Blanket Bay Campground

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Blanket Bay Campground

Blanket Bay Campground is the perfect family escape. Located on the eastern coast of Cape Otway, campers and day visitors can make the most of the seaside location and wander inland to look for koalas.

The often calm waters off the ever-so-popular Blanket Bay Campground are protected by an intertidal reef. This small beach is sheltered by the high hills of Cape Otway. Explore the unique underwater life found within these intertidal rockpools. Bring a snorkel to get a better glimpse!

Katabanook Walk leads inland from the campground. The short walk meanders along a fern-laden trail shaded by tall, twisted Manna Gum trees.

Blanket Bay also serves as an overnight stop along the iconic Great Ocean Walk. If prepared properly, you may choose to follow the trail west to Parker Hill. Or if you are an experienced walker and can car shuttle, continue on to Cape Otway Lightstation.

Blanket Bay Campground is very popular during school holidays and requires advanced bookings and payments year-round. Peak season release dates apply for summer, Labour Day long weekend and Easter long weekend.

Blanket Bay Campground contains 22 unpowered campsites, each accommodating up to six people. All campsites are suitable for tents, and some sites cater to camper trailers, campervans or small recreational vehicles. Please note that Blanket Bay Campground is unsuitable for caravans. Visitors are advised to supply their own water and firewood.


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Things to do

 
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.
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.
A man in a red wetsuit and a women with the top half of her wetsuit undone follow two men in to the surf on the Morning Peninsula.

Surfing

Learn to surf from beaches dotted along the coast or for experienced boarders ride the ultimate wave at ocean back beaches or famous Bells Beach.
The lighthouse at Cape Otway in the Otway National Park.

Cape Otway and Apollo Bay

Breathtaking coastlines, dramatic cliff faces, deep valleys of tall forest and fern-clad gullies, and spectacular waterfalls all feature here in Cape Otway and Apollo Bay.

How to get there

Blanket Bay Campground

Blanket Bay Campground is nestled on the eastern coastline of Cape Otway, a three hour drive from Melbourne. Follow the Great Ocean Road and then turn at Lighthouse Road.

Blanket Bay Campground

Summer is the busiest time of year due to the coastal access to camp. Enjoy a picnic by the beach and explore rock pools at low tide.

Need to know

Blanket Bay Campground

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.


    Melba Gully - Madsens Track Nature Walk Loop - CLOSED

    Due to significant large tree fall,  and consequent track failure due to landslide subsidence, Madsens Track Nature Walk is CLOSED for safety reasons. 

    The Melba Gully Day Visitor Area, picnic ground and toilet block remain open. 

    Parks Victoria is working with GORCAPA and contractors to consider all possible options for reopening as soon as possible.

    Please do not enter this unsafe and closed section of the National Park.  Regulations apply. 

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • Lake Elizabeth Campground (Great Otway National Park)

    Lake Elizabeth Campground Upgrade Information

    Lake Elizabeth Campground and the associated campground car park will be closed from: Tuesday 27th January 2026 to Tuesday 31st March 2026. We ask visitors to stay clear of the campground and campground carpark which will have signed closures in place. 

    As you plan for your holidays please do not attempt to book the Lake Elizabeth campground from Tuesday 27th January - Tuesday 31st March 2026.
     
    The closure is for enhancing the camping experience and these renovations have been funded by the Victorian Government’s Victoria’s Great Outdoors program. Victoria’s Great Outdoors is a $106.6 million investment by the Victorian Government into better campgrounds, walking trails, 4WD tracks and visitor facilities across Victoria’s parks and state forests.
     
    All other areas at Lake Elizabeth will remain open, including ablutions, day use areas, walk to and around the lake.

Similar experiences

 
White van parked next to picnic table in a campsite, shaded by trees

Best Alternatives to Popular Victorian Campgrounds

If you’re looking for a great camping experience in Victoria without the crowds, we’ve put together a list of alternatives to popular campgrounds, including the best times to visit.
One man adds a log on to the fire at Bear Gully Campground at Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

Bear Gully Campground

This camping area offers shady campsites set among tall Banksias right on the shore of Waratah Bay. The adjacent beach is unpatrolled and not recommended for swimming. The area is popular for fishing and rock pooling.
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
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.
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.

Thurra River Campground

This campground is located in coastal woodland between the river and the ocean near Point Hicks. This is a popular spot for families to relax on hot days.
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