Cobden Free Camp | Low-Cost Camping Near the Great Ocean Road
The Cobden Racecourse Recreation Reserve stands as a legendary destination for RV and caravan travellers, widely celebrated as one of Victoria’s best low-cost campgrounds. This exceptional site, run with immense pride and dedication by the local Lions Club, offers an incredible level of comfort and convenience that is almost unheard of for a donation-based camp. Set on the vast, lush grounds of the recreation reserve, it provides an enormous, flat, and grassy area, easily accommodating the largest of big rigs and motorhomes with plenty of space for everyone. The atmosphere is famously friendly and communal, with travellers from all corners of the country gathering to enjoy the peaceful, semi-rural setting and the outstanding facilities.
What makes the Cobden camp a must-visit destination are its remarkable amenities. For a simple donation, campers have access to clean flushing toilets, hot showers, and a limited number of powered sites, providing all the comforts of a commercial park for a fraction of the cost. The inclusion of a public dump point and potable water makes it a perfect, self-contained hub for restocking and refreshing during a long trip. The location is strategically brilliant, nestled in the heart of the rich volcanic plains. It serves as an ideal base for exploring the iconic 12 Apostles Food Artisan Trail, with the gourmet delights of Timboon just a short drive away. Furthermore, it’s a convenient inland launchpad for day trips to the Great Ocean Road’s Shipwreck Coast, including the 12 Apostles and Port Campbell, allowing visitors to avoid the coastal crowds in the evenings. For an unbeatable combination of value, convenience, and warm country hospitality, the Cobden Free Camp is a true icon of the Australian travel scene.
Campground Information
- Name: Cobden Racecourse Recreation Reserve
- Address: 35 Bond St, Cobden VIC 3266
Location Coordinates
- GPS: -38.32070698578253, 143.07653002745934
Website
- Website: Managed by a Committee of Management. Information is available on the Corangamite Shire website.
Location Map
Site Details
- Location: Town reserve.
- Site Suitable For: Self Contained Caravans, Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Sealed road.
- Site Surface: Mostly gravel, very level.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage, typically up to 72 hours.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
- TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
- Open Fires: Strictly not permitted.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of the large number of campers.
- Number of Sites Available: large.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.
Activities
- Fishing: Nearby lakes like Lake Elingamite and the Curdies River offer good freshwater fishing.
- Short Walks: Enjoy walks around the beautiful Tandarook Botanic Gardens in Cobden.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Cobden Hotel – Approx. 2 km
- Thommo’s Hotel (Cobden) – Approx. 2 km
- The Timboon Hotel (Timboon) – Approx. 18 km
- Places to Eat:
- Cobden Bakery – Approx. 2 km
- Both local pubs offer bistro meals – Approx. 2 km
- Timboon Railway Shed Distillery (Timboon) – Approx. 18 km
- Local Attractions:
- Tandarook Botanic Gardens – Approx. 1 km
- 12 Apostles Food Artisan Trail (Timboon) – Approx. 18 km
- The 12 Apostles – Approx. 35 km
- Port Campbell National Park – Approx. 35 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Lake Purrumbete Holiday Park – Approx. 15 km
- Timboon Recreation Reserve – Approx. 18 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Timboon Recreation Reserve – Approx. 18 km
- Simpson Recreation Reserve – Approx. 18 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Located onsite at the Cobden Recreation Reserve.
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Multiple service stations in Cobden – Approx. 2 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available onsite.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and generally dry with afternoon breezes, averaging 13-26°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and cool nights, ideal for exploring, averaging 9-21°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often damp, with lush green scenery, averaging 6-14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with a mix of sun and showers, a great time to see the countryside thrive, averaging 8-19°C.