Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve – Coastal Camping on the Great Ocean Road
Discover your next coastal camping adventure at Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve, an ideal base for exploring the stunning Great Ocean Road. Situated on the banks of the tranquil Barham River and adjacent to the sports oval, our reserve offers a unique blend of natural serenity and convenient access to town amenities. We’re just a short walk from the main street of Apollo Bay, where you’ll find an array of cafes, shops, and the pristine sandy beach.
We offer a variety of camping options to suit all types of travellers, with a mix of powered and unpowered sites available for tents, caravans, camper trailers, and motorhomes. The reserve is a particularly popular choice for those with furry friends, as we proudly welcome **pets year-round**. Our facilities are well-maintained to ensure a comfortable stay, including a clean amenities block, laundry facilities, a communal camp kitchen with BBQ areas, and a dump point for guest use.
Apollo Bay and the surrounding region are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. From the reserve, you can easily access the start of the Great Ocean Walk, or take a leisurely stroll into town for a coffee. The nearby Otway Ranges offer a network of walking trails, magnificent waterfalls, and opportunities for spotting native wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos. Fishing is a popular local activity, whether you’re casting a line off the harbour wall or trying your luck at deep-sea fishing. For a more relaxed pace, you can simply enjoy the beautiful scenery, explore local art galleries, or browse the weekend market for fresh produce and unique crafts.
We pride ourselves on providing a spacious and relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring. As a seasonal campground, the reserve operates from September to April, ensuring the grounds are well-maintained and ready for your visit during the warmer months. Our friendly on-site team is always ready to assist you and provide local knowledge to help you make the most of your Great Ocean Road holiday. We look forward to welcoming you and your family—including the four-legged members—to our special spot in Apollo Bay.
Contact Information
Address: 70 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, VIC 3233, Australia
Phone: +61 3 5237 6577
Email: bayadmin@otwaycoast.org.au
Website: https://www.greatoceanroadparks.com.au/apollo-bay
Park Overview
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.0 out of 5 stars)
Number of Sites: The reserve offers a mix of powered (approx. 35) and unpowered (approx. 210) sites, as well as a small number of cabins.
Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs.
Site Surface: Primarily grass sites on flat ground.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted year-round on-site.
Generator Use: Not permitted on sites.
Open Fires: Open fires are not permitted. Use of communal BBQ areas is encouraged.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for major networks (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone).
Park Features & Facilities
- Clean Amenities Block with Toilets and Showers
- Fully Equipped Camp Kitchen with BBQ Areas
- Coin-operated Laundry Facilities
- On-site Dump Point
- Communal Gathering Space
- Proximity to Sports Oval
Important Notes
- Essentials to Bring: Rain gear, warm clothing for evenings, and sun protection, especially in summer.
Local Activities & Attractions
- The Great Ocean Walk (starts in Apollo Bay) (approx. 1 km)
- Marriners Lookout (approx. 2.5 km)
- Apollo Bay Harbour & Fishermen’s Co-op (approx. 1 km)
- Apollo Bay Golf Club (adjacent to the reserve)
- Fishing in the Barham River (adjacent to the reserve)
Nearby Locations
Local Pubs:
- Great Ocean Road Brewhouse (approx. 1 km)
- Apollo Bay Hotel (approx. 1.2 km)
Places to Eat:
- Apollo Bay Bakery (approx. 0.7 km)
- Apollo Bay Seafood Co-op (approx. 1 km)
- The Apollo Bay Hotel Bistro (approx. 1.2 km)
Nearest Alternate Caravan Parks:
- Apollo Bay Holiday Park (approx. 1 km)
- Marengo Family Caravan Park (approx. 3 km)
- BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park (approx. 1 km)
Nearest Free Campgrounds:
- Stevensons Falls (approx. 33 km)
- Dando’s Campground (approx. 38 km)
- Jamieson Creek Campground (approx. 37 km)
Dump Point Information:
An on-site dump point is available for guests. The nearest public dump points are:
- Port Campbell Recreation Reserve (approx. 65 km)
- Colac Showground (approx. 67 km)
- Marengo Holiday Park (approx. 3.4 km)
Location and Access
Location: Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve is located in Apollo Bay, Victoria, a major town on the Great Ocean Road, approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Melbourne.
Access: The reserve is easily accessible via the Great Ocean Road (B100).
Seasonal Weather Forecast:
Apollo Bay experiences a moderate maritime climate. Summers are warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 18-25°C. Winters are mild and can be wet, with temperatures around 10-15°C. The weather can change quickly, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared for all seasons in one day!
Location Map
GPS Coordinates: -38.7648358, 143.6713432