Aire River West Campground

Aire River West Campground

Aire River West Campground

Aire River West Campground

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    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. 
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    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

    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 West 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 travel on to Glenaire and follow Sands Road to access Aire River West Campground.
    Aire River West Campground

    When you're there

    While the campground caters for self-contained comfort, you should bring your own drinking water and firewood, and take all rubbish home with you.

    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

    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.

    • Great Otway National Park

      This park has been impacted by recent significant weather events

      This park has been impacted by significant flood and/or storm events and some areas may be closed or restricted. Check the Storm and Flood Affected Parks page for the most up to date information on this location.

      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 Parks

      Garvey Track Closed until further notice.

      Garvey track will remain closed until further notice. Major road works are due to occur when conditions are suitable. 

    • Cora Lynn Campground (Great Otway National Park)

      Cora Lynn Campground Closure

      This campground is closed until further notice due to hazardous trees.

    • Kalimna Falls Walk (Great Otway National Park)

      Upper Kalimna Walking Trail Closed

      Walking trail to Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice due to storm damage. Lower Falls remain open.

    • Kalimna Tramline Link Walk (Great Otway National Park)

      Kalimna Tramline Trail Closed

      This walking track 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.

    • 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

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Great Ocean Walk - Helicopter operations

      Helicopter operations
      Subject to final approvals, some western sections of the Great Ocean Walk will be closed and access restricted on Tuesday 13 December 2022 between 0900hrs -1600hrs (conditions permitting).
      This is for sling load helicopter operations to improve camp site and walking track infrastructure.   Licenced Tour Operators and walkers should be aware of activity on this day and restrictions that will be in place via authorised Parks Victoria Rangers.
      Camp sites impacted – Ryans Den and Devils Kitchen
      Walking Track sections – Section 7 and 8

      Attachments: Restricted Area Map (105KB)

      Great Ocean Walk - conditions

      Walking Track -
      The Great Ocean Walk is experiencing wet and muddy conditions.  A wet winter and spring have seen conditions along most areas of the track maintain high levels of moisture, tending to mud in heavily tracked areas.  Walkers should not expect a dry walking track which will be slippery in areas. Some sections of track are prone to land slippage and rock fall.  Only attempt to cross these areas if safe to do so and report any slips to 13 1963 when within phone signal range.
       
      Camp sites -
      All sites are high in dampness.  More rainfall will see these conditions maintained.  Camp site water tanks are all fall as a positive.
       
      Tree Risk in Windy Conditions -
      Given high National Park soil moisture levels tree fall in windy conditions are probable.  Walkers and campers should be on heightened alert in windy conditions and avoid prolonged periods under tree canopy.  Wind forecasts of 30+kph should trigger a walker and camper alert level. Report tree fall over track and in camp sites to 13 1963 when within phone signal range.

    • Wye to Kennett River Walk (Great Otway National Park)

      Wye River to Kennett River walking track detour

      Wye River - Kennett River walking track is closed between Wye River and Bird Track. Detour is available via Bird track which loops back with the walking track. Please allow additional time to complete this section (approximately 2.5km)

      Attachments: Wye to Kennett Walk_Map (1,246KB)

    Similar experiences

     
    A car camping set up at Aire River East Campground in the Great Otway National Park

    Aire River East 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.
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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