One of the most frustrating things about organising a summer holiday along with your dog in Victoria, is discovering that many so-called dog-friendly caravan parks have blackout periods when dogs are not allowed, particularly over the summer school holidays and Easter long weekend.
Blackout periods (and caravan parks that outright prohibit dogs) are quite common around the coastline of the Great Ocean Road region, that lies to the west of Melbourne. To help you out, I’ve put together this list of caravan parks (and some campgrounds) that allow dogs year round along the Great Ocean Road coast, including a couple around Geelong.
Prefer to head east of Melbourne? Check my guide to caravan parks along the Gippsland Coast
#1 Tasman Holiday Parks – Geelong
It’s just an hour west of central Melbourne to Geelong, located on the western shores of Port Phillip Bay, just before the start of the Great Ocean Road region. It’s also now the departure point of the Spirit of Tasmania ferry. Despite this, up until recently many of the caravan parks right in Geelong didn’t allow dogs, any time of year.
Luckily, there’s now a great central option, with Tasman Holiday Parks – Geelong now allowing pets. Even better, pets are allowed year-round. Pets are permitted both on powered sites, plus in selected two-bedroom Budget Cabins. It’s best to call the park to make a booking and find out the full pet policy.
#2 Eldorado Tourist and Residential Park, near Geelong
There’s also another dog-friendly caravan park that allows pets year-round located just outside of Geelong. Head to the Eldorado Tourist and Residential Park, a basic style caravan park located on the northwestern edge of the city.
Short-term stays are welcome in caravans and campervans. Note there are no cabins available for short-term stays, dog-friendly or otherwise. There is however a large fenced off-leash dog exercise area onsite. Up to two dogs are permitted per site, although enquire directly for permission for large dogs.
#3 Ingenia Holidays Torquay
Just a little further past Geelong you’ll reach Torquay and the start of the Surf Coast. It’s a great spot to visit the beach with your dog, with plenty of dog-friendly beaches, although note that many have restricted access over the summer months.
A great spot to stay that allows dogs year round is Ingenia Holidays Torquay. In addition to powered and unpowered sites that allow pets, pets are also allowed in the Puppy Penthouse cabin and selected Pet-Friendly 2-Bedroom Villas. Both of the self-contained and air-conditioned accommodation options even have their own fenced yard.
The caravan park is a short walk from Fishermans Beach. Just note that dogs are not permitted on the beach between 9am and 7pm in December, January, February and over Easter. Outside of these hours and the rest of the year they are allowed off-leash.
#4 Marengo Family Caravan Park, near Apollo Bay
One of the best pet-friendly places to stay along the Great Ocean Road is the Marengo Family Caravan Park, just outside of Apollo Bay. Pets are welcome at the park year round, for no extra fee, both on sites and in all of their cabins.
Choose between the Holiday, Seaview and Seaview Spa Cabins, each that can accommodate up to five or six guests. Just note that pets are not allowed on carpeted areas and on furniture in the cabins.
Dogs are also allowed on the foreshore area next to the caravan park, except between 9am and 6pm over the summer months. Check the signs and stick to a morning or evening stroll with your pup when restrictions apply.
#5 Johanna Beach Campground
If you don’t need a cabin and are looking for a more basic campground, check out the Johanna Beach Campground. This is one of the scattered areas in the Great Otway National Park where dogs are allowed, on-leash on both the beach and in the campground.
The campground is just west of Cape Otway, about a four hour drive from Melbourne if you follow the coastal route, or three hours via the inland route. There are 25 unpowered sites, with only non-flushing toilets provided and no showers. You’ll also need to bring your own drinking water.
#6 Princetown Recreation Reserve
There’s also multiple recreation reserves located along the Great Ocean Road where you can make a booking to camp, that allow dogs year-round. The basic campgrounds offer powered and unpowered campsites, although no cabins, along with toilets, hot showers, laundries and generally a camp kitchen.
A great spot I’ve camped in the past is the Princetown Recreation Reserve, which is located in a beautiful riverside location and is the closest place you can camp to the Twelve Apostles, perfect for a sunset visit. Just note that dogs aren’t allowed to join you in visiting the Twelve Apostles – they need to stay in the carpark.
Dogs are also allowed year round at the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve, Port Campbell Recreation Reserve and Skenes Creek Foreshore Caravan Park, each with a similar set-up.
#7 NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park
Heading further west to Warrnambool, there are generally more pet-friendly caravan parks than along the rest of the Great Ocean Road, although some still have seasonal restrictions. One particularly pet-friendly park that allows pets year round is the NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park.
Pet dogs, cats, rabbits and birds are allowed, with up to two pets per site or cabin. As well as being welcome on powered and ensuite sites, there are a variety of One-Bedroom Cabins, Two-Bedroom Cabins and Studios where pets are allowed, each with air-conditioning. It’s a must to book directly with the park.
The park has plenty of facilities for the rest of the family, including both an outdoor pool with waterslide and a heated indoor pool, and even mini-golf. Head to the nearby mouth of the Hopkins River where dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach either side year-round.
#8 BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Warrnambool
Another pet-friendly caravan parks in Warrnambool that welcomes pets year round is the BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Warrnambool. I’ve heard recent reports from a visitor that their dog was even given some treats on arrival!
It’s a must to apply for permission to bring a pet, with the manager’s discretion applying. Pets are allowed both on tent and van sites, including ensuite sites, plus in the Pet House, two-bedroom budget cabins that can sleep up to six.
The park is located just a short walk from the centre of town and has an extensive range of facilities, from a newly renovated heated indoor pool to a communal fire pit.
#9 Gum Tree Caravan Park, Port Fairy
During one of our road trips in Victoria we enjoyed a wonderful night in a studio cabin at the Gum Tree Caravan Park, just to the east of Port Fairy. This delightfully pet-friendly caravan park welcomes pets year round.
Pets are allowed both on all powered and unpowered sites, plus in the majority of the onsite accommodation. Just note that pets are not allowed in the Deluxe Ensuite Cabins and the One-Bedroom Holiday Units, plus pets are not allowed on furniture – bring their own bed.
Since our visit, the park has also added an off-leash exercise area for dogs, complete with their own playground. Perfect for off-leash fun after a long day in the car!
#10 Southcombe Caravan Park, Port Fairy
Port Fairy and the surrounding region is also home to a number of other caravan parks that allow dogs year round, run by the local Moyne Shire Council. At each of these parks all dogs are allowed, up to two per site, although you need to notify the park in advance.
One of the dog-friendly caravan parks in Port Fairy is the centrally located Southcombe Caravan Park, with dogs allowed on sites but not villas. The park is just a short walk from the unpatrolled but dog-friendly Southcombe Beach, the off-leash Russell Clark Reserve, strolls along the river and dog-friendly cafes in the town centre.
#11 Gardens Caravan Park, Port Fairy
A second year-round dog-friendly caravan park in Port Fairy is the Gardens Caravan Park. This large park is located on the eastern side of town, just a few blocks from East Beach.
Just note that dogs are prohibited from the main stretch of the beach between 9am and 6pm from 24th December to Easter Monday. During the summer months, you’ll need to head north of Connolly Street or south of Battery Lane to Little East Beach with your dog during the day.
As well as being allowed on sites year-round, some cabins are dog-friendly. However, only small, well-behaved dogs are allowed in the cabins, and only during the off-peak season. For more information, contact the office.
#12 Yambuk Lake Caravan Park
If you drive 15 minutes west of Port Fairy you’ll reach the small town of Yambuk and the turn-off for Yumbuk Lake Caravan Park. This isolated but pretty spot is home to a small, basic caravan park, with both powered and unpowered sites. Note that mobile reception is limited and it’s best to bring your own drinking water.
The caravan park is also operated by the Moyne Shire Council, with all dogs allowed year-round, as long as you advise the park in advance. There is a limit of two dogs per site. There are no dog restrictions on the nearby beach, although the rough surf is not suitable for swimming. Alternatively, enjoy a paddle in the lake.
#13 Portland Tourist Park
The westernmost major town along Victoria’s southwest coastline is Portland, also the site of the oldest European settlement in the state. It’s a great spot to enjoy a relaxing holiday, with many dog-friendly attractions, such as the Portland Cable Tram.
One of the most pet-friendly caravan parks in town is the Portland Tourist Park. Pets are allowed both on sites and in the self-contained two-bedroom Koala Cabins. There is also an off-leash dog run along one side of the park.
Note however that peak period restrictions apply. For instance, it is unlikely permission will be given for two pets per site. Call up directly to enquire about your circumstances.
#14 NRMA Portland Bay Holiday Park
Another pet-friendly caravan park in Portland is the NRMA Portland Bay Holiday Park, located on a quiet clifftop overlooking the bay. This caravan park also has no blackout dates for pets.
Dogs, cats, rabbits and birds are allowed on ensuite, powered and unpowered sites. Up to two pets are allowed per site. Unfortunately there are no pet-friendly cabins. Also note that you need to call up to make a booking, with final discretion resting with the manager.
#15 River Vu Park, Nelson
Finally, just before you reach the South Australian border, you’ll arrive at the town of Nelson. This small fishing town is located at the mouth of the Glenelg River and is home to River Vu Park.
This small caravan park has just 23 sites, including some ensuite sites. It also has its own boat landing. Pets (including dogs, cats and birds) are allowed at the park by prior arrangement, with no blackout dates.
Also Check Out
- Swan Bay Holiday Park (Bellarine Peninsula)
- Skenes Creek Foreshore Caravan Park (near Apollo Bay)
- Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve
- Port Campbell Recreation Reserve
- Warrnambool Holiday Park
- Koriot-Tower Hill Caravan Park
- Killarney Beach Caravan Park
- Holiday Lifestyle Henty Bay (near Portland)
You May Also Like
- Year-Round Dog-Friendly Caravan Parks Along the Gippsland Coast
- Extra Dog-Friendly Caravan Parks in Victoria
- Dog-Friendly Great Ocean Road: Driving with a Dog
- Dog-Friendly Port Fairy: Visiting Port Fairy with a Dog
About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.