Campsites between Portanld and Lakes Entrance VIC

French Island!?

I use to know the bloke who owned a large portion of that. Is there a vehicular ferry across to it? Are there any public camping spots on it? Are you sure you don't mean Phillip Island?

The whole area will be pretty busy over the Xmas period - I usually bush camp so don't know much about caravan/camping parks etc but, from observation, I suspect you may have trouble without bookings?

Mike Harding

As Mike mentioned, you are really going to have to plan ahead and make some bookings for that time of year. If you are heading back to Sydney along the coast from Lakes then I suggest visiting Croajongalong for a couple of nights. We love that place. We avoid it like the plague during school holidays and the guys that run the camp grounds advise that it is full at that time of year. However Wingan Inlet and Thurra River while larger camping areas are accessible with trailer. From reports they are very family friendly with kids riding bikes all over however the camp sites are some of the more private you find at that time of year regardless of the qty of people. Camp fires are shared areas, but again everybody is there for the same relaxing experience. I am not sure if you will get in booking now but it is worth a visit. Wingan is on the inlet, excellent if you have a kayak or small boat, 20 min walk to beach. Thurra is on the inlet (although the size is smaller) and also 2 min walk over the dunes to the beach. Can't vouch for the fishing. We have had some luck beach fishing there but not enough to say it's great. Goodluck and enjoy your trip either way. The path you are travelling is a busy one but full of people at that time of year but all seem to have the same objective - a fairly relaxing holiday without the hustle and bustle of normal work weeks. Your trip plan also takes in some wonderful parts of Victoria. Make sure you post after your trip and let us know about your experience.

there was a post on great ocean road camping about 3 or 4 weeks ago, try looking there
NickR

We found bush camping hard to find along the coastal route. Resorted to Camps 3, and went into the Sawpit Campground, Mt Clay State Forest. Very pleased and can recommend this roomy free campsite. Fairly modern and clean pit toilets, nice forest location with friendly wallabies, pleasant walk trail through the forest to "whalers lookout" overlooking the ocean and coastal plains to Portland. No water at the campsite. Would be a good spot for 2 or 3 days.

"4 km NW of Narrawong. Turn N 1 km E of Narrawong onto Boyers Rd for 3 kms"

Great Ocean Road hard to get off at all, even to take photos. Not much scope for bush camping. Found a small beach and stayed; probably not exactly legal camping.

!MPG:24!

Princeton has a camping area beside the footy oval. You will pay for it but it is close to the Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, You can have a campfire and fish for eels in the river nearby. Good spot for the kids as it is grassed and easily accessible! There is a guy who collects the money each arfternoon.

OM&M
If you'e willingto drive another 40 mins to the west of Portland you'll find Nelson which has a good caravan park, but also very nice spots in the National Park along the Glenelg. May already be booked out. Campsites have long drop toilets and fire pits. You can book through the National Parks office at Nelson - don't have the number, but you'll find it on the ParkWeb site. Beautiful spot - and if I had small kids I'd go either to the caravan park or Pritchards which is one of the bush camping sites.
Good luck'
Craig M

Thanks all for your suggestions, will take on board.
Regards,
OM&M

There is an excellent caravan park on the beach at Portland ..... Henty Bay Beach Caravan Park. www.hentybay.com.au/

They have normal sites or quite secluded bush sites.