Cumberland River Holiday Park

Cumberland River Holiday Park is a private campground and cabin park on the Great Ocean Road, about 7 kilometres southwest of Lorne, where the Cumberland River runs toward the Southern Ocean. It spreads along a green valley below a steep cliff escarpment, with riverfront and garden campsites as well as cedar cabins and three-bedroom river-view units. Choose it for a stay beside the river and coast, rather than a quick roadside stop.

The sites range from spots close to the river to garden settings, with cabins for visitors who don't want to camp. Campsites are unpowered, and the operator reports limited phone reception and Wi-Fi, so plan on a disconnected stay. Kangaroos are a recurring wildlife sighting around the campground. Pets aren't allowed.

The Cumberland River passes through rock pools and sandy stretches on its way to the ocean. A walk toward Jebb's Pool and Cumberland Falls starts at the park: the full return is about 6 kilometres and takes roughly 3 hours. The easier section reaches Jebb's Pool; beyond it, the operator grades the route strenuous, with several low river crossings. Don't cross at high water, and expect slippery footing when wet.

The valley was one of the camps used by Great Ocean Road construction workers. More than 300 men were camped across the Cumberland, Sheoak and Jamieson rivers during 1920–32, and the campground opened in the early 1930s under the Country Roads Board. Its early facilities included toilet blocks and a picnic hut, the beginning of the long-running camping stop here.