Aire River East Campground

A collection of collourful family-sized tents setup on a lush green lawn in front of a row of small trees with a hill covered in shrubbs in the distant background

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

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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.


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Things to do

 
Canoeing

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.
A woman with a large hiking pack takes in the view from Blanket Bay Campground.

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.
Two friends fish off the back a boat on a misty morning on Lake Eildon.

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.
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.

  • 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.


    Triplet Falls Access Closed For Roadworks

    All access tracks to Triplet Falls and Little Aire Falls within the Great Otway National Park will be closed from Monday 19th May-Thursday 22nd May 2025.

    Phillips Track and Youngs Creek Track will be closed during this time.

    Triplet Falls Closed For Roadworks

    Triplet Falls and Little Aire Falls access tracks within the Great Otway National Park will be closed for roadworks from Monday 19th May-Thursday 22nd May.

    Phillips Track and Youngs Creek Track will be closed for the duration of this time and there will be no access to the waterfalls.

    Night closures of park tracks in Great Otway National Park for conservation work

    Parks Victoria  will be conducting conservation shooting programs at night throughout the Great Otway National Park between April and June 30th 2025.  To ensure the safety of park visitors and staff, track closures will occur at night around shooting operation areas.
    Campgrounds and campground access will remain open, as will most visitor sites.  Track closures will be temporary and should not cause too much inconvenience for park visitors.  Should you require more information, please email westregiondcp@parks.vic.gov.au or call Parks Victoria on 13 19 63.

    Great Ocean Walk - River estuary conditions

    🚶‍♀️🌊 Great Ocean Walk Update 🌊🚶‍♂️

    Parks Victoria is monitoring water levels at the Aire River and Gellibrand River estuary mouths. Hikers may notice high water in these areas.

    ⚠️ If levels rise and pose a safety risk, track closures may be required.

    🏕️ Aire River West campground is open, including lower areas near the river. However, sites 24–40 may need to close if the Aire estuary remains closed and water levels increase.

    🌧️ Estuaries may open naturally at any time or be artificially opened when safe to do so.  Forecast catchment rainfall may see these conditions change quickly . 

    🗺️ Check conditions before your walk or stay, and take extra care near river crossings.

  • 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. 

  • 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

  • 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

 
A family camps on the shores of Aire River in the Great Otway National Park

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.
Setting up tents at Blanket Bay Campground in the Great Otway National Park

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.
A couple in their thirties play with their dog at Johanna Beach Campground next to their tent and campervan.

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.
A woman enjoys a cup of tea while sat at a picnic table infront of her tent at Bunga Arm Campsite in the Gippsland Lakes.

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.
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