Explore
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.
Things to do
Fishing
Great Ocean Walk
Surfing
Cape Otway and Apollo Bay
How to get there
Blanket Bay Campground
When you're there
Need to know
Blanket Bay Campground
Accessibility
The campsites closest to the beach are the most accessible as they are on flat ground and close to toilet facilities and taps. There is also vehicle parking very close to these campsites on level ground with a compacted gravel surface.
The most accessible sites are sites 12, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20 and 21. All of these are within 40 metres of the toilets. There are ocean views from some of these sites.
Access to the beach from the campsites is via two paths with many steps. Best access to the beach for wheelchairs and strollers is via the boat ramp located within walking distance from the campground. There is a separate designated camping area at Blanket Bay for users of the Great Ocean Walk. These sites are not accessible for wheelchairs.
There are four standard toilet cubicles and a unisex accessible toilet.They can be accessed by the campground service road or by a level compacted gravel path leading from some of the campsites.
The entrance to the toilet cubicle is approximately 870mm wide with an inward swinging door. The door has a turnstile locking mechanism. There is ample room for manoeuvrability in the cubicle and there are two types of toilet roll dispensers. Railing is on the left side of the cubicle wall and extends behind the toilet. The cubicle also has a bench seat.
The wash basin is found outside the toilet cubicles and is accessible for wheelchairs. It has a knob handle cold water tap and a stainless steel mirror. There is no mains power in this toilet or the campground. Water for camp use can be accessed from a tap on the rainwater tank near the vanity basin. There is another tap within the campground, however it is less accessible than this one.
Be prepared and stay safe
- Fires are only permitted in the shared fireplaces provided.
- Fuel stoves or gas barbecues are preferred for cooking.
- Bring your own drinking water and firewood.
- Firewood collection is not permitted in national parks.
- Come and enjoy the peace and quiet – please, no generators.
Blanket Bay Campground is in the Great Otway National Park 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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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.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. -
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. -
Aire River West Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
Aire River West campground - Sites 24 - 40 - CLOSED
- Aire River West Camp ground - camp sites CLOSED
- Sites 24 to 40 at the Aire West Campground are CLOSED due to potential for flooding.
- Due to ongoing river mouth closures these sites are prone to inundation and not suitable for camping.
- Sites will require time to dry out once any river opening occurs.
- Sites 24 to 40 are advised as closed until at least 30 April 2025
- Sites 1 -23 are not impacted > at this point.
- The Great Ocean Walk hike in camp sites are not impacted.
- Closed areas can not be booked nor camped in.
- National Park Regulations apply.
- Flood water can be hazardous.
- Visitors and campers should avoid flood water.
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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.