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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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.

  • Cora Lynn Cascades Walk (Great Otway National Park)

    Cora Lynn Cascades Walking Track Closure

    Cora Lynn Cascades walking track is currently closed due to damaged infrastructure. Please note this closure will affect you if you plan to walk from Allenvale through to Erskine falls and vice versa. 

  • Great Otway National Park

    Big Hill Campground Temporarily Closed

    Due to upgrade works the Big Hill Campground will be closed to visitors until October 1st 2025. Works are being undertaken to improve camp pad surfaces and to establish grass cover in several areas of the campground. The campground will be closed while these works are completed and the surfaces are establishing to prevent damage to the new surfaces to improve the future camping experience at this site.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Kalimna Tramline link walk and Upper Kalimna is closed

    The Kalimna Tramline link walk is closed due to damage to a pedestrian bridge. Walkers can still access the Lower Kalimna Waterfall via the Kalimna Falls Walking Track, which starts at Sheoak Picnic Area. Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice.


    Fox Control by Use of Firearms- Urquhart Bluff to O'Donohue Road, Anglesea

    The coastal area, including car parks and beach access from Urquhart Bluff to O'Donohue Road beach access Anglesea, will be closed to all public access from sunset to sunrise Tuesday evening July 22, 2025 to Wednesday dawn July 23, 2025. This closure will extend into some walking tracks within the National Park bordered by O'Donohue Rd, Harvey St and Gilbert St. Firearms will be in use to control the invasive red fox.

    Great Ocean Walk - Track Update

    Great Ocean Walk Track Update
    Following recent winter rainfall, sections of the Great Ocean Walk have become very muddy and slippery.

    Key Hazards
    • Muddy and slippery conditions: Many non-sandy areas are heavily affected by mud, creating hazardous walking conditions.
    • Track hazards: Rainfall has led to slippery surfaces and deep mud in several locations, increasing the risk of slips and falls.
    • Tree falls: There is an increased likelihood of fallen trees along the track.

    Safety Advice 
    1. Exercise caution when walking, particularly in non-sandy and steep, forested sections.
    2. Report tree fall when it is safe and possible to do so by calling 131963.
    3. Please take care and plan accordingly for current track conditions.
    4. Monitor warnings and incidents https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

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

    Seasonal Partial Closure Notification – Aire West Campground

    Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 September 2025

    Due to wet and muddy ground conditions during the cooler months, Sites 17 to 40 at Aire West Campground will be closed from 1 June to 30 September 2025. Extended closure may be required to ensure conditions are suitable for opening.

    Sites 1 to 16 will remain open, subject to suitable dry conditions. Campers are advised to check the latest updates before travelling.

    Note: The Great Ocean Walk hike-in campground at Aire West is not affected and remains open year-round.

    These closures help protect campground surfaces and ensure safe, comfortable camping experiences. Camping in closed areas is not permitted and is subject to National Park Regulations 2024.

    We thank you for your cooperation and commitment to caring for the park.

    Aire West campground - flooding

    Aire West Campground- areas flooded. Campers please note that due to the Aire River mouth being blocked, the campground area is experiencing some flooding. Sites 1-16 are accessible, but other areas of the campground are inundated and muddy.

    Public Advisory: Weather Alert – Great Otway National Park & Great Ocean Walk

    Public Advisory:  West Coast – Great Otway National Park & Great Ocean Walk

    Issued: Tuesday, 22 July 2025, 0823hrs AEST

    Abnormal High Tides Forecast
    A series of low pressure systems this week are forecast to bring abnormally high tides to the west coast of Victoria, including the Great Otway National Park and the Great Ocean Walk area.

    Weather Situation
    A low pressure system is approaching the western coastline and Bass Strait, with a second slow-moving low expected to impact the area into next week.

    These systems will cause lower atmospheric pressure, increasing the risk of sea levels rising above the Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) along the west coast of Victoria.

    Areas Potentially Affected
    Great Otway National Park coastline, including ocean-access tracks and viewpoints.

    The Great Ocean Walk, particularly sections near beaches, estuaries, and low-lying coastal stretches.

    Potential Impacts
    Flooding of low-lying foreshore and estuarine tracks.

    Increased erosion and hazards on beaches, bluffs, and coastal trails.

    Temporary closure or restricted access to parts of the Great Ocean Walk and Otway National Park coastline.

    Minor inundation possible at some day-use areas and car parks close to sea level.

    Safety Guidance for Visitors
    Avoid the coastline and beaches during high tide periods, especially around Portland and west coast access points.

    Observe and respect closure signs and advice.

    Do not attempt to cross flooded tracks or estuary inlets.

    Monitor local updates, weather alerts, and tide times before planning your activities.

    Stay Informed
    Updates are available through the Bureau of Meteorology and local Parks Victoria announcements.

    These hazardous coastal conditions are expected to persist throughout the week due to abnormal high tide events along Victoria's west coast   

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

    Seasonal Closure Notification – Aire East Campground

    Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 October 2025

    Aire East Campground will be fully closed over the winter period and into early spring, due to consistently wet ground conditions. The closure is in place to ensure visitor safety, comfort, and to prevent damage to the campground’s grassed surfaces.

    This closure is in line with Parks Victoria’s commitment to sustainable park management and will remain in effect until 30 October 2025.

    Camping in closed areas is not permitted under the National Park Regulations 2024.

    We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to explore alternative camping locations in the region during this time.

    Closure may be extended if the campground has not dried out.

  • Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)

    Maits Rest Walk - CLOSED

    Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (and carpark) in the Great Otway National Park is currently CLOSED due to tree fall damage.

    Due to ongoing damage to critical infrastructure, the closure remains in effect while repairs are actively being carried out. 

    The safety of the community and all users is our highest priority, and access will not be restored until it is confirmed that the site is safe and operational.

    For your safety, do not enter closed areas.  National Park regulations apply.

    If you are seeking a similar experience, Melba Gully west of Lavers Hill is open.

    Maits Rest Carpark- bus access

    Maits Rest Carpark is suitable for small coaster buses only. Large buses or coaches are advised to use Melba Gully walk track near Lavers Hill.

  • Great Ocean Walk - Day 4 - Cape Otway to Aire River Walk (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)

    Aire River - High water levels

    Great Ocean Walk (GOW) – Aire River Section
    Attention Walkers and Hikers

    The Great Ocean Walk (GOW) at the Aire River is currently experiencing high water levels due to the ongoing closure of the Aire River estuary mouth.

    What You Need to Know
    • Eastern approach to Aire West campground Impacted: Walkers may need to detour or wade through water on the eastern approach to the Aire River.  Do not proceed west from Cape Otway if you are concerned by wading through high water at the Aire River.
    • Campsites Unaffected: The Aire West hike-in campsite and Aire West campground  sites 1–16 remain accessible and are not impacted by high water.
    • Possible Trail Closure: If river levels become unsafe to cross, this section of the GOW may be closed for your safety.
    • River Status: The Aire River may open naturally at any time, or  may be mechanically opened when conditions are safe and suitable.
    • Please exercise caution, follow all signage and instructions, and check for the latest updates before your walk

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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