For travellers seeking the ultimate location to explore the iconic 12 Apostles and the Shipwreck Coast without the hefty price tag, the Princetown Recreation Reserve is an absolute treasure. This sprawling, community-run campground offers a relaxed and authentic Australian camping experience in one of the world’s most spectacular coastal regions. Nestled in a picturesque valley alongside the Gellibrand River, the reserve is a vast, open, and grassy haven for campers. It provides a huge number of unpowered sites, allowing everyone from tent-based backpackers to those in large caravans and big rigs to find a comfortable spot. The atmosphere is famously friendly and laid-back, where you can watch kangaroos graze peacefully in the evenings and enjoy the sounds of the nearby Southern Ocean.
The reserve’s biggest asset is its unparalleled proximity to the main attractions of the Great Ocean Road. It is the closest campground to the 12 Apostles, located just a six-kilometre drive away, making it incredibly easy to visit for the magical sunrise and sunset photo opportunities without the crowds. The campground is also right on the doorstep of the Gellibrand River estuary, a beautiful and biodiverse wetland that is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. While the facilities are simple, they are well-maintained and provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay, including flushing toilets and hot showers. This, combined with its pet-friendly policy, makes it a rare and valuable find in a major tourist area. For a genuine, affordable, and perfectly positioned base to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Great Ocean Road, the Princetown Recreation Reserve is a legendary and essential stop.
Princetown Recreation Reserve – VIC Location Map
Princetown Recreation Reserve
Site Details
- Location: Riverside reserve on the edge of Princetown, moments from the Great Ocean Road.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
- Road Access: Sealed road.
- Site Surface: Mostly grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping. Powered sites must be booked, unpowered is first-come, first-served.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with management for long-stay policies.
- Facilities: Flushing toilets, hot showers, basic camp kitchen, BBQs, playground.
- Potable Water: Yes, available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, can be patchy for other carriers.
- TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Strictly not permitted.
- Generator Use: Permitted during designated hours, please check with management.
- Number of Sites Available: Very large, with over 100 unpowered sites and a small number of powered sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Camera for the 12 Apostles, kayak, fishing rod, warm clothing for coastal weather.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.
Activities
- Fishing: Excellent estuary fishing for Bream and Trout in the Gellibrand River.
- Short Walks: Walk along the river to the estuary mouth and Princetown beach.
- Kayaking: The Gellibrand River is a popular and scenic paddling location.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- 12 Apostles Inn (Princetown) – Approx. 1 km
- Port Campbell Hotel (Port Campbell) – Approx. 16 km
- The Timboon Hotel (Timboon) – Approx. 25 km
- Places to Eat:
- 12 Apostles Inn (Bistro) – Approx. 1 km
- Gorge Cafe (near Loch Ard Gorge) – Approx. 10 km
- Numerous cafes and restaurants in Port Campbell – Approx. 16 km
- Local Attractions:
- The 12 Apostles – Approx. 6 km
- Gibson Steps – Approx. 7 km
- Loch Ard Gorge – Approx. 10 km
- Gellibrand River Estuary – Adjacent
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Port Campbell Recreation Reserve – Approx. 16 km
- NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park – Approx. 16 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Timboon Recreation Reserve – Approx. 25 km
- Panmure Campground – Approx. 45 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Port Campbell Recreation Reserve – Approx. 16 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Princetown – Approx. 1 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Public Toilets:
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm, but can be windy and very changeable. Averaging 13-24°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Cool and often calm, with clear days ideal for sightseeing, averaging 10-20°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, wet, and windy, showcasing the coastline’s dramatic, wild side. Averaging 7-14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and brisk, with a mix of sunshine and passing showers, averaging 9-18°C.
