Barwon Riverside Campground, Ocean Grove VIC
Perfectly capturing the classic Australian coastal holiday vibe, the Barwon Riverside Campground (officially known as Riverview Family Caravan Park) is a beloved destination for families, anglers, and nature lovers. Managed by the Barwon Coast Committee of Management, this fantastic seasonal campground is beautifully situated on the sheltered banks of the Barwon River, nestled between the vibrant towns of Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads. It offers a wonderfully relaxed and traditional camping experience, with spacious, grassy sites spread out under the shade of mature coastal trees. The atmosphere is friendly and laid-back, providing a serene escape where the gentle rhythm of the river sets the pace.
The campground’s prime riverfront location is its greatest asset. It’s a paradise for water activities; the calm river is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, while the nearby boat ramps provide easy access for boaties. The area is renowned for its excellent estuary fishing, with anglers chasing species like Bream, Mullet, and Flathead from the riverbanks or their boats. The park is well-equipped with clean amenity blocks offering hot showers, as well as laundry facilities and a camp kitchen, ensuring a comfortable stay. It offers a mix of powered and unpowered sites, catering to all types of campers from tents to large caravans.
While it feels like a peaceful natural retreat, the campground is incredibly convenient. It’s located directly on the Bellarine Peninsula’s fantastic walking and cycling path network, making for a beautiful, flat ride or stroll into the town centres of both Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads, with their excellent cafes, restaurants, and shops. The famous surf beaches of the region are also just a stone’s throw away. As a seasonal park, it’s typically open from late spring through to autumn, and its huge popularity, especially during school holidays, means booking well in advance is a must.
Site Information
- Location: On the banks of the Barwon River, between Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs.
- Road Access: Sealed roads.
- Site Surface: Level grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, powered and unpowered sites available. This is a seasonal campground (typically Sept-April). Booking is mandatory.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with Barwon Coast management.
- Number of Powered Sites: Available.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Available.
Facilities
- Facilities: Amenity blocks with flushing toilets and hot showers, laundry facilities, camp kitchen, BBQs, playground, dump point.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, in communal areas.
- Potable Water: Yes.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent.
- TV Reception: Excellent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, for campers.
- Ullage: A dump point is available on site for campers.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited at all times.
- Generator Use: Prohibited.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Fishing gear, kayaks/SUPs, bicycles, beach gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on sites during off-peak periods. A strict no-pets policy applies during the peak summer season (December/January). Conditions apply.
- Fishing: Excellent estuary fishing in the Barwon River.
- Short Walks: Fantastic walking and cycling along the river path to Ocean Grove or Barwon Heads.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Ocean Grove Hotel (approx. 3 km)
- Barwon Heads Hotel (approx. 3 km)
- The Dunes Restaurant, Ocean Grove (part of the Golf Club)
- Places to Eat: A huge range of excellent cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in both Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads.
- Local Attractions:
- The Bluff Lookout, Barwon Heads
- Ocean Grove Main Beach (patrolled surf beach)
- Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary
- Adventure Park Geelong (short drive away)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Barwon Heads Caravan Park (adjacent on the other side of the bridge)
- Riverview Tourist Park, Ocean Grove
- Next Free Camps: No free camping on the Bellarine Peninsula. Low-cost camping at the Geelong Showgrounds.
- Nearest Dump Points: Onsite for campers.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Several options available in Ocean Grove.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite for campers.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): The peak season. Warm to hot, with refreshing sea breezes. Perfect for river and beach activities. Temperatures average 14°C to 24°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful time to visit as the crowds thin. Days are mild and often sunny, nights are cool. Temperatures average 10°C to 20°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): The campground is closed during this period.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A lovely season as the weather warms up. The coastline is green and vibrant. Temperatures average 9°C to 19°C.