The Great Ocean Road is more than a road trip; it’s an adventure through Australia’s most iconic coastlines. From stunning ocean views to national parks, the Great Ocean Road is a camping mecca where you can get amongst the great outdoors, wildlife and starry nights by the coast. Whether you’re an experienced camper or a first-timer, there are heaps of amazing camping spots and caravan parks along the way, each with its own unique access to natural wonders and freedom to do your own thing.
Why Camp on the Ocean Road?
Camping on the Great Ocean Road is an immersive experience of Australia’s natural wonders. Famous for the 12 Apostles, this trip is a chance to get back to nature, breathe in the fresh air and hear the sound of the ocean. Camping here is budget-friendly and allows you to get up close and personal with the cultural heritage of the Eastern Maar and Gunditjmara traditional lands and gain a deeper understanding of this area’s history and natural significance. From road trips to hiking in campsites, camping on this scenic drive will give you endless memories and adventure.
Best Campsites
The Great Ocean Road has many great campsites, each with its own special features, from bushland to beachfront. Here are some to consider:
Port Campbell Recreation Reserve
Close to the 12 Apostles, Port Campbell Recreation Reserve is a convenient and beautiful spot for campers who want easy access to the popular attractions. This campsite has grassy areas for tents and caravans, basic facilities (toilets, showers, camp kitchen), and Port Campbell, which is a lovely seaside town where you can eat out and stock up on camping supplies. Whether you’re pitching a tent or arriving with a caravan, the reserve’s proximity to the beach makes it a great spot for beach lovers.
Princetown Recreation Reserve
Along the Gellibrand River, Princetown Recreation Reserve is a peaceful and beautiful spot. With river and coastal views, it’s a great spot for a relaxing camping trip. Powered sites, hot showers and picnic areas, mixed amenities for campers. Suitable for families and group bookings, peaceful but close to the 12 Apostles. At night, enjoy the river views and spot kangaroos and various bird life.
Johanna Beach Campground
For beach camping, Johanna Beach Campground in the Great Otway National Park is the one. Famous for its surf and beautiful beaches, this beachside campsite has grassy campsites and basic facilities (toilets only). Direct access to Johanna Beach is great for surfers and beach lovers. The open layout of the campground means you can see the ocean, and the surrounding Otway forest is full of walking trails and wildlife.
Aire River East and West Campgrounds
Along the Aire River in Otway National Park, the Aire River campgrounds have two areas: East and West. Both campgrounds are suitable for tents, camper trailers and caravans and a great base for kayaking, fishing and walking—basic facilities (toilets, BBQs, picnic tables). The Aire River is great for wildlife spotting, where you might see platypuses in the river or koalas in the trees—a peaceful escape with river, forest and mountain views.
Bimbi Park – Camping Under Koalas
On the Cape Otway coast, Bimbi Park offers camping under koalas. This park has a range of accommodation options, from tent sites to deluxe cabins, so it’s suitable for all types of campers. Bimbi Park is also famous for its wildlife, koalas, kangaroos and native birds are right on site. Amenities include hot showers, BBQ areas, a camp kitchen and even a campfire pizza oven for those chilly nights under the stars. Close to Apollo Bay you can dine out and visit local attractions while still being in the forest.
Blanket Bay Campground
Blanket Bay Campground is a remote coastal campground in Otway National Park. Basic facilities only, toilets and fire pits so you can really get back to nature in a quiet and secluded spot. Stunning ocean views and a small beach nearby makes Blanket Bay a great spot to get away from it all.
Stevensons Falls Campground
For waterfall lovers Stevensons Falls Campground is a must. This campground is perfect for those who want to camp in lush green surroundings with a short walk to Stevensons Falls. Basic facilities, pit toilets and picnic tables so it’s a great option for those who want a more rustic experience. Surrounded by tall forest it’s a great spot for hiking, wildlife watching and photography.
Marengo Holiday Park
In Apollo Bay Marengo Holiday Park is a fully self contained camping site with ocean views. The park has a range of camping options from powered caravan sites to tent sites and luxury cabins. Camp kitchen, hot showers and picnic tables. Marengo Holiday Park is perfect for those who want to dine out in Apollo Bay and have access to nearby beach activities like kayaking and marine life spotting.
Jamieson Creek Campground
Between Lorne and Apollo Bay Jamieson Creek Campground is perfect for those who want a mix of ocean and forest views. This campground has access to coastal trails so campers can explore both beach and bush. Picnic tables, toilets and fire pits so it’s a great option for nature lovers who want to experience a bit of everything the area has to offer.
Big Hill Campground
In the forested area of Big Hill this campground is a quiet retreat with basic facilities, pit toilets and BBQs. A short drive from Apollo Bay and a true bush camping experience with open clearings and more private forested sites. Big Hill is perfect for those who want to disconnect and has access to hiking trails in the Great Otway National Park.
Good to Know About Camping
When camping on the Great Ocean Road, keep these in mind:
Best Time to Camp
October to April offers the prime season for camping, with warm weather creating ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. However, winter camping has its perks too—fewer crowds and cooler temperatures provide a chance to enjoy peaceful, secluded sites and cozy campfires under the stars. For those exploring Melbourne Great Ocean Road tours, spots like Bimbi Park remain open year-round, complete with hot shower blocks to make winter camping a more comfortable and inviting experience.
Walk and Explore the Property
Campsites along the Great Ocean Road have walking trails and paths to scenic lookouts, beaches and even historic sites. Walking is one of the best ways to really take in the views. Sites like Blanket Bay, Aire River and Blanket Bay Campground have walking trails with coastal cliff and bushland views. Many of these sites also have cultural significance as they are on traditional owner’s land.
Wildlife Spotting
The Great Ocean Road has so much wildlife, camping here is a nature lover’s paradise. Sites like Bimbi Park and Kennett River have koalas, kangaroos and many bird species. Always respect the wildlife and keep a safe distance, keep food and belongings secure so you don’t attract animals to your campsite. If you want more wildlife action Apollo Bay’s Marengo Reefs are nearby for snorkeling and spotting local marine life.
Camp Cooking
There’s nothing better than campfire cooking on a camping trip. Many campsites have BBQ facilities and camp kitchens; some have campfire pizza ovens at Bimbi Park. Make sure you bring gas cookers and portable grills if you plan to cook in more remote areas. Local markets along the way, like in Apollo Bay, have fresh produce and seafood so that you can create campfire meals inspired by the local flavours.
FAQ
What are the best campsites along the Great Ocean Road?
Port Campbell Recreation Reserve, Aire River, Blanket Bay and Marengo Holiday Park are some of the best campsites with different settings and facilities to suit different types of campers.
Is free camping allowed on the Great Ocean Road?
Free camping is only allowed at designated campsites to protect the environment. Check for campsites that offer free or low cost camping like Big Hill Campground and Johanna Beach.
Are there hot showers at campsites on the Great Ocean Road?
Yes, some campsites have hot showers, such as Princetown Recreation Reserve, Marengo Holiday Park, and Bimbi Park. Always check amenities when booking, as more remote sites like Johanna Beach and Blanket Bay have limited facilities.
What wildlife will I see while camping?
You’ll see kangaroos, koalas and native birds. Kennett River and Bimbi Park are known for frequent koala sightings, and coastal spots may have marine life, dolphins and seals.
Winter camping along the Great Ocean Road?
Winter camping is nice and quiet. Just make sure you have the right gear, warm sleeping bags and sturdy tents.
