For hikers tackling the world-renowned Great Ocean Walk, the Johanna Beach GOW Campsite is a spectacular and essential destination, offering a purpose-built haven with breathtaking views of the wild Southern Ocean. This is a dedicated hike-in campground, perched on the grassy hills overlooking the famous surf of Johanna Beach, and is not accessible by vehicle. Its design and location are entirely focused on providing a comfortable and memorable overnight experience for walkers. Arriving on foot to this stunning location, with its panoramic coastal vistas, is a key part of the adventure and provides an incredible sense of accomplishment. The campground features a series of well-spaced, timber tent platforms, a three-sided communal shelter, and modern, clean facilities that are a welcome sight after a long day on the trail.
The main appeal of this campsite is its dramatic scenery and strategic position on the Great Ocean Walk. It breaks up one of the most beautiful and challenging sections of the trail, allowing hikers to rest and recharge while immersed in the coastal wilderness. The view from the campsite is simply magnificent, offering a front-row seat to the powerful waves crashing onto Johanna Beach and spectacular sunsets over the ocean. The facilities are tailored specifically for hikers, including untreated rainwater tanks and even USB charging points in the shelter. As part of the official Great Ocean Walk, bookings are mandatory, which ensures the site remains uncrowded and pristine. For walkers seeking a truly world-class hiking experience, the Johanna Beach GOW Campsite is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a highlight of the journey, offering a perfect blend of rugged natural beauty and thoughtful design.
Johanna Beach GOW Campsite – VIC Location Map
Johanna Beach GOW Campsite
Site Details
- Location: Hike-in only campground on a coastal headland in the Great Otway National Park.
- Site Suitable For: Tents only (on timber platforms).
- Road Access: No vehicle access. Accessible only via the Great Ocean Walk.
- Site Surface: Raised timber tent platforms.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings and fees are mandatory via the Parks Victoria website.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: As per your Great Ocean Walk itinerary booking.
- Facilities: Communal three-sided shelter, non-flush toilets, untreated rainwater tanks, USB charging points.
- Potable Water: No. Rainwater is available but must be treated before use. Always carry backup water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. A personal locator beacon (PLB) is highly recommended.
- TV Reception: Not applicable.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush toilets.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
- Open Fires: Prohibited. Fuel stoves only.
- Generator Use: Not permitted.
- Number of Sites Available: 8 designated, bookable tent platforms.
- Essentials to Bring: All hiking and camping gear, food, water purification system, PLB, rubbish bags.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the Great Otway National Park.
Activities
- Fishing: Surf fishing from the nearby Johanna Beach.
- Short Walks: This is a key destination on the multi-day Great Ocean Walk.
- Photography: The campsite offers some of the most spectacular coastal views on the entire walk.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Lavers Hill Roadhouse & Tavern (Lavers Hill) – Approx. 15 km
- Apollo Bay Hotel (Apollo Bay) – Approx. 40 km
- The 12 Apostles Inn (Princetown) – Approx. 30 km
- Places to Eat:
- The Black Snail Cafe (Lavers Hill) – Approx. 15 km
- Yatzies (Lavers Hill) – Approx. 15 km
- Local Attractions:
- Great Ocean Walk – Onsite
- Johanna Beach – Approx. 1 km walk
- Otway Fly Treetop Adventures – Approx. 25 km
- The 12 Apostles – Approx. 35 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Johanna Beach Campground (drive-in) – Approx. 1 km walk
- Bimbi Park – Camping Under Koalas (Cape Otway) – Approx. 30 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Aire Crossing Campground (inland) – Approx. 30 km drive
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Apollo Bay Public Dump Point – Approx. 40 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Lavers Hill – Approx. 15 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available at Visitor Information Centres in Apollo Bay or Port Campbell.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm, but notoriously windy and changeable. Averaging 13-23°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Cool and often calm, with clear days ideal for walking, averaging 9-19°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, wet, and very windy, showcasing the raw power of the Southern Ocean. Averaging 7-14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and brisk, with a mix of sun and strong showers, averaging 8-17°C.
