Surf beaches, koalas in the treetops and a river to paddle, all within reach of the coast road. We've narrowed it to four Great Otway campgrounds, plus the kit for wind, rain and sandy sites.
Built for wind, salt air and the odd wet night.
A proper shell, a light bag and pegs that hold.
Rain jackets and more for squalls off the Southern Ocean.
Sleeping bags in a range of warmth ratings, plus pillows.
Pegs, guy ropes and groundsheets for gusty coastal pitches.
Our full ranges for rain, cool evenings and steep stairs.
Head torches and torches, plus batteries and travel power.
Fleece jackets and tops for windy nights on the coast.
Single poles and pairs for beach stairs and headlands.
Three drive-in campgrounds and a hike-in on the Great Ocean Walk.
22 sites behind a sheltered beach with rockpools, and koalas regularly spotted in the woodland around camp.
Good to knowNon-flush toilets and shared fireplaces. Bring drinking water and firewood (collecting it isn't allowed), and leave the caravan at home, as sites don't suit them.
View Campground Details40 grassy sites on the west bank of the Aire River, with a ramp for launching canoes and a walk of around 15 minutes to Glenaire Beach.
Good to knowCampfires aren't allowed, so pack a stove, and bring your own drinking water. The access road is narrow and unsealed, with a 5 tonne bridge limit.
View Campground Details25 open grassy sites near a wild surf beach, where whales are often seen offshore through winter and early spring.
Good to knowNon-flush toilets, but no showers and no drinking water. Solid fuel fires aren't allowed, and the beach is unpatrolled, so swim with care.
View Campground DetailsThe first camp on the Great Ocean Walk, on a sheltered ridge in tall eucalypt forest about 9.8km from the Apollo Bay Visitor Centre.
Good to knowAllow around 3.5 hours on foot. There are composting toilets, a shelter with a table and untreated rainwater tanks, so treat water before you drink it.
View Campground DetailsThe Otway coast is beautiful, and it can turn wild.
Johanna Beach is unpatrolled and popular with experienced surfers. If you're not confident in the water, try the rockpools at Blanket Bay or paddle the Aire River instead.
Blanket Bay, Aire River West and Johanna Beach all ask you to bring your own drinking water. Pack big containers for a few nights, and treat tank water on the walk.
Find a Water BottleCoastal sites can catch strong wind, and short pegs struggle in sandy ground. Longer pegs and tight guy ropes keep the tent where you left it.
Get Pegs and a MalletCampfires aren't allowed at Aire River West, and solid fuel fires aren't allowed at Johanna Beach. A gas stove means hot dinners wherever you end up.
Find a Camp StoveBlanket Bay and Johanna Beach set minimum stays over the peak summer holidays. Plan your dates around that and book as early as you can.
The Otways can be wet in any season. A rain jacket and a tent with a decent fly make a soggy night much easier.
Find a Rain JacketFor wind, sand, surf and the odd shower.
Gear grouped by how you live and move.
Great Otway National Park has several campgrounds a short drive off the road. Blanket Bay near Cape Otway is sheltered and beachside, Aire River West sits on the river near Glenaire, and Johanna Beach faces a wild surf beach. Walkers can stay at hike-in sites such as Elliot Ridge on the Great Ocean Walk.
Not at the drive-in sites. Blanket Bay, Aire River West and Johanna Beach all ask you to bring your own, so pack enough for drinking, cooking and washing up. Elliot Ridge has untreated rainwater tanks, so treat that water first.
Only at some campgrounds. Blanket Bay has shared fireplaces you can use outside Total Fire Ban days, but you must bring your own firewood. Campfires aren't permitted at Aire River West, and Johanna Beach doesn't allow solid fuel fires, so bring a gas stove.
Allow around three hours to Blanket Bay, Aire River West or Johanna Beach, and longer if you follow the coast road the whole way. The last stretch to some campgrounds, Aire River West included, is narrow and unsealed, so take it slowly, especially when towing.
Not in Great Otway National Park, where dogs aren't allowed (assistance dogs aside). If your dog is coming, look at pet-friendly caravan parks in the coastal towns instead.
Our tents and outdoor gear are designed by people who camp, then field tested before they reach the shelf.
Free delivery on orders over $150. Members get our lifetime warranty.
