The best ranch 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.

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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.

99% (35)

Top-rated campgrounds near Great Ocean Road

1. FeatherLeaf Sanctuary

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(19)

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.

2. BelleVue Farm

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(9)

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…

3. Sunny Lake Farm

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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.

4. Sea Glimpse Farm Stay

2 sites · Lodging · Port Campbell, VIC

Sea Glimpse Shack is a renovated shed that offers a comfortable, semi-self-contained space with essential amenities for budget-conscious travelers. While there are no cooking facilities, a kettle, toaster, and microwave are provided, along with a small selection of tea, coffee, and sugar. Conveniently located just 15 minutes from the world-famous Twelve Apostles, the shack is also a short 5-minute drive to Port Campbell, where guests can find a variety of restaurants. Additionally, it is only 15 minutes from Peterborough and Timboon, home to cafés, a bakery, local shops, the Timboon Fine Ice Creamery, and a strawberry farm. Guests have access to free parking at the front of the shack. Please note that the driveway is shared with the hosts, and a speed limit of 15 km/h must be observed due to the presence of animals. As this is a working farm, you may hear typical farm noises such as cows mooing, dogs barking, or even koalas grunting. If these sounds are not to your liking, this accommodation may not be suitable for you. Please be aware that charging electric vehicles or washing vehicles is not permitted at the shack.

5. Cedarwood Cottage

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(3)

1 site · Lodging · Deans Marsh, VIC

Cedarwood Cottage is a gorgeous private retreat, perfect for couples or families. Our cottage is located in spacious and natural acreage set in a park to give privacy and seclusion. Located in the Lorne / Otway Hinterland only 15 minutes or so from the beaches, restaurants and main street activities of Lorne and the Great Ocean Road. The cottage sleeps four comfortably, with a light-filled kitchen/living/dining space to use at your leisure.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

K

Karim

1 day ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sunny Lake Farm

Great host and a fantastic campground. Kids loved baking pizza in the woodfire oven, fishing in the lake and playing with the dogs!

N

Naomie

3 weeks ago

7 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Sunny Lake Farm

Victoria’s property is just absolutely beautiful. Myself and my partner enjoyed our stay and Victoria was a fabulous host. She was friendly and ensured our one night stay had everything we needed. We brought our caravan, enjoyed a fire and relaxed. Great place to switch of from the everyday hustle of city life. Bonus was her two friendly dogs that just love being around people. Will definitely be back! Next time with the kids!

Paris

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Sunny Lake Farm

Absolutely loved my stay here the host was super welcoming and even helped with putting on the pizza oven! Definitely recommend this stay to anyone - the location is super beautiful.

A

Arnie

November 2025

7 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sunny Lake Farm

Such a relaxing and peaceful location, with great facilities, welcoming hosts…and the entertaining Moose! Perfect place to sit around the campfire and watch the stars.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

R

Rob

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to BelleVue Farm

Very friendly and welcoming! The place was beautiful and comfortable. The undercover area was perfect shelter from the rain. The fire pit was perfect and Teri was generous with the supply of wood. The indoor area was a great setup and a comfortable place to relax & have a meal. Will definitely go back.

Wade

May 2025

6 m travel trailer

With kids

3 nights at BelleVue Farm

From the moment we arrived we felt so welcomed! We got shown to our site by Terri, she even took time out of her day to show our little daughter the horses, the camp was absolutely massive with no one in sight, we had the most amazing sunrises and sunsets over looking the paddocks, would 100% stay again and was close to so many towns to explore! Thanks for having us all!

E

Emma

April 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to BelleVue Farm

A beautiful location with the perfect shearing shed for escaping the wind and playing uno. Comfortable stay with friendly hosts.

A

Ashley

March 2025

Tent

1 night at BelleVue Farm

Friendly and helpful hosts. Gave me the option to sleep in the shearer’s shed (as the weather was very windy that night and I had a hammock tent). Felt private, safe and a lovely country setting.

G

Gina

March 2025

With kids

2 nights at Cedarwood Cottage

Very nice little cabin with all you need. Serene spot with friendly horses and dog. Not far to Lorne for swim and shops.

Mark

January 2025

7 m Class B

With kids

3 nights at FeatherLeaf Sanctuary

We loved our stay! Megan was absolutely lovely and very accommodating. The site was easily accessible and fit our caravan fine (18’6 ft) but heaps of rooms for larger vans. It was very quiet and scenic and we enjoyed two perfect evenings with a campfire 👌🏻 Located near a couple of towns for anything you need along with not being far from the 12 Apostle’s for some sight seeing. Would absolutely recommend.

A

Ashley

January 2025

Tent

3 nights at FeatherLeaf Sanctuary

We stayed 2 nights and used the location to check out the area and to access the great ocean road which was a short 20 minute drive away. The most amazing location, peaceful, relaxing and some nice wildlife including 2 friendly resident cows. Megan was an amazing host, lovely person, helpful and a lot of knowledge to give on the nature and wildlife in the area. A lot of nice flat land and ample space to set up, have your privacy and enjoy the sounds of nature.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best ranch 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.