The best river, stream, or creek 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% (213)

Top-rated campgrounds

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% (213)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cumberland River Holiday Park

92%

(26)

88 sites · Tents, RVs · Lorne, VIC

Welcome to Cumberland River Holiday Park, the best camping location on the famous Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia. The perfect base to explore the coast and surrounds. Camping next to a peaceful trickling river can be a delight, and our campsites will not disappoint, from garden sites to riverfront sites all with picturesque views of the cliff face escarpment. Our cozy garden cabins sleep up-to 6 people. They feature a gas look-alike fire place, plasma television with 40 satellite channels, a fully functional kitchen with a full-size stove and refrigerator, and a peaceful and private verandah. These delightfully bright and modern 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom River View Units have a fully equipped kitchen, gas space heating, and satellite flat-screen TV. Sleeps a maximum of 6 people. Has a private balcony with views over the river and gorge.

2. Wurdale Waters

92%

(91)

2 sites · Tents, RVs · Wurdiboluc, VIC

Views galore. Your camp spot is on the bank of your own private dam with views over the fields, dam and reservoir. Your camping spot is private with no others campers. You can swim, kayak and fish from the dams on the property and the Wurdiboluc Reservoir is only a stones throw away and is a renowned fishing spot. There are great 4WD tracks located around the area and a short 15 minute trip to Torquay or Aireys Inlet, 10 minutes to Geelong and Winchelsea amenities are close by, but you will feel a world away from it all here. There is no toilet facilities at the camp ground, but you will find a public toilet about 400 meters from the camp site located at the Wurdale Hall

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Dairy Countryside Camp

99%

(141)

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.

6. Seahorse stud

100%

(1)

1 site · Tent, RV · Fairhaven, VIC

We live here in Aireys inlet as it’s a unique tiny town with so much to do. The local beach is iconic for surfing and swimming, the local creek is a favourite at the inlet for young kids to swim or for canoeists to have somewhere quiet to paddle. Mountain biking is a must in the area, with thousands of tracks available right outside the back door. If you have your own horse this can be bought along and we have paddocks available. There are so many gorgeous tracks around to ride on and beach riding at low tide and the right times is a bucket list item! The location itself is 17 acres and is next to the Painkallac creek in a peaceful bush setting. This location used to be a horse riding school which is now not running but has been converted to offer camping, caravan and RV parking. It’s only 1.5 km from the beach and the Otway national park is right on your doorstep. If you have bikes, horses or love to hike or run, it’s a perfect location, be ready to be spoilt as there are so many tracks on offer in our stunning local beach and bush land. The local town of aireys inlet has plenty to offer, a general store for all your essentials, loads of places to eat out for breakfast, lunch or dinner and only 1 3/4hrs from Melbourne. No need to stress if you don’t want to be near anyone else, this is a small setting so it’s very private and only able to fit a few visitors at a time. You can also pay more if you want the site to yourself.

7. NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park

82 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Allansford, VIC

In a quiet rural setting on the banks of the Hopkins River you’ll find NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park - a Warrnambool caravan park that’s close to town but far from the crowds. Everything you need for a relaxing and easy coastal getaway is right here – including year-round fun for the kids. They’ll delight in our waterslide, playground and mini golf course, and our school holiday activities will keep them busy. That’ll free you up to relax at our indoor or outdoor pool or take a rod down to the river to cast a line from the jetty. You might just return with an estuary perch to cook up at our communal barbecue area. And when it comes to exploring our coastal surroundings, our friendly team is on-site to help plan your adventure.

Camper favorites in and near Great Ocean Road

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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.

Dairy Countryside Camp

99%

(141)

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.

Seahorse stud

100%

(1)

1 site · Tent, RV · Fairhaven, VIC

We live here in Aireys inlet as it’s a unique tiny town with so much to do. The local beach is iconic for surfing and swimming, the local creek is a favourite at the inlet for young kids to swim or for canoeists to have somewhere quiet to paddle. Mountain biking is a must in the area, with thousands of tracks available right outside the back door. If you have your own horse this can be bought along and we have paddocks available. There are so many gorgeous tracks around to ride on and beach riding at low tide and the right times is a bucket list item! The location itself is 17 acres and is next to the Painkallac creek in a peaceful bush setting. This location used to be a horse riding school which is now not running but has been converted to offer camping, caravan and RV parking. It’s only 1.5 km from the beach and the Otway national park is right on your doorstep. If you have bikes, horses or love to hike or run, it’s a perfect location, be ready to be spoilt as there are so many tracks on offer in our stunning local beach and bush land. The local town of aireys inlet has plenty to offer, a general store for all your essentials, loads of places to eat out for breakfast, lunch or dinner and only 1 3/4hrs from Melbourne. No need to stress if you don’t want to be near anyone else, this is a small setting so it’s very private and only able to fit a few visitors at a time. You can also pay more if you want the site to yourself.

NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park

82 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Allansford, VIC

In a quiet rural setting on the banks of the Hopkins River you’ll find NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park - a Warrnambool caravan park that’s close to town but far from the crowds. Everything you need for a relaxing and easy coastal getaway is right here – including year-round fun for the kids. They’ll delight in our waterslide, playground and mini golf course, and our school holiday activities will keep them busy. That’ll free you up to relax at our indoor or outdoor pool or take a rod down to the river to cast a line from the jetty. You might just return with an estuary perch to cook up at our communal barbecue area. And when it comes to exploring our coastal surroundings, our friendly team is on-site to help plan your adventure.

Stories from the community

B

Bren

3 weeks ago

5 m pop-up camper

1 night at Wurdale Waters

Barney was very responsive. I had a lovely quiet time at his place

Dave N Leila

November 2025

8 m pop-up camper

5 nights at Wurdale Waters

Lovely quiet spot with great views out over the reservoir. Amazing fire pit. Loved the highland cows :-) Only an hour from home and we will come again!

A

Alice

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Seahorse stud

Seahorse farm is a camper’s dream. Host Caroline has a heart of gold and made us feel at home. Surrounded by bush and a short drive to the beach, the location and surrounds is as good as it gets. Caroline’s gentle horses were great neighbours, an amazing experience camping alongside them. Already planning the next trip back!!!

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 !

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!

J

Jerome

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cumberland River Holiday Park

A very serin place to camp and unwine. It is just beside the river so you will be close to nature

S

Sheena

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cumberland River Holiday Park

I love the campsite near the river. The view and my son loves the wild ducks,birds and wallabies but our nearby campers are noisy.

j

jarryd

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Dairy Countryside Camp

Clear site directions with a good access to property. The spot was appreciated by the whole group, it has a good fire pit with all you need to relax. Close to heaps of days spots for exploration, would reccomend.

B

Brett

September 2025

5 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Wurdale Waters

Absolutely an amazing spot, quiet place to put the feet up, perfect spot for any self contained vans. Awesome views friendly farm animals that will come up to say hi and a great camp fire set up, I will be re booking to stay here

X

Xander

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Wurdale Waters

Honestly spectacular, lovely damn with a big fire pit (with a grill!) plenty of space for cars, swags and people! great spot and 10/10 would stay again!

F

Fane

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cumberland River Holiday Park

Loved it and will be back again. Warm shower and bathroom is regularly cleaned. Having a firepit was really nice and kangaroos roaming around was awesome to watch!

K

KaBlo

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Wurdale Waters

Great spot if you're looking for a quiet trip away - bring supplies but its definitely worth it. Will visit again in the summer!

T

Theresa

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at Cumberland River Holiday Park

Staff were super friendly, toilets and shower are super clean, and bonus!! They have bidets!

M

Mon

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wurdale Waters

A great option for any solo traveller (specifically female) who want some extra reassurance of safety. Beautiful scenery of the dam, friendly cows and plenty of birds and ducks. Very cold during winter so don’t forget your thermals and make sure you have the fire going strong through the night

M

Mollie

April 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Dairy Countryside Camp

We had such an awesome time staying at Peter’s space. We stayed on Site 2, and it was super private. It was almost like a private valley, with a friendly horse visiting us occasionally. Would recommend!

A

Annie

April 2025

7 m travel trailer

1 night at Wurdale Waters

Loved our recent stay here, well positioned to explore the Great Ocean Road without being caught up in the tourist hot spots, enjoyed a lovely rustic farm stay. The views was incredible, the cows adorable and the visiting farm dog full of energy and cuddles. The camp area isn’t the tidiest but after the initial view you don’t really notice. Will stay there again!

Stephen

April 2025

5 m travel trailer

2 nights at Dairy Countryside Camp

Nice site next to the dam, quiet and great location for exploring the forest and great ocean road, only 15 min from Colac. Peter welcomed us to his property and gave us some local information.

T

Tina

April 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Dairy Countryside Camp

Lovely spot for camping, very friendly horse came to say hello. Very tranquil and peaceful. Peter was helpful with recommendations for the area.

C

Chandra

April 2025

6 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Platypus Creek

Great place for quiet camping. Plenty of birdlife. Something to be aware of is that there were heaps of crickets around. Didn’t bother us, but may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Lots of places closeby to look around as well.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best river, stream, or creek 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.