The best pets off leash 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.

98% (227) • 15 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near 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.

98% (227) • 15 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Great Ocean Road

1. Platypus Creek

96%

(25)

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.

2. Faraway Lodge

100%

(81)

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!

3. BelleVue Farm

100%

(13)

7 sites · Tents, RVs · Wurdiboluc, VIC

Base yourself here at BelleVue Farm while you explore all that the Surf Coast Hinterland has to offer, including beaches, horseback trail riding, fishing, wineries, the Otways and so much more. For our fellow horse lovers we offer a unique camping experience with your horse. On the property we have yards, paddocks, sand arena and round yard. There is the option of riding around the 70 acre property or heading up the dirt road into the Otway national park and the many trails on offer. We cater for all campers including power and non powered sites. If you are wanting a quiet farm stay you can’t go past our campsites looking out onto Lake Wurdiboluc where you can wander down for a fish. Our campsites are weather friendly with the option of undercover sites and camp kitchen in our shearing shed. Or simply roll out a swag in the shearing shed, there is plenty of room. Can’t be bothered setting up camp but still want the experience? We have got you covered in our vintage caravan which sleeps 4 and has power! So you can just sit back and relax around the fire while enjoying the sunset. So many options at BelleVue Farm, contact your host Terri directly on 0401288885 for bookings and enquiries. We look forward to see you…

4. Retro Retreat

1 site · Lodging · Forrest, VIC

Welcome to The Retro Retreat, a charming self-contained holiday house located in the heart of Forrest. Its central location makes it ideal for a weekend getaway, with the Forrest Brewery & General Store just a short stroll away and the newly revamped Southern MTB Trailhead only 100 meters from your doorstep. Our property features a fully fenced yard, making it perfect for guests with dogs. Enjoy a variety of local activities, no matter the weather. Take a bushwalk around Lake Elizabeth and try to spot platypus, or stroll up to the Barwon Dam to soak in the serene forest atmosphere. Stevensons Falls, recently renovated, offers a picturesque spot for a picnic. Alternatively, unwind on the deck or in front of the fire with a good book. The Retro Retreat boasts a spacious interior with a distinct retro theme. The house includes two bedrooms, a dining room, a lounge room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a separate toilet. A large balcony runs along the back of the house, featuring comfortable lounge seating and a gas BBQ. An outdoor bath allows you to enjoy the night sky while listening to the sounds of nature. The deck overlooks a large backyard that extends to the hills and dam. Relax on the refurbished lounge in the Balinese gazebo, where you can watch ducks wander by and listen to native birds nesting in the trees. A fire pit and seating area make for enjoyable nights outdoors when the weather permits. Please note, the fire pit is not available during summer or when fire bans are in place. Guests have exclusive access to the entire house. We provide doonas, pillows, hand towels, and tea towels. Please let us know how many beds you require so we can prepare them accordingly. We are dog-friendly, and with the fully fenced yard, you can bring your pet along for the holiday! Please let us know in advance if you plan to bring your pet. Forrest has limited food supplies, so we recommend coming prepared. However, you can purchase delicious home-cooked food from the General Store or enjoy a meal at the Brewery (open Thurs-Mon). We are open to discussing late checkout arrangements, particularly for midweek bookings. Additional guests are welcome at an extra cost of $30 per night per guest.

5. The hut

96%

(23)

1 site · RV · Murroon, VIC

7 acres of natural bush with selected grassed areas for setting up camp . This is a caravan site and the hut is private. No collection of fire wood off site .

6. Dairy Countryside Camp

99%

(142)

3 sites · Tents, RVs · Kawarren, VIC

Green grassy campsites on an Old Victorian Dairy Country Farm House site. The property is located in the Otways, the rail trail is close by for bush walks, wildlife watching or mountain biking. Two micro breweries are within 20 minutes drive (Prickly Moses, Forest Brewery). Otway Fly Treetop Adventures and waterfalls just 30 minutes away. There are many waterfalls within easy driving distance. Apollo Bay is just an hours drive. Campfire and sitting area available for guests use, public toilets that are serviced three times a week and kept hygienically clean, located just 1000mtrs down the road. If you like a hit of tennis, there are two courts near the toilets and a community centre next to the CFA. This is all about being off the grid, soaking up nature and what this region has to offer. You'll spot an abundance of native wildlife on the property - we have koalas in the trees, platypus in the dam, echidnas burrowing in the garden beds, with kangaroos and wallabies passing through the property. There is plenty of room to spread out and enjoy complete privacy, if required a 6 man tent can be supplied and erected for you. You have the entire site to your own, no other campers are normally on site, only one group at a time, so you get to enjoy all the space in nature without worrying about anyone else being around.

7. FeatherLeaf Sanctuary

95%

(22)

6 sites · Tents, RVs · Simpson, VIC

Endless views of the sky. FeatherLeaf is so named because of all the trees and all the feathered friends - kookaburras, currawongs, Satin Bowerbirds, King Parrots and Crimson Rosellas, just to name a few. So many to photograph or just watch! Listen to the cacophony of kookaburras at dawn and sunset. Frogs and munching macropods (wallabies and kangaroos) at night. Bring a telescope and view the amazingly clear night sky (OK, sometimes it's cloudy)!. Just over 5 acres of former dairy farm just outside Simpson, close to the Otway Gourmet trail, Great Ocean Rd, Otways National Park and more. The Coradjil Bushland Reserve is across the road. Great regional towns such as Timboon, Port Campbell, Peterborough and more are all nearby. If you want rural peace and great pastoral views, amazing sunsets and sunrises, and love bird-watching and nature-watching, this is a great place to stay. There are currently 2 very curious and friendly dairy cows in the paddock where they are living their best life with treats and no demands on them except to allow pats occasionally! We rescue, rehabilitate and release wildlife and there are released kangaroos pottering around, so dogs are welcome but must be under control. We are a sanctuary for all. No hunting parties. Note: you must have your own enclosed toilet and shower.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

T

Tenille

1 week ago

9 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to BelleVue Farm

We had a wonderful experience here. The property was beautiful, hosts were welcoming and lovely. Hosts engaged our daughters with their horses, which was the highlight for them. We would happily recommend or return if we travel through again.

B

Brittnii

1 week ago

10 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to BelleVue Farm

Beautiful, peaceful spot with a lake view. The host was so welcoming and kind. A perfect stay for both human and dogs!

E

Elizabeth

2 weeks ago

4 m Class B

With pets

1 night at BelleVue Farm

Terri’s place is awesome, beautifully decorated shearing shed to hang out in and kids loved meeting the horse. Will be back for a longer stay!

N

Nils

2 weeks ago

5 m Class B

1 night at FeatherLeaf Sanctuary

Great spot just off the Great Ocean Road. Meghan is extremely helpful and gave us great recommendations. The site itself is flat and has great views. We were there all by ourselves, and it was perfect. We also got to pet cows. Very cool!

L

Luke

3 weeks ago

8 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to The hut

A beautiful, peaceful and private place to camp. The surrounds are stunning, access track was good for our 23ft caravan and there were a few options for suitable sites to set up the caravan. Jason was also kind enough to give us a jump start when our car battery went flat overnight! We'll definitely be back again. Thanks Jason for a great stay!

S

Shaswot

December 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Faraway Lodge

The views were beautiful, and complimentary boats were available for use on the lake. The directions provided were very clear, and the host was most kind and helpful.

A

Andy

December 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Faraway Lodge

We recently stayed for a couple of days at Faraway Lodge and it was an absolutely fantastic experience—especially for a large group and families with kids. The amenities truly set this place apart from the rest. Having access to a flushable toilet, hot water shower, power hook-up, and an additional storage shed was a huge bonus. We even used the shed as a makeshift kitchen on the days when the weather wasn’t great, which made the stay incredibly comfortable and stress-free. The campsite is completely secluded and private, well away from the main residence and you basically have the whole lake all to yourself which was the best thing about it. It really felt like we had our own peaceful space surrounded by nature. The location by the lake was beautiful and perfect for relaxing and glorious views, highly instagramable! We stayed with a big group—multiple families with kids, lots of big tents and cars, there was ample space for all of us. There was no shortage of activities. The provided tin boat and canoes were a highlight, and we made great use of them on the lake, creating lots of fun memories together. The host was outstanding—friendly, attentive, and genuinely caring. They supplied firewood, toiletries, and other essentials, and regularly checked in to make sure we had everything we needed without ever being intrusive. That level of hospitality made a big difference and really added to how relaxed and welcome we felt. Will definitely be coming back!

M

Michael

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Faraway Lodge

Bruce’s place was unreal. The location sat right by the lake and the whole area felt private, quiet, and properly secluded. Having canoes available was a big bonus and the utilities were solid. The tour at the start helped a lot too. He was kind, friendly, and welcoming. Already looking forward to coming back.

J

Jaz

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Faraway Lodge

Best views, good campsite with clean bathrooom and fun activities. A private space. This location offers the best views, a clean bathroom and enjoyable activities. It is also a private space.

C

Christian

November 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Faraway Lodge

I had a beautiful experience staying in this place. The owner welcome me and tour me all around his place. Very clean and tidy. There is also hot shower. Very affordable price with everything included. I would love to stay there again if i had a chance. Coming from NT adventure around Australia.

A

Ashley

November 2025

4 m pop-up camper

With kids

1 night at BelleVue Farm

We had a really lovely stay. The shearing shed is well maintained and looked after and perfect for the kids to stretch their legs in the dry when the bad weather drifted over. We were very grateful for the shelter, the fact we could have the fire undercover and for the flat land in the grassy paddock we were able to set up in. The kids loved Alice and Rusty. Terri and Paul were great hosts. Oh, and they have a washing machine, which is what we needed at this time of the trip! Thanks for having us stay.

E

Em

November 2025

4 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Faraway Lodge

The most gorgeous and private site, near a beautiful lake! amenities for everything you’d need including a fire pit (can also buy firewood) we only stayed for one night but wish it was longer, reminded us the true beauty in camping! The hosts are super lovely too with knowledge of the area and full of recommendations! anyone considering this place, book it!!!!!

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.

Emily

November 2025

6 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Dairy Countryside Camp

Great site for our family with plenty of space to kick the footy. Peter was amazing with local guidance which keept our days full with amazing activities. Nice quiet spot to enjoy being out in nature !

M

Matt

November 2025

12 m travel trailer

4 nights at Faraway Lodge

Our stay was magical! It was so peaceful and private. So relaxing looking over the lake. Amenities were excellent . Bruce was a fantastic host. Perfect place to unwind

C

Catherine

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to BelleVue Farm

We had such a fabulous time at Terri's place. There were so many amenities with the kitchen setup and indoor space, and the undercover tent space was a game changer with the wild weather we had. Beautiful view of the reservoir and lovely ambience with the resident retired horse. Would very highly recommend and can't wait to go back!

D

Dean

November 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to BelleVue Farm

It was a great set-up, which helped with less than perfect weather. Terri & her family were very warm & welcoming. We loved having Rusty the horse & Alice the dog come to visit us whilst we stayed there. The shearing shed is definitely the highlight of the site - fantastic history that was set out to cater for those who wanted to escape the weather or needed to travel light (camp kitchen, dining areas - even a washing machine and internal clothesline!) A beautiful property and location that was superbly set out.

H

Helen

October 2025

4 m pop-up camper

1 night at Faraway Lodge

What a place! Beautiful and peaceful spot. Lots of space for a group and a cracking sunset 🤩

L

Lindy

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Faraway Lodge

Our favourite camping spot in Victoria! The view in evening is amazing, canoeing on the lake for adults and kids , flushing toilet and a shower, relaxing and private site. We will Definitely come back .

E

Erin

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

4 nights at Faraway Lodge

I done want to write this as everyone else will come :). Our favourite camping spot in Victoria. Privacy, views, amenities (toilet, shower, mini bar fridge, microwave, running water), dog friendly, awesome fire pit and excellent, excellent hosts. It glamping not camping!!!

S

Sandy

October 2025

15 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Faraway Lodge

What a spectacular spot on Lake Keilambete! Just one site so go on your own or take some friends as we did plus our puppy dog. Fenced off one acre section so perfect to take your furry friends. Bruce popped down for a chat which was great...nice bloke sharing his beautiful property! It is fairly exposed to the elements so go prepared. The facilities were really great....nice and clean. We will definitely be back!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best pets off leash 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.