Camp Cooriemungle

The short version. Camp Cooriemungle is a sprawling 25-hectare former prison farm stay halfway between bush and beach in southwest Victoria. It offers bunk-style cabins, a self-contained house, and powered and unpowered campsites on historic grounds where original prison cells still stand. Dogs are welcome across the board, inside cabins, on campsites, and in a dedicated dog room in the main house, with designated off-lead areas and a dog-sitting service if you want to head out sightseeing without them.

The pet policy. Dogs are permitted on campsites, inside the bunk-style cabins, and in a dedicated dog room within the self-contained house. There are designated off-lead areas on the property where your dog can run and stretch out properly. A dog-sitting service is available on-site, which is useful if you are planning to visit nearby attractions like the 12 Apostles where dogs are not allowed. The key rule is straightforward: your dog must not disturb the farm animals on the property. You are responsible for keeping your dog under control around livestock at all times. Confirm the current pet fees and any seasonal conditions directly when you book, as policies can shift.

The place. This is a working farm property with serious history behind it. Camp Cooriemungle sits on the site of a former prison farm, and the historic prison cells are still standing on the grounds. It is a talking point and a bit of a novelty, especially if you are staying in one of the five bunk-style cabins that sleep up to five people each. The cabins are simple and functional, with vehicle parking right at the door, which makes unloading gear, dogs, and food easy. The self-contained house sleeps up to eight and comes with a dedicated dog room, so your dog has their own space rather than being crammed into a standard cabin layout. Kitchenette facilities are available across the accommodation options, and there is a communal hall with a commercial kitchen, dining area, lounge, and a billiard table. The toilet and shower blocks are clean, and hot showers are available. The property spans 25 hectares of farmland and feels genuinely expansive. There is a lake on-site for canoeing and swimming, archery is available, and small outdoor fires are permitted in designated areas during the right season. This is a place that gives you room to breathe. It is not a polished resort or a boutique getaway. It is a functional, budget-friendly base with character and space, and the facilities reflect that. Expect a relaxed atmosphere where the kids can run, the dog can have a decent off-lead session in the right zones, and you can cook a meal in the commercial kitchen without having to go out. The mix of bush, beach proximity, and open farmland means there is plenty to keep a dog mentally engaged, provided you are mindful of the livestock boundaries.

Location and nearby. Camp Cooriemungle is located at 30 Bornong Road, Cooriemungle, VIC 3268. It sits roughly halfway between Port Campbell and Timboon, which puts you in easy reach of the best of the Great Ocean Road region. The 12 Apostles and Port Campbell National Park are a short drive away, though dogs are not permitted in those national park areas, which is where the on-site dog-sitting service becomes genuinely useful. Timboon is nearby and worth a stop for its artisan food scene, whisky distillery, and the Timboon Rail Trail, which is a solid on-lead walking option if your dog is happy on a leash. The Great Otway National Park, with its rainforest walks, is further west but within reach if you are planning a day trip. Note that most national parks in the area do not allow dogs, so plan your outings accordingly. The beaches around Port Campbell and Peterborough are worth checking for off-lead sections or dog-friendly stretches, but always confirm local council rules before letting your dog run. The property itself is positioned between bushland and coastline, so the immediate surroundings offer a mix of rural and coastal scenery without having to travel far.

Before you book. Decide first what type of accommodation suits your setup: a cabin, the self-contained house with the dog room, or a powered or unpowered site for a tent, caravan, or motorhome. If you are bringing a dog and want the house, request the dog room specifically at the time of booking. Confirm the current pet fees, the designated off-lead areas, and any seasonal restrictions on fires or water activities. Ask about the dog-sitting service in advance if you plan to use it, especially during peak periods, so you are not caught out on the day. If your dog has a high prey drive or is not reliable around livestock, you need to be honest about that before booking, because this is a working farm with animals on the property. The five cabins and the house can book out during school holidays and long weekends, so reserve early if you need a specific accommodation type. The communal hall and commercial kitchen are shared facilities, so expect to be around other guests during peak meal times. Bring your own dog food, lead, bedding, and bowls. Mobile reception can be patchy in this part of southwest Victoria, so download maps and directions before you arrive.

Sources

• Camp Cooriemungle - Travel Victoria · travelvictoria.com.au
• Camp Cooriemungle (@campcooriemungle) - Instagram · instagram.com
• Camp Cooriemungle | VIC Campsites · camptoo.com.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.