Johanna Beach Campground

A couple sits around their tent playing with their dog, a white van is parked next to their tent, coastal vegetation surrounds them.

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Johanna Beach Campground

Take a break from your Great Ocean Road drive at this low-key campground. Camp between coastal sand dunes in lush, grassy hinterland and a prime surf beach for an unforgettable seaside stay. Take in the ocean vistas, go surfing, fishing or stroll along a section of the Great Ocean Walk. Humpback and Southern Right-whales can be spotted out to sea from July to September.

An unpatrolled beach, the westerly facing breaks of Johanna Beach are popular for experienced surfers. This is also a good surf fishing beach. Try your hand at catching mullet or salmon for dinner.

Johanna Beach is close to several other park attractions of natural wonder. Melba Gully, the Twelve Apostles, Cape Otway Lightstation and Triplet Falls are all within an hour's drive.

Please note, Johanna Beach is an important nesting area for the threatened Hooded Plover. This small bird nests just above the high tide between August and February. If you are walking along the beach please walk below the high tide mark. To help protect this species and other wildlife, dogs are permitted on lead only.

Johanna Beach Campground has 25 non-powered sites available to book. Amenities are basic with non-flush toilets and no showers.


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Changes to Great Ocean Road parks and campsites

From 1 July 2026, some parks and campsites along the Great Ocean Road will be managed by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA). Visit the GORCAPA website to see which parks GORCAPA manage.

This change is part of the transition of land management responsibilities to GORCAPA, helping support a dedicated and localised approach to managing the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.

Things to do

 
A woman with a large hiking pack takes in the view from Blanket Bay Campground.

Great Ocean Walk

The Great Ocean Walk extends just over 100km between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles near Princetown. The spectacular walk weaves its way through tall forests, coastal heathlands, wild rocky shores, river estuaries and windswept cliff-tops presenting amazing views.
A couple follow a walking path through luscious rain-forest ferns.

Melba Gully

Melba Gully has prolific plant growth and is a dense rainforest of Myrtle Beech, Blackwood and Tree-ferns, with an understorey of low ferns and mosses. Perhaps the most unusual inhabitants of the area are the glow worms, which can be seen at night along the walking tracks.
A man in a red wetsuit and a women with the top half of her wetsuit undone follow two men in to the surf on the Morning Peninsula.

Surfing

Learn to surf from beaches dotted along the coast or for experienced boarders ride the ultimate wave at ocean back beaches or famous Bells Beach.
Two friends fish off the back a boat on a misty morning on Lake Eildon.

Fishing

In quiet lakes and gently flowing rivers, in the pounding surf or in the depths beneath your boat – the waters of Victoria’s parks and reserves offer some prize catches.

How to get there

Johanna Beach Campground

Johanna Beach is just off the Great Ocean Road near Glenaire. It's a three-hour drive from Melbourne via the direct inland route through Colac. Alternatively, it's a four-hour drive from Melbourne via the world famous and very scenic Great Ocean Road. 
Johanna Beach Campground

When you're there

Johanna Beach Campground and its adjoining day visitor area are on the route of the eight-day long distance walk, the Great Ocean Walk. Hikers can stay at the nearby hike-in campsites or in accommodation nearby. Download the Great Otway National Park visitor guides before you go, or visit the Great Ocean Walk website for accommodation, guides and shuttle services.

When to go

Book ahead and try for weekdays to avoid crowds and public holidays.

Need to know

Johanna Beach Campground

Accessibility

The Johanna Beach drive in camping area has a range of campsites located close to Johanna Beach. Sites are located on undulating grassland with some limited shelter provided by coastal vegetation.  A number of the campsites are on slopes making them unsuitable for wheelchair access.

Parking is on the grass generally next to the campsite. There are no designated paths leading all the way to the toilets.

There are two standard toilet cubicles and a unisex accessible toilet servicing the camping area. Access is via the gravel service road and then up a short compacted gravel path leading to the toilets. There is no designated path leading from the campsites directly to the toilets; wheelchairs are required to go over grassy surfaces and parts of the service road.

The entrance to the accessible toilet cubicle is approximately 870mm wide with an inward swinging door. The door has a turnstile locking mechanism. There is ample room for manoeuvrability in the cubicle and there are two types of toilet roll dispensers. Grab railing is on the left side of the cubicle wall and extends behind the toilet. The cubicle also has a bench seat.

The vanity basin is located outside the toilet cubicles and is accessible for wheelchairs. It has a knob handle cold water tap and a stainless steel mirror.

Johanna Beach is not accessible by wheelchair from the camping area.

Be prepared and stay safe

  • No solid fuel fires permitted.
  • Fuel stoves or gas barbecues are preferred for cooking.
  • Bring your own drinking water.
  • Come and enjoy the peace and quiet – please, no generators.
  • Please take your rubbish home with you.

Johanna Beach Campground is in the Great Otway National Park in the South West fire district. Bushfires can occur during the warmer months. It is your responsibility to check current and forecast weather conditions. Campfires cannot be lit on days of Total Fire Ban, however gas cookers can be used for preparing food.

Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the Vic Emergency App or call the Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Aire River West Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park GORCAPA)

    Aire West Campground – Partial Seasonal Closure

    Visitors are advised that sites 17–40 at Aire West Campground in Great Otway National Park are temporarily closed from 29 May to 25 September 2026 due to seasonal conditions.

    What to expect:
    Sites 17–40 are closed and unavailable for camping or vehicle access during this period
    Remaining sites may still be accessible, subject to conditions

    Important information:
    The closure period may be extended if conditions remain too wet to safely support camping and vehicle access
    Visitors are asked to follow any on-site signage and avoid closed areas to prevent damage to the campground and ensure safety.
    The Great Ocean Walk hike in camp site is not impacted.
    Entering into or camping within closed areas is subject to National Park regulations

    We appreciate your cooperation in helping protect the park during these conditions.

  • Aire River East Campground (Great Otway National Park GORCAPA, Aire River Heritage River)

    Aire East Campground – Seasonal Closure

    Aire East Campground in Great Otway National Park will be closed from 29 May to 25 September 2026 as part of the annual seasonal winter closure.

    This closure is necessary to protect the campground and access tracks during periods of wet weather, when conditions are highly susceptible to damage from vehicle use and camping activity.

    What to expect:
    No visitor or vehicle access to the campground during the closure period.
    Campground and toilet facilities will be unavailable.

    Important information:
    The closure period may be extended if conditions remain too wet to safely support vehicle access and camping.
    Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and consider alternative campgrounds.
    Entering into or camping within closed areas is subject to National Park regulations

    We appreciate your cooperation in helping protect the park environment during this time.

  • Ironbark Basin Nature Trail (Great Otway National Park GORCAPA)

    Surf Coast walk/ Ironbark Nature trail closure

    The Ironbark Nature trail loop is undergoing storm damage repairs.  It will be closed for the duration of the works. The section of the Surf Coast Walk between Ironbark carpark and Point Addis stairs will be closed also. 

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Great Otway Natonal Park - flood damge impact

    Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding on 16 January 2026 caused significant damage across parts of the eastern Great Otway National Park.
    Recovery works are ongoing. 

    We are pleased to advise that some areas have now reopened, while others remain closed to ensure public safety during assessment and repair work.

    The following areas are now open to visitors:
    • Moggs Creek Picnic Area
    • Distillery Creek Picnic Area
    • Ocean Track
    • Castle Rock
    • Sheoak Falls to Swallow Cave Track

    Parks Victoria has reopened sections of the Kalimna Falls Walking Trail, providing:

    • Access from Sheoak Picnic Ground
    • Walking access to Lower Kalimna Falls
    • Return via the same route or continuing through to Garvey Track
    ✅ Open sections are marked in green on park signage/maps
    ❌ Closed sections remain in red and must not be entered
    Visitors should remain on marked open tracks and follow all onsite signage.


    ⚠️ Important Visitor Advice
    • Always follow posted signage and staff directions
    • Stay within reopened (green-marked) track sections
    • Do not enter closed areas under any circumstances
    • Conditions may change without notice

  • Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park GORCAPA)

    Maits Rest Carpark – Temporary Partial Closure


    Visitors are advised that maintenance works will be undertaken at the Maits Rest Carpark in Great Otway National Park on Monday 22 June 2026 

    These works involve repairing and resurfacing sections of the carpark affected by pothole damage.

    What to expect:
    • Partial closure of the carpark during works
    • Reduced parking availability
    • Construction activity and machinery on site

    Access:
    • The carpark will remain partially open, with approximately half of the parking area available
    • Access to the Maits Rest Rainforest Walk will remain open at all times
    • Visitors are asked to follow all signage and directions from contractors to ensure safety.

    We appreciate your patience while these essential maintenance works are completed.

Similar experiences

 
White van parked next to picnic table in a campsite, shaded by trees

Best Alternatives to Popular Victorian Campgrounds

If you’re looking for a great camping experience in Victoria without the crowds, we’ve put together a list of alternatives to popular campgrounds, including the best times to visit.
One man adds a log on to the fire at Bear Gully Campground at Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

Bear Gully Campground

This camping area offers shady campsites set among tall Banksias right on the shore of Waratah Bay. The adjacent beach is unpatrolled and not recommended for swimming. The area is popular for fishing and rock pooling.
The path to Ninety Mile Beach from Paradise Beach Campground at Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park

Paradise Beach Campground

The campground is separated from the beach by a stretch of fenced vegetation. There is access to the beach from the Paradise Beach camping area. Use this access points to reduce damage to the sensitive coastal vegetation.
Mum and Dad sit around the campfire with their infant son while their three other children play in the background.

Shipwreck Creek

This small campground is set in a tall forest above a small secluded cove which is only a 10 minute walk away. It is an excellent base for walks covering both heathland and coastal scenery.
A couple in their thirties play with their dog at Johanna Beach Campground next to their tent and campervan.

Dog friendly camping

Looking for dog-friendly camping in Victoria? Find a park where you and your dog can camp together.
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