Johanna Beach Campground | Great Ocean Road Coastal Camping

Experience the raw, untamed beauty of the Shipwreck Coast with a stay at Johanna Beach Campground, one of the most spectacular and sought-after camping destinations in the Great Otway National Park. This magnificent campground offers an unparalleled connection to the wild Southern Ocean, providing a grassy, open setting tucked behind the dunes of the famous Johanna Beach. It is a haven for surfers, anglers, hikers, and anyone seeking a true escape into a dramatic coastal landscape. The campground is renowned for its spacious, well-defined sites suitable for tents and camper trailers, where you can fall asleep to the powerful sound of crashing surf. The sense of being immersed in nature is profound, with kangaroos often grazing peacefully in the campground at dawn and dusk.

Johanna Beach itself is the star attraction—a vast, windswept stretch of sand famous for its powerful surf breaks that attract experienced surfers from all over. It’s also a fantastic spot for surf fishing or simply taking a long, invigorating walk along the coastline. The campground is a key overnight stop on the iconic Great Ocean Walk, making it a vital and scenic resting point for through-hikers. As a Parks Victoria site, bookings are essential, ensuring the campground remains a pristine and enjoyable place for all visitors. The facilities are basic but clean, perfectly suiting the rustic, nature-focused experience. Its location serves as an excellent central base for exploring the region’s treasures; the 12 Apostles and Otway Fly Treetop Adventures are within an easy, scenic drive. For a memorable coastal adventure that captures the wild spirit of the Great Ocean Road, Johanna Beach Campground is an essential and breathtaking experience.

Campground Information

• Name: Johanna Beach Campground
• Address: Red Johanna Rd, Johanna VIC 3238

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -38.7645, 143.3790

Website

• Website: Parks Victoria – Johanna Beach

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Coastal setting behind the dunes in the Great Otway National Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents and Camper Trailers. Not suitable for caravans or large motorhomes.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel road (Red Johanna Rd). Can be corrugated but generally 2WD accessible.
• Site Surface: Grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings and fees are mandatory via the Parks Victoria website.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with Parks Victoria for booking limits.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets. No showers, power, or picnic tables at individual sites.
• 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: Prohibited. Fuel stoves only.
• Generator Use: Not permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: 25 designated, bookable sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, rubbish bags, toilet paper, warm and waterproof clothing.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the Great Otway National Park.

Activities

• Fishing: Excellent surf fishing from the beach.
• Short Walks: Direct access to the Great Ocean Walk and the beach.
• Surfing: A popular and powerful beach break for experienced surfers.

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
  • Otway Fly Treetop Adventures – Approx. 25 km
  • Melba Gully – Approx. 20 km
  • The 12 Apostles – Approx. 35 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Bimbi Park – Camping Under Koalas (Cape Otway) – Approx. 30 km
  • Apollo Bay Holiday Park – Approx. 40 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Aire Crossing Campground (inland) – Approx. 30 km
  • Stevensons Falls Campground (inland) – Approx. 50 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Apollo Bay Public Dump Point – Approx. 40 km
  • Port Campbell Recreation Reserve – Approx. 45 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.