Dando’s Campground | Free Otways Forest Camping & Four-Wheel Driving

For a true escape into the lush, temperate rainforest of the Otway Ranges, Dando’s Campground is a premier free camping destination for adventurous travellers. This spacious and popular bush camp is nestled in a beautiful clearing alongside the Gellibrand River, offering a serene and authentic Australian outdoor experience. Surrounded by towering eucalyptus trees and magnificent fern gullies, it’s a paradise for self-sufficient campers, particularly those with a taste for four-wheel driving, trail bike riding, and exploring the rugged forest tracks. The campground provides a vast, open area with numerous unmarked sites, allowing caravans, camper trailers, and tents to find their own secluded spot in the heart of the forest.

Dando’s is celebrated for its back-to-basics charm and its fantastic location. The Gellibrand River, which flows gently by the campground, is perfect for a refreshing swim, a bit of trout fishing, or a peaceful kayak. The surrounding Otway Forest Park is a network of scenic drives and challenging 4WD tracks, making the campground a vibrant hub for off-road enthusiasts. While the facilities are simple, they are well-maintained and provide the essentials for a comfortable bush camp, including non-flush toilets and shared fire pits. Its location deep within the Otways provides an incredible sense of remoteness, yet it remains within a reasonable drive of the region’s top attractions. The Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, the stunning waterfalls of the hinterland like Triplet and Hopetoun Falls, and the Great Ocean Road itself are all accessible for fantastic day trips. For a budget-friendly and action-packed adventure in one of Victoria’s most beautiful natural environments, Dando’s Campground is a must-visit.

Campground Information

• Name: Dando’s Campground
• Address: Dandos Rd, Gellibrand VIC 3239

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -38.55399944972513, 143.61816737826

Website

• Website: This is a free campground in an Otway Forest Park. Information is available on the Explore Outdoors (VIC Gov) website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Riverside forest camp in the Otway Forest Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes. Can accommodate large rigs.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel road. Generally 2WD accessible but can be slippery and corrugated. Caution is advised after heavy rain.
• Site Surface: Natural grass and dirt base.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping. No bookings required.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage and FFM Vic guidelines.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits, picnic tables. No power or showers.
• 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: Permitted, but please be considerate of the peaceful environment and other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with room for 50+ setups.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead in State Forest areas.

Activities

• Fishing: Fishing for trout and blackfish in the Gellibrand River.
• Short Walks: Numerous bushwalking and 4WD tracks surround the campground.
• Four-Wheel Driving & Trail Biking: This is a very popular base for off-road exploring.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Gellibrand River Hotel – Approx. 10 km
  • Forrest Brewing Company (Forrest) – Approx. 15 km
  • Beech Forest Hotel (Beech Forest) – Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Gellibrand River Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 10 km
  • Forrest General Store & Cafe (Forrest) – Approx. 15 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Stevensons Falls – Approx. 10 km
  • Otway Fly Treetop Adventures – Approx. 25 km
  • Triplet Falls – Approx. 30 km
  • Californian Redwoods – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Stevensons Falls Campground (free camp) – Approx. 10 km
  • Forrest Caravan Park – Approx. 15 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Stevensons Falls Campground – Approx. 10 km
  • Beauchamp Falls Campground – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Colac Public Dump Point – Approx. 40 km
  • Apollo Bay Public Dump Point – Approx. 50 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Gellibrand – Approx. 10 km (check operating hours)
  • Forrest – Approx. 15 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at Visitor Information Centres in Colac or Apollo Bay.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm and can be humid in the forest, averaging 12-25°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool and calm, often with beautiful misty mornings, averaging 8-20°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and wet, the peak season for flowing rivers and waterfalls. Averaging 5-13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and crisp, with frequent showers bringing the forest to life. Averaging 7-18°C.