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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.
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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.
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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Great Otway National Park
Delayneys Track Closed
Delayneys Track is closed until further notice.
Bird Track Closed Due to Landslip
Bird Track is closed for public safety due to a landslip undermining part of the track. Repairs are planned and due to be completed in early 2024.Lifejackets Required For Rock Fishers from March 1, 2022
A two-year trial of new laws that require rock fishers to wear a lifejacket at high-risk locations will commence on 1 March 2022.For Great Otway National Park this includes:- Artillery Rocks, west of Lorne
- The rock platform opposite Sheoak Falls, south of Lorne
This factsheet includes maps of the affected areas.Fines apply if you don’t wear a lifejacket at these sites.To find out more, visit Victorian Fisheries Authority -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Erskine Falls Lower Lookout Closed
Erskine Falls lower lookout is closed until further notice. Access to the base of the waterfall is no longer open due to unsafe conditions. Erskine Falls can be viewed from the top lookout which looks across to the top of the falls. Straw Falls is also inaccessible from the Erskine Falls carpark due to this closure. Erskine Falls walking track is still open from the Lorne township up to the base of Erskine Falls.Temporary night closure Ironbark Basin, Eumeralla area Great Otway National Park
Parks of the Surfcoast section of the Great Otway National Park will be closed at night for invasive species management from 19/11/23 to 30/11/23.These areas will remain open during the day.Locations impacted by these night closures include : Ironbark Basin, Eumeralla area (including all the mountain bike tracks),Pt Addis area and Surf Coast Walk between Anglesea and Pt Addis. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Seasonal road closures 2023
Seasonal road closures apply to areas within and tracks bordering this park from 15 June 2023. See MapshareVic for locations of the closures. Visit the seasonal road closures page for more information. -
Other issues
Sharps Campground permanently closed
Permanently closed due to environmental and safety risks. -
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. -
Melba Gully Day Visitor Area (Great Otway National Park)
Melba Gully - Large bus access
Melba Gully Walk Track and picnic area is accessible for large coaches. Toilet facilities are available on site
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.