Camp Cooriemungle

Camp Cooriemungle is a 25-hectare former prison farm turned group and family camp at 30 Bornong Road, Cooriemungle, between the Otway bush and the shipwreck coast about 15 minutes from the 12 Apostles. Dogs are welcome across the property, including inside the cabins and in a dedicated dog room in the house, with off-lead areas and even a dog-sitting service, which makes it one of the most accommodating farm stays on the Great Ocean Road.

Dogs at Camp Cooriemungle

Dogs are permitted on the powered and unpowered campsites, inside the bunk-style cabins, and in the self-contained house, which has a dedicated dog room so your dog has their own space rather than sharing a sleeping area. Designated off-lead areas on the property give them a proper run. A dog-sitting service is available on site, which matters here because the 12 Apostles and Port Campbell National Park are strictly no-dog zones.

The one firm rule involves the resident farm animals: sheep, cattle, alpacas, pigs and chooks wander the property, and your dog must not chase or disturb them, so keep control around the paddocks at all times. Confirm pet conditions and fees directly when booking, as the property is managed personally by phone and Facebook rather than through a big booking engine.

Max: book the dog-sitting before you plan the Apostles. The national park gates and car parks are patrolled and dogs are not tolerated anywhere inside them.

The place

The property's history is genuine: it operated as a prison farm, and the original cells still stand on the grounds as a walk-past oddity guests consistently mention. Accommodation spans five bunk-style cabins sleeping up to five each, with vehicle parking at the door; the self-contained house for up to eight; and campsites for tents and vans. There is a scenic lake, covered BBQs, kitchenette facilities across the accommodation, and activities like archery and canoes on site. It handles everything from couples to school camps, so expect a sociable property in peak times and quiet paddocks off season.

Getting there

Cooriemungle sits inland from Port Campbell on quiet rural roads. Timboon, the nearest town for supplies, distilleries and the chocolaterie, is about ten minutes east, and the 12 Apostles around fifteen minutes west. Port Campbell's bay beach and township are a similar drive.

Close by with the dogs

For an on-lead leg-stretch off the property, the Timboon-Camperdown Rail Trail starts in Timboon and runs along the old rail corridor, and Timboon Fine Ice Cream is a friendly stop with outdoor seating. If you want a base nearer the coast instead, Port Campbell Recreation Reserve Camp Ground sits right in the township.

More options are on the Victoria dog-friendly stays guide and the Cooriemungle destination page.