Stevensons Falls camp ground Otways

Introduction

a large free camp ground in a tall redwood tree setting on the Gellibrand River on the northern side of the Otways, south-east of Colac and north of Apollo Bay
it can get very busy and noisy even on normal weekends - those with uncontrolled young families can be problematic on summer weekends
the waterfalls are a 4.6km return fairly easy and mostly flat walk - takes 1 hour without loitering
re-opened Dec 2023 after renovations and now sites are bollarded so best for tents or car camping
- 44 designated campsites surrounded by giant Californian redwoods.
- Two additional short trails have been crafted to enhance the visitor experience:
  - the Redwoods Boardwalk, showcasing magnificent Californian Redwoods
  - the Blue Spruce Walk, leading adventurers alongside the Gellibrand River.
no phone reception
BYO water and firewood
2 sets of drop toilets (and a 3rd at the day picnic area)
could cool off by wading in the river near the day picnic area 20min up the walking trail (or drive there)
nice one night camp mid week especially in warm weather when the shade from the towering Californian redwoods is welcome
Otways State Park (FC) so dogs are permitted on leads - but beware the snakes along the path to the falls
see Youtube video:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbiX-T4ND7Y

NOT for big rigs
perhaps avoid if extreme fire danger day as there is only one exit road and it is deep in the forest
even on warm dry summer days, dew is likely to form overnight here due to the valley with its river nearby and the microclimate of the trees, and there is little sun to dry it off your tent in the morning
closest petrol is Colac, Winchelsea or Apollo Bay!

Dandos camp ground Otways
- 21min (11.4km) to the west but this narrow winding gravel road not suitable for caravans
- this large camp ground is a emergency standby option if you get to the campground late and it is full or not your vibe
Lake Elizabeth camp ground, Otways camp ground
- 25min (16km); can be lots of mozzies and leeches
Beauchamp Falls camp ground
- 28min (16km) via Beech Forest
- 48min (34km) via Tanbryn then Beech Forest - better road
Johanna beach camp ground (online booking)
- 75min (66km) via Tanbryn, Beech Forest and then Lavers Hill
Skenes Creek beachfront holiday park
Apollo Bay commercial camp grounds
- 42min (36km)
Kennett River commercial camp ground
Wye River commercial camp ground
Jamieson Creek camp ground Wye River (online booking)
- 70min (58km) via Skenes Creek
- 74min (66km) via Forrest and Lorne
Cumberland River commercial camp ground
Lorne commercial camp grounds
Aire River camp grounds (online booking)
- 75min (65km) via Apollo Bay
Blanket Bay camp ground, Cape Otway in Cape Otway (online booking)
- 81min (71km) either via Apollo Bay
Bimbi Park in Cape Otway is a popular commercial campground with great facilities, camp kitchen and koalas
Meredith Park, Lake Colac
- 46min (50km) but can be issues with wind and with locals thieving

GOR beaches:
- 38min (31km) to Skenes Creek on the Great Ocean Road and the closest beach
Beauchamp falls
- 28min (16km) via Beech Forest
- 48min (34km) via Tanbryn then Beech Forest - better road
Hopetoun Falls and the Redwood forest
- near Beauchamp Falls
- 32min (19km) via Beech Forest
Otway Fly elevated tree walk
- commercial
Triplet Falls near Weeaproinah
- 1hr (38km)
Melba Gully glow worms at dusk
- 1hr (55km) near Lavers Hill
The Twelve Apostles
- 1.5hrs