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Aire River East Campground
Nestled in the shadow of the Otway Ranges, enjoy a stay by the heritage-listed Aire River at Aire River East Campground.
This small campground is located in a shady spot on the Aire River and is a great place for kayaking. The best place to launch your kayak is near the bridge. The peaceful estuarine waters are also ideal for canoeing, standup paddle boarding and fishing. A 25-minute walk from the campground, the ocean swells of Glenaire Beach attract experienced surfers looking for the perfect break.
Advanced bookings and payment at Aire River East Campground are required year-round. Aire River East Campground contains 20 grassy campsites. Each campsite accommodates a maximum of six people. Campsites 1-4 are only suitable for smaller tents, while campsites 10-20 can cater to large caravans too. All campsites are unpowered.
Things to do
Canoeing and Kayaking
Canoeing and kayaking are great ways to explore beautiful waterways. Enjoy the tranquility and spot wildlife that hikers don’t normally see.
Great Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Walk extends just over 100km between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles near Princetown. The spectacular walk weaves its way through tall forests, coastal heathlands, wild rocky shores, river estuaries and windswept cliff-tops presenting amazing views.
Fishing
In quiet lakes and gently flowing rivers, in the pounding surf or in the depths beneath your boat – the waters of Victoria’s parks and reserves offer some prize catches.
How to get there
Aire River East Campground
Aire River lies approximately three hours' drive west of Melbourne and is positioned on the western edges of Cape Otway. It can be reached via the Great Ocean Road or via Lavers Hill. Head west on the Princes Highway from Melbourne before joining up with Cape Otway Road and following signs to Apollo Bay. Here, join up with the Great Ocean Road and turn off onto Horden Vale Road to reach Aire River East Campground.
When you're there
While the campground caters for self-contained comfort, you should bring your own drinking water and take all rubbish home with you.
Need to know
Aire River East Campground
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Be prepared and stay safe
- No solid fuel fires permitted.
- Fuel stoves or gas barbecues are preferred for cooking.
- Bring your own drinking water.
- Come and enjoy the peace and quiet – please, no generators.
Great Otway National Park is in the South West fire district. Bushfires can occur during the warmer months. It is your responsibility to check current and forecast weather conditions. Campfires cannot be lit on days of Total Fire Ban, however gas cookers can be used for preparing food.
Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the Vic Emergency App or call the Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Aire River East Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
Seasonal Closure Notification – Aire East Campground
Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 October 2025Aire East Campground will be fully closed over the winter period and into early spring, due to consistently wet ground conditions. The closure is in place to ensure visitor safety, comfort, and to prevent damage to the campground’s grassed surfaces.This closure is in line with Parks Victoria’s commitment to sustainable park management and will remain in effect until 30 October 2025.Camping in closed areas is not permitted under the National Park Regulations 2024.We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to explore alternative camping locations in the region during this time.Closure may be extended if the campground has not dried out. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Kalimna Tramline link walk and Upper Kalimna is closed
The Kalimna Tramline link walk is closed due to damage to a pedestrian bridge. Walkers can still access the Lower Kalimna Waterfall via the Kalimna Falls Walking Track, which starts at Sheoak Picnic Area. Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice.Jarosite Headlands Beach Closure
Safety Notice: Jarosite Headlands Beach Closure
Due to recent cliff falls, the beach at the base of Jarosite Headlands is closed to the public.A large amount of rock and debris is still unstable, and further collapses may occur. For your safety, please do not attempt to enter the closed area.Access to Addiscott Beach and Southside Beach remains open. Please consult the map below for the designated closed area.We will provide an update when the area is safe to reopen.
Event = Great Ocean Walk - Saturday, 25 October 2025
NOTICE TO PARK VISITORSA permitted trail running event will be operating on the Great Ocean Walk trail system on Saturday, 25 October 2025.Event: Great Ocean Trail UltraDate: Saturday, 25 October 2025Time: 5:00 AM - 1:00 AM (20 hours)Route: Apollo Bay to Princetown Recreation Reserve via Great Ocean WalkParticipants: Up to 400 registered runners (100km and 45km events)________________________________________AFFECTED AREAS AND TIMESMorning Activity (Higher Impact Period)• Apollo Bay vicinity: 4:30 AM - 5:30 AM• Blanket Bay Day Use Area: 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM• Cape Otway Lightstation Car Park: 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM• Aire River West Campground: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AMPeak Activity Period• Castle Cove Lookout: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM• Johanna Beach Day Use Area: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM (includes 45km event start)• Parker Access Track/Great Ocean Road: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PMEvening Activity• Princetown Recreation Reserve: 1:00 PM - 11:00 PM (finish line area)• GOW Lookout Car Park (near 12 Apostles): 1:30 PM - midnight________________________________________WHAT TO EXPECTFor Great Ocean Walk Users:• The Great Ocean Walk remains fully open to public use• You may encounter trail runners throughout the day• Participants are required to give way to walkers and be courteous• Event marshals positioned at key locations to assistFacility Access:• All public toilets and facilities remain available• Car parks accessible (brief periods of increased activity expected)• Campground facilities protected - event routes bypass overnight camping areas• Walk-in campsites not affected by event operationsTraffic Considerations:• Minimal road impact - event follows walking trails• Brief activity at Great Ocean Road crossings with marshal supervision• "Event in Progress" signage displayed at key locations________________________________________ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURESParks Victoria confirms the following protective measures are in place:• Mandatory compliance with cinnamon fungus prevention protocols• Leave No Trace principles enforced for all participants• Waste management systems - all event waste removed from parks• Professional medical support and emergency response procedures• Regular monitoring by experienced event management team________________________________________WEATHER AND CONDITIONSThis event is subject to cancellation or modification due to:• South West District Fire danger ratings (Extreme or Catastrophic conditions)• Severe weather warnings• Track closure requirements• Emergency service directionEvent organisers monitor conditions closely and will cancel if necessary to ensure public and participant safety.________________________________________FOR MORE INFORMATIONParks Victoria Information Centre:📞 13 1963Great Ocean Road Coast & Parks Authority (GORCAPA):📞 1300 736 533Event Information:• Website: www.greatoceanultra.comEmergency Services: 000________________________________________This notice will remain in effect until Monday, 27 October 2025Parks Victoria acknowledges the Eastern Maar People as Traditional Owners of these lands and waters and recognises their ongoing connection to Country.Great Ocean Walk Trail Advisory: Echidna & Long-nosed Bandicoot Activity
Important Safety Alert – Great Ocean Walk > Trail ConditionsRecent observations in Great Otway National Park have recorded a significant increase in digging activity by both short-beaked echidnas and long-nosed bandicoots—themselves ecosystem engineers—resulting in numerous diggings and burrows along the entire Great Ocean Walk. These excavations create trip hazards, especially in low-light conditions during dawn and dusk when both species are most active.Safety Recommendations- Remain vigilant for fresh soil disturbances, shallow holes, and uneven ground surfaces.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots with ankle support to reduce injury risk.
- Carry a torch or headlamp for early starts or late finishes to spot potential hazards.
- Echidnas and long-nosed bandicoots are fully protected native wildlife.
- It is illegal to disturb, harass, handle, injure, or remove them—or any part of their habitat—from the wild.
- Do not approach, touch, chase, corner, or attempt to move these animals.
- Keep a respectful distance and allow wildlife to move away naturally.
- If you encounter an injured or orphaned animal, do not intervene directly.
- Echidnas move up to 200 m³ of soil annually through their digging behavior, promoting soil health and biodiversity.
- Long-nosed bandicoots create shallow foraging pits that aid seed germination and nutrient cycling, further enhancing ecosystem function.
Reporting & ContactsFor any wildlife concerns or to report animal incidents or injured wildlife, contactParks Victoria on 131963 or visit theConservation Regulator on 136186 or online at https://www.vic.gov.au/conservation-regulator.Please stay on designated tracks to protect native vegetation and minimize disturbance to habitat.Attachments: GONP Spring 2025 (349KB)
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Cora Lynn Cascades Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Cora Lynn Cascades Walking Track Closure
Cora Lynn Cascades walking track is currently closed due to damaged infrastructure. Please note this closure will affect you if you plan to walk from Allenvale through to Erskine falls and vice versa. -
Aire River West Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
Aire River West campground - Flood impacts
Aire River West Campground has been impacted by flooding. Sites 17 to 40 are currently not accessible until the 29th for October. Sites 1 to 16 are unaffected at this time. -
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Maits Rest Carpark- bus access
Maits Rest Carpark is suitable for small coaster buses only. Large buses or coaches are advised to use Melba Gully walk track near Lavers Hill.
Similar experiences
Aire River West Campground
This campground is situated within the Great Otway National Park located on the banks of the Aire River Estuary. This area is home to a magnitude of native and migratory bird species as well as an abundance of fish species making it a great place to go bird watching, fishing, swimming and canoeing.
Blanket Bay Campground
This campground is situated within the Great Otway National Park just a short stroll from the beach which is accessible via walking tracks. Picturesque views are obtainable only meters from this campsite looking out over the beach and surrounding landscapes.
Johanna Beach Campground
Nestled between coastal sand dunes, a lush, grassy hinterland and a prime surf beach, the dog-on-lead friendly Johanna Beach Campground has everything you need for an unforgettable seaside camping experience. Take in the salty ocean vistas, go surfing, fishing or hike a section of the Great Ocean Walk.
Bunga Arm
Accessible only by boat, Bunga Arm was formed over many thousands of years when sand, deposited by the sea, built up between the original bay (now Lake Victoria) and the ocean. Approximately 250 metres divides the tranquil waters of Bunga Arm from the pounding surf of Bass Strait - and you can stay at one of the seven boat-based bush campsites located there. If you don’t have your own boat to access Bunga Arm, you can hire one at one of the lakeside towns.