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Parker Hill Campground
Parker Hill is a small and quiet camping area in Great Otway National Park, located near Cape Otway. It is set on a forested hilltop overlooking the beach and river, with many walks and beach access nearby.
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Parker Hill is a small and quiet campground at the southern tip of Great Otway National Park near Cape Otway. Set on a hilltop overlooking the beach and Parker River estuary, it is a peaceful place for a getaway near the coast.
Camp among a forest of stringybarks, which cover most sites with shade. Native animals often visit the campground, so keep an eye out for koalas, wallabies and a variety of other wildlife. There are 20 unpowered campsites, suitable for up to six people per site. Advance bookings and payment are required year-round.
Beach access is only a short walk from the campground. Follow the iconic Great Ocean Walk north toward Parker Inlet. A steep climb down 300 steps will lead you to a secluded beach at the mouth of Parker River. Explore the sheltered cove, go fishing on the rock platforms and see what you can discover as you ramble in the rockpools. Swimming is not advisable as the beach is unpatrolled and subject to strong currents.
The campground is a 40-minute drive from popular surfing spots along the Great Ocean Road, including Johanna Beach to the west and Apollo Bay to the east.
For a scenic clifftop walk, follow the Great Ocean Walk south from the campground toward Point Franklin. Enjoy panoramic ocean views and see if you can spot Cape Otway Lightstation in the distance. The walk joins the Stringybark Track, forming a 3km loop walk back to the campground.
Camp among a forest of stringybarks, which cover most sites with shade. Native animals often visit the campground, so keep an eye out for koalas, wallabies and a variety of other wildlife. There are 20 unpowered campsites, suitable for up to six people per site. Advance bookings and payment are required year-round.
Beach access is only a short walk from the campground. Follow the iconic Great Ocean Walk north toward Parker Inlet. A steep climb down 300 steps will lead you to a secluded beach at the mouth of Parker River. Explore the sheltered cove, go fishing on the rock platforms and see what you can discover as you ramble in the rockpools. Swimming is not advisable as the beach is unpatrolled and subject to strong currents.
The campground is a 40-minute drive from popular surfing spots along the Great Ocean Road, including Johanna Beach to the west and Apollo Bay to the east.
For a scenic clifftop walk, follow the Great Ocean Walk south from the campground toward Point Franklin. Enjoy panoramic ocean views and see if you can spot Cape Otway Lightstation in the distance. The walk joins the Stringybark Track, forming a 3km loop walk back to the campground.
Parker Hill Campground
This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:
How to get there
Parker Hill Campground
Parker Hill Campground is near the southern tip of Cape Otway, approximately three hours from Melbourne and 15 minutes from the small town of Horden Vale.
From the east, approach Apollo Bay and Cape Otway along the Great Ocean Road (B100) by taking either Anglesea Road or Surf Coast Highway from Geelong.
From Colac, approach through Lavers Hill (inland route C155).
From the west, pick up the Great Ocean Road by approaching via Port Campbell (inland route C164).
From the Great Ocean Road, take Lighthouse Road and then Blanket Bay Road to reach Parker Hill Track, which is accessible by 2WD.
From the east, approach Apollo Bay and Cape Otway along the Great Ocean Road (B100) by taking either Anglesea Road or Surf Coast Highway from Geelong.
From Colac, approach through Lavers Hill (inland route C155).
From the west, pick up the Great Ocean Road by approaching via Port Campbell (inland route C164).
From the Great Ocean Road, take Lighthouse Road and then Blanket Bay Road to reach Parker Hill Track, which is accessible by 2WD.
When you're there
All campsites are unpowered and suitable for tents only. Sites one to 10 are drive-in, while sites 11-20 are walk-in. Parking for sites 11-20 is available on Parker Hill Track near the campground entrance. Download Great Otway National Park - Campground Maps.
Campground facilities are basic and include toilets and non-potable water. There are no fireplaces, so you will need to bring your own fuel stove or gas BBQ. Fires are not allowed.
Basic supplies are available at Bimbi Park caravan park approximately 6km from the campground.
Download the visitor guide before you go.
Campground facilities are basic and include toilets and non-potable water. There are no fireplaces, so you will need to bring your own fuel stove or gas BBQ. Fires are not allowed.
Basic supplies are available at Bimbi Park caravan park approximately 6km from the campground.
Download the visitor guide before you go.
Camping & accommodation
Parker Hill is a small and quiet camping area in Great Otway National Park, located near Cape Otway. It is set on a forested hilltop overlooking the beach and river, with many walks and beach access nearby.Need to know
Parker 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.
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
Aire River West and East campgrounds- Temporary Closure of sites
Aire River East and West Campgrounds in the Great Otway National Park are currently closed due to recent flooding. -
Great Otway National Park
Early seasonal road closures 2020
Early seasonal road closures apply to this park from 1 June 2020. See Map 20A for locations of the closures. Please remember to check all changes of conditions on the park page.Wye River Campground closed
Wye River Road Camping Area is closed until further notice due to dangerous treesUpper Kalimna track closed
The Upper Kalimna Falls walking track is closed until further notice due to damage to the boardwalk and lookout. The Lower Kalimna Falls are still accessible from Sheoak Picnic Area via Kalimna Walking Track and from Garvey Track via Kalimna Link Track.Kennett-Wye Jeep Track and Bird Track closed
Kennett-Wye Jeep Track and Bird Track will be closed until 30 June 2020 due to a landslip undermining the road. -
Herberts (Wymbooliel) Campground (Great Otway National Park)
Herbert's Campground closed
Herbert’s Campground is closed until further notice due to hazardous trees. -
Great Ocean Walk - Day 5 - Aire River to Johanna Beach (Great Otway National Park)
Change of Conditions Great Ocean Walk- Johanna Beach
Johanna Beach- people attempting the Great Ocean Walk may not be able to pass this section at high tide due to recent storms and shifting sand. People undertaking the Great Ocean Walk need to plan their walk by checking weather and tide conditions before starting.
Similar experiences
Blanket Bay Campground
This campground is situated within the Great Otway National Park just a short stroll from the beach which is accessible via walking tracks. Picturesque views are obtainable only meters from this campsite looking out over the beach and surrounding landscapes.
Wingan Inlet Campground
This campground is in a tall Bloodwood forest on the western shore of Wingan Inlet in a tranquil bush setting.
