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Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve Camping – Great Ocean Road VIC Campground

Nestled beside the Barham River and just a short stroll from the stunning Apollo Bay foreshore, the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve offers convenient and scenic camping along the iconic Great Ocean Road in Victoria. This council-managed reserve provides a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for families, couples, and groups looking for a well-located base to explore the Otway coast and hinterland. With easy access to the beach for swimming, surfing, and fishing, plus the shops, cafes, and restaurants of Apollo Bay township right on your doorstep, the reserve combines natural beauty with town convenience. It’s a popular spot, particularly during holiday periods, offering both powered and unpowered sites suitable for a range of camping setups, from tents to caravans and motorhomes. Enjoy river views, proximity to sporting facilities, and the vibrant atmosphere of one of the Great Ocean Road’s favourite destinations.

Camping at the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve caters to a variety of travellers. The grounds typically feature spacious, grassy sites, some located closer to the river, offering a pleasant setting. Both powered and unpowered options are usually available, accommodating everything from tents and camper trailers to larger caravans and motorhomes. Access is generally straightforward via sealed roads, with internal roads often being gravel or grass. The reserve provides essential amenities, including toilet and shower blocks, laundry facilities, and often a camp kitchen or communal BBQ areas for guest use. Potable water is readily available throughout the park. A public dump point is conveniently located within or very close to the reserve, making it suitable for self-contained vehicles. While drive-through sites might not be specifically designated, the open layout often allows for easier parking for larger rigs. Mobile phone reception is typically good for major carriers within Apollo Bay, and digital TV reception is generally reliable. Pets are often permitted under strict conditions (on leash, confirming policy is crucial, especially during peak times). Open fires are usually prohibited, aligning with coastal fire safety regulations. Bookings are highly recommended, especially during summer and long weekends, and are typically managed through the Colac Otway Shire or appointed reserve managers.

Apollo Bay itself is a hub of activity. The main beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, while Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary, just south of the town, offers snorkelling and kayaking opportunities. Explore the lush rainforests of the Great Otway National Park with numerous walking trails, including routes to waterfalls like Beauchamp Falls and Hopetoun Falls (inland drive required). Drive the scenic Great Ocean Road towards the Twelve Apostles or back towards Lorne, stopping at lookouts along the way. Visit the Cape Otway Lightstation, mainland Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse. Enjoy fresh seafood at the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op or browse the local shops and galleries. The Apollo Bay Market (check dates) offers local produce and crafts. With its stunning coastal scenery and proximity to the Otways, the Recreation Reserve provides an excellent base for adventure and relaxation.

Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve Camping – VIC Map

Campground Information

Name: Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve
Address: 70 Great Ocean Rd, Apollo Bay VIC 3233
Website: greatoceanroadparks.com.au/find-a-park/apollo-bay
GPS Coordinates: -38.76281, 143.66676

Site Details

Location: Apollo Bay township, adjacent to Barham River and close to the beach, on the Great Ocean Road.
Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, large rigs.
Road Access: Sealed road access (Great Ocean Road). Internal roads are typically gravel or grass.
Site Surface: Primarily grassed sites, can be uneven in places.

Facilities and Features

Picnic Tables: Yes, likely available in communal areas.
Potable Water: Yes, available from taps throughout the reserve.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for major carriers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone) in Apollo Bay township.
TV Reception: Good digital TV reception expected.
BBQ’s: Yes, communal BBQ facilities are typically available.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, amenities blocks with toilets and showers available for campers.
Ullage (Dump Point): Yes, a public dump point is located within or adjacent to the reserve grounds.
Drive Through Sites: Possible in some areas due to layout, but not specifically designated.
Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are generally provided.
Open Fires: No, generally prohibited. Check specific seasonal rules.
Generator Use: Permitted, usually with time restrictions (e.g., between 8 am – 8 pm). Confirm rules with management.
Essentials to Bring: Levelling blocks, power leads, hoses, standard camping gear.
Pet Friendly: Yes, typically allowed on leash (confirm rules, fees, and any blackout periods with management). Not allowed inside buildings/amenities.
Fishing: Yes, popular in the Barham River estuary, off the pier, and surf fishing from the beaches.
Short Walks: Yes, riverbank walks, beach walks, walk into Apollo Bay town centre, nearby coastal tracks.

Local Amenities (Apollo Bay Township)

Pubs

Apollo Bay Hotel: (Approx. 1-2 km) – Large, popular pub on the main street.
Great Ocean Road Brewhouse: (Approx. 1-2 km) – Craft beer bar and bistro.
(Limited other traditional ‘pubs’, but venues serve alcohol).

Places to Eat

Apollo Bay Township: (Approx. 1-2 km) – Wide variety including cafes (e.g., Hello Coffee, Bay Leaf Cafe), bakeries, fish & chips (Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op), restaurants (e.g., Casalingo, Dragon Bay Inn), pizza, ice cream parlours.
Great Ocean Road Brewhouse: (Approx. 1-2 km) – Pub-style meals.
Apollo Bay Hotel Bistro: (Approx. 1-2 km) – Pub meals.

Local Attractions

Apollo Bay Main Beach & Foreshore: (Approx. 1 km) – Swimming, surfing, walking.
Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op: (Approx. 2 km) – Fresh seafood sales and takeaway.
Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary: (Approx. 3-4 km South) – Snorkelling, kayaking, rock pools.
Great Otway National Park Walks (e.g., Maits Rest Rainforest Walk): (Approx. 15-20 km West/Inland) – Easy boardwalk through ancient rainforest.
Cape Otway Lightstation: (Approx. 35 km West/South) – Historic lighthouse precinct (entry fees apply).

Nearest Caravan Parks

BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park: (Approx. 2 km East) – Large commercial park on the foreshore.
Apollo Bay Holiday Park: (Approx. 2 km East) – Another well-located commercial park.
(Several other parks are located along the coast east and west of Apollo Bay).

Nearest Free Camps

Stevensons Falls Campground (Otways): (Approx. 40 km North/Inland) – Forest campground (Parks Vic fees/booking may apply, check status).
Aire Crossing Campground (Otways): (Approx. 45 km West/Inland) – Basic forest site (Parks Vic fees/booking may apply, check status).
Note: Formal free camping is very limited along the Great Ocean Road itself; designated forest camps inland are the main options. Roadside stops often prohibited/restricted.

Nearest Dump Points

Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve Dump Point: (Onsite/Adjacent).
Apollo Bay Foreshore Public Dump Point: (Approx. 1-2 km) – Often located near other public toilet blocks along the foreshore drive.
Skenes Creek Foreshore Dump Point: (Approx. 6 km East).

Nearest Petrol Stations

Shell Apollo Bay: (Approx. 1-2 km) – In the main township.
BP Apollo Bay / Great Ocean Road Trading Post: (Approx. 1-2 km) – In the main township.

Nearest Drinking Water Resupply

Onsite: Potable water available at the Recreation Reserve.
Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre: (Approx. 1-2 km) – May have external taps.
Public Taps along Foreshore/Parks: (Approx. 1-2 km) – Check parks and picnic areas.

Nearest Public Toilets (Outside Reserve)

Apollo Bay Foreshore: (Approx. 1-2 km) – Multiple public toilet blocks along the main beach/foreshore area.
Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre: (Approx. 1-2 km) – Toilets usually available during opening hours.
Barham River Mouth Picnic Area: (Approx. 1 km) – Toilets often available near the river mouth.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Apollo Bay (Otway Coast)

Summer (December – February)

Mild to warm, often sunny days with sea breezes, mild nights. Can be cooler than inland due to coastal influence.
Mean Max: 21°C – 23°C
Mean Min: 12°C – 13°C
Mean Rain (mm): 40-50 mm
Mean Rain Days: 7-8

Autumn (March – May)

Mild days cooling gradually, cool nights. Can have beautiful calm, sunny periods. Increased chance of fog.
Mean Max: Cools from 22°C down to 16°C.
Mean Min: Cools from 13°C down to 9°C.
Mean Rain (mm): 60-80 mm
Mean Rain Days: 10-13

Winter (June – August)

Cool, frequently cloudy and showery days, cold nights. Can feel damp due to proximity to the Otway rainforest.
Mean Max: 13°C – 14°C
Mean Min: 7°C – 8°C
Mean Rain (mm): 90-110 mm
Mean Rain Days: 15-17 (Wettest period)

Spring (September – November)

Cool to mild days warming up, cool nights. Very changeable weather, can be windy with frequent showers interspersed with sunshine.
Mean Max: Warms from 16°C up to 19°C.
Mean Min: Warms from 8°C up to 10°C.
Mean Rain (mm): 70-80 mm
Mean Rain Days: 13-15

Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve – Coastal Camping on the Great Ocean Road