands invite picnics, bush trails suggest a wander, along with an old tourist railway, distilleries and award-winning vineyards. Originally a service centre for the goldfields, the railway soon brought visitors seeking fresh mountain air. Today, it’s the kind of place that rewards a slow stroll.

Staying in Healesville

the lounge in one of the cosy villas at Healesvillas — Inside one of the cosy villas.

If sweeping mountain views are part of your accommodation prerequisite, Healesvillas are two architecturally designed villas sleeping six guests, complete with landscaped al fresco areas and a fire pit. Wander into town to visit Cheesemonger Sophie to help craft the perfect platter, and Barrique Wine Store for a local red, before returning to soak up the views.

Dining out in Healesville

small plates at No. 7 Healesville — No.7 offers small plates and tasting menus centred on seasonal produce. (Image: Ben Frazer)

For breakfast, head to My Little Kitchen Cafe , a cheerful spot on the main street known for its strong coffee and warm hospitality. Herd is a low-lit spot with serious style, serving up modern comfort food, or to sit beside wine barrels and underneath chandeliers head to No. 7 Healesville , a wine bar and restaurant in a converted warehouse.

Drinking in Healesville

a cocktail at Four Pillars Gin Distillery — Enjoy a cocktail at renowned Four Pillars Gin Distillery. (Image: LVDI)

Take a tour or sip your way through a tasting paddle at one of Australia’s most famous gin distilleries, Four Pillars Gin . If visiting a boutique winery is on the list, Boat O’Craigo wines has sweeping views over the vineyards to the hills beyond. The newest addition to the local drinking scene, Zoncello Yarra Valley serves a must-try Limoncello Spritz.

the Boat O’Craigo winery — Boutique winery Boat O’Craigo. (Image: Rob Blackburn)

Healesville highlights

If you’re after a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery, Silvermist Studio designs beautifully unique pieces. Lifestyle store Morris et al is filled with women’s fashion and homewares, and because everyone deserves a good book, Verso Books is a cosy independent bookshop with carefully chosen titles.

Head to Healesville Sanctuary to get up close to some of Australia’s wildlife. If the weather is on your side, pack a picnic and head to Maroondah Reservoir Park to climb the steep dam wall, where kids and adults alike can’t resist testing out the booming echo. And if you feel like stepping back in time, board a vintage train at the Yarra Valley Railway .

Step back in time at the Puffing Billy Railway. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The best camping sites along the Great Ocean Road