For travellers seeking the perfect launching pad for their Great Ocean Road adventure, the Mount Moriac Hotel offers a fantastic and welcoming free camping experience. This classic country pub provides a dedicated area for self-contained caravans and motorhomes, blending traditional Aussie hospitality with the convenience of a strategic location. Situated on the Princes Highway just inland from Torquay, it’s an ideal spot to spend the night before hitting the iconic coastal route or exploring the Otway Ranges. The campsite is a spacious, level, grassy area set behind the hotel, offering a safe and surprisingly peaceful environment away from the main road.
The ethos of a pub stay like this is community and mutual support; while the camping is free of charge, campers are encouraged to patronise the hotel for a meal or a drink. This is hardly a chore, as the Mount Moriac Hotel is renowned for its hearty pub fare, cold beer, and friendly atmosphere, making for a perfect evening after a long day on the road. The facilities are basic, with campers having access to the hotel’s toilets during opening hours. It is a pet-friendly location, with dogs welcome in the beer garden. The large, open area provides ample space, so even on busier nights, you can find a comfortable spot. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet fellow travellers, share stories, and get local tips before continuing your journey. With easy access, a secure environment, and the charm of a historic country hotel at your doorstep, the Mount Moriac Hotel free camp is a standout choice for budget-conscious and savvy travellers.
Mount Moriac Hotel Free Campsite – VIC Location Map
Mount Moriac Hotel – Free Campsite
- Address: 1000 Princes Hwy, Mount Moriac VIC 3240, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -38.213145337198235, 144.18003502751455
- Website: www.mountmoriachotel.com.au
Features & Facilities
- Location: At the rear of a country hotel, just off the Princes Highway.
- Site Suitable For: Self-contained caravans, RVs, and motorhomes.
- Road Access: Sealed road access.
- Site Surface: Grass and gravel.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free for patrons of the hotel.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Generally 24-48 hours. Please confirm with hotel staff.
- Facilities: Access to hotel toilets during opening hours.
- Potable Water: Check with hotel staff for availability of a tap.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, within the hotel during opening hours.
- Rubbish Bins: Available at the hotel.
- Open Fires: Strictly not permitted.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but with strict time limits and consideration for others.
- Number of Sites Available: Ample space for numerous vehicles.
- Essentials to Bring: Your own shower and cooking facilities. Levelling blocks may be useful.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on leash in the camping area and in the hotel’s beer garden.
- Fishing: Nearby in coastal areas like Torquay and Anglesea.
- Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the local township.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Mount Moriac Hotel (onsite)
- Barwon Heads Hotel – approx. 20 km
- Torquay Hotel – approx. 15 km
- Places to Eat:
- Mount Moriac Hotel (onsite)
- Extensive range of cafes and restaurants in Torquay – approx. 15 km
- Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre food court – approx. 10 km
- Local Attractions:
- Start of the Great Ocean Road (Torquay) – approx. 15 km
- Bells Beach – approx. 20 km
- Geelong Waterfront – approx. 20 km
- Otway Ranges National Park
Nearby Parks & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park – approx. 15 km
- Anglesea Family Caravan Park – approx. 30 km
- Discovery Parks – Geelong – approx. 18 km
- Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
- Tanners Road Nth Camping Area (Otways) – approx. 35 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Geelong Showgrounds Public Dump Point – approx. 15 km
- Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park (for guests or by arrangement) – approx. 15 km
- Nearest Petrol Station: Onsite at the hotel roadhouse, and more options in Waurn Ponds (10km).
- Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Check with hotel staff, or at parks in Geelong/Torquay.
- Nearest Public Toilets: Onsite during hotel opening hours.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot with coastal breezes. Perfect beach weather. Average maximums are around 25°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and often sunny, ideal for touring. Average maximums range from 17°C to 23°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often overcast, with brisk winds. Average maximums are around 14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine. Average maximums range from 16°C to 21°C.
