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Aire River Heritage River
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Aire River Heritage River
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Aire River Heritage River
Safety in nature
You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.
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. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
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. -
Aire River West Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
Seasonal Partial Closure Notification – Aire West Campground
Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 September 2025Due to wet and muddy ground conditions during the cooler months, Sites 17 to 40 at Aire West Campground will be closed from 1 June to 30 September 2025. Extended closure may be required to ensure conditions are suitable for opening.Sites 1 to 16 will remain open, subject to suitable dry conditions. Campers are advised to check the latest updates before travelling.Note: The Great Ocean Walk hike-in campground at Aire West is not affected and remains open year-round.These closures help protect campground surfaces and ensure safe, comfortable camping experiences. Camping in closed areas is not permitted and is subject to National Park Regulations 2024.We thank you for your cooperation and commitment to caring for the park. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
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.
How we keep it special
More people are connecting with Victoria’s natural and cultural landscapes than ever before, which is why Parks Victoria supports healthy and resilient parks for current and future generations.
Parks Victoria is responding to climate change, extreme weather events, human impacts, previous land management practices, invasive species and the changing distribution of plants and animals that is challenging park management and conservation efforts.
Working with Traditional Owners, partners, communities and individuals, Parks Victoria is investing in nature’s future through joint management, projects to enrich visitor experiences and programs to protect habitats and cultural heritage.