Bimbi Park: Camping Under Koalas in the Otways
Bimbi Park is a unique, family-friendly campground located in the heart of Cape Otway, Victoria. Nestled amongst towering manna gums, the park is famous for its resident koala population, which guests can often spot from their campsite. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from city life and immerse yourself in nature, with a range of accommodation options to suit every traveller. The park offers powered and unpowered grass sites for caravans, camper trailers, and tents, as well as eco-friendly cabins and on-site vans. Facilities are designed to enhance your stay and include a communal camp kitchen with a wood-fired oven, clean amenities block with token-operated hot showers, and a convenient kiosk for basic supplies. Bimbi Park is a superb base for exploring the spectacular Great Ocean Road and the Great Otway National Park. Guests can enjoy a wide array of activities right from the park, including bushwalks, bike trails, and searching for the abundant native wildlife. The park is a short drive from iconic attractions like the Cape Otway Lightstation, stunning waterfalls, and the charming towns of Apollo Bay and Lavers Hill. Bimbi Park welcomes pets on designated sites by prior arrangement, with a strict policy to ensure the safety of both domestic animals and native wildlife. With its focus on sustainability and a deep connection to nature, Bimbi Park offers a truly memorable and relaxing escape for all ages.
Bimbi Park: Your Cape Otway and Great Ocean Road Escape
Contact Details & Location
Address: 90 Manna Gum Drive, Cape Otway, VIC 3233, Australia
Phone: (03) 5237 9246
Email: info@bimbipark.com.au
Website: bimbipark.com.au
GPS Coordinates: -38.8327714417209, 143.51287285127927
Park Features & Facilities
- Communal camp kitchen with wood-fired oven
- Amenities block with hot showers (token-operated)
- Laundry facilities
- Kiosk for basic supplies, drinks, and snacks
- Book exchange
- Free on-site fire bins for campfires
- BBQ area
- Playground
- Free Wi-Fi (for a limited time per day)
Site Information & Policies
- Suitable for: Caravans, motorhomes, campervans, and tents.
- Number of Sites: The park offers a variety of powered, unpowered, and secluded bush camp sites.
- Site Surface: Sites are primarily grass.
- Access: Easy access from Manna Gum Drive.
- Open Fires: Permitted in the provided fire bins, subject to Total Fire Ban days. Firewood is available for purchase at reception.
- Generator Use: **Not permitted** on site. Solar setups are welcome.
- Pet Friendly: The park is **pet-friendly** with prior approval from management and a fee for pets staying in cabins. Pets must be on a leash at all times.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Telstra and Optus generally have better coverage in the area, but it can be unreliable.
- Essentials to Bring: Your own firewood (if you have it), cash for the kiosk, and binoculars for spotting koalas!
Local Attractions & Short Walks
- Cape Otway Lightstation: Approximately 10 km away.
- Triplet Falls: A scenic walk through rainforest, approximately 25 km away.
- Hopetoun Falls: Known for its spectacular waterfall and walk, approximately 30 km away.
- Maits Rest Rainforest Walk: A short, accessible boardwalk through ancient rainforest, approximately 15 km away.
- Great Ocean Walk: Bimbi Park is a great base to access sections of this iconic trail.
Local Pubs & Places to Eat
- The Perch Lavers Hill: A contemporary restaurant with fantastic views, approximately 15 km away.
- Forrest Brewing Company: Known for its craft beer and casual meals, approximately 45 km away.
- Gellibrand River Hotel: A classic country pub, approximately 35 km away.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
The Cape Otway area has a temperate, marine climate with distinct seasons:
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm with average temperatures between 15°C and 25°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Pleasant and mild, perfect for hiking.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often wet, with average temperatures from 5°C to 12°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and changeable, with beautiful wildflowers in bloom.
Nearby Parks & Campgrounds
- Nearest Alternate Caravan Parks:
- Apollo Bay Holiday Park (approx. 20 km)
- Skenes Creek Beachfront Park (approx. 25 km)
- Princetown Recreation Reserve (approx. 25 km)
- Nearest Free Campgrounds:
- Aire River West Campground (approx. 10 km)
- Stevensons Falls Campground (approx. 30 km)
- Allenvale Mill Campground (approx. 50 km)
Facilities & Rating
- On-site Dump Point: A dump point is available on-site for guests.
- Nearest Alternate Dump Points:
- Apollo Bay Resource Recovery Centre (approx. 20 km)
- Colac Otway Shire Depot (approx. 65 km)
- Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre (approx. 70 km)
- Rating:
★★★★☆Based on over 630 verified guest reviews on major booking platforms, Bimbi Park has an excellent average rating of 8.8 out of 10, highlighting its unique location and wildlife.
Location Map