Wye River Foreshore Camping Reserve

Wye River Foreshore Camping Reserve is the Great Ocean Road campground that actually lets you roll out of your tent and onto the beach. Wedged between the ocean and the Otways bush on one of the prettiest stretches of coastline between Lorne and Apollo Bay, this is the kind of spot where you wake up to crashing waves and go to sleep listening to them.

Unlike the national park campgrounds along this stretch, Wye River has proper powered sites (15A), hot showers, and gas BBQs provided — so it works just as well for families with caravans as it does for tent campers. Pets are welcome on leash too, which is rare for coastal camping around here. It’s a small reserve with roughly 20 sites, so book ahead — especially over summer and long weekends.

Koalas are regularly spotted in the surrounding bush, and you’re a quick drive from the famous Kennett River koala colony. Lorne’s cafes and shops are 15 minutes north, Apollo Bay is 35 minutes south, and you’re right in the middle of one of the best road trip stretches in Australia. Mobile reception is patchy to non-existent, which is either a problem or a feature depending on your perspective. From $47/night for powered sites.