Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most popular national heritage sites.
This stunning 243-kilometre road stretches along the south-east coast of Victoria between Torquay and Allansford and is considered one of the world’s most beautiful scenic coastal drives.
The Great Ocean Road has been fairly quiet over the last two months because of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, now that the government is slowly easing travel and leisure restrictions, the Great Ocean Road is open to the public once again.
Even though the cooler months are approaching, we know what it feels like to be locked up at home over the last couple of months and not being able to experience the great outdoors.
Therefore, we have come up with a fantastic list of the best places in which to camp along the Great Ocean Road.
For those that are eager to get out of the house after the recent lockdown, it’s time to go on a panoramic journey and enjoy a relaxing time while enjoying the best nature has to offer.
Following is our list of the Best Camping Sites Along the Great Ocean Road:
Located beyond the outskirts of Lorne off Allendale Road along the St. George River banks. This is a free walk-in camping area with 16 campsites available. No bookings or reservations are needed. It has a first-come, first-served policy for its unpowered camping area.
Image: explorethegreatoceanroad.com.au
Allenvale Mill is perfect for off-the-grid camping and will recharge and refresh you. It is a great place for a nature retreat after being forced to stay at home over the last two months.
Important note: Fires are not permitted in this campsite so don’t forget to bring a fuel stove and plenty of drinking water because there is none provided on-site.
Located within the Great Otway National Park near the Aire River. Aire Crossing Campground has five remote forest campsites among giant Mountain Ash trees. It is located near the beautiful Triplet falls and is suitable for both caravans and tents.
Important note: Aire Crossing does not charge any camping fees but you need to book a campsite ahead of time. Solid-fuel fires are not permitted so don’t forget to bring a gas or fuel stove and plenty of drinking water because there is none available on-site.
Located in the northern section of the Great Otway Park, Beauchamp is a small grassy and shaded campsite. The campsite is only three kilometres away from the Beauchamp Falls. Pets are allowed under certain conditions and fires are only allowed in designated areas.
Important note: There is no potable water available so don’t forget to boil water for at least 10 minutes before drinking or bring plenty of drinking water.
Image: smartcamper.com.au
Located along the banks of the Cumberland River, there are a number of campsites near the river’s edge. This is the perfect place for camping, caravans, and they even have rooms available for those who want to enjoy a bit more comfort while enjoying nature. Cumberland River Holiday park allows campfires, solid-fuel fires, and provides drinking water on site.
Image: cumberlandriver.com.au
Located on the Gellibrand River, this is a beautiful, quiet, and remote camping site. It is a lush green area surrounded by Mountain Ash trees, Manna Gums, and Pine Forests. It is a free camping site that does not need advanced booking. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash at all times. Fires are allowed in designated areas.
Important note: There is no potable water available so bring plenty of drinking water.
Image: explorethegreatoceanroad.com.au
Located in Angelsea, just 35 kilometres from Geelong, this campsite is set on 330 hectares of natural bush, with stunning ocean views of the southern coast of Victoria. It is perfect for tent camping and caravans and they also have some rooms for accommodation if you want a more comfortable setup. Drinking water is available and campfires are allowed in designated areas.
Image: scoutsvictoria.com.au
Located along in Apollo Bay, Marengo Holiday Park is a scenic site perfect for a relaxing getaway after being cooped up at home for the last couple of months. They have some stunning beachfront accommodation, tent sites and caravan parking, plus facilities like laundry, BBQ sites, campfires, bathrooms, and much more. It is a luxurious outdoor getaway with the best of what nature has to offer.
You and the family deserve a break after being locked down at home for the last two months. What better way to enjoy a much-needed break than by taking a road trip, camping under the stars, enjoying nature, all with stunning beachfront views or views of lush green forests.
Better still, why not go out on the road and camp in style and luxury? There is no doubt that the best way to enjoy a camping trip is with your very own caravan.
For the best caravans in Australia, you can’t go past Retreat Caravans. Please check out our range of caravans below, all carefully designed with you in mind: