Beauchamp Falls Campground | Otways Rainforest Camping & Waterfall

Tucked away in a serene, fern-filled gully deep within the Great Otway National Park, Beauchamp Falls Campground offers one of Victoria’s most enchanting free camping experiences. This picturesque bush camp provides a genuine escape into the heart of a magnificent cool temperate rainforest, making it a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking true tranquility. The campground is set alongside a trickling creek, surrounded by towering Mountain Ash trees and ancient Myrtle Beech, creating a magical atmosphere of seclusion. The individual, well-defined campsites are scattered throughout the forest floor, offering a good degree of privacy and allowing campers to feel fully immersed in their natural surroundings. It’s a place to disconnect, listen to the chorus of forest birds, and breathe in the fresh, clean air of the Otways.

The main attraction is the spectacular Beauchamp Falls itself, accessible via a moderately challenging but incredibly rewarding walking track that descends from the campground through a lush landscape of giant ferns. The 20-metre cascade is a stunning sight, especially after rainfall. This back-to-basics campground is perfect for self-sufficient travellers, with simple but well-maintained facilities that enhance its rustic charm. The location is an ideal base for exploring the rich biodiversity of the Otway hinterland. The famous Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, the enchanting Melba Gully, and other stunning waterfalls like Triplet Falls and Hopetoun Falls are all just a short, scenic drive away. While it feels a world away from civilisation, the small township of Beech Forest is nearby for basic supplies. For a memorable, budget-free adventure into one of Australia’s most beautiful rainforests, Beauchamp Falls Campground is a top-tier destination for the intrepid camper.

Campground Information

• Name: Beauchamp Falls Campground
• Address: Flannagan Rd, Beech Forest VIC 3237

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -38.65089876760211, 143.60563866551436

Website

• Website: This is a free campground in a National Park. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Secluded rainforest camp in the Great Otway National Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, and small Campervans. Not recommended for caravans or large motorhomes due to access.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel road. Can be narrow, steep in sections, and very slippery when wet. Caution is advised.
• Site Surface: Natural dirt and gravel base.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping. No bookings, first-come, first-served.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, shared fire pits. No showers or power.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very poor to non-existent.
• TV Reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Not permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: Approximately 15 unmarked sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, waterproof gear.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the Great Otway National Park.

Activities

• Fishing: Possible for trout and blackfish in the nearby rivers for keen anglers.
• Short Walks: The main attraction is the stunning 3km return walk to the base of Beauchamp Falls.
• Wildlife Watching: A great spot for seeing rainforest birds, glow worms (at night), and other native fauna.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Beech Forest Hotel – Approx. 5 km
  • Forrest Brewing Company (Forrest) – Approx. 25 km
  • Lavers Hill Roadhouse & Tavern (Lavers Hill) – Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Beech Forest Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 5 km
  • The Perch (Lavers Hill) – Approx. 25 km
  • Forrest General Store & Cafe (Forrest) – Approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Beauchamp Falls Walk – Onsite
  • Triplet Falls – Approx. 10 km
  • Otway Fly Treetop Adventures – Approx. 15 km
  • Melba Gully – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Stevensons Falls Campground (free camp) – Approx. 20 km
  • Bimbi Park – Camping Under Koalas (Cape Otway) – Approx. 45 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Stevensons Falls Campground – Approx. 20 km
  • Aire Crossing Campground – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Apollo Bay Public Dump Point – Approx. 40 km
  • Colac Public Dump Point – Approx. 50 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Lavers Hill – Approx. 25 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at Visitor Information Centres in Apollo Bay or Colac.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm and can be humid, with cooler nights in the forest. Averaging 12-24°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool and calm, often with beautiful misty conditions, averaging 8-19°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and wet, the peak season for flowing waterfalls and vibrant fungi. Averaging 5-13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and crisp, with frequent showers bringing the rainforest to life. Averaging 7-17°C.