Updated on December 8, 2025
Free & Low-Cost Camp Grounds – Great Ocean Road
Free camping sites along the Great Ocean Road were once plentiful, but a number of them have been converted into paid sites run by Parks Victoria, and some have been closed altogether. Nevertheless, we still have seven six awesome free camping sites, all a relatively short driving distance from the Great Ocean Road.
- All the free camping grounds have basic toilets, generally no water taps, no dump points, and no showers.
- Bring your own firewood; most of these campgrounds have firepits provided. Do not light fires on days of a total fire ban.
Several campgrounds are situated near walking trails. Leave your car keys behind and spend a day exploring the forest.
Visit waterfalls, such as those along the walks from Beauchamp Falls free camp or Stevensons Falls campground, which are easily accessible from both camping sites.
Some of the free campgrounds listed are dog-friendly (marked in red), so if you plan to bring your pooch camping and romping on beaches, you can have a great time. Dogs must be on leash at all times within the campgrounds.
For traditional campgrounds with the full range of expected facilities, these are the regular caravan and camping parks along the Ocean Road. Listed, from East to West, in order of towns from one end of the Great Ocean Road to the other, making it easy to plan a camping adventure.
This page is divided into two sections: firstly, the free Great Ocean Road camping grounds and then the low-cost camping sites managed by Parks Victoria.
A Google map link to each site is included; we recommend downloading offline maps as some areas have patchy reception.
Additionally, it may be helpful to use Google Street View, if available, to gain an idea of the area before visiting.
FREE CAMPING SITES
Listed below are the remaining six free Great Ocean Road campsites, which are managed mainly by Parks Victoria. Conditions and regulations are subject to change; please review any attached links for updates.
They are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be pre-booked.
Video drive-through of the six free camps, showing the layout and campsites.
1. Angelsea – Hammond Road North Campground
The Hammond Road North free campsite, 12 km inland from Aireys Inlet, is a basic camp area with 12 sites. The campground features tables, firepits, toilets in good condition, and clearly marked campsites. The road in is gravel and can be slippery after heavy rain. It’s fine for 2WD vehicles and caravans.
Coastal and heathland trees, including several Eucalyptus species, such as Messmate, Brown Stringybark, and Scent-bark, surround the area.
Pitching tents may not be easy; the ground is fairly compacted. Make sure to use a mallet or a pop-up tent like ours and don’t peg it down – but make sure it is weighted so it doesn’t blow away!
There is another Hammond Road campsite nearby; the details are in the low-cost campsite section below. It features a grassy area for tents, drive-through sites for vans and camper trailers and is frequented by many kangaroos.
DOG-FRIENDLY
GET DIRECTIONS to Hammond Road North Free Camping Area
Hammond Road North Free Campground – Pan around the image to see more.
2. Tanners Road Free Camping Ground
Tanners Road free camping area features approximately 16 sites and includes four horse yards, available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. They are solid, well-made timber yards.
The campground is spacious enough for larger caravans.
Numerous tracks head off into the bush from this site, making it popular among trail bike riders, mountain bike riders, and horse riders.
32.5km/30 minutes from Angelsea | 16 minutes drive from Winchelsea on the Princes Highway
DOG-FRIENDLY
GET DIRECTIONS to Tanners Road Free Camping Area
3. Sharps Free Camping, Lorne – CLOSED
Located about 5 km from Lorne, the campground is adjacent to Sharps Road.
No booking, no fees. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. There are 6 campsites available accommodating up to six people per site. All campsites are unpowered. Half the sites are set aside for tents only; the other sites are suitable for tents, caravans or camper-trailers.
No toilets, campers need to be self-contained.
Get Directions to Sharps Free Camping Area
4. Aire Crossing Free Camping
Aire River Crossing free camp, Great Otway National Park, is as remote as you can officially camp in the Otways. It is basic bush camping, not far from the river, which is excellent for cooling off on hot days.
Minimal camping spaces, only five marked sites, which are pretty compact (see the video below). The toilets are clean and located approximately 100 metres from the camping area.
It is not suitable for large caravans due to the restricted turning space.
No fires allowed at any time & lots of mozzies…
Despite feeling remote, it is still under a 30-minute drive down Aire Settlement Road to reach the Great Ocean Road, near Johanna Beach.
Seasonal closures: Check with Parks Victoria for winter closures.
Aire Crossing is a beautiful place to camp for anyone wanting to switch off, relax on the rocks by the river, fish, or go hiking. The road is closed off at the river, but walkers can continue.
NO DOGS ALLOWED
GET DIRECTIONS to Aire Crossing Free Camp
Three-minute video showing the road in, the campsite, and the river nearby.
5. Beauchamp Falls Free Camping
Beauchamp Falls free campground is a rather fabulous location to spend a day or two. Campsites for caravans and camper trailers are located on the south side, offering spectacular views across to the ocean. A grassed area offers a good, level campsite for tents, complete with fire pits and toilets.
Pine plantations were logged a few years ago, which has an impact on the feel of the place, unfortunately, but it’s still a stunning location with a walk to one of the prettiest waterfalls in the Otways, Beauchamp Falls, directly from the campsite. Several other waterfalls are a short drive away, plus the famous Redwood Forest further down towards the coast.
DOG-FRIENDLY
GET DIRECTIONS to Beauchamp Falls Camping Area
6. Dando’s Free Camping
Dando’s Free Camping Ground may have limited camping spaces available due to an ongoing issue between staff and management regarding the campsite’s upkeep. This was happening as of November 2025. Please let us know if you visit the site, and this has been resolved.
Dando’s is quite a large campsite, about a 25-minute drive from the township of Forrest in the Otways. Situated beneath tall, slender trees with quite a few tables and fire pits and by a large open grassy area that is ideal for kids to play (watch out for snakes).
The site has long-drop toilets and is on a first-come basis. It is deep in the Otways, popular with 4 wheel drive clubs. Set beside the Gellibrand River, it’s a lovely, somewhat secluded spot. It can get rowdy, though, as groups often use the site.
46 minutes/36km to Skenes Creek on the Great Ocean Road, not far from Apollo Bay
25 minutes/17km to Forrest, the nearest small town.
DOG-FRIENDLY
Sayers Track, Gillibrand. GET DIRECTIONS
7. Stevenson’s Falls Free Camping
There is an excellent free camping area with a beautiful walk to the nearby Stevensons Falls, one of the prettiest waterfalls in the Otways. An all-abilities accessible trail leads to the waterfall lookout, along boardwalks by the river, and through the Redwoods.
From the campground, a clearly marked walking track leads to the waterfalls, a 4.6km return trip on a flat, well-maintained path. There is also the option to drive the short distance to the falls car park if needed.
The free camping area is a good size, featuring 44 compact, marked sites, toilets, and fire pits.
The drive into Stevenson’s Falls free camping ground offers some fantastic views down into the valley. Watch out for kangaroos, we saw some huge mobs of Eastern Grey roos on one trip to the falls.
NOTE: The drive into Stevensons Falls campsite is relatively narrow and not ideal for large rigs. The designated camp sites are compact and are not drive-through. Near the campground entrance, the camping spaces are larger.
DOG-FRIENDLY
GET DIRECTIONS to Stevensons Falls Free Campground.
PAID CAMPSITES MANAGED BY PARKS VICTORIA
These sites are low-cost and booked online through Parks Victoria. The prices are very reasonable for what is provided and the maintenance required.
8. Hammond Road Campsite – Angelsea
This site is just up the road from the free Hammonds Road North Camping ground and 12 kms from Aireys Inlet. It has toilets, BBQ pits, and some tables. It is a good open site with lots of visiting kangaroos and other wildlife.
The campground features 16 campsites, each capable of accommodating up to six people. Sites 1-4 provide direct vehicle access and are suitable for camper trailers and caravans. Sites 5-16 are ideal for tents only, with a parking area close by
NO DOGS ALLOWED
9. Allenvale Mill Campground – Lorne
The camping area is approximately 3 km beyond Lorne, off Allendale Road, on the banks of the St. George River. Numerous walking trails lead off from this area, down to the coast and into the Otways, offering access to waterfalls.
This is a walk-in camping area, although it’s only a short walk to the campground (around 200 metres). Seventeen walk-in campsites, each accommodating up to six people. All campsites are unpowered and suitable only for tents. Long drop toilets are provided.
Our only negative about the camping area is that cars are left out of sight, making them vulnerable. Please don’t leave valuables in your vehicle when you are camping here.
NO DOGS ALLOWED
GET DIRECTIONS to Allenvale Mill Walk-in Campground
10. Big Hill Track Campground, 11 km from Lorne
This unpowered campground has some open grassy sites surrounded by bush. It is suitable for school groups, motorhomes, caravans, and tents.
The campground offers 13 campsites, each accommodating up to six people. Sites 1-7 are suitable for tents only, while sites 8-13 cater for camper trailers and caravans.
Long-drop loos, BYO water.
Subject to seasonal closure between 1 June and 31 October inclusive.
Located near the intersection of Big Hill Track and Lorne-Deans Marsh Road, Benwerrin.
11km / 15 mins from Lorne
NO DOGS ALLOWED
GET DIRECTIONS to Big Hill Campground
11. Jamieson Creek Campground – Wye River, Ocean Views
Jamieson Creek camping ground is a fabulous spot to camp, offering amazing ocean views, and is situated right above the Great Ocean Road.
The camping ground offers 24 sites. Read further details on the suitability of each site for tents and caravans
The camping area is a 12 km drive from Lorne. There is a pleasant 11km return walk into the tiny seaside township of Wye River from the campground on a well-made walking trail.
A short hike down to the beach, crossing the Great Ocean Road, and visitors can enjoy exploring Artillery Rocks, one of the lesser-known stops along the coast. It is a popular fishing spot.
With lots of new planting and recent improvements including toilets, gas bbq’s and seating overlooking the Bass Strait from the viewpoint, this is an awesome spot to spend a few days.
The short video below was made when the camping ground had been newly planted and upgraded. Over time, the planting will grow, and it will look less open in the camping area. Please subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay updated on new uploads.
Updated video below and a drive-through of the Jamieson Creek Campground.
Pan around the 360 degree image, scroll to zoom in, to see the viewpoint at Jamieson Creek camping ground. We were here on a gloomy day… but it was still spectacular.
NO DOGS ALLOWED
12. Lake Elizabeth Campground – Tents Only
Up high in the Otways, 11km from the township of Forrest, the Lake Elizabeth Campground is a gem. Walk to Lake Elizabeth, do the circuit, and watch for Platypus (or do a platypus paddle) early in the morning or at dusk. The area is a mountain biker’s paradise with miles of specially marked trails.
Twenty campsites accommodate up to six people per site. All campsites are unpowered and suitable only for tents. There is no direct vehicle access to the campsites. A 15-minute unloading bay is conveniently located nearby, and a separate car park is situated above and behind the campground, just a two-minute walk away.
DOG-FRIENDLY
13. Blanket Bay, Cape Otway
Twenty-two campsites, each accommodating up to six people, are nestled neatly beneath Manna Gums to the east of Cape Otway Light Station, with quick access to the sheltered beach. Blanket Bay is a fantastic little camping site, ideal for families.
Fires are allowed in designated fire pits; bring your own wood.
It is a great koala spotting area, popular with snorkellers (byo gear) and is ideal for exploring rock pools and local walks. It is also one of the overnight stops along the Great Ocean Walk, and campers can follow the trail to Parker Hill or back towards Apollo Bay.
NO DOGS ALLOWED
The video below shows the drive into and through Blanket Bay campground.
14. Parker Hill Campground, Cape Otway
This idyllic little campground is situated on a hill beneath stringybark trees, offering plenty of opportunities to spot visiting wildlife, including wallabies and koalas. It’s a short, though steep, walk down to the beach, and hikers keen to explore can continue to Point Franklin, offering superb views of the ocean. The Great Ocean Walk passes by the campsite, allowing campers to hike in either direction or explore the secluded bay below.
20 campsites are available and must be pre-booked. Parker Hill is definitely a fabulous camping area to switch off and explore.
The campsites are, for some reason, all designated for tents only. The campground is not suitable for large caravans. For more information, please visit the Parks Victoria booking site.
Presumably, the sites are marked as suitable for tents only due to the limited space and narrow road leading into the campground. Camper trailers and small campervans will be okay.
The campground was empty when we visited, which allowed us to see the layout more clearly. Sites 2, 3, 9, and 10 are suitable for camper trailers, small campervans, as well as tents. Site No. 1 is intended as a tent site, but it has parking in front, so a small campervan could also use the space.
We had booked site number 10, it’s the only one with a bit of privacy and not under trees at all. It isn’t a large site, but it was big enough for our small camper trailer and car to fit in, with space for the table, chairs, and ensuite tent.
The short video below shows the drive into the camping area. It is a sandy track, mostly single-lane with passing places, and some low-hanging branches.
For travellers with large caravans, there is another campground option on Cape Otway, Bimbi Park. It’s a spacious campground (paid) with full facilities, and it’s set in a beautiful location, within easy reach of all the Cape Otway destinations.
NO DOGS ALLOWED
NO SOLID FUEL FIRES PERMITTED
Walk down to Parker Inlet from the campground.
The signpost from the campground mentions approximately 200 steps down to Parker Inlet. I counted 302! But every step was worth the effort. Parker Inlet is best explored at low tide, when it’s possible to explore the rocks and formations. The trail continues to Blanket Bay and beyond for anyone wanting a bit more exploration.
Walk to Cape Otway Lighthouse from the Parker Hill Campground
The walk from the campground to the Cape Otway Lighthouse is just under 5 km each way. Following a section of the Great Ocean Walk. It’s an easy hike, with options to extend the day by walking down to the beach, such as at Crayfish Bay.
15. Aire River West
Set beside the Aire River and close to the coast, this popular campground has open sunny sites with easy access to the river for fishing and kayaking, plus just a 15 minute walk to Glenaire Beach, which is unpatrolled.
40 campsites, which accommodate a maximum of six people. Campsites 1-5, 17-23, 27-40 are suitable for large caravans. Campsites 7-11 are ideal for smaller caravans, and sites 12-16 are only appropriate for tents.
With koalas in the trees and large, mostly flat sites, it is ideal for all campers, including caravans and groups. The Great Ocean Walk passes through, and hikers have a dedicated camping area nearby.
Kayaking, or paddleboarding up the Aire River from the campground, is easy to do; there’s a small launch area beside the bridge across from the campsite. The upstream paddle is about 5.5 kms each way, under the bridge that spans the Great Ocean Road and a little further until the river becomes too shallow. Paddling down to the river mouth and ocean beach is only a couple of kms.
Apollo Bay is the nearest big town, 30 kms/35 mins drive. To the 12 Apostles, it is 57 kms/1hour drive.
NO DOGS ALLOWED
The video below shows the drive into Aire River West and East campground coming from Glenaire to the west, turning off the Great Ocean Road near Castle Cove. This access road is sometimes closed over the winter and can become potholed. The video continues through the campsites and back onto the Great Ocean Road via Horden Vale Road, which is the easiest route for entering and exiting the campgrounds.
16. Aire River East
The Aire River East campground is beautiful and a bit more sheltered than the Aire River West campground. It has easy access to the Aire River and boasts koalas in the trees, which can often be spotted.
The Campground features 20 grassy campsites that accommodate a maximum of six people. Campsites 1-4 are suitable only for smaller tents, while campsites 10-20 can accommodate large caravans. All campsites are unpowered.
The first time we stayed here was when the kids were small. They had packed their own bags, and out of the crammed full case of the youngest (3 years old), a big stuffed teddy bear popped out… and no clothes or knickers. It is one of the best family camping memories we cherish. Camping and hiking with kids is brilliant fun.
Apollo Bay is the nearest big town, 30 kms/35 mins drive. To the 12 Apostles, it is 57 kms/1hour drive.
NO DOGS ALLOWED
17. Johanna Beach – Surfing & Dog-Friendly
Johanna Beach campsite is about an hour from the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge; it’s one of the most popular camping grounds for surfers along the Great Ocean Road. The beach is unpatrolled and remote, suitable only for experienced surfers, and is not ideal for swimming.
It’s the perfect spot for getting away from the world for a while and enjoying the ocean scents. Johanna Beach is also popular for surf fishing and a section of the Great Ocean Walk also passes through this location, so an ideal base for some day hikes.
When the skies at night are clear, the stars are dazzling! This area is one of the best stargazing spots in Victoria.
The 25 campsites are mostly relatively sheltered and level, suitable for tents, caravans, and campervans. The waves crashing on Johanna Beach can be heard in the distance, just a short walk away, over the dunes.
The 12 Apostles is a 50-minute/51.2km drive away, Port Campbell is 60 minutes/63 kms, and Apollo Bay is 45 minutes/44 km.
DOG-FRIENDLY
NO CAMPFIRES ALLOWED
Nearest Camping to the 12 Apostles
When visiting the 12 Apostles, you can find budget-friendly campsites. The Princetown Recreation Reserve is the closest camping or caravanning option, situated in a good coastal location, offering powered and unpowered sites and hot showers.
From the camping reserve, it is an easy walk down to the ocean beach or along the nearby wetlands boardwalk. Kayaking or paddleboarding on the Gellibrand River is also quite enjoyable.
Paid Camping & Caravan Parks
More camping and caravan sites can be found along the Ocean Road; some are budget-friendly and others are more expensive resort-style campgrounds with excellent facilities for families. Many of these camping and caravan parks are well located near the ocean and towns.
Free Camping near Warrnambool
The small town of Panmure offers an overnight camping area and is the closest free campsite to Warrnambool. It is located near a busy road, which can be noisy at night due to constant highway traffic. However, it’s free, and we can be happy and appreciative.
Pet-friendly | Toilets | BBQs and tables | Tents, caravans, etc. allowed. | By a river
Less than 30 mins (29.4 km) drive to Warrnambool | 50 mins (60.8 Km) to the 12 Apostles
8830 Princes Hwy, Panmure, Victoria
GET DIRECTIONS to Panmure
Free Camping before reaching the Great Ocean Road
There is a 24-hour BP Petrol Station at Little River, which is about 30 minutes, on the left, after crossing the West Gate Bridge when leaving Melbourne on Highway One.
Near the service station is a large, unsealed, parking area that is generally accepted as a ‘free camping’ spot. This is not near the Ocean Road, it’s about an hour away.
No facilities and it is beside the noisy highway, campers need to be self-contained or use the toilet facilities (no showers) in the fuel station (which is allowed).
** On the last visit we noticed a sign saying No Camping! There still appeared to be people stopping overnight, so….
Waterfalls & 50 Things to Do Along the Great Ocean Road
The waterfalls in the Otways are beautiful, and two of the free campgrounds (Stevensons, Beauchamp) are conveniently located near some of the best waterfalls, as well as excellent walking tracks.
See our map and list of 50 things to see and do in the region.
Free Camping in Victoria
Victoria has an incredible number of free camps. From the ocean to the high country, we are spoiled for choice.
Read more about free camping in Australia…
Finding a free campsite at peak times:
Arrive early in the afternoon. Most people leave in the morning, arriving at a campsite early afternoon will provide the best opportunity to get a site in the more popular parks and during peak times. Not always guaranteed, but it does help.Free campgrounds in Australia are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you can’t find a free campsite, local recreation reserves generally offer low-cost sites. The Wiki Camps Au App is one of the best ways to find campsites. It costs under $10 to purchase for lifetime use and is available on Android and IOS. Alternatively, go to Google Maps and put in ‘Free camps near me’. It’s incredible how many options pop up.
GREAT OCEAN ROAD FACEBOOK GROUP – Join our FB group to ask questions and share your knowledge about anything to do with travel along the Great Ocean Road. Bushwalks, waterfalls, trip planning, great camping sites, campfire recipes…