The best dog-friendly caravan campgrounds in Great Ocean Road

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.

96% (980)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Sunny Lake Farm

100%

(2)

1 site · Tent, RV · Gherang, VIC

Lakeside Escape with Space for Caravans, Campers & Tents Located on the edge of the lake, our gorgeous lake house can accommodate a caravan or motorhome on a designated parking pad. There’s also plenty of room to pitch a tent or swag on flat, grassy areas. A huge deck provides the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun. The lake house includes a small kitchenette and a separate toilet and shower. Bring a fishing rod to try your luck catching silver perch, or nets for yabbies — there are plenty! There’s an abundance of birdlife, including cockatoos, rosellas, king parrots, kookaburras, and tawny frogmouths. Kangaroos and echidnas often pay us a visit, too. A grassed area with a fire pit is situated a few metres from the lake house, and firewood is available for purchase. Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. A grassy dog enclosure is available for guests who wish to explore the area while leaving their pet in a safe space. If you would like to bring your pet, please add the pet fee which is listed as an Extra during the booking process. A wood-fired pizza oven, located in a separate undercover area, is available for use. Lovely bushwalks, motorbike, and horse tracks are located close to the property. World-class surf breaks are within a half-hour drive, with Bells Beach being the most iconic. Torquay is home to surf shops and eateries — Rip Curl, Billabong, Roxy, and Rojo are all within walking distance of each other. You’ll also find great local breweries such as Four Pines and Bells Beach Brewery. Torquay and Anglesea both have vibrant arts scenes — the Ashmore Arts hub is located in Torquay, and Anglesea is home to the Arts Shed. The Eagles Nest Gallery in Aireys Inlet also hosts exhibitions by local artists. Markets are held regularly on the foreshore in Torquay and Anglesea, and there’s a weekly Farmers Market in Torquay.

2. Tucker's Rest

99%

(47)

8 sites · Tents, RVs · Carlisle River, VIC

*PLEASE NOTE: Due to high temperatures this long weekend 8th-11th March 2024, a complete fire ban at our property will be in force. Therefore, we will not be selling firewood.* Welcome to Tucker's Rest. Time to sit back and relax in the beautiful surroundings of this 6 acre property. Located within easy access of all that the western end of the Otway's has to offer, and plonked in the middle of the Otway Harvest Trail. An easy 30 minute drive from Colac along bitumen roads from the Princess highway. 20 minutes drive from Gellibrand and the midway point of the Old Beechy Rail Trail. 40 minutes - Princetown. 50 minutes - 12 Apostles. 50 minutes - Californian Redwoods and Otway Fly 1hr 20 minutes - Geelong All scenic drives throughout some of the most pristine forests and farmland this side of Melbourne!! Whether it's a basecamp for day trips or simply somewhere to sit back and be immersed in nature and it's wildlife, accompanied by the sound of the trickling creek, Tucker's Rest has you covered. Easily walk straight from camp up from the valley and find yourself surrounded by ever-changing landscapes from pasture, sandy heaths full of grass trees and banksia, right through to the temperate rainforest that weaves its way through the valleys of the Otway Ranges. Hiking, trail-running, mountain biking and four wheel driving-there are loops that start and finish from here that are just waiting for you! The neighbouring farmland surrounds the property on one side and the Otway State Parks on the other which bring an abundance of wildlife underfoot and overhead. Whether it be the resident flock of Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo or the local pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles, the Fairy Wrens or the flocks of Crimson Rosellas, Koalas, Wallabies and Blue Tongue Lizards just to name a few, there is always someone to catch your attention! Recreational climbers will also enjoy the abundance of mature eucalyptus with sweeping limb walks and natural forms scattered along the property's boundaries. We look forward to having you stay with us, Jess and Jake.

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.

96% (980)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Sunny Lake Farm

100%

(2)

1 site · Tent, RV · Gherang, VIC

Lakeside Escape with Space for Caravans, Campers & Tents Located on the edge of the lake, our gorgeous lake house can accommodate a caravan or motorhome on a designated parking pad. There’s also plenty of room to pitch a tent or swag on flat, grassy areas. A huge deck provides the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun. The lake house includes a small kitchenette and a separate toilet and shower. Bring a fishing rod to try your luck catching silver perch, or nets for yabbies — there are plenty! There’s an abundance of birdlife, including cockatoos, rosellas, king parrots, kookaburras, and tawny frogmouths. Kangaroos and echidnas often pay us a visit, too. A grassed area with a fire pit is situated a few metres from the lake house, and firewood is available for purchase. Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. A grassy dog enclosure is available for guests who wish to explore the area while leaving their pet in a safe space. If you would like to bring your pet, please add the pet fee which is listed as an Extra during the booking process. A wood-fired pizza oven, located in a separate undercover area, is available for use. Lovely bushwalks, motorbike, and horse tracks are located close to the property. World-class surf breaks are within a half-hour drive, with Bells Beach being the most iconic. Torquay is home to surf shops and eateries — Rip Curl, Billabong, Roxy, and Rojo are all within walking distance of each other. You’ll also find great local breweries such as Four Pines and Bells Beach Brewery. Torquay and Anglesea both have vibrant arts scenes — the Ashmore Arts hub is located in Torquay, and Anglesea is home to the Arts Shed. The Eagles Nest Gallery in Aireys Inlet also hosts exhibitions by local artists. Markets are held regularly on the foreshore in Torquay and Anglesea, and there’s a weekly Farmers Market in Torquay.

2. Tucker's Rest

99%

(47)

8 sites · Tents, RVs · Carlisle River, VIC

*PLEASE NOTE: Due to high temperatures this long weekend 8th-11th March 2024, a complete fire ban at our property will be in force. Therefore, we will not be selling firewood.* Welcome to Tucker's Rest. Time to sit back and relax in the beautiful surroundings of this 6 acre property. Located within easy access of all that the western end of the Otway's has to offer, and plonked in the middle of the Otway Harvest Trail. An easy 30 minute drive from Colac along bitumen roads from the Princess highway. 20 minutes drive from Gellibrand and the midway point of the Old Beechy Rail Trail. 40 minutes - Princetown. 50 minutes - 12 Apostles. 50 minutes - Californian Redwoods and Otway Fly 1hr 20 minutes - Geelong All scenic drives throughout some of the most pristine forests and farmland this side of Melbourne!! Whether it's a basecamp for day trips or simply somewhere to sit back and be immersed in nature and it's wildlife, accompanied by the sound of the trickling creek, Tucker's Rest has you covered. Easily walk straight from camp up from the valley and find yourself surrounded by ever-changing landscapes from pasture, sandy heaths full of grass trees and banksia, right through to the temperate rainforest that weaves its way through the valleys of the Otway Ranges. Hiking, trail-running, mountain biking and four wheel driving-there are loops that start and finish from here that are just waiting for you! The neighbouring farmland surrounds the property on one side and the Otway State Parks on the other which bring an abundance of wildlife underfoot and overhead. Whether it be the resident flock of Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo or the local pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles, the Fairy Wrens or the flocks of Crimson Rosellas, Koalas, Wallabies and Blue Tongue Lizards just to name a few, there is always someone to catch your attention! Recreational climbers will also enjoy the abundance of mature eucalyptus with sweeping limb walks and natural forms scattered along the property's boundaries. We look forward to having you stay with us, Jess and Jake.

Stories from the community

Jason

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sunny Lake Farm

We absolutely loved our stay here! The property is beautiful and peaceful. No other campers in sight and there was plenty of space for the kids to run around. Our host was very hospitable and keen to make our stay comfortable. The kids got to feed the horses and we saw/heard all sorts of bird wildlife. The facilities are also excellent and have everything you need. Torquay was only 30 minutes drive, so convenient and we booked a table at the Blackmans brew pub for dinner one night.

Ben

October 2025

8 m travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Sunny Lake Farm

Beautiful location and lovely host who was most prepared to share not only the site with us, but to show us around the property and meet the various animals. The two dogs were gorgeous!

Under $50

Available this weekend

The Cove Stopover

91%

(39)

7 sites · Tents, RVs · Mepunga, VIC

Just off the iconic Great Ocean Road lies our 6 acres in Mepunga! We are surrounded by dairy and beef farms and have 2 alpacas and a few beef of our own! Campers can enjoy mowed green grass looking out over the neighbouring farms. We are 20 minutes from Warrnambool, 10 minutes from Allansford and only 5 minutes from Nullawarre which has 24 hour fuel and a small supermarket and bottle shop. Come set up and then treat yourself to a sunset at Childers Cove, only 5 minutes down the road! A perfect stopover while travelling the Great Ocean Road!

Twelve Apostles Motel & Country Retreat

84%

(25)

18 sites · RVs, Lodging · Princetown, VIC

Twelve Apostles Motel & Country Retreat offers fully air-conditioned rooms and pet-friendly rooms with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. It is only 3-minute drive from the world-famous Twelve Apostles and 12 Apostles Visitor Information Centre and 4-minute drive to the Gibson Step and beach. Loch Ard Gorge is just 7 kilometers away. Please kindly note due to the pandemic the onsite restaurant has been closed. The nearest restaurants and stores are located in Port Campbell, about 15 15-minute drive. Meanwhile, self-check-in and check-out are now available. All rooms, 9 motel rooms, and 4 cottages include a fridge, microwave, heater, electric blanket, private bathroom, and car parking. A kettle and toast, coffee, tea, and milk are provided. There are some wildlife animals around the property, which guests may see in different seasons, such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and birds. The property is particularly loved by families, couples, kids, and people with pets. Amenities: - BBQ Area - Pet friendly - Non-Smoking Property - WiFi Internet - Children Play Area - Non-Smoking Rooms - Café - Air-Conditioning - Garden - Mini Fridge - Room Service - TV

Birregurra Recreation Reserve

1 site · RV · Birregurra, VIC

The Birregurra Recreation Reserve is a great outdoor space for locals and visitors alike. With its wide open grassy areas and walking tracks, it’s perfect for picnics, casual sports, and exploring. Not far from the Great Otway National Park, the reserve offers easy access to stunning surrounding landscapes—beaches, ancient forests, and clifftop views. For nature enthusiasts, the reserve is a gateway to the region’s amazing flora and native wildlife. Birregurra Grocer Located at 43 Main Street, the Birregurra Grocer is more than just a licensed café and larder—it’s a vibrant local hub. Known for its house-made takeaway meals, sweet treats, and seasonal dinners, it’s a go-to spot for brunch, lunch, and sensational coffee. They even serve cheeky cocktails, making it a great place to unwind any day except Tuesday. Birregurra General Store and Café Just down the road at 59–61 Main Street, the General Store is a classic country café that doubles as a grocer. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, with a menu featuring comfort-food favourites like pizza, toasties, fish and chips, and their much-loved vanilla slice. The coffee is locally praised, and the store also stocks artisan goods and essentials—making it a true community cornerstone. Royal Mail Hotel At 49 Main Street, the Royal Mail Hotel is Birregurra’s local pub, offering hearty meals and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're stopping in for a relaxed lunch or a drink with friends, it’s the perfect place to experience the town’s laid-back vibe.

Platypus Creek

98%

(22)

7 sites · Tents, RVs · Kennedys Creek, VIC

A Beautiful and tranquil property located in the Otways at Kennedys Creek isolated from the hustle and bustle of our modern world. A luscious creek frontage teaming with birdlife, the occasional platypus or two with the most amazing fresh air offering golden sunsets and wonderful sunrises. Great Ocean walks, the Otway Food Trail, Port Campbell, microbreweries and distilleries are only less than an hour's drive offering many more exciting places to relax and just chill out.

Lakes and Craters Holiday Park

90%

(5)

3 sites · Tents, RVs · Camperdown, VIC

Set on a ridge between the two magnificent lakes of Lake Bullen Merri and Lake Gnotuk, Camperdown’s Lakes and Craters Holiday Park offers panoramic views of the surrounding Lakes and Craters country. The Park is located within an Arboretum and adjacent Botanic Gardens, featuring majestic heritage listed Oaks and Elms and other exotic trees from around the world, including rare and endangered specimens. The Lakes and Craters Holiday Park is located at 220 Park Rd Camperdown and features 7 cabins, 15 annual sites, 61 powered and 25 unpowered camping sites at very affordable prices. The park is also pet-friendly. There is a great camp kitchen, interactive children’s playground, laundry and amenities block. There are also additional barbecues located in the beautiful surroundings of the Guilfoyle Botanic Gardens. Facilities Camp Fire Braziers Children’s Playground Laundry Speed Queen Washers and Dryers Large Double sinks Irons and ironing boards Dishwashing area Enjoy a well-appointed Camp Kitchen featuring: Dining tables in a beautiful outdoor setting, stainless steel electric hotplates, a full size fridge, electric stove/oven, microwave, toaster and electric jug. Other features include a large plasma TV, hot and cold water, dishwashing liquid and scourers, power points for charging mobile phones etc Assisted Bathroom Amenities Block; Hot Showers with change area Clean Toilets Mirrored vanities Hand soap and dryers Outdoor Adventure Hiking, Cycling, Water and more Camperdown’s lakes and mounts offer the opportunity to indulge in a vast range of outdoor pursuits. Fishing Camperdown is a great base for taking advantage of a variety of fishing locations including Lake Bullen Merri and Lake Purrumbete. Cycling The Camperdown-Timboon Rail Trail starts at Naroghid, just near Lake Bullen Merri (Naroghid Road Camperdown). Also in the area are cycling trails in Terang and Forrest. Hiking Camperdown is the ideal base for your hiking adventures in the South West. There are many walking trails in Camperdown and close surrounds, but we’re also conveniently located to both the Great Ocean Road (53km) and Grampians (110km) regions. Water-based activities Kayaking, Boating, Canoeing, Yachting, Jet Skiing and more.

Star Hosts in Great Ocean Road

Simpson Recreation Reserve

96%

(13)

30 sites · Tents, RVs · Simpson, VIC

Simpson Recreation Reserve offers toilet, showers, drinking water, power access and a dump point. Pets are permitted but must be kept under control at all times. Caravans, big rigs and tents are all welcome.

Green Falls Escape

98%

(189)

2 sites · Tents, RVs · Wangoom, VIC

Green Falls is located on a 134-acre cattle farm in Wangoom, 10 min drive from Warrnambool. We have created a space that offers relaxed, laid-back, country luxury. The paved space includes a hot tub, table and chairs and fire pit. But the best feature of all is the stunning scenery - sit back and enjoy the simple beauty, as the sun rises or sets on the peaceful landscape. By night, the stars are simply brilliant. Surfing lessons, fishing, kayaking and whale watching are just a few of the many local activities you can enjoy during your stay. Alternatively, why not enjoy a quiet afternoon on one of Warrnambool’s beautiful beaches, explore nearby Port Fairy, or experience the magic of nearby Hopkins River Falls? We will provide an initial bundle of firewood to get you started with your campfire, and you can purchase additional wood or BYO. Please see Extras at the time of booking. Whilst we can accept well-behaved dogs, we ask that you please discuss this with us prior to booking. The property is fringed with electric fences, so we ask that they be kept under control at all times, and do not hassle the cattle or the neighbouring dogs. If you're looking for an unforgettable, relaxing rural getaway then come and enjoy the fresh air and local pleasures of this peaceful property.

Faraway Lodge

100%

(75)

1 site · Tent, RV · Terang, VIC

A beautiful tranquil camping location on a picturesque crater lake in the south West of Victoria. A working farm you will be close to nature... cows, sheep, trees, birds even koalas! Lake Keilambete is surrounded by farm land so this is the only way to experience this salt lake...no fish but you can float your cares away!! Firewood can be purchased on site for $25 or you are welcome to bring your own. Access is more suited for 4 wheel drive vehicles during winter. Come and enjoy an amazing location!

Bimbi Park

97%

(15)

111 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cape Otway, VIC

Welcome to Bimbi Park – Camping, Glamping & Wildlife in the Otways Camp, glamp, or stay in a cozy cabin under the stars and koalas at Bimbi Park, nestled in the heart of Otway National Park. Surrounded by Manna gums, native wildlife, and birdsong, it’s a unique, family- and pet-friendly escape. Choose from bush, powered or unpowered sites, cabins, glamping tents, retro vans, or insulated camping pods—accommodation to suit all budgets. Campfires are welcome, and some cabins are pet-friendly too. Facilities include amenities blocks, a camp kitchen, kiosk, BBQs, a book exchange, laundry facilities, potable water, and more. ‘Bimbi’ means ‘birds’ in the Ngunawal language—and you’ll hear plenty of them as you explore this peaceful forest haven along the Great Ocean Road.

Olive Farm

99%

(324)

56 sites · Tents, RVs · Murroon, VIC

Welcome to the Olive Farm! We are a working olive farm situated on the edge of the Otway Ranges, between Deans Marsh and Birregurra, 25 minutes to Lorne and the Great Ocean Road, and only a few kilometers from the famous Brae Restaurant. We are in a beautiful part of the world, so please remember and take all your rubbish with you when you leave. Dogs are welcome, but please be aware that we are full of kangaroos, sheep, and other wildlife, so they may need to be placed on a leash for the safety of fellow campers and wildlife. Fires are permitted in fire pits, and wood is available to purchase on-site. during the cooler months. We have a fragile ecosystem here, so we ask not to bring in wood and to purchase it off the farm. Olive oil is available, and table olives harvested this year are in brine, ready to jar up. The table olives we have are Kalamata, Spanish Queens, and Jumbo Kalamata.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best dog-friendly caravan camping in Great Ocean Road guide

Where to go

Torquay

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.

Apollo Bay

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.