The best waterside camping near Warrnambool
Whales, shipwrecks, and sandy beaches draw travellers to this Great Ocean Road town.
The best waterside camping near Warrnambool guide
Where to go
Shipwreck Coast
The 130km section of the Great Ocean Road from Port Fairy through Warrnambool to Cape Otway is named for its treacherous rocks and crashing waves, and it’s full of dramatic ocean vistas. Stop to admire the Twelve Apostles' rock formations, hike the coastal cliffs of the Great Ocean Walk, and spot koalas and kangaroos at the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. Campers have plenty of options, including non-powered sites at the Port Campbell National Park campground.
Great Ocean Road
Continuing east along the Great Ocean Road from Cape Otway, the first stop is the Great Otway National Park, where the first-come, first-served campsites are ideally situated for bushwalking and wildlife watching. Stop to admire the views at Apollo Bay and hike to the waterfalls around Lorne, before arriving at the famous surf beaches of Torquay.
Grampians National Park
Just over an hour’s drive north of Warrnambool, the craggy peaks, waterfalls, and vibrant wildflowers of Grampians National Park make for some spectacular hikes. Camping options are just varied, so take your pick from motorhome and caravan sites, comfy cabin and chalet rentals, and glamping tents. Or head into the wild and go bush camping along the trails.
When to go
Summer is peak season for road-trippers along the Great Ocean Road, but as one of Australia’s most famous drives, traffic can be a problem. Driving the road in an easterly direction from Warrnambool is a smart way to dodge the day-trippers coming from Melbourne. Alternatively, visit out of season—it’s often still warm enough to swim and surf in late spring and early autumn, while winter (June through September) is whale-watching season.