Camping in Great Ocean Road with wildlife watching
Soak up the views along one of the world’s most epic drives.
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12 top campgrounds in Great Ocean Road with wildlife watching
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Ridgetop Campsite at St Anselms
3 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Beech Forest, Colac Otway
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 and the Beechy Pub nearby.
from
AU$50
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(39)
Clear Springs
1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Lorne, Colac Otway
Clear Springs is a very special spot, offering sweeping views over rolling hills, and across to the ocean. King Island lighthouse is visible on clear nights, and there are koalas and wallabies in abundance. Whilst we require you to BYO toilet, we do have hot shower, woodfired hot-tub, power, water and phone reception. The site is all-weather access, and is just a 7-minutes drive to the Apollo Bay township.
Once you catch your breath after initially taking in the sweeping, majestic ocean views, you can find a spot to pitch your tent or park your van. You drive in through a locked farm gate into the fenced camp area. There is not an abundance of flat area, so may not suit if you need large level space.
We don't accept multiple bookings, so the space is all yours. You can choose from a few different spots with near-level ground (choose grass or gravel). The site is open to the amazing ocean views to the south yet the area is nestled among mature trees to give privacy and shelter. There are very few houses dotted around the area and not a single busy road within earshot.
There is 240v mains power (BYO lead and plug into switchboard). And a tank with spring water (natural and untreated, we've been drinking it for years) and a pressure pump (BYO hoses as needed). There is an outdoor gas-heated shower. We also have a woodfired hot tub available for guests, along with plenty of firewood supplied.
Our listing is intended for people looking for a private, tranquil and well-serviced camping area with several bonuses such as firewood, power, water, telstra reception, and a hot tub. And no other guests to worry about. It's much more than a patch of grass! But please BYO toilet - this is mandatory - and leave no trace to allow other people to enjoy the beauty of our property.
Sorry pets are not allowed.
from
AU$140
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(4)
Equanimity Nook
5 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Anglesea, Surf Coast
This is a stunning bush block within walking distance of all Aireys Inlet has to offer. 12 acres of forest bordering the Otways National Park. One of the boundaries is Distillery Creek, famous for the nearby Distillery Creek track (cycling and hiking). You can camp in splendid isolation in the forest, or in one of the paddocks.
The only hitch is that there are no toilets in the forest or the paddocks. We welcome campers who have their own camp toilets and who will take their waste with them, leaving the forest just as beautiful as you found it.
If you really want to stay and the only hitch is the toilets then write to me and maybe we can sort of something, depending on where you want to camp and for how long. We do have toilets in our house. Who knows maybe we can work something out!
from
AU$80
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(94)
Goldane Bush Retreat
11 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Naringal East, Moyne
Located within a short drive from the start of the Great Ocean Road, Goldane Bush Retreat has
3 generous size campsites, nestled amongst the trees and bordered by natural vegetation as well as grassed areas. 1 x powered 2 x unpowered.
2WD access to campsites, with an open area for parking caravans or mobile homes.
Dog welcome on a leash at all times and within their campsite area.
Onsite toilets are available. BYO toilet paper. Please take your own rubbish.
Only minutes away from the Ralph Illidge Sanctuary and Laang Speedway, close to the Great Ocean Road 10 Acre Produce is only a 20-minute drive to Warrnambool, 14 mins to Premier Speedway, a 40-minute drive to the 12 Apostles and under 20 minutes to the Timboon Distillery. The location is an easy drive to both Port Campbell and Port Fairy.
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(1)
FeatherLeaf Sanctuary
2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Simpson, Corangamite
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!
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 retired 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 are a sanctuary for all. No hunters please.
from
AU$35
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(49)
Wurdale Waters
2 sites · RVs, Tents18 acres · Wurdiboluc, Surf Coast
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 isy 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
from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(111)
Dairy Countryside Camp
3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Kawarren, Colac Otway
PLEASE NOTE: With the early burst of hot weather, snakes are out and about.
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.
from
AU$56
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(2)
The Source, Otways
2 sites · Lodging100 acres · Tanybryn, Colac Otway
Come explore the surrounding gardens, visit the cows grazing on the paddocks and take an unforgettable stroll through 100+ acres of our temperate rainforest. Go on brief or a day-long adventure, following kilometres of world class walking tracks, timber boardwalks, bridges and steps that meander through the rainforest, past 300 year old Mountain Ash, magnificent Myrtle Beech and ancient ferns. Visit 5 private Waterfalls situated on the property and The Grotto that comes alive with glow-worms at night. Pack a picnic and enjoy relaxing in the Rainforest Pavilion, suspended over the Creek after your rainforest walk, where you can lounge on the comfy couches or splash in the crystal clear waters. Enjoy this magnificent nature experience, away from tourist crowds, in absolute peace and privacy of The Source, Otways.
from
AU$270
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(5)
Sea Mist Permaculture Property
2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Warrnambool, Warrnambool
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 what is in the garden to use in cooking meals.
from
AU$45
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(82)
Secluded Otways Forest Camp
1 site · RV, Tent8 acres · Deans Marsh, Surf Coast
Our property is surrounded by the Otways forest and native Australian bush. Under 2 hours from Melbourne, and only 10-15minutes drive from the Otway Harvest Trail. Find a spot to park your van, tent, camper trailer or caravan on our beautiful natural piece of secluded bush, and you won't see or hear another soul. You may spot lots of birds and wildlife, or enjoy the beautiful view from the road. Please note: this is a spot for people such as hikers who appreciate nature and understand the concept of ‘leave no trace’. It’s not for parties or big groups. There are limited facilities (there is a basic composting toilet to use on site, but it’s not suitable as a caravan dump point) so you need to be totally self-sufficient and take all your waste and rubbish with you. BYO water.We are happy to accommodate up to 8 ppl, but please take everything with you, and leave our beautiful wilderness spot exactly as you left it, don't destroy the native vegetation and don't feed the wildlife. Fires only in the fire-pit please and must be totally extinguished (with water, so bring extra) before you leave, and not on fire ban days. You must BYO firewood and take all your rubbish away with you. Extra charges will apply for any rubbish, food scraps etc left on site.Enjoy!
from
AU$50
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
90%
(52)
Door to the Otways
2 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Barongarook, Colac Otway
Our property is suited for families and couples. We accept a maximum of 2 adults per booking.
We are located on the edge of the Otways this location provides a great base to access everything on offer including waterfalls, forests, rivers, farms and more.
This property offers great views, and the sounds of nature.
This campsite suits self-contained campers who bring their own camping toilet/shower, and drinking water supply.
To the north you will find Lake Colac, the largest natural freshwater lake in Victoria. Lake Colac is a popular location for fishing, water activities and other recreation along its shoreline.
Each site can accommodate one vehicle and towable vehicle. If you have more than one vehicle, please book a second site.
from
AU$45
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(26)
The Warrnambool Block
4 sites · RVs5 acres · Warrnambool, Warrnambool
A few acres on the edge of Warrnambool.
Situated close to all attractions that our beautiful city has to offer, yet tucked out of sight. You wouldn't know the township is just a stone's throw away! Great for anyone who would like to enjoy the close proximity without sharing your space with a multitude of other campers.
You must have toilet facilities on board.
No facilities, just a great space to relax.
Our site is suited to fully self-contained travelers in motorhomes, caravans, or camp trailers.
Campfires are ok outside of fire restriction season in the designated fire pit - please check with us. It's a flat property with good tracks and accessible via gravel roads. Just off the Princess Highway, yet not able to be seen, and road noise is not an issue.
Less than 5km to Premier Speedway. The Hopkins River and boat ramps are accessible to either walk to (35 min walk down the road) or a 5min drive (4WD in the wet season) - a great spot for fishing, canoeing & solitude. 10km to the Warrnambool Breakwater boat ramp to access the ocean.
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
Camping in Great Ocean Road with wildlife watching guide
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.
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.
Popular Great Ocean Road holidays
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.