Blanket Bay Campground

A yellow tent is nestled amongst native coastal vegetation.

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

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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

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.

  • Great Otway National Park

    Delayneys Track Closed

    Delayneys Track is closed until further notice.

    Bird Track Closed Due to Landslip

    Bird Track is closed for public safety due to a landslip undermining part of the track. Repairs are planned and due to be completed in early 2024. 

    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 Sites

    Erskine Falls Lower Lookout Closed

    Erskine Falls lower lookout is closed until further notice. Access to the base of the waterfall is no longer open due to unsafe conditions. Erskine Falls can be viewed from the top lookout which looks across to the top of the falls. Straw Falls is also inaccessible from the Erskine Falls carpark due to this closure. Erskine Falls walking track is still open from the Lorne township up to the base of Erskine Falls. 

  • Other issues

    Sharps Campground permanently closed

    Permanently closed due to environmental and safety risks. 

  • 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

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