Best caravan parks on the Great Ocean Road: local picks

The Great Ocean Road stretches 243 kilometres of Australia's most dramatic coastline, from Torquay's surf breaks to the limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles. But the real magic happens when you slow down, pull into a coastal park, and wake up to salt air and crashing waves.

Choosing where to stay can make or break your Great Ocean Road adventure. Stay too far inland and you'll miss the dawn light on the ocean. Pick a park without decent facilities and those January crowds will test your patience. Book somewhere too remote and you'll spend half your trip driving to the next coffee.

These picks come from the firsthand experiences of Camplify owners and hirers who've travelled this route dozens of times. They know which parks have the best beachfront sites, where to avoid the January rush, and which spots are worth the extra drive.

Whether you're travelling with your own caravan or hiring through Camplify (with both pickup and delivery options available for caravans across Victoria), this guide covers the coast's standout parks, from the surf towns of the Surf Coast to the quiet fishing villages beyond Warrnambool.

Ocean-front parks where you'll actually hear the waves

Anglesea Family Caravan Park

Anglesea Family Caravan Park sits between the Anglesea River and the beach, close enough to town that you can walk to the bakery for morning coffee but far enough that you're not stuck in traffic. Camplify owners consistently recommend this one for families. The river is calm enough for kids to paddle, and the ocean beach is a short stroll across the road.

Facilities include powered and unpowered sites, a camp kitchen, and clean amenities blocks. The park gets busy during school holidays (especially January and Easter), so book ahead if you're travelling peak season. Unpowered sites start around $50 per night in low season, powered sites from $65.

Local tip from our community: if Torquay is fully booked, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet are solid backup options within easy reach of Bells Beach.

Big4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park

Big4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park is one of the larger parks on the route, with a good mix of sites including ocean-view spots if you book early. Apollo Bay itself is a proper town with supermarkets, cafes, and fuel, which makes it a practical base for exploring the Otways hinterland.

The park has jumping pillows for kids, a camp kitchen, hot showers, and laundry facilities. Powered sites range from $70 to $120 depending on season and ocean views. Pet-friendly sites are available (check directly with the park for current policies).

One Camplify owner mentioned the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve, an alternative park by the river where you can walk to town bars and restaurants. The beach is right across the road, and it's a more relaxed vibe than the Big4 if you're after something quieter.

Marengo Holiday Park

Marengo Holiday Park is about 10 minutes east of Apollo Bay, tucked into the coast with ocean views from some sites. Camplify owners rave about this one. You can snag beachfront unpowered sites, and koalas sometimes appear in the trees around the park (one owner reported a koala looking through their caravan window).

Facilities are straightforward: powered and unpowered sites, amenities blocks, and a small camp kitchen. It's quieter than Apollo Bay's main parks, which appeals if you're after coastal peace rather than resort-style amenities. Sites start around $55 unpowered, $75 powered.

The beach is literally a few steps from some sites. If you're chasing that proper ocean-front caravan experience, this is it.

Surf Coast favourites: Torquay to Lorne

Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park

Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park puts you right on the doorstep of Bells Beach and the Surf Coast Walk. It's a council-run park, so expect good facilities without the Big4 price tag. Powered sites, clean amenities, walking distance to Torquay's cafes and supermarkets.

Camplify owners suggest booking well ahead if you're visiting during surf season (March to May especially). The park fills fast with surfers and grey nomads chasing the autumn sun. Sites from $60 powered.

If Torquay is booked out, our community recommends trying caravan parks in Anglesea or Aireys Inlet, both within 20 minutes of Bells Beach.

Big4 Beacon Resort

Just outside Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula (technically the start of the Great Ocean Road), Big4 Beacon Resort is a popular first-night stop. One Camplify owner called it an ideal base before heading down the coast proper.

This is a full-service holiday park with pool, playgrounds, jumping pillow, and camp kitchen. It's family-oriented and well-maintained. Powered sites from $75, premium sites with ensuite from $110. Good for those travelling with kids who need entertainment beyond the beach.

Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park

Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park is right in the heart of Lorne, which means you can walk to the pier, cafes, and the famous Teddy's Lookout walking track. The downside? It's expensive and books out months ahead for summer and school holidays.

Facilities include powered sites, amenities blocks, and a dump point. Ocean views from select sites. Expect to pay $90+ for powered sites in peak season. If you score a spot here during quiet months (May to September), it's genuinely special waking up to Loutit Bay.

Local owners suggest stopping at the Wye River General Store for morning coffee and food if you're camped nearby. The pub on the hill at Wye River also gets a mention for good meals.

Inland escapes in the Otways

Not every night needs to be ocean-front. The Otways hinterland offers rainforest camping, cooler temperatures in summer, and fewer crowds.

Bimbi Park

Bimbi Park sits inland near Forrest, surrounded by mountain ash forest and walking trails. This is where you come to escape the coastal summer heat and crowds. The park has powered and unpowered sites, hot showers, a camp kitchen, and friendly owners who know the area's mountain bike trails and waterfalls.

Beauchamp Falls is a 20-minute drive, and the Otway Fly Treetop Walk is nearby if you're travelling with kids. Sites from $45 unpowered, $60 powered. Pet-friendly sites available.

Camplify hirers mention this area when they're doing the full Anglesea-Lorne-Apollo Bay-Twelve Apostles run and want a night off the coast. It's cooler, quieter, and the rainforest feels worlds away from the beach.

Western reaches: Port Campbell to Warrnambool

Port Campbell Recreation Reserve

Port Campbell Recreation Reserve is a simple, council-run park close to the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. It's not fancy (no jumping pillows or resort pools), but the location is unbeatable if you want to explore the limestone coast properly.

Powered and unpowered sites, amenities blocks, dump point. Sites from $50. The town of Port Campbell has a pub, general store, and bakery within walking distance. This park suits travellers who care more about the surroundings than the park facilities.

The Twelve Apostles are 10 minutes east. Get there before 8am to beat the tour buses.

Discovery Parks - Warrnambool

Discovery Parks Warrnambool is a solid base for exploring Warrnambool's coastal walks, Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. The park has full facilities including pool, playgrounds, camp kitchen, and laundry. Pet-friendly sites available.

Warrnambool works as a practical overnight stop (fuel, supermarkets, cafes) or as a base for a few nights if you're exploring the volcanic plains and whale-watching spots. Powered sites from $70.

Camplify owners mention the Cheese World Cafe as a final stop before leaving the Great Ocean Road region (open Monday to Friday, 8am to 3pm). Build-your-own cheeseboards and tastings.

Southcombe Park - Port Fairy

Southcombe Park in Port Fairy gets booked solid during the Port Fairy Folk Festival (usually March), but outside festival season it's a relaxed coastal park with river and ocean access. Sites from $55 powered.

Port Fairy itself is a gorgeous fishing village with bluestone cottages, good cafes, and Griffiths Island for sunset walks. Camplify owners who've stayed here talk about the absolute beachfront at nearby Killarney Beach (camping available), which is just short of Port Fairy and relatively affordable.

Heads up: if you're planning a March trip, the Folk Festival books out every park within 50 kilometres. Plan accordingly.

Practical tips from owners who've done this drive

Booking windows matter

January and Easter are the worst times to show up without a booking. Camplify hirers mention needing to book caravan parks months ahead during peak season. If you're travelling December to February or during school holidays, book your sites before you book your caravan.

Quieter months (May to September) give you more flexibility, though winter weather on the coast can be wild. Pack warm layers and wet-weather gear.

Powered vs unpowered

If you're hiring a caravan through Camplify, check whether it has solar or requires mains power for the fridge and lights. Many caravans need powered sites unless you have a generator. Ask your owner before you book unpowered coastal sites.

Unpowered sites are typically $20-30 cheaper per night and often score better positions (beachfront, river access). If your van is self-sufficient, they're worth it.

Pet policies

Some parks welcome pets, others don't. Always confirm directly with the park, especially if you're bringing a dog to a national park area (most national parks in Victoria don't allow pets, which limits your options if you're exploring the Otways).

Site size and access

If you're towing a large caravan (over 20 feet), confirm the site can fit both your vehicle and van. Some older parks have tight access roads and small sites. Camplify owners mention this as a concern when booking.

Have your caravan's full length (including drawbar) ready when you call parks. They'll ask.

Seasonal considerations

Summer (December to February) brings crowds, heat, and premium prices. Every park along the coast is packed. The upside? Long days, warm ocean swims, and that classic Australian summer vibe. The downside? You'll pay $100+ per night for powered sites at popular parks.

Autumn (March to May) is peak surf season and arguably the best time for the Great Ocean Road. Fewer crowds, cooler weather, better surf, and autumn light that makes the coastal cliffs glow. Easter is still busy, but weekdays are quiet.

Winter (June to August) is wild and moody. The Southern Ocean throws serious swells at the coast, whale migration happens (June to September), and you'll have most parks to yourself. Pack warm gear. Some parks close or operate limited sites in winter.

Spring (September to November) sees wildflowers in the Otways, warming weather, and good availability before the summer rush. Whales are still around in September.

Getting there and getting around

Most travellers start in Torquay (90 minutes from Melbourne) and finish in Warrnambool or Port Fairy. The drive from Torquay to Port Fairy is around 280 kilometres, but plan at least three to four days to actually enjoy it.

Camplify owners based in Melbourne can deliver caravans to your starting point if you don't want to tow from the city. Delivery is available for caravans (not motorhomes), which means you can fly into Melbourne, have a van delivered to Torquay, and start your trip without the hassle of city towing.

Pickup is also available if you'd rather collect the van yourself. Both options work, depending on your comfort level with towing.

For route planning, check out our 6-day Victorian itinerary or the Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road guide if you're coming from South Australia.

What to pack beyond the basics

Wet weather gear (even in summer, the coast gets rain). A good torch for night-time walks to amenities blocks. Insect repellent for Otways camping. Binoculars if you're into bird-watching or whale-spotting. A portable speaker for beach sunsets (but not so loud you annoy neighbouring campers).

Firewood is available at most parks, but it's cheaper at service stations and general stores. Some parks don't allow BYO firewood due to pest risks, so check first.

If you're hiring a caravan, confirm what cooking gear is included. Most Camplify vans come with basic kitchen setups, but you'll need to BYO food, condiments, and sometimes cookware depending on the owner.

Why the Great Ocean Road still matters

This coastline has been photographed a million times, featured in every Australia tourism campaign, and driven by countless travellers. But it still delivers.

The limestone stacks at sunset. The rainforest gullies in the Otways dripping with moisture. The way the Southern Ocean throws itself at the cliffs with relentless energy. The small-town bakeries, the coastal walking tracks, the surprise koala sightings.

Camplify owners who live near the coast talk about it with the kind of familiarity that comes from repeated visits. They know which beach has the calmest water for kids, which park has the best dump point, which cafe makes the best coffee. That local knowledge matters when you're planning a trip like this.

For more inspiration, check out the Camplify Uncovered Great Ocean Road adventure or read about camping with kids along the route.

Time to book

The Great Ocean Road works best when you slow down. Pick three or four parks, stay at least two nights in each, and give yourself time to walk the coastal tracks, explore inland, and sit by the ocean without rushing to the next Apostle viewpoint.

Whether you're after beachfront sites, rainforest quiet, or family-friendly parks with all the amenities, this coast has options. Book early for summer, pack for changeable weather, and confirm your caravan's power needs before you commit to unpowered sites.

Ready to hire a caravan and explore the coast? Browse Camplify's selection of caravans available for pickup or delivery across Victoria at camplify.com.au. Our community of local owners can answer questions about their vans, recommend their favourite parks, and help you plan a trip that actually matches how you want to travel.

The Great Ocean Road is waiting. No forced itinerary, no tour bus schedule. Just you, the coast, and as many sunsets as you can fit into a week.