The Camping Pods and Retro Caravans at Bimbi Park Apollo Bay are where you get the charm of camping without the hassle of, well, everything else. Think of it as “camping lite,” with a side of adventure and a dash of communal fun.
You’ll fall for Cape Otway’s charming koalas, lounging lazily in their eucalyptus tree penthouses. Also, watch whales dance around Australia’s oldest lighthouse and wander through ancient rainforest. You’ll swear you’ve time-traveled – just without the T-Rex chase scene.
Victoria | Pod | Retro Caravan
Good to Know at Bimbi Park
- Up to 4 guests per pod
- The price range is $ affordable
- Child-friendly and Pet-friendly
- Eco-Cabins include private bathrooms
- Camping Pods and Retro Caravans use shared bathrooms
- You can also BYO your own tent and pick a campsite
The Camping Pods
This is where the adventure begins at Bimbi Park. You’ll sleep in a funky eco-pod nestled beneath towering manna gums, where curious koalas peer down at your temporary treehouse home like sleepy landlords checking on their tenants.
Bring Your Own Bedding: Consider it a chance to show off your snuggliest flannel sheets or that sleeping bag you’ve hoarded since 2005.
Pro tip: pack an extra blanket for maximum hygge vibes.
Ensuite: No, shared facilities
The Retro Caravans
Bed: One double bed with linen, some caravans also have a single couch bed for the little one.
Kitchen: 2 burner cooker, sink, bar fridge/freezer, some pots, pans, cutlery and crockery.
Ensuite: No but close to the camp amenities block.
Shared Facilities
The kitchen, bathroom, lounge, and laundry are communal, which means you might make a new friend while waiting for your toast to pop. Think of it as summer camp, but with better coffee options.
Guest Review
OMG the koalas! And a quiet, yet busy, well-run campground with good communal kitchen and indoor area.
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What Are the Benefits of Bimbi Park Apollo Bay?
You’re Still Camping, But Comfy: You get the thrill of sleeping in the wild, but with a solid roof and a bed. No rocks under your back, no dew on your face.
Koala Neighbors: Your pod is nestled in a eucalyptus wonderland, so you might wake up to the sound of koalas munching on leaves. It’s like having a wildlife documentary outside your window.
On-site facilities include: Table tennis, badminton, picnic area, children’s playground, mini-golf (extra charge), BBQs.
Cape Otway: Lace up your boots and explore the Great Otway National Park. You’re near walking tracks, kangaroos, birds, waterfalls, fern gullies, and ancient trees.
Starry Nights: With no city lights to drown them out, the stars here are next-level. It’s like Instagram, but IRL.
Community Vibes: Shared facilities mean shared stories. Who knows? You might bond with a fellow camper over the best way to roast a marshmallow (low and slow, obviously).
Who’s It Good For?
Minimalists: If you love the idea of camping but don’t want to lug around a tent, this is for you.
Families: Kids will love the adventure, and parents will love not having to pitch a tent.
Couples: Romantic, secluded, and with just enough “roughing it” to feel like you’ve earned that glass of wine.
Adventurers on a Budget: Affordable, fun, and with just enough rustic charm to make you feel like Bear Grylls (minus the eating bugs part).
Social Butterflies: Shared spaces = instant friends. Or at least someone to borrow salt from.
First-Time Campers: This is camping with training wheels. You’ll get the experience without the stress of setting up a tent in the dark.
Guest Review of Bimbi Park Apollo Bay
Fabulous setting with lots of koalas, kangaroos and birds to see and hear. Easy bush walking tracks and access to Cape Otway. We loved the friendly staff, their fish n chips night, morning coffee stall, feed-the animals, splash park, mini golf as well as outdoor movie. Also really liked the eco cabin we stayed in.
Bimbi Park Eco-Friendly & Solar Cabins
If you want to level up a bit then book one of the eco-friendly solar-powered cabins where comfort meets conservation.
Each light-filled retreat sleeps up to four and comes fully equipped with a kitchen, cosy bedding, private bathroom, TV, and a sweeping deck where you can sip your morning coffee while koalas doze overhead. Plus, when the coastal chill rolls in, you’ll stay toasty with eco-friendly heating.
Things to Do at Cape Otway
Tour the Cape Otway Lightstation: Climb Australia’s oldest working lighthouse for breathtaking ocean views and fascinating maritime history. The lighthouse keepers’ stories will transport you back to the 1848 beginnings of this coastal guardian.
Spot Wildlife on the Great Ocean Walk: Trek sections of this stunning coastal trail where you’ll encounter koalas, wallabies, and echidnas in their natural habitat. The clifftop views are particularly spectacular at sunrise.
Explore the Great Otway National Park: Wander through ancient rainforest filled with towering tree ferns and glow worms. Don’t miss the Maits Rest Rainforest Walk or Lake Elizabeth’s platypus habitat.
Great Ocean Road Adventures: You’re just a hop, skip, and a jump from one of the world’s most iconic drives. Twelve Apostles, here you come!
Visit the Conservation Ecology Centre: Learn about local wildlife conservation efforts and meet some of the region’s most endangered species. Their work protecting the local tiger quoll population is particularly fascinating.
Beach Adventures: Discover secluded beaches like Station Beach or Rainbow Falls, perfect for beachcombing, whale watching (in season), and capturing those perfect sunset photos.
Frequently Asked Questions – Bimbi Park Apollo Bay
When’s the best time to visit?
December to February offers warm weather perfect for hiking and beach activities. However, September to November is ideal for whale watching and wildflower blooming. Winter (June-August) is quieter but can be dramatically beautiful with wild seas and cozy lighthouse views.
How long should I stay?
A minimum of two nights is recommended to fully experience the area’s highlights, though many visitors stay 3-4 nights to properly explore the national park and surrounding attractions.
Are koalas really guaranteed?
While nothing in nature is guaranteed, Cape Otway has one of Australia’s highest concentrations of wild koalas. The best viewing times are early morning or late afternoon when they’re most active.
How far is it from Melbourne?
About a 3-hour drive via the Great Ocean Road, though you’ll want to allow extra time for scenic stops along this famous coastal route.
What should I pack?
Bring layers regardless of season – the weather can change quickly. Good walking shoes, binoculars for wildlife spotting, and a camera are essential. In summer, don’t forget sun protection and insect repellent.
So, what are you waiting for? The camping pods and retro caravans at Bimbi Park Apollo Bay are your ticket to a no-fuss, no-muss camping adventure. Sure, you’ll need to bring your own bedding for the pods, but that just adds to the charm (and the bragging rights). Pack your sense of humour, your cosiest blankets, and maybe a deck of cards for those shared kitchen convos.
