Bush camping near Geelong

[daniel_4tw]

Hey guys,

I have recently moved from Adelaide to Melbourne. In Adelaide I used to have some good camping spots about an hour from the city like Mt Crawford or Deep Creek.

I was wondering if anyone knew anyone knew of any good spots about an hour of Geelong - preferably more south.

I have had Otways recommended, however it's a bit far to go just for one night.

Cheers guys.

[MickyB]

I was wondering if anyone knew anyone knew of any good spots about an hour of Geelong - preferably more south.

I have had Otways recommended, however it's a bit far to go just for one night.

The Otways are easily within an hour of Geelong. There are some good camping spots just out of Lorne and at Lake Elizabeth. Both would be about one hour away from Geelong, unless you have to row there after last night's storm

[daniel_4tw]

Ha cheers mate. Lake Elizabeth is exactly what I was looking for. Any idea how busy it would get on a weekend at this time of year?

[MickyB]

Not 100% sure but Eremophila was there about a month ago and said it was 'chock-a-block'

viewtopic.php?f=37&t=16033

That would have been on the long weekend so it was probably busier than normal.

[trickos]

Lake Elizabeth is always chockers over the weekend due to the numbers of mountain bikers.
Not too many other options within an hour south of Geelong - Back of Lorne are a few options but generally busy this time of the year.
If you want a good spot about 30 mins from Geelong and don't mind heading inland - head to Steiglitz (Brisbane Ranges National Park) at Fridays Camp Ground, Almost guaranteed to have it to yourself.
If you were really keen you can do parts of the Burchell Trail and make a day loop.

[daniel_4tw]

Cheers guys. Went down to lake elizabeth this weekend, and everything said was factual. Absolutely beautiful campsite, nice stroll to the lake and somewhere I will definitely go back to.

We went late afternoon on the Saturday and the camp had began to fill up. We were not able to get a firepit - so that was a bummer. Also didn't see the platypus!

Thinking in a few weeks might make the journey down to Appollo Bay for a weekend. Anyone have any light to shed on this location in terms of popularity etc?

Thanks for all the tips!

[MickyB]

I think Apollo Bay is always popular with tourist as it's a beautiful place. Not sure where you plan staying but as far as I know there is no free camping in Apollo Bay, just caravan parks. There are a few free camping sites not too far away though such as at Parker Hill, Aire River East and Blanket Bay. There are also good camp sites inland from Apollo Bay as well such as at Stevensons Falls and Beauchamp Falls (track currently closed to the falls).

[Moondog55]

Plenty of bush camping in the Brisbane Ranges if you can walk in. Water is a little scarce at the moment, the designated camp grounds are drive in tho and OK but basic and of course way over priced