Explore
Big Hill Campground
Unwind in nature after a day of mountain biking or four-wheel driving. Relax at camp and enjoy the company of native wildlife.
Set in an open, easily accessible grassy area surrounded by tall forest, Bill Hill Campground is ideally positioned for mountain biking, four-wheel driving or relaxing in nature. Keep an eye out around the campground for brightly coloured King Parrots and Crimson Rosellas, and if you’re lucky you may even see a koala.
The campground offers 13 campsites, each accommodating up to six people. Sites 1-7 are suitable for tents only, while sites 8-13 cater for camper trailers and caravans. All campsites are unpowered.
Campground facilities include non-flush toilets, shared fireplaces and shared low tables/seats. Remember to bring your own firewood to protect the surrounding wildlife habitat.
Advanced bookings and payment are required year-round.
Things To Do
Erskine Falls
Erskine Falls are at the end of Erskine Falls Road 10km north west of Lorne. There is a viewing point above the falls and a walking track, steep in places, leads to the base of the falls. The falls cascade over one of the highest drops in the Otways.
Sheoak Falls
The Sheoak Falls Walk weaves its way from the coastal woodland at the mouth of the Sheoak Creek and through wet forest to the hidden cascades of Sheoak Falls.
Victoria's Iconic 4WD Adventures
With Victoria's Iconic 4WD Adventures, you can experience six of the very best four wheel drive touring routes, with tracks for everyone from the experienced driver to the relative novice.
Lorne
The coastal town of Lorne is where the bush meets the beach. Expect white sandy beaches, clifftops and incredible coastal vistas, numerous waterfall walks and picnic areas fringed by lush fern gullies.
How to get there
Big Hill Campground
Big Hill Campground is located near the intersection of Big Hill Track and Lorne-Deans Marsh Road, Benwerrin.
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.
Fuel stoves or gas barbecues are preferred for cooking.
Need to know
Big Hill 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
Big Hill Campground is in the Great Otway National Park in the Central 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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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 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. -
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
Similar experiences
Allenvale Campground
Nestled on the banks of St George River just beyond the outskirts of Lorne, Allenvale Campground is perfectly positioned to explore the coast and the bush. This is a walk-in camping area, although it's only a short walk to the campground (approximately 230 meters).
Jamieson Creek Campground
Set among coastal woodland and tall eucalypts, a short distance from Wye River, Jamieson Creek Campground is perfectly positioned to explore 4WD trails, Jamieson Creek walking track and nearby Cumberland River and Lorne trailheads. Enjoy panoramic views just meters from the campground looking out over the ocean and surrounding landscapes.
Boreang Campground
There are many locations for camping in the central region of the Grampians National Park including, Smiths Mill Campground, Borough Huts Campground, Boreang Campground and Jimmy Creek.