The best campgrounds in Great Ocean Road with swimming

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking for a camping experience that combines the best of swimming and the stunning scenery of Australia's Great Ocean Road, you've come to the right place. With over 22 options available in the Great Ocean Road area, you'll have no shortage of amazing campsites to choose from. Whether you prefer a secluded spot by the water or a campground with top-notch facilities, we've got you covered. Check out popular campsites like Ridgetop Campsite at St Anselms (25 reviews), Tall Trees Otways Camp (25 reviews), and The Warrnambool Block (15 reviews). And with activities like swimming, surfing, and biking in the area, you'll have plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. So pack your bags, grab your swimsuit, and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience on the Great Ocean Road.

94% (289)

Top-rated campgrounds near Great Ocean Road

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking for a camping experience that combines the best of swimming and the stunning scenery of Australia's Great Ocean Road, you've come to the right place. With over 22 options available in the Great Ocean Road area, you'll have no shortage of amazing campsites to choose from. Whether you prefer a secluded spot by the water or a campground with top-notch facilities, we've got you covered. Check out popular campsites like Ridgetop Campsite at St Anselms (25 reviews), Tall Trees Otways Camp (25 reviews), and The Warrnambool Block (15 reviews). And with activities like swimming, surfing, and biking in the area, you'll have plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. So pack your bags, grab your swimsuit, and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience on the Great Ocean Road.

94% (289)

Top-rated campgrounds near Great Ocean Road

1. Sea Mist Permaculture Property

94%

(42)

2 sites · Tents, RVs · Warrnambool, VIC

A secluded get-away, Sea Mist is positioned at the end of The Great Ocean Road. Just a short walk from Logans Beach Whale Nursery and the picturesque Hopkins River. Close to enjoy a variety of water activites swimming, fishing, kayaking, surfing. Logans Beach Day Spa and a female gym is 5 minute walk up the road from the property. Proudfoots, a historic restaurant, on the Hopkins River about a 15 minute stroll across the bridge and along the river walk past the boat moorings. They are well known for delicious food, great place to go for tea or weekend breakfast. There is also a walking /riding track and board walk promenade that will follows the foreshore and finishes at the Break Water passing the Warrnambool Surf Club, Lake Pertobe and some terrific restaurants, Simons and The Pavilion to note, which is a great place for breakfast or lunch. The CBD is only 5 minutes drive from the property great variety of restaurants, art galleries, gift shops, boutiques and speciality shops as well as supermarkets and other large chain stores such as, Woolworths, Coles, Audi, K-Mart and Target. Set on 2 acres, Sea Mist was purchased as a subdivision in 1998. The garden and house were also designed then and given council approval the following year. The extensive gardens incorporate both design ideas that Edna Walling used, and Bill Mollison and David Holgren developed with their Permaculture principals. The gardens were established over a number of years to follow, aiming to be as sustainable as possible. Although the property has town water connected, for most of the year it runs totally on tank water. The wastewater is recycled and used on many of the gardens. We have organic orchard and vegetable gardens that use companion planting and successive crop rotation. Guests are free to spend time in the garden and pick some fruit and herbs for a snack to use in cooking a meal. Please be respectful and leave plenty for others to share.

2. Wurdale Waters

91%

(93)

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. Otways Farm Hideaway

99%

(70)

2 sites · Tents, RVs · Kawarren, VIC

Green, tranquil and picturesque. Kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburras and koalas often emerge from the rainforest of the Great Otway National Park near the campsites. You can swim or kayak in the unfenced dam, which is fed by a mountain spring on our 200-acre property. But please be aware that the unfenced dam is a drowning hazard for children, so we don't accept bookings that include children under 10 for public liability reasons. We've limited the number of campsites to 2 in an area that could host 200! If you would like even more seclusion, then you are welcome to book both sites so you can talk, drink and play music as late as you like, without having to consider another group of campers. This is a totally different holiday experience to a crowded beach resort, caravan park or public camping ground. It's like a hideaway in the hills. Each site has a flushing toilet (septic system). Campfires are permitted outside the district-wide fire restrictions that apply from late November to early May. Fortunately, gas or electric barbecues and stoves are permitted all year round, unless specific days are declared as total fire ban days. Please note that wood-fired barbecues or burners, even if enclosed and fitted with a chimney, still present a spark/ember hazard so are not permitted across summer. When campfires are permitted, guests can cut and gather their own wood from deadwood lying near the campsites or bring their own. Or you can buy sacks of cut and split firewood from your hosts on request. BYO newspaper and matches. Camping trailers and campervans work better on the sites than large caravans or motorhomes, especially after heavy rain. The sites are on slight inclines, so levellers can be useful. No pets please due to livestock in nearby paddocks. No parties please.

4. Erskine Heath

1 site · Tent · Lorne, VIC

Nestled in the hinterlands of Lorne, a short 5 min drive to beach & shops. The campsite is in the heavily treed and hills aplenty. A short drive or walk to Erskine Falls.Campfires permitted in a designated area when restrictions aren't in place. Plenty of wood around to gather your own. Dogs are welcome but they must be well controlled at all times. Toilet available. Tank water available. Gravel road and very hard for 2WD vehicles to access. 4WD recommended as the last 200m is very steep. 4WD caravan ok, camper trailers & tents.

5. Seahorse stud

100%

(1)

1 site · Tent, RV · Fairhaven, VIC

We live here in Aireys inlet, 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 you can bring it along on holiday with you, we have paddocks available and 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, or just laze on the beach, 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, just get in touch if that’s something you’d like. Look forward to seeing you at our cosy country/coastal retreta

6. Bush horizon

97%

(34)

1 site · RV · Deans Marsh, VIC

Relax on 13 acres beside a large water hole amongst the oak trees. Our site is charged per van not per people so please only book as 2 people then book the additional vans in the extras section . The small town ship offers a local store, bmx track, playground, tennis court, oval and a skate park. The coastal town of Lorne is only a 20 min drive and you’re on the beach for fishing, surfing, swimming or dinning out at one of the many places to eat and drink. The site welcomes groups to book up to a maximum of 4 caravans or campers that must be fully self sufficient. Each van will be charged at $60 per night

7. Tall Trees Otways Camp

91%

(74)

1 site · Tent, RV · Lorne, VIC

A quiet campsite to yourself amongst the tranquil Otway rainforest just a short drive from Lorne. Plenty of bird and animal life to see. Parking is on solid ground with the option of a grassy camp spot among the trees 20 metres away. There is a bus parked and container on the Southside of the camp with bush views to the East, North and West.

8. Ridgetop Campsite at St Anselms

84%

(74)

3 sites · Tents · Beech Forest, VIC

Our campsite is located in the magical Otways on top of a ridge with wonderful views. We run a studio/art gallery cafe, called Art Reach Studio Gallery, that is located walking distance from the campsite. This campsite located near many beautiful natural wonders including the Redwoods Forest, and many waterfalls including the Triplet Falls, the Hopetoun Falls, and Beauchamp Falls. This campsite offers drinking water, a toilet and access to wifi. Furry family members on leashes are welcome. At this time fires are not permitted. Our region is known for rich, fertile soil and its beech, blackwood and ash trees. For walking and cycling enthusiasts the Old Beechy Rail Trail is a must, where you can experience picturesque forests, farmland and abundant wildlife. If you're after some adrenaline inducing activities then head over to the The Otway Fly where you can enjoy tree-top walks and the zipline. For those wishing to relax, you don't have to venture far with the cafe,snacks and cakes next door.

Camper favorites in and near Great Ocean Road

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Erskine Heath

1 site · Tent · Lorne, VIC

Nestled in the hinterlands of Lorne, a short 5 min drive to beach & shops. The campsite is in the heavily treed and hills aplenty. A short drive or walk to Erskine Falls.Campfires permitted in a designated area when restrictions aren't in place. Plenty of wood around to gather your own. Dogs are welcome but they must be well controlled at all times. Toilet available. Tank water available. Gravel road and very hard for 2WD vehicles to access. 4WD recommended as the last 200m is very steep. 4WD caravan ok, camper trailers & tents.

Seahorse stud

100%

(1)

1 site · Tent, RV · Fairhaven, VIC

We live here in Aireys inlet, 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 you can bring it along on holiday with you, we have paddocks available and 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, or just laze on the beach, 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, just get in touch if that’s something you’d like. Look forward to seeing you at our cosy country/coastal retreta

Bush horizon

97%

(34)

1 site · RV · Deans Marsh, VIC

Relax on 13 acres beside a large water hole amongst the oak trees. Our site is charged per van not per people so please only book as 2 people then book the additional vans in the extras section . The small town ship offers a local store, bmx track, playground, tennis court, oval and a skate park. The coastal town of Lorne is only a 20 min drive and you’re on the beach for fishing, surfing, swimming or dinning out at one of the many places to eat and drink. The site welcomes groups to book up to a maximum of 4 caravans or campers that must be fully self sufficient. Each van will be charged at $60 per night

Tall Trees Otways Camp

91%

(74)

1 site · Tent, RV · Lorne, VIC

A quiet campsite to yourself amongst the tranquil Otway rainforest just a short drive from Lorne. Plenty of bird and animal life to see. Parking is on solid ground with the option of a grassy camp spot among the trees 20 metres away. There is a bus parked and container on the Southside of the camp with bush views to the East, North and West.

Ridgetop Campsite at St Anselms

84%

(74)

3 sites · Tents · Beech Forest, VIC

Our campsite is located in the magical Otways on top of a ridge with wonderful views. We run a studio/art gallery cafe, called Art Reach Studio Gallery, that is located walking distance from the campsite. This campsite located near many beautiful natural wonders including the Redwoods Forest, and many waterfalls including the Triplet Falls, the Hopetoun Falls, and Beauchamp Falls. This campsite offers drinking water, a toilet and access to wifi. Furry family members on leashes are welcome. At this time fires are not permitted. Our region is known for rich, fertile soil and its beech, blackwood and ash trees. For walking and cycling enthusiasts the Old Beechy Rail Trail is a must, where you can experience picturesque forests, farmland and abundant wildlife. If you're after some adrenaline inducing activities then head over to the The Otway Fly where you can enjoy tree-top walks and the zipline. For those wishing to relax, you don't have to venture far with the cafe,snacks and cakes next door.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

A

Alan

2 weeks ago

7 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Bush horizon

Fantastic private and sheltered spot in Deans Marsh. Highly recommend!

T

Tyson

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wurdale Waters

Was a nice spot and had a chill quiet night by the fire. Weather was rough but can't do much about that.

L

Luke

3 weeks ago

6 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bush horizon

Nice little camping spot with a good flat area and a well thought out fire pit, perfect entry level “off grid” spot as in less than 5 mins you can walk to The Store and get some creature comforts. It isnt the kind of spot where you are in the middle of no where, which is sometimes what we are after, but for what it is, it is well setup.

Larissa

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tall Trees Otways Camp

Beautiful, private spot! We loved our stay, even though it rained!

L

Luke

November 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tall Trees Otways Camp

Beautiful property, 2 options for where to set up camp, very private spots. Host was super accomodating, and only 20 minutes from Lorne. Would definitely camp here again.

N

Nick

November 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Tall Trees Otways Camp

Great spot, private and quiet location amongst the trees. Highly recommend.

B

Bren

November 2025

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!!!

The campsites are next to a dam fed by a mountain spring.

s

sian

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Otways Farm Hideaway

Beautiful spot, private and in a lovely area. If you’re lucky you’ll spot a koala!

Another view of the dam next to the campsites.

A

Alex

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Otways Farm Hideaway

What a great weekend at Euans farm. he welcomed us straight away, made sure we had everything we needed and let us enjoy ourselves. the farm itself was magnificent, already considering another trip! Thanks Euan!

C

Chris

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Tall Trees Otways Camp

We had a great stay. Secluded bush camp with everything you need for a quiet weekend getaway. We look forward to coming back.

C

Charlotte

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Otways Farm Hideaway

We had such a lovely time at Euan’s property. He was so generous and helpful before and throughout our entire stay. Although Kenny the Koala’s growls startled us at first we quickly became familiar with him and his noises, he even made a couple of appearances on the ground and said hi. Would absolutely recommend this stay, particularly thanks to Euan’s hospitality

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

R

Rowan

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Otways Farm Hideaway

Euan's property is a perfect spot to get in touch with nature. We saw kangaroos as dusk fell. We also had an encounter with the local Koala (Kenny) who lives in the gumtrees next to the site. Euan was super friendly and gave us all the lowdown on places to visit and experience on our stay. Highly recommend this camping spot 👌

M

Molly

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tall Trees Otways Camp

Great private spot in absolutely beautiful bushland. We camped at the second spot down the hill. Compost toilet, fire pit and dog friendly made for a perfect little getaway for our group of 5. Super close to Otways NP, Lorne and Deans Marsh and really easy to get to from Melbourne. A rare find in that area! Kylie was great, very responsive. It was a bit wet, but that’s the Otways - no fault of the owners. BYO firewood if you want some long burners. Will 100% come again.

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!

Jason

August 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tall Trees Otways Camp

Amazing, secluded and peaceful. The perfect retreat amongst the gum trees. Whoever wrote the review about feeling "unsafe" is a fruit loop. This is camping in the bush at its best. You have the whole site to yourself and Kylee is a legend who takes care to make sure you are settled in. We loved our stay. The drop toilet was a bonus! It's clean and serene. Short drive into Lorne is beautiful. Would definitely go back again.