Tanners Road Campground, Wensleydale VIC
For self-sufficient travellers looking for a genuine bush escape close to the iconic Great Ocean Road, Tanners Road Campground is a fantastic and popular free camping destination. Tucked away in the beautiful Otway Forest Park near Wensleydale, this primitive campground offers a complete back-to-nature experience. It’s not a formal park but a designated clearing in the forest, providing a serene environment where the sounds of the bush replace the noise of the highway. The campground is a spacious, open area surrounded by tall gum trees, offering plenty of room for campers to find their own secluded spot and enjoy the tranquillity of the forest.
The appeal of Tanners Road lies in its simplicity and freedom. It’s a true bush camp with absolutely no facilities—no toilets, no tap water, and no rubbish bins. This makes it suitable only for fully self-contained campers who are prepared to be completely self-reliant and practice a strict ‘leave no trace’ ethic, carrying out everything they bring in. A major drawcard, especially for a free camp in this region, is that it is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your leashed dog along for the adventure. Evenings are a highlight, with campfires permitted in your own fire pit (subject to fire restrictions), creating a classic and cosy atmosphere under the stars.
Its location is superb, feeling remote and peaceful while being surprisingly close to civilisation. The popular coastal town of Anglesea is just a short 20-minute drive away, providing easy access to stunning surf beaches, cafes, and supermarkets. This makes Tanners Road an ideal, budget-friendly base for exploring the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road and the beautiful hinterland of the Otways. For a peaceful, free, and authentic forest stay, this campground is a top-tier choice for the well-prepared adventurer.
Site Information
- Location: In the Otway Forest Park, inland from Anglesea.
- Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Unsealed forest road (Tanners Rd). Generally 2WD accessible in dry weather, but can be slippery and corrugated.
- Site Surface: Dirt and grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free, informal camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified, but short stays are standard practice.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Large, open, undefined camping area.
Facilities
- Facilities: None. This is a primitive bush camp.
- Picnic Tables: No.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to none. Telstra is the only carrier with a chance of a signal.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must have your own toilet and take all waste with you.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to seasonal fire restrictions and total fire bans.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use regarding timing and neighbours.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Absolutely everything, including water, toilet, shower, power, food, rubbish bags, and firewood.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: Excellent for bushwalking and exploring the surrounding forest tracks.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Anglesea Hotel (approx. 20 km)
- Aireys Pub, Aireys Inlet (approx. 30 km)
- Winchelsea Hotel (approx. 25 km)
- Places to Eat: A full range of supermarkets, bakeries, cafes, and restaurants in Anglesea and Torquay.
- Local Attractions:
- The Great Ocean Road and its famous surf beaches (Bells Beach, Torquay)
- Anglesea Golf Club (famous for its kangaroos)
- Point Addis Marine National Park
- Split Point Lighthouse, Aireys Inlet
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Numerous caravan parks in Anglesea and Torquay.
- Next Free Camps: This is a primary free camp for the area. Other small, informal sites exist in the forest.
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are available at the Anglesea Family Caravan Park (fee may apply) and Torquay.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Anglesea, Torquay, and Winchelsea.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Anglesea or Torquay Visitor Information Centres.
- Public Toilets: The nearest are in Anglesea.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot, but generally cooler than Melbourne. High bushfire risk period. Temperatures average 13°C to 25°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful time to visit, with mild, sunny days and cool nights. The forest is often lush. Temperatures average 9°C to 20°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold and often wet. Nights are very cold. Be prepared for muddy tracks. Temperatures range from 5°C to 14°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A lovely season as the forest comes alive with wildflowers. The weather is cool and can be variable. Temperatures average 8°C to 19°C.