Blanket Bay Campground

A yellow tent is nestled amongst native coastal vegetation.

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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.

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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

 
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

When you're there

Close to Blanket Bay Campground, Cape Otway sits at the southern tip of Victoria's western coast - where the Southern Ocean meets Bass Strait. The Cape Otway Lightstation stands as testimony to the area's shipwreck history, rugged rocky shores and beaches, tall forest and the long distance Great Ocean Walk segments passing close by. Download the Apollo Bay and Cape Otway visitor guide to get the most out of your visit.

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

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.

  • Aire Crossing Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)

    Aire Crossing Campground - CLOSED

    Temporary Closure of Aire Crossing Campground 12 to 14 February 2025

    Parks Victoria advises that Aire Crossing Campground in the Great Otway National Park will be closed from Wednesday, 12 February 2025, to Friday, 14 February 2025, due to an Extreme Fire Danger Rating declared for the South West Fire District on Thursday, 13 February 2025.

    The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast hot, dry, and windy conditions with a risk of lightning, increasing the likelihood of dangerous fire activity. 

    For public safety, all camping and visitor access to Aire Crossing Campground will be restricted during this period.

    Vehicle access is closed at Halls Ridge Rd and Aire Crossing Track to this site. 

    National Park Regulations Apply 


    During an Extreme Fire Danger Rating fires can spread rapidly and be difficult to control.  Visitors are advised to plan ahead and seek alternative camping locations in lower-risk areas.



  • 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. 

  • 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.


    Large Haulage Trucks Carting Timber Within the Aire Valley

    Visitors to the Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park will need to be aware that large Haulage Trucks will be using the Aire Valley area to harvest plantation timber.

    Hopetoun Falls, Aire Valley Reserve (The Redwoods) within the Great Otway National Park and Beauchamp Falls within the Otway Forest Park will be affected.

    Trucks will be using Binns Road, Beauchamp Falls Road and Seaview Ridge Road. Traffic Management signage and speed reductions will be implemented.

    Please take care when driving and visiting these areas.

    Great Ocean Walk Water Tanks Low or Empty

    Due to the recent warm and dry weather, drinking water in the rainwater tanks along the Great Ocean Walk have become low and in some cases empty, such as at the Blanket Bay walk in campsite.

    Due to the remote nature of the campsites, Parks Victoria, DOES NOT guarantee rainwater availability at each campsite.
    Hikers are responsible for their own water requirements. Tank-rainwater, when present, can be treated in several
    ways such as filtering and boiling or adding sterilisation tablets. 

    Further information about the Great Ocean Walk can be found here:  www.greatoceanwalk.com.au
    Plan for a safe, unforgettable experience on the Great Ocean Walk

    Great Ocean Walk @ AIre River

    • The Aire River estuary mouth remains closed.
    • Hikers on approach from the east towards the Aire River hike in campsite will be exposed to high river levels.
    • Knee deep water may be anticipated in parts.
    • Hikers are advised to go around deeper water.
    • The Aire West hike in campground is not impacted.
    • Should water levels become unsafe; a track closure may be needed.
    • If hikers can not negotiate river water they are advised not to proceed west from Cape Otway.
    • The river mouth may open naturally at any time, or can be encouraged to do so when safe and suitable conditions allow. 

    Great Ocean Walk - Important Notice

    Parks Victoria is received increasing reports of concerning observations on the Great Ocean Walk .

    This includes use of bikes, horses, unrestrained dogs, campfires and hikers arriving at their pre-booked campsites only to find them already occupied.

    🔹 All hikers must book a campsite before their trip, even though camping is free.
    🔹 Camping without a booking or outside designated areas is not permitted.
    🔹 Campfires are NOT permitted at any Great Ocean Walk hike-in campsite.
    🔹 Only medical certified companion animals are permitted (on lead).
    🔹 The Great Ocean Walk is a walking/hiking trail - not a  long distance horse, trail bike or Mountain bike course.

    National Park Regulations Apply.
     
    Parks Victoria Authorised Officers patrol the Great Ocean Walk.  
    Evidence of a booking must be shown to a Parks Victoria Ranger on request.
     
    To ensure a fair and safe experience for all:
    ✅ Book your campsite before starting your walk.
    ✅ Only camp in designated areas and at your assigned site.
    ✅ Respect fellow hikers by only using the site you have booked.
    ✅ Do not light campfires—use fuel stoves for cooking.
    ✅ Do report observations of concern.

    If you observe:
    🚨 A campfire, bikes, animals other than native ones or hikers occupying an already booked site, please report it immediately (when safe to do so) to Parks Victoria on 131 963.

    ⚠️ Parks Victoria cannot respond to emergency situations involving hikers and campers who have not booked a campsite.

    Thank you for helping us protect the Great Ocean Walk and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone.
    For bookings and further information, visit Parks Victoria’s website.

    Parks Victoria
    Caring for Country, Connecting People

  • Aire River West Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)

    Aire River West Camp ground - Sites 24 - 40 - CLOSED

    • Sites 24  to 40 at  the Aire West Campground are CLOSED due to flooding
    • Due to an ongoing river mouth closure these sites are inundated and not suitable for camping. 
    • Sites 1 -23 are not impacted.
    • The Great Ocean Walk hike in camp sites are not impacted.
    • Closed areas can not be booked nor camped in.
    • National Park Regulations apply. 
    • It is anticipated these sites may be next be availed for booked campers from  March 2025.
    • Flood water can be hazardous.
    • Visitors and campers should avoid flood water.

  • Great Otway National Park

    Colac Tree Road Open, Skinners Track Closed

    Colac Tree Road within the Great Otway National Park will re-open at 5pm on Monday 2nd December with a 40kph restriction.

    Skinners Creek Track, within the Great Otway National Park, will remain closed until further notice. 

    These restrictions will be in place due to fire impacting the area. 

  • 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.

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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