Explore
Aire River West Campground
Nestled in the shadow of the Otway Ranges, enjoy a stay by the heritage-listed Aire River at Aire River West Campground.
The large, flat and open Aire River West Campground is located on the western banks of the river and perfect for larger groups and caravans. On the eastern banks, Aire River East Campground is smaller, but more protected from the elements.
Advanced bookings and payment at Aire River West are required year-round. Aire River West Campground has 40 campsites on offer. All campsites accommodate a maximum of six people and are also unpowered. Campsites 1-5, 17-23, 27-40 are suitable for large caravans. Campsites 7-11 can only cater to smaller caravans and sites 12-16 are only suitable for tents. All other sites are suitable for tents, camper trailers, campervans and recreational vehicles.
A small gravel ramp on the western banks of the river is perfect for launching a canoe or kayak. Explore upstream and discover the wetlands and floodplains birdlife including swans, ducks, egrets, swamphens and the endangered Hooded Plover on Glenaire Beach.
Fishing is also exceptional here. Choose between the calm estuary waters of Aire River or the wild ocean of Glenaire Beach. Catch bream, salmon, mullet, trout, mulloway and snapper too.
Glenaire Beach is a 15-minute walk away. This unpatrolled and rugged beach is best for experienced surfers. A little further to west, Johanna Beach offers similar rewards.
Things to do
Canoeing and Kayaking
Great Ocean Walk
Fishing
How to get there
Aire River West Campground
When you're there
Need to know
Aire River West Campground
Accessibility
The day visitor area is located on the west side of Aire River adjacent to the campground. There is also a day visitor area on the east side of the river but there are no accessible toilets on this side.
There is designated parking on a level compacted gravel surface very close to the picnic area. There are no designated disabled parking bays.
The picnic area has a number of picnic tables and a rotunda scattered on a flat grassed area adjacent to the camping ground. These have bench seats on two sides and sufficient underneath space at the ends for wheelchairs or strollers. There are also some fireplaces with barbecue hotplates.
The day visitor area is close to the west bank of the Aire River. The river can be crossed in wheelchairs and strollers via the vehicle bridge. The ocean beach is not accessible by vehicle or by wheelchair.
There is a unisex accessible toilet and standard toilet cubicles that service both the campground and the day visitor area. A compacted gravel path of approximately 100 metres leads from the day visitor area to the toilets. This path is on reasonably level ground except for the last 25 metres, which has a slope of approximately 1:14. Drop off parking is available within 30 metres of the toilets if required.
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.
Aire River West Campground is prone to regular flooding. Please check for any change of conditions before you depart for alerts and updates.
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 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.Aire West campground - flooding
Aire West Campground- areas flooded. Campers please note that due to the Aire River mouth being blocked, the campground area is experiencing some flooding. Sites 1-16 are accessible, but other areas of the campground are inundated and muddy. -
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. -
Great Otway National Park
Big Hill Campground Temporarily Closed
Due to upgrade works the Big Hill Campground will be closed to visitors until October 1st 2025. Works are being undertaken to improve camp pad surfaces and to establish grass cover in several areas of the campground. The campground will be closed while these works are completed and the surfaces are establishing to prevent damage to the new surfaces to improve the future camping experience at this site. -
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.Great Ocean Walk - Track Update
Great Ocean Walk Track UpdateFollowing recent winter rainfall, sections of the Great Ocean Walk have become very muddy and slippery.Key Hazards- Muddy and slippery conditions: Many non-sandy areas are heavily affected by mud, creating hazardous walking conditions.
- Track hazards: Rainfall has led to slippery surfaces and deep mud in several locations, increasing the risk of slips and falls.
- Tree falls: There is an increased likelihood of fallen trees along the track.
Safety Advice- Exercise caution when walking, particularly in non-sandy and steep, forested sections.
- Report tree fall when it is safe and possible to do so by calling 131963.
- Please take care and plan accordingly for current track conditions.
- Monitor warnings and incidents https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
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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. -
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Maits Rest Walk - CLOSED
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (and carpark) in the Great Otway National Park is currently CLOSED due to tree fall damage.Due to ongoing damage to critical infrastructure, the closure remains in effect while repairs are actively being carried out.The safety of the community and all users is our highest priority, and access will not be restored until it is confirmed that the site is safe and operational.For your safety, do not enter closed areas. National Park regulations apply.If you are seeking a similar experience, Melba Gully west of Lavers Hill is open.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. -
Great Ocean Walk - Day 4 - Cape Otway to Aire River Walk (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
Aire River - High water levels
Great Ocean Walk (GOW) – Aire River SectionAttention Walkers and HikersThe Great Ocean Walk (GOW) at the Aire River is currently experiencing high water levels due to the ongoing closure of the Aire River estuary mouth.What You Need to Know- Eastern approach to Aire West campground Impacted: Walkers may need to detour or wade through water on the eastern approach to the Aire River. Do not proceed west from Cape Otway if you are concerned by wading through high water at the Aire River.
- Campsites Unaffected: The Aire West hike-in campsite and Aire West campground sites 1–16 remain accessible and are not impacted by high water.
- Possible Trail Closure: If river levels become unsafe to cross, this section of the GOW may be closed for your safety.
- River Status: The Aire River may open naturally at any time, or may be mechanically opened when conditions are safe and suitable.
- Please exercise caution, follow all signage and instructions, and check for the latest updates before your walk
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