Camping with Dogs on the Great Ocean Road: Your Complete Guide

Picture this: You're sitting around a campfire with a cold one in hand, your dog curled up at your feet after a big day exploring beaches and bush tracks, and the sound of waves crashing in the distance. This is the Great Ocean Road with your best mate – and honestly, it doesn't get much better than this.

The Great Ocean Road has this reputation for being all fancy lookouts and Instagram-perfect moments, but here's the thing – it's also bloody brilliant for adventuring with your dog. From sunrise beach runs to forest walks that'll have your pup's nose working overtime, this coastline was made for four-legged explorers.

We've done the legwork (and the phone calls, and the website stalking) so you can spend less time planning and more time actually getting out there.

Why the Great Ocean Road is Brilliant for Dogs

Let's be real – your dog doesn't care about the Twelve Apostles or the perfect flat white in Lorne. They care about new smells, salty air, endless sticks on the beach, and sleeping so hard after a big day that they twitch in their dreams.

The Great Ocean Road delivers on all of this. There's proper space to run, forests to explore, beaches where the waves are bigger than your dog (which is either terrifying or thrilling depending on your pup's personality), and enough interesting scents to keep even the nosiest beagle entertained for days.

Plus, there's something special about watching your dog experience the ocean for the first time, or seeing them absolutely lose it over a beach they've never sniffed before.

Best Dog-Friendly Camping Spots

Marengo Family Caravan Park, Apollo Bay

Distance from Melbourne: 185km
The deal: Powered and unpowered campsites, some with ocean views. Dogs welcome in sites and some cabins.

Perched just 2km from Apollo Bay, this spot overlooks the ocean and sits right at the start of the Great Ocean Walk. Some sites have ocean views – perfect for that morning coffee while your dog investigates every corner of your campsite for the third time.

Why it's great: You're close enough to Apollo Bay to grab supplies (or a sneaky pub meal), but far enough to feel like you're actually camping. Plus, there's a seal colony across the road at Marengo Reef. Your dog probably won't care about the seals, but you will.

The vibe: Family-friendly with facilities that actually work. Not too fancy, not too basic – just right.

Lake Colac Holiday Park

Distance from Melbourne: 150km
The deal: Powered and unpowered sites, some cabins allow dogs

Right on the Lake Colac foreshore, this park is basically a launching pad for Otways adventures. The lakeside walking track is perfect for evening strolls when your dog's finally burned off enough energy to walk at a normal human pace.

Why it's great: Strategic location. You're perfectly positioned between the Great Ocean Road and the Otways, which means you can day-trip in either direction without spending half your life in the car.

The vibe: Relaxed and spacious. The Botanic Gardens are next door if you fancy a proper stroll.

BIG4 Aireys Inlet

Distance from Melbourne: 125km
The deal: Designated dog-friendly sites and cabins (book ahead)

Aireys Inlet has that classic coastal town feel – not too touristy, not too quiet. The park's well-run, and you're a short walk from Eagle Rock and some seriously good coastal views.

Why it's great: You're in prime position for the Point Addis to Bells Beach walk (if you and your dog are up for it), plus the town itself is dog-friendly with cafes that welcome four-legged customers.

Heads up: Peak holiday periods are a no-go for dogs, so plan around those blackout dates.

The vibe: Well-maintained with good facilities. Popular with families but not overwhelmingly so.

Johanna Beach Campground

Distance from Melbourne: 200km
The deal: Basic bush camping, dogs on-leash

This is for people who like their camping properly rugged. Johanna Beach is wild and beautiful – massive waves, dramatic coastline, and the kind of scenery that makes you wonder why you don't do this more often.

Why it's great: If you want to escape other humans and have the kind of camping experience where you can hear the waves from your tent, this is it.

What to know: Basic facilities means basic facilities. Come prepared. This isn't the place to realise you've forgotten something important.

The vibe: Remote and peaceful. Not for camping rookies or dogs who need constant entertainment.

Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park

Distance from Melbourne: 140km
The deal: Dogs allowed seasonally at Ocean Road and Top Bank sites only (Feb 1 - Dec 15, excluding major holiday weekends)

Right, this one needs a bit of explanation because Lorne's got rules. The caravan park has five different areas, but dogs are only allowed at TWO of them – Ocean Road and Top Bank. Not Erskine River, not Queens Park, not Kia Ora. And definitely not in the cabins.

Why it's great: You're in Lorne. Walking distance to shops, cafes, restaurants, beaches, and proper coffee. Plus, there's a year-round off-leash dog beach at North Lorne – your dog will think they've died and gone to heaven.

Important stuff:

• Book a Top Bank or Ocean Road site specifically – the system won't stop you booking the wrong one
• Tell them you're bringing a dog when you book
• Maximum two dogs per site
• No dogs during Easter, Anzac Day, Labour Day, Kings Birthday, AFL Grand Final, or Melbourne Cup weekends (basically, when half of Victoria is also trying to visit Lorne)

Bonus: Campfires allowed at Erskine Park during off-peak times if you hire a fire drum. Nothing beats sitting around a fire while your dog snores beside you.

The vibe: Popular and well-located. Can get busy, but that's the trade-off for being in the heart of Lorne.

Forrest Holiday Park

Distance from Melbourne: 180km
The deal: Dog-friendly cabins and powered/unpowered sites (arrange in advance)

Forrest is mountain biking central, but it's also brilliant for dog owners. Set on 15 acres with Otways views, you're surrounded by dog-friendly walks and less than an hour from the coast.

Why it's great: After a big day hiking to Lake Elizabeth or chasing waterfalls, you can head to Forrest Brewery where dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables. Your dog gets pats from other campers, you get a beer. Everyone wins.

The vibe: Outdoorsy and active. Lots of mountain bikers, but plenty of walkers too. The kind of place where people actually chat to each other.

Lake Elizabeth Campground

Distance from Melbourne: 180km (near Forrest)
The deal: Unpowered tent sites, dogs on-lead, proper bush camping

This is the good stuff. Tall eucalypts, the Barwon River burbling away, and Lake Elizabeth just a 1km walk through the forest. It's the kind of camping where you wake up to bird calls instead of car alarms.

Why it's great: Dawn or dusk at the lake, you've got a 95% chance of seeing platypus. Your dog probably won't understand why you're so excited about the weird water creature, but they'll enjoy the walk. Also – glow worms on the track after dark.

The catch: No vehicle access to campsites. You park up top and carry your gear about two minutes down to your site. There's an unloading bay to make it easier, but pack smart. Also, drop toilets only (it's bush camping, what did you expect?).

The vibe: Quiet and beautiful. Maximum 20 sites, so it never feels crowded. Perfect if you actually want to hear yourself think.

Stevenson Falls Campground

Distance from Melbourne: ~180km (near Forrest)
The deal: Free bush camping in Otway Forest Park, dogs on-leash

Free camping with waterfall access? Yeah, it's as good as it sounds. The campground's pretty basic, but it's nestled in proper Otways forest and you can walk to Stevenson Falls with your dog.

Why it's great: The forest setting is gorgeous, there are spots along the creek for your dog to paddle, and it's FREE. Also, there's a small redwood grove nearby which is pretty cool.

What to know: Basic = basic. Bring everything you need. The access road is unsealed and winding, so take it slow.

The vibe: Peaceful and uncommercial. You're here for the nature, not the amenities.

Essential Tips for Camping with Your Dog

Before You Book

• Always ring ahead – Even if the website says dogs are allowed, give them a call. Policies change, and you don't want to rock up to be told your dog's not welcome.
• Check seasonal restrictions (they're different for every park)
• Know exactly which sites allow dogs – not all areas within a park are dog-friendly
• Ask about maximum dogs per site (usually two)
• Have your dog's vaccination and registration details handy (some places want proof)

What to Pack

The absolute essentials:

• Waterproof lead and collar – Listen, coastal camping is wet. Salt water, creek crossings, surprise rain, your dog finding the one muddy puddle in a 5km radius. Our Wet Dog and Co leads are made from recycled plastic bottles, so they're waterproof, quick-drying, and actually stay lightweight even when wet. Quick rinse at the end of the day and you're done. No soggy lead smell in your car.
• Poo bags (double what you think you need) and a proper poo bag holder – Nothing worse than trying to find a poo bag at the exact moment your dog decides to go. Our poo bag holders clip straight onto your lead with two carabiners – one for your lead, one for the holder itself – so bags are always right there when you need them. No more digging through pockets with one hand while your dog's pulling toward the next interesting smell. It's one of those things that seems small until you're on day three of camping and you realise how much easier life is when you're actually organised.
• Water bowls, fresh water, and food storage – Here's the perfect camping combo: our ultralight travel bowls and travel kibble bags. The bowls pack down to almost nothing (seriously, they're lighter than your car keys), pop open when you need them, and the outer layer's made from recycled plastic bottles so they're tough as nails. Pair them with our travel kibble bags – also made from recycled materials – and you've got a system that actually works. The bags keep food fresh and dry, they're easy to pour from (no more kibble everywhere), and everything packs away neat. It's the kind of setup where you wonder how you ever managed with bulky bowls and half-open food bags that attracted every ant within a 50-metre radius.
• Dog food (and a few extra meals in case you extend your trip)
• First aid kit including tick remover (paralysis ticks are real in the Otways)
• Towels – and we mean multiple – But here's the game changer: pack a hooded towel. Seriously, once you've used one, there's no going back. After a beach swim or muddy walk, you can wrap your dog up, get most of the water and sand off them before they even get near your tent or car, and they actually stay somewhat contained instead of doing that full-body shake that sprays everything within a 3-metre radius. It makes drying them so much easier, keeps them warmer, and means less sand in your sleeping bag. Trust us on this one.
• Dog bed or blanket – And speaking of making life easier, our travel dog mat is coming soon (watch this space!). Starting to notice a pattern here? Looks like you can sort out most of your travel essentials from us – waterproof leads, collapsible bowls, kibble bags, hooded towels, and soon, a proper travel mat. We're basically setting you up so you can spend less time hunting down gear from ten different places and more time actually getting out there.
• Any medications your dog needs
• Registration and vaccination papers

The nice-to-haves:

• Long lead for supervised exploring
• Portable dog rinse or shower attachment (salt and sand get everywhere)
• Life jacket if your dog's a swimmer
• Cooling mat for hot days
• Their favourite toy (familiar things help anxious dogs settle)
• Stake or tie-out for around camp
• Reflective collar or light-up attachment for evening walks

Campsite Etiquette (Or: How Not to Be That Person)

• Keep your dog on-leash unless you're in a designated off-leash area (and even then, make sure they've got solid recall)
• Your campsite only – don't let your dog wander into other people's sites
• Pick up immediately and bin it properly (not in the bush, not left on the ground "to get later")
• Manage barking – one bark is fine, 20 minutes of barking because there's another dog three sites over is not
• Never leave your dog unattended – they'll either bark the place down or make friends with every camper except you
• Keep food locked away (for your dog's safety and to avoid attracting wildlife)
• Respect quiet hours (usually 10pm-7am)

Safety Stuff (The Boring But Important Bit)

• Weather: Coastal weather is moody. Pack for sunshine and rain in the same day.
• Beaches: The Southern Ocean doesn't mess around. Rips and currents are real. Keep your dog close and never let them swim unsupervised.
• Wildlife: Snakes (October-April especially), echidnas, wombats – this is their home. Keep your dog on-leash and pay attention.
• Ticks: Paralysis ticks live in the Otways. Use preventatives and check your dog daily.
• Heat: Don't hike in the middle of the day in summer. Morning or late afternoon only.
• Fire: Check total fire ban days. On these days, no campfires, but gas cookers are usually okay.

Dog-Friendly Beaches and Walks

Beaches Worth Visiting:

• North Lorne Dog Beach – Year-round off-leash! Access via the Bert Alsop Track (1km walk from Lorne Swing Bridge). Your dog will lose their mind.
• Brighton Dog Beach – Off-leash and popular
• Torquay area beaches – Check signage for designated dog areas
• Johanna Beach – On-leash, wild, dramatic
• Addiscott Beach – On-leash, near Point Addis
• Southside Beach – On-leash, near Bells Beach
• Apollo Bay beaches – Some have seasonal restrictions in summer, so check before you go

Walks That Won't Disappoint:

• St George River Walk, Lorne (2.7km) – Fern gullies, rocky pools, proper forest vibes. Dogs on-leash. Combine with the Ocean Walk for a 5.1km loop if you're feeling ambitious.
• Lake Elizabeth Circuit, Forrest (2km to lake, 4-5km full circuit) – Through rainforest to a stunning lake. Dawn or dusk for platypus. Dogs on-leash.
• Stevenson Falls (1.2km return) – Easy waterfall walk, dogs on-leash, spots for creek paddling.
• Point Addis to Bells Beach Loop (10.8km) – Coastal beauty, but check tide times (some sections only accessible 2-3 hours either side of low tide). Dogs on-leash.
• Ironbark Gorge Walking Track – Near Torquay, dogs on-leash
• Ocean View Walking Track – Near Aireys Inlet, dogs on-leash

Important: Most famous waterfalls (Erskine Falls, Sheoak Falls) don't allow dogs. Stick to Beauchamp Falls and Stevenson Falls in the Otway Forest Park.

Quick Reality Check

This trip is brilliant for dogs who:

• Are reasonably fit
• Don't lose their minds around other dogs
• Have basic recall and leash manners
• Are okay with new environments

This trip might be challenging for dogs who:

• Are anxious or reactive
• Overheat easily
• Need a strict routine
• Have never camped before (maybe try a night close to home first)

Last-Minute Checklist

• Booked dog-friendly accommodation and told them about your dog
• Checked seasonal restrictions and blackout dates
• Confirmed which specific sites allow dogs
• Packed lead, food, water, bowls (ultralight travel bowls!), poo bags (and poo bag holder!), meds, towels (including hooded towel!)
• Checked weather forecast
• Located nearest vet along your route
• Downloaded offline maps
• Microchip details up to date
• Waterproof lead and travel kibble bags sorted

Final Thoughts

Here's the truth: camping with your dog on the Great Ocean Road will be messy, sandy, occasionally frustrating (when they refuse to get in the tent because there's an interesting smell outside), and absolutely worth it.

You'll have mornings where you're up at sunrise because your dog decided that's when the day starts. You'll have moments where you're rinsing sand out of everything you own. Your dog will make friends with every other dog in the campground and possibly try to steal someone's sausages off the BBQ.

But you'll also have those perfect evenings around the fire, those unexpected encounters with wildlife, those walks where you both just... breathe. This coastline has a way of making everything else fade into the background.

The Great Ocean Road can be tough on gear – salt, sand, mud, rain, more sand, more mud. We designed our leads specifically for this. Waterproof, durable, made from recycled materials, and practical enough that you'll actually want to use them every day. Because the last thing you need is gear that doesn't pull its weight.

So pack the car (probably twice because you'll forget something), grab your camping gear, and hit the road. Your dog's already waiting by the door.

Planning your Great Ocean Road adventure? Sort yourself out with our waterproof leads and collars made from recycled plastic bottles. They're designed for beach swims, muddy trails, and everything in between – because the best adventures don't stay clean and dry. And because the places we love exploring deserve our protection too.

Now stop reading and start packing. The road's waiting.