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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:
- Sites 1 and 2 and suitable for tents and camp trailers.
- Sites 3 to 9 are suitable for tents only.
- Sites 10 to 18 are suitable for tents, camp trailers and large caravans.
- Sites 19 and 20 are suitable for tents and camp trailers.
Each campsite accommodates a maximum of six people.
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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Great Otway National Park
Great Otway National Park sites closed due to severe flooding
Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding on 16 January 2026 has caused significant damage across parts of the eastern Great Otway National Park.For public safety, the following areas are closed until further notice while assessments and clean-up works are undertaken:Closures included but are not limited to :Erskine falls is limited to the top viewing platform. Access to the base of the falls and along the river track is closed.Roads & TracksWye RdCurtis TrackGodfrey TrackJamieson Track
Walking tracks
St George
Phantom falls
Lemonade ck
Kalimna
Henderson
Sheoak FallsSheoak picnic ground walking Nature LoopCumberland
Cumberland Garvey Link
Kalimna Garvey LinkCora LynnErskine Falls Walking TrackWon WondahAlternative walking tracks can be found at:Moggs Creek picnic areaDistillery Creek picnic areaOcean TrackCastle RockSheoak Falls to Swallow cavesMany roads, tracks and visitor facilities are impacted by debris, flooding and unstable conditions.The Great Ocean Road has been impacted,Always follow safety signage and directions from response crews, and do not enter any closed areas.Thank you for your patience and understanding as works are undertaken to make these popular areas safe to visit again.Planned burning in Lorne area
Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in the following areas being affected from the time a burn is approved for ignition, until the area is declared safe. Ignition of the burns are scheduled from 19 March 2026 and are subject to favorable weather.
Please adhere to all closure and advice signs in the area as planned burn activity commences.
Check the status of current planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.auAreas Affected:Allenvale CampgroundSheoak Picnic areaSharps RdGarvey TrackHendersen TrackCastle Rock Track -
Aire River West Campground (Aire River Heritage River)
Aire West Camp Ground - Campsites 24 to 40 - CLOSED
Parks Victoria operations are closely monitoring water levels within the Aire River estuary in Great Otway National Park.Please be aware of the following important information:
Estuary Closure: The Aire River mouth is closed. Water is slowly rising in the estuary. Any rainfall in the Aire River catchment basin, will increase water levels. The river mouth may open naturally at any time, or may be encouraged to do so when conditions are suitable.Impact on Campsites: Campsites 24 to 40 at the Aire West Campground are prone to high river water levels when over 1.55m. Campers setting up in low-lying areas closest the river should expect the potential for flooding.Campsites 24 - 40 are CLOSED until conditions dry out.Safety First: Floodwaters can be hazardous. Visitors are advised to avoid flooded areas for their safety, and comfort.Actions: When conditions, including tides and swell, are safe and suitable, another attempt to open the river mouth will be made. The river may also open naturally when conditions allow. Ongoing river mouth blockage may result in site closures.Water Recession: If, and/or when the river mouth opens, water levels are expected to recede quickly.Thank you for your cooperation. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Great Ocean Walk destination car parking at the Twelve Apostles visitor center during summer & Peak Visitation periods
During the busy peak visitation period at the Twelve Apostles precinct (from summer through to early autumn including school holidays, public holidays, long weekends & busy peak visitation weekends concluding after Chinese New Year / Easter), due to the sheer volume of visitors onsite, a traffic management program is in place to maximize public safety & ensure visitor experience. If you are planning to park your vehicle at the Twelve Apostles before walking the Great Ocean Walk (or sections of it including section 8) during this period, please communicate this information to onsite traffic control staff at the entrance & they will do their best to accommodate your vehicle in the main carpark. This will avoid your car remaining in the overflow carpark area which needs to be cleared and locked each night. Similarly, if you arrive at the Twelve Apostles to park your car at a time when traffic control are not onsite, or setting up, please park your vehicle in the main carpark area. Your assistance is greatly appreciated!
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.